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General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: Quadrochosis on October 31, 2009, 10:15:18 PM

Title: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on October 31, 2009, 10:15:18 PM
Because we don't have one, and if anyone does deserve one, it's Neal Morse.

Everything this man is apart of is amazing.

What are your thoughts on NM?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ehra on October 31, 2009, 10:15:54 PM
What are your thoughts on NM?

Big fan.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: reneranucci on October 31, 2009, 10:19:24 PM
What are your thoughts on NM?
That he is the most talented musician Ive ever heard. That I love every single second of his music. That the melodies he creates are as beatiful as contemplating the sunset holding the hand of your loved one. And that he seems to be a really nice guy, and I would love to meet him.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on October 31, 2009, 10:21:00 PM
What are your thoughts on NM?
That he is the most talented musician Ive ever heard. That I love every single second of his music. That the melodies he creates are as beatiful as contemplating the sunset holding the hand of your loved one. And that he seems to be a really nice guy, and I would love to meet him.

Haha, can't disagree with any of this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 31, 2009, 10:22:56 PM
Definitely a fan.  Love his voice (not technically a great singer, but I love his natural singing voice), and I actually think acoustic guitar might be his best instrument, although he is a damn good keyboard player.

Favorite albums that he has been a big part of are SMPTe, Bridge Across Forever, ?, V, Snow, The Light and Testimony.  Still too early to put The Whirlwind in there, but you never know.

Honestly, if I had to list my all-time favorite musicians, he would definitely be top 20.  Not top 10 like he would have been seven or eight years ago, but still top 20.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on October 31, 2009, 10:25:11 PM
Definitely a fan.  Love his voice (not technically a great singer, but I love his natural singing voice), and I actually think acoustic guitar might be his best instrument, although he is a damn good keyboard player.

Favorite albums that he has been a big part of are SMPTe, Bridge Across Forever, ?, V, Snow, The Light and Testimony.  Still too early to put The Whirlwind in there, but you never know.

Honestly, if I had to list my all-time favorite musicians, he would definitely be top 20.  Not top 10 like he would have been seven or eight years ago, but still top 20.

No love for Sola Scriptura or The Kindness of Strangers? Those two with ? are my three favorite NM/SB albums.

EDIT: We should do a top musicians thread.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: glaurung on October 31, 2009, 10:26:31 PM

Honestly, if I had to list my all-time favorite musicians, he would definitely be top 20.  Not top 10 like he would have been seven or eight years ago, but still top 20.


If it would be as interesting as your top PT or Rush lists were I would like to see you do this one too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 31, 2009, 10:30:08 PM
No love for Sola Scriptura or The Kindness of Strangers? Those two with ? are my three favorite NM/SB albums.

I like The Kindness of Strangers quite a bit, but that would be in my second tier of SB albums.  In fact, it is probably my 5th favorite of the Neal-era SB albums.  "Flow," "Harm's Way" and "June" are three of my favorite SB songs, for sure, though. :)

Not overall wild about Sola Scriptura.  It has its moments, but overall, I find it to be very lacking.  All three epics have some fabulous parts, as well as some parts I can do without.  "Heaven in My Heart" is very blech (and I usually like his mellow songs).


Honestly, if I had to list my all-time favorite musicians, he would definitely be top 20.  Not top 10 like he would have been seven or eight years ago, but still top 20.


If it would be as interesting as your top PT or Rush lists were I would like to see you do this one too.

Oh man, that would be tough to compile that.  Might be worth a try, however...;)  I would probably shoot for a top 20 or 25, not 50, however.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: JoeBob on October 31, 2009, 10:48:37 PM
Amazing singer, songwriter, keyboardist and guitarist, I love everything the man has done, Transatlantic probably being my favorite band he's been in.  Spock's Beard and his prog solo work are also amazing though.  The man can do it all.

Bridge Across Forever, Snow and Sola Scriptura are my favorite albums that he's been a part of.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on October 31, 2009, 10:50:47 PM
? is pure masterpiece and SS is not far behind it....great voice and seems like a humble guy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: rumborak on October 31, 2009, 11:29:50 PM
Phenomenal musician, with an incredibly unique style. I used to be a huge, huge fan of his, up to (and including) his first solo album. After that I slowly lost interest as he was getting less and less interesting in musical exploration, and the lyrics' purpose became proselytizing.

rumborak
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on November 01, 2009, 12:29:12 AM
Probably my favorite individual modern musician.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 01, 2009, 08:24:55 AM
Probably my favorite individual modern musician.
I can go along with that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: pogoowner on November 01, 2009, 10:06:22 AM
I'm a big fan. I enjoy SB more than his solo work, but he's still showing some incredible talent with his new material.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faemir on November 01, 2009, 10:19:37 AM
Amazing musician, with of course his masterpiece solo work as well as SB and Transatlantic.

Oh and

(https://faemir.co.uk/nm.jpg)

 ;D

But yeah, i've met him twice now, and he's such a down-to-earth guy it's really touching, he's a pleasure to just be around.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on November 01, 2009, 10:38:23 AM
I've never heard his music aside from some of the Transatlantic songs. After watching the Whirlwind bonus DVD I kind of got a good glimpse into this guy. I'm listening to the first track off Sola Scriptura now on Spotify. I'm not a fan of "preachery" lyrics so I hope he keeps it on a down low, knowing he is a Christian.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faemir on November 01, 2009, 10:48:49 AM
I've never heard his music aside from some of the Transatlantic songs. After watching the Whirlwind bonus DVD I kind of got a good glimpse into this guy. I'm listening to the first track off Sola Scriptura now on Spotify. I'm not a fan of "preachery" lyrics so I hope he keeps it on a down low, knowing he is a Christian.

SS is the least preachy album of his solo stuff. And if you can't listen to that, then go get Snow by Spock's Beard :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on November 01, 2009, 11:04:53 AM
I've never heard his music aside from some of the Transatlantic songs. After watching the Whirlwind bonus DVD I kind of got a good glimpse into this guy. I'm listening to the first track off Sola Scriptura now on Spotify. I'm not a fan of "preachery" lyrics so I hope he keeps it on a down low, knowing he is a Christian.

Sola Scriptura isn't that preachery, it's actually a concept album about Martin Luther, and the Reformation.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 01, 2009, 11:12:36 AM
Ever since I discovered the world of modern prog rock (circa 2000-2001), I found out about Spock's Beard and Transatlantic (circa 2004), and absolutely feel in love with SB/TA and Neal in general. When I discovered that he had left both bands and started a solo career in Christian-oriented music, I was a bit adamant at first to explore his music, but gave Testimony and One a chance and was FLOORED by his ability to still create something fresh but still so undoubtedly Neal.

When ? came out, it was his first new release for me being a fan of his works, so I was excited, especially at the premise of it being a near hour-long song-cycle with many guest musicians! Again was I delighted at what I heard, and his lyrics didn't really bother me. His albums tend to be conceptual, so I see the lyrics as part of the concept, like in the way anyone would use Tolkien or Sci-Fi themes as a concept, Neal is using Christian themes and ideas as concepts (except when he gets preachy, but many of those songs are so good musically that I can over-look the lyrics, or in the case of things like "King Jesus" or "Heaven In My Heart", end up LIKING the lyrics).

The man's consistently good output (IMO) is a true testament to his abilities, at composing and arranging! He has only gotten better over time, but even his early stuff with SB is just fantastic (things like "The Light", "The Doorway", "The Water", "Flow", and pretty much any of his long-form songs with SB, particularly "The Great Nothing").

Sure it's easy to criticize the man for recycling ideas, everyone's heard them ("Long Time Suffering" in Sola Scriptura, part of the ? album reminds of a song from one of his first two solo albums NM/It's Not Too Late... and the sometimes-obligatory Spanish-guitar-flavored flamenco-type section that is in many of his albums)... but I feel like I can just attribute all of that to it being HIS style, HIS voice, HIS form. It's what makes his music undeniably Neal, and I enjoy that about him. He puts his heart and soul into anything and everything he does with music, and it's that power in him that makes me appreciate what he does even more so.

With the release of The Whirlwind, I've heard some of his best playing and singing in ages, and it shows that he's still getting better! And I wonder how being with TA again will affect his next solo album, and if he'll carry over anything from those sessions into his next solo album, in terms of arranging and composing. Guess we'll just have to wait and see... until then, I can't wait for the inevitable Transatlantic 2010 tour!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: sirbradford117 on November 01, 2009, 11:29:27 AM
Neal is my idol.  I admire him not only for his brilliant composing, but that he devotes himself to making music for the Greater Good... that's my goal in life too.

While I feel some of his more recent output sounds a bit stale, I adore him nonetheless.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: j on November 01, 2009, 03:29:50 PM
Love his work with Transatlantic, and some of Spock's Beard stuff as well.  I really like his voice for some reason; it's so not-flashy but conveys a ton of emotion.

Never heard any of his solo work, but I'm considering checking some of it out.  I don't have a problem with spiritual or Christian lyrics, but I detest them if they lack subtlety and are of the "hit-you-over-the-head" variety.  For this reason I can't help but falter at an album named directly after a 16th century doctrinal movement.

-J
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on November 01, 2009, 04:17:33 PM
Love his work with Transatlantic, and some of Spock's Beard stuff as well.  I really like his voice for some reason; it's so not-flashy but conveys a ton of emotion.

Never heard any of his solo work, but I'm considering checking some of it out.  I don't have a problem with spiritual or Christian lyrics, but I detest them if they lack subtlety and are of the "hit-you-over-the-head" variety.  For this reason I can't help but falter at an album named directly after a 16th century doctrinal movement.

-J

Trust me they aren't "hit-you-over-the-head" type or lacking any substance. They're great, and like M said, if you just take it as a concept, and not necessarily preachy then you can get a lot out of it.

It's like saying that I'm not going to listen to a LOTR inspired album because I'm not an elf, it's quite silly in my opinion.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 01, 2009, 06:29:18 PM
Love his work with Transatlantic, and some of Spock's Beard stuff as well.  I really like his voice for some reason; it's so not-flashy but conveys a ton of emotion.

Never heard any of his solo work, but I'm considering checking some of it out.  I don't have a problem with spiritual or Christian lyrics, but I detest them if they lack subtlety and are of the "hit-you-over-the-head" variety.  For this reason I can't help but falter at an album named directly after a 16th century doctrinal movement.

-J

Trust me they aren't "hit-you-over-the-head" type or lacking any substance. They're great, and like M said, if you just take it as a concept, and not necessarily preachy then you can get a lot out of it.

It's like saying that I'm not going to listen to a LOTR inspired album because I'm not an elf, it's quite silly in my opinion.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on November 01, 2009, 06:49:20 PM
I am a fanboy, I must admit. After DT, Neal Morse is my favorite artist by a long shot. He is just. . .incredible. To be able to even worship to prog rock. . .that is awesome.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 01, 2009, 07:04:57 PM
Trust me they aren't "hit-you-over-the-head" type  

Eh, I disagree.  If you are not religious, many of his lyrics WILL come off as too preachy and WILL hit you over the head, if you ask me.  They generally do not bother me that much (although writing an album about a poor human being like Martin Luther was a bad decision), but I have seen enough non-religious peeps who are/were Neal fans say that the lyrics were too much for them.  Non-religious people simply do not want to hear about God and/or Jesus in every other song.

Of the albums he has done since leaving SB, ? is easily the least preachy and over the top.  Okay, there is the temple of the living God line, but most of the album sounds very spiritual without sounding like too much.  Jesus is only mentioned once on the entire record (and that is in a spoken word section underneath a bass solo in "Solid as the Sun").

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on November 01, 2009, 07:10:27 PM
Trust me they aren't "hit-you-over-the-head" type 

Eh, I disagree.  If you are not religious, many of his lyrics WILL come off as too preachy and WILL hit you over the head, if you ask me.  They generally do not bother me that much (although writing an album about a poor human being like Martin Luther was a bad decision), but I have seen enough non-religious peeps who are/were Neal fans say that the lyrics were too much for them.  Non-religious people simply do not want to hear about God and/or Jesus in every other song.

Of the albums he has done since leaving SB, ? is easily the least preachy and over the top.  Okay, there is the temple of the living God line, but most of the album sounds very spiritual without sounding like too much.  Jesus is only mentioned once on the entire record (and that is in a spoken word section underneath a bass solo in "Solid as the Sun").

I'm not religious in the slightest, and the lyrics do not bother me at all. Like I said, I take them at face value, like I do with any concept album. That is what I based that statement on, and it's the only thing I based it on, so that's why I wrote it.

Although I guess i can understand why someone might not like it for that reason.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: rumborak on November 01, 2009, 07:38:55 PM
Yeah, most of NM's late lyrics are very over-your-head, and I for example am someone who doesn't listen to him because of it.
The thing for me is, I have no problem if someone tells a Christian story in a song. So, I have no problem with SS, and I never had a problem with Snow (clearly a religious allegory) or many other SB songs that were clearly about God, but in an allusive way (the "Catfishman" etc.)
The line for me is when I feel the author is trying to manipulate me, and that impression I get with Neal's late lyrics. I mean, I understand that the very point of his lyrics is proletyzation, but the fact that he's straightforward with his intent still doesn't help that I feel manipulated.

rumborak
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 09, 2010, 03:37:50 PM
So I am sitting here watching Transatlantic's Live In America DVD and it got me wondering... "Hey, when is Neal going to start work on a new album again?"

Then I realized, he probably hasn't had much time to demo or write this year, being busy with solo shows and Transatlantic, so he'll probably take a well deserved end-of-summer break before beginning work on a new album, but I'm also sure he will want to wait to record it until Mike is free, but given Mike's schedule between now and the end of the year, that probably means he wouldn't want to bother him about recording a new album until next year, which most likely means no new Neal Morse album until summer/fall 2011 (a lengthy time since Lifeline... unless... he decides to make another album with Transatlantic.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: BRGM on August 09, 2010, 03:44:03 PM
Cool, didn't know there was Neal Morse thread! :O

Love most of his work! One, Sola Scriptura and Transatlantic...just love it!! And Testimony is pretty cool as well. Lifeline isn't bad either.
He's a very good music writer, maybe not as kickass at his instruments as DT, but the music is still very close to the same level IMO.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 09, 2010, 04:52:50 PM
So I am sitting here watching Transatlantic's Live In America DVD and it got me wondering... "Hey, when is Neal going to start work on a new album again?"

Then I realized, he probably hasn't had much time to demo or write this year, being busy with solo shows and Transatlantic, so he'll probably take a well deserved end-of-summer break before beginning work on a new album, but I'm also sure he will want to wait to record it until Mike is free, but given Mike's schedule between now and the end of the year, that probably means he wouldn't want to bother him about recording a new album until next year, which most likely means no new Neal Morse album until summer/fall 2011 (a lengthy time since Lifeline... unless... he decides to make another album with Transatlantic.

-Marc.

Well, he is releasing another worship album, according to an email I got from Radiant Records today. 

Yawn.  :lol :lol

Anyway, I say bring on another TA record...ASAP. :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on August 09, 2010, 10:15:23 PM
Well, he is releasing another worship album, according to an email I got from Radiant Records today. 

Yawn.  :lol :lol

Anyway, I say bring on another TA record...ASAP. :coolio

This.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on August 09, 2010, 10:17:46 PM
His first worship record was good. His others....meh. Except Cloudburst. That song is amazing.


By the way, I listened to So Many Roads on my daily walk around the neighborhood the other day. That song is fantastic. I really love Lifeline as an album. It feels fresh and clean and like a new start (not that the previous albums were bad by any means).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on August 09, 2010, 10:25:15 PM
Yea he clearly was not made to be a contemporary worship writer because most of his worship stuff sucks. He's more of a "Hey let's write epic prog epics about God!"
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on August 09, 2010, 10:32:02 PM
He definitely succeeds at that. :laugh:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: BRGM on August 10, 2010, 07:11:21 AM
Is it just Testimony, One and Sola Scriptura that features Mike Portnoy and that Randy George or w/e his name was?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on August 10, 2010, 07:24:09 AM
If I recall correctly, all the albums have Mike Portnoy on drums, and all but Testimony have Randy George on bass.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 10, 2010, 07:25:48 AM
Is it just Testimony, One and Sola Scriptura that features Mike Portnoy and that Randy George or w/e his name was?

Mike Portnoy is on all 5 of Neal's Post-Beard prog albums (Testimony, One, ?, Sola Scriptura, and Lifeline), as well as the covers compilation Cover To Cover. Randy George (bass) is featured on all of those albums as well with the exception of Testimony, which had Neal playing bass on that album.

However, Randy appeared with Neal on his tour for Testimony (along with Mike on drums), which probably ignited their working relationship and thus, he was brought in on the One sessions (Note: you can watch all three of them, plus 6 more amazing musicians, on the fantastic live DVD Testimony Live).

The three of them have also recorded a cover of King Crimson's "Starless", during the sessions for Lifeline, but was released through Neal's Inner Circle and not with the bonus covers found on the 2nd disc of the special edition.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 10, 2010, 03:15:38 PM
Regarding Neal's lyrics as "hit you over the head"-type lyrics:  Yeah, they definitely are.  Yes, they are often subtle and symbolic.  But the message is still very overt and in your face.  That doesn't bother me in the slightest, and despite the fact that he has some strange doctrinal messages at times, I really like that.  But nobody should pretend the message is anything but blatant. 

As far as Neal working on a solo album, it would not surprise me if Neal wrote the next one with Colin instead of Mike on drums.  No, I'm not aware of any direct plan to do so, and I'm not aware of any sort of rift between Neal and Mike.  It just makes sense to me that having toured with Colin for three album tours now, and having Colin serve as tour manager with TA, I could realistically see Neal making the decisio that Colin should be on the next studio album. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: BRGM on August 10, 2010, 03:16:12 PM
Okay, nice and interesting facts, Because I somewhat find One and especially Sola sciptura the bets albums by him, Nice with Gilbert on guitar instead of Neal  ::)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: aurorablind on August 10, 2010, 03:20:21 PM
Okay, nice and interesting facts, Because I somewhat find One and especially Sola sciptura the bets albums by him, Nice with Gilbert on guitar instead of Neal  ::)

Isn't he just playing some solos?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 10, 2010, 03:21:21 PM
Yes, mostly.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 10, 2010, 03:29:07 PM
Regarding Neal's lyrics as "hit you over the head"-type lyrics:  Yeah, they definitely are.  Yes, they are often subtle and symbolic.  But the message is still very overt and in your face.  That doesn't bother me in the slightest, and despite the fact that he has some strange doctrinal messages at times, I really like that.  But nobody should pretend the message is anything but blatant. 

As far as Neal working on a solo album, it would not surprise me if Neal wrote the next one with Colin instead of Mike on drums.  No, I'm not aware of any direct plan to do so, and I'm not aware of any sort of rift between Neal and Mike.  It just makes sense to me that having toured with Colin for three album tours now, and having Colin serve as tour manager with TA, I could realistically see Neal making the decisio that Colin should be on the next studio album. 

I could see that happening as well, and perhaps him recording with his live band on the next album instead of having Mike and Randy. Collin did record drums on a bonus track for the special edition of Lifeline, so it sort of sets a precedent for Neal to allow Collin (or really anyone from his live band) to be a part of his upcoming studio work.

I wouldn't mind it, I would still love it if he keeps recording with Mike and Randy, but Neal has always done what he's wanted and I won't care much either way - I'll STILL buy whatever he puts out!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: BRGM on August 10, 2010, 03:30:47 PM
Okay, nice and interesting facts, Because I somewhat find One and especially Sola sciptura the bets albums by him, Nice with Gilbert on guitar instead of Neal  ::)

Isn't he just playing some solos?


oh...But the guitar is still a lot better sounding than in One
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on August 11, 2010, 04:56:29 AM
As far as Neal working on a solo album, it would not surprise me if Neal wrote the next one with Colin instead of Mike on drums.  No, I'm not aware of any direct plan to do so, and I'm not aware of any sort of rift between Neal and Mike.  It just makes sense to me that having toured with Colin for three album tours now, and having Colin serve as tour manager with TA, I could realistically see Neal making the decisio that Colin should be on the next studio album. 

I don't know, it could really go either way, though all of this is totally possible and cool. However, to me, I would think he would keep that part of the studio albums recording process untouched, since he has done so many albums with Randy and Mike.

Collin did record drums on a bonus track for the special edition of Lifeline, so it sort of sets a precedent for Neal to allow Collin (or really anyone from his live band) to be a part of his upcoming studio work.

Paul Bielatowicz, the guitarist from the SSAB DVD, is also on Fly High (unless I am mistaken), and has been a huge help to Morse's live band. Hmm. Who knows? Either way, they're all great musicians and I'm sure good music will be made!


Fake Edit: Holy crap! I just saw the tracklisting for NM's new worship album on Wikipedia, and it appears to have a good handful of covers. Maybe they're all covers, I don't know...but all the covers that I do recognize are songs that I love. I'm going to get that for sure now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 11, 2010, 08:41:14 AM
Neal's music, whether with SB, TA or solo, is always much better when anyone but him plays lead electric guitar.  As great as Neal is on keys and acoustic guitar, he is a pretty average electric guitar player, and when he plays it, the difference in the quality of playing between the electric guitar and everything else stands out too much at times. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on August 11, 2010, 09:14:25 AM
I agree. He shines on the acoustic and keyboards.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Durg on August 11, 2010, 10:20:59 AM
Yep.  Big fan.  I own "One" and "Sola Scriptura".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 02, 2010, 10:58:42 AM
So with Mike out of DT, is it possible that Mike could do another TA or Neal Morse solo album very soon?

I look forward to whatever Mike and Neal may do in 2011. I think Neal likes to keep pretty busy (not as much as Mike, but almost as much), and last I heard, Neal's working on a book, so maybe after that, he'll reunite to record?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on November 02, 2010, 11:02:21 AM
either would make me a happy man
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 02, 2010, 11:10:18 AM
either would make me a happy man

Oh me too! I think it lands largely on Roine and Pete if Mike and Neal want to do another TA record. AFAIK, Roine will likely be touring the "Power Of Two" show, or with just Agents Of Mercy next year, and Pete will have the Marillion Convention shows. I also think Marillion are working on their next album as well. And who knows what else Roine has cooking up in his studio.

I think maybe a Neal-solo record would be a good outlet for Neal, but I can't deny the possibility that doing another TA album so soon after The Whirlwind would do the album some great justice because, IMO, Bridge Across Forever was an AMAZING follow-up to the already fantastic SMPT:e.... so who knows.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 02, 2010, 12:20:57 PM
I think it is a given that if Neal does another solo album, Portnoy will be there to do the drums on it.

However, you have to wonder if the creative musical juices aren't flowing as much right now in Neal, without input from anyone else (like with TA). When you look at the bonus TA disc, Roine's two songs were new songs that were completely different from the main disc, while Neal's one song was basically a slight reworking of a melody from "The Whirlwind," so maybe he doesn't have as much new music on the brain all ready to go, if you know what I mean.  Roine's two songs basically came across to me as songs that probably would have ended up on a Flower Kings album if they were still an active band, while Neal didn't really come up with anything that new, which I would have thought he would have.  Just thinking out loud here...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 02, 2010, 12:34:17 PM
I think it is a given that if Neal does another solo album, Portnoy will be there to do the drums on it.

However, you have to wonder if the creative musical juices aren't flowing as much right now in Neal, without input from anyone else (like with TA). When you look at the bonus TA disc, Roine's two songs were new songs that were completely different from the main disc, while Neal's one song was basically a slight reworking of a melody from "The Whirlwind," so maybe he doesn't have as much new music on the brain all ready to go, if you know what I mean.  Roine's two songs basically came across to me as songs that probably would have ended up on a Flower Kings album if they were still an active band, while Neal didn't really come up with anything that new, which I would have thought he would have.  Just thinking out loud here...

I'm thinking "For Such A Time" was part of his original demos from "The Whirlwind", or part of the demos they made while writing the album? Perhaps it was a song left out of the original album and he wrote/expanded it into a full song for the bonus disc? Then again, you have to realize he had a 45-minute demo for "The Whirlwind" and less than half of that got used on the final album, so I am sure Neal has some demos laying around that haven't been used - melodies, chords, verses, choruses, etc.etc. that could be used on an album.

As for Roine, I think he probably writes very often when he's not busy recording or touring, so it's quite possible that he had those demos laying around, unused TFK session stuff or solo stuff, and decided they'd be good for TA.

If Neal doesn't have a lot of material to work with, I think teaming up with Roine and Pete would be a great option - what he has could be reworked by them and they could put in their demos as well and make another album. I think that'd be a more realistic possibility, and more well received, IMO. I'd rather see another Transatlantic album in 2011 than wait, til possibly 2012, for a Neal Morse solo album.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 02, 2010, 10:44:55 PM
Heads up to Neal Morse Fans here, in a week or two, I will pick up and continue the Neal Morse Survivor, over in the Polls/Survivors forum! Since Quadrochosis already did Testimony, I'll pick up where he left off and start with One, probably one of my favorite albums by Neal! I hope to see some of you guys there voting, especially since the albums from One on are all less than a dozen songs/tracks each, so voting should go by quickly (rather than the mammoth Testimony with it's 29 tracks).

I wonder how voting for Testimony would have gone had it been the 5 large parts instead of the 29 tracks... it definitely would've been a bit shorter, that's for sure! If there's any interest in doing that, I may consider it, but I will start with One as planned, then move chronologically up to Lifeline, then if there's interest in doing the 5 parts of Testimony, I'll do that.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on November 03, 2010, 07:01:32 AM
I own Testimony, as well as the Transatlantic stuff, and from what I can see, he is a very natural musician.  He's also crazy live.  :lol

There are some incredibly emotional moments on the Live version of Testimony.  The crowd really gets into it to.  Everyone's clapping and cheering after Wasted Life, and Neal's like, "All right, guys, this is just part one."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on November 03, 2010, 07:26:38 AM
I think it is a given that if Neal does another solo album, Portnoy will be there to do the drums on it.

However, you have to wonder if the creative musical juices aren't flowing as much right now in Neal, without input from anyone else (like with TA). When you look at the bonus TA disc, Roine's two songs were new songs that were completely different from the main disc, while Neal's one song was basically a slight reworking of a melody from "The Whirlwind," so maybe he doesn't have as much new music on the brain all ready to go, if you know what I mean.  Roine's two songs basically came across to me as songs that probably would have ended up on a Flower Kings album if they were still an active band, while Neal didn't really come up with anything that new, which I would have thought he would have.  Just thinking out loud here...

Yea, but he wrote the majority of the main piece. I don't think he's running out of ideas.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: j on November 03, 2010, 07:57:19 AM
I own Testimony, as well as the Transatlantic stuff, and from what I can see, he is a very natural musician.  He's also crazy live.  :lol

There are some incredibly emotional moments on the Live version of Testimony.  The crowd really gets into it to.  Everyone's clapping and cheering after Wasted Life, and Neal's like, "All right, guys, this is just part one."

Brother, I don't know if you've heard them or not, but get ahold of One and ? if you can.  Both are miles ahead of Testimony, IMO, which I consider one of his weakest releases.

And although I think I mentioned it before, I've really been digging Sola Scriptura over the past few weeks.  Despite the crappy lyrics, there is some great music on that album.  The solo at the end of The Door is totally unbelievable!  I know that isn't Morse; is that a Paul Gilbert solo?

-J
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 03, 2010, 08:05:11 AM
I own Testimony, as well as the Transatlantic stuff, and from what I can see, he is a very natural musician.  He's also crazy live.  :lol

There are some incredibly emotional moments on the Live version of Testimony.  The crowd really gets into it to.  Everyone's clapping and cheering after Wasted Life, and Neal's like, "All right, guys, this is just part one."

Brother, I don't know if you've heard them or not, but get ahold of One and ? if you can.  Both are miles ahead of Testimony, IMO, which I consider one of his weakest releases.

And although I think I mentioned it before, I've really been digging Sola Scriptura over the past few weeks.  Despite the crappy lyrics, there is some great music on that album.  The solo at the end of The Door is totally unbelievable!  I know that isn't Morse; is that a Paul Gilbert solo?

-J

It is indeed Paul Gilbert! He does the lead guitar "The Door" and the opening solo in "The Conflict". He also contributed flamenco guitar in "Two Down, One To Go". I really hope Neal decides to have Paul on his next solo album again!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 03, 2010, 08:22:53 AM
I think it is a given that if Neal does another solo album, Portnoy will be there to do the drums on it.

However, you have to wonder if the creative musical juices aren't flowing as much right now in Neal, without input from anyone else (like with TA). When you look at the bonus TA disc, Roine's two songs were new songs that were completely different from the main disc, while Neal's one song was basically a slight reworking of a melody from "The Whirlwind," so maybe he doesn't have as much new music on the brain all ready to go, if you know what I mean.  Roine's two songs basically came across to me as songs that probably would have ended up on a Flower Kings album if they were still an active band, while Neal didn't really come up with anything that new, which I would have thought he would have.  Just thinking out loud here...

Yea, but he wrote the majority of the main piece.

No he didn't.  

Roine had said this last August:

Quote
As for writing, it's a fair mix - perhaps a few % more of Neal - but you get plenty of everyone's ideas and
lots of jamming went into the second part of that 77 min piece - some of it started from the power trio format
and Neal added stuff later - so it's a LOT of everyone - and I might add some
very cool stuff.

And then Portnoy said this last November:

Quote
Of Neal's original 45-minute "Whirlwind" demo, the only bits that made it to the final Transatlantic version are:
-- II. The Wind Blew Them All Away
-- III. On The Prowl
-- (the ending instrumental section of) XI. Is It Really Happening
-- XII. Dancing With Eternal Glory

Essentially, that's about 20 of 77 minutes....

Everything else stemmed from other demos that Roine & Pete brought in or evolved in the studio once we were all together....

So, Neal definitely did not write the majority of the main piece.  It truly was a collaborative effort, which is a big reason why, I think, it is so good. We got the best of all of them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 03, 2010, 08:34:26 AM
And then Portnoy said this last November:

Quote
Of Neal's original 45-minute "Whirlwind" demo, the only bits that made it to the final Transatlantic version are:
-- II. The Wind Blew Them All Away
-- III. On The Prowl
-- (the ending instrumental section of) XI. Is It Really Happening
-- XII. Dancing With Eternal Glory

Essentially, that's about 20 of 77 minutes....

Everything else stemmed from other demos that Roine & Pete brought in or evolved in the studio once we were all together....

So, Neal definitely did not write the majority of the main piece.  It truly was a collaborative effort, which is a big reason why, I think, it is so good. We got the best of all of them.


That is correct, but if you watch the Making Of DVD, you'll know "Rose Colored Glasses" was pretty much entirely Neal's song too, but not necessarily part of "The Whirlwind" as Neal demoed it, so that's another 8 minutes of music or so. Also, he wrote most of the lyrics, as least it seems that so, so it's understandable why one would think he wrote most of the music, but lyrically is mostly him - musically I do believe it was a band effort, just with major contributions from Neal (his original "Whirlwind" demo and RCG).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on November 03, 2010, 08:39:17 AM
Their in no bigger Neal fan than myself! I approve this thread greatly! :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: juice on November 03, 2010, 12:45:03 PM
Neal is awesome! I got into his music through Transatlantic and now I have some Spock's Beard and some of his solo stuff as well.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dr. DTVT on November 03, 2010, 01:03:42 PM
Don't Try This At Home - out of this world performance.  Anyone who isn't a Neal fan after listening to that version of "The Light" should have their head examined.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 03, 2010, 01:06:43 PM
Fair enough, Marc, but that still doesn't constitute a majority. ;)  I think it goes without saying, based on the words of both Stolt and Portnoy, that the majority of the main piece was written by the whole band.  Neal might very well have had the most parts in it of those written by himself (compare to parts Stolt wrote by himself, etc.), but that still doesn't automatically mean a majority.  I hope that made sense. :lol

Back to Neal's solo, I continue to insist that his self-titled first solo album is highly underrated, and that "Everything Is Wrong" and "Emma" are two of his best solo songs to date.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on November 03, 2010, 02:43:21 PM
Hey Marc,

If you're still gonna do the survivor, I think Testimony would be way easier if we broke up the parts.  Vote the best songs on each part separately, and then merged the winners.  That way, we could have a copule threads open at once--much faster.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 03, 2010, 03:12:40 PM
Hey Marc,

If you're still gonna do the survivor, I think Testimony would be way easier if we broke up the parts.  Vote the best songs on each part separately, and then merged the winners.  That way, we could have a copule threads open at once--much faster.

Well, Quadrochosis already did the survivor for Testimony, and the top 2 songs (Finalists) were "Oh To Feel Him" and "The Storm Before The Calm", with "I Am Willing" landing in the Consolation spot, so I think I am going to use those. Unfortunately, the way it was run, any of the songs that got votes, period, in the first couple rounds, were voted off, even with 1 vote, so the whole survivor only ran 5 rounds. It did manage to cut out 20 songs in 2 rounds, though, between the 3 people who voted (which were at least me, Quadrochosis, and another person).

Personally, I think those three songs are worthy of being the winners, and I feel no REAL need to re-do the survivor for that album unless there is demand to do so, but only if i have more than 5 dedicated voters, which is why I planned on doing the other albums first, gain attention and voters for albums that have far less choices to make (12 or less tracks per album from One to Lifeline).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 03, 2010, 10:53:13 PM
"Oh, to Feel Him" finished in the top two?  That surprises me.  I mean, it is a good song, but I guess I am just a bit surprised it outlasted "Wasted Life," "Somber Days" and "Break of Day."  Then again, was this one of those survivors that had like six people voting? :lol :p
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 03, 2010, 11:02:04 PM
"Oh, to Feel Him" finished in the top two?  That surprises me.  I mean, it is a good song, but I guess I am just a bit surprised it outlasted "Wasted Life," "Somber Days" and "Break of Day."  Then again, was this one of those survivors that had like six people voting? :lol :p

Six?! That would have been a blessing! We had like 3 every round... which is why I'm thankful for the 4-5 I get with my Spock's Beard Survivor! :biggrin:

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 12, 2010, 10:28:22 PM
Upon further review, I can safely that ? and One are undoubtedly his two best solo records. 

Also, assuming Neal does more solo albums, I'd love for his next one to be proggy as usual, but with all individual songs, as opposed to having any type of concept or theme, musically or lyrically.  As much as I like his stuff, he goes overboard with the musical reprises way too often, and going for an album that is all different songs, like he usually did with SB prior to Snow, could bring out the best in him again, I think. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 12, 2010, 10:40:46 PM
Upon further review, I can safely that ? and One are undoubtedly his two best solo records. 

Also, assuming Neal does more solo albums, I'd love for his next one to be proggy as usual, but with all individual songs, as opposed to having any type of concept or theme, musically or lyrically.  As much as I like his stuff, he goes overboard with the musical reprises way too often, and going for an album that is all different songs, like he usually did with SB prior to Snow, could bring out the best in him again, I think. 

Two questions for ya, Kev:

1- Do you own the Special Edition of One with the bonus tracks? And if so, do you listen to the album with the restored 11-song tracklist?

2- What did you think of Lifeline? It's not any type of concept or theme, and as you said, is full of different, and individual songs. Infact I liken the album to more along the lines of SB's V, especially in that it opens with a 14-15 minute epic (and even aspects of "Lifeline" are similar to "At The End Of The Day"), and contains a lengthy multi-part epic that is based on Neal's life ("The Great Nothing" and "So Many Roads"), and between them are sandwiched 4 shorter songs of varying styles and ranges (loud and heavy, to soft and acoustic).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faemir on November 13, 2010, 09:22:22 AM
I really don't get the disliking of Lifeline, it's superb.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: j on November 13, 2010, 09:33:37 AM
Upon further review, I can safely that ? and One are undoubtedly his two best solo records. 

Also, assuming Neal does more solo albums, I'd love for his next one to be proggy as usual, but with all individual songs, as opposed to having any type of concept or theme, musically or lyrically.  As much as I like his stuff, he goes overboard with the musical reprises way too often, and going for an album that is all different songs, like he usually did with SB prior to Snow, could bring out the best in him again, I think. 

I'm with you on this entire post.

I really don't get the disliking of Lifeline, it's superb.

When I first started listening to Morse's solo stuff, Lifeline was the last album I checked out because of all the negative buzz I read about it.  When I eventually heard it for the first time, I was shocked at how good it was.  It's a very solid album: I prefer it to Testimony and Sola Scriptura.  A bit lacking in consistency maybe, but that's my only big gripe.

-J
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 13, 2010, 10:00:42 AM
Two questions for ya, Kev:

1- Do you own the Special Edition of One with the bonus tracks? And if so, do you listen to the album with the restored 11-song tracklist?

Yes to the first question; no to the second.

2- What did you think of Lifeline? It's not any type of concept or theme, and as you said, is full of different, and individual songs. Infact I liken the album to more along the lines of SB's V, especially in that it opens with a 14-15 minute epic (and even aspects of "Lifeline" are similar to "At The End Of The Day"), and contains a lengthy multi-part epic that is based on Neal's life ("The Great Nothing" and "So Many Roads"), and between them are sandwiched 4 shorter songs of varying styles and ranges (loud and heavy, to soft and acoustic).

I have to admit that I still haven't listened to Lifeline.  I wasn't that wild about either of the two songs I heard from it at the time, it seemed to get pretty meh reviews across the board when it came out, I was in a very non-proggy listening phase when it did come out, so I wasn't in a hurry to get it, and by the time I got back around to a prog phase, the very little talk I read about it made me not to want to check it out.  Maybe soon...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on November 23, 2010, 07:13:05 PM
There are some beautiful songs on Lifeline.

Lifeline is just fun, a bit repetitive at the end but whatever.
The Way Home (or whatever it's called) is a cool little acoustic tune. Same with God's Love.
Leviathan is an awesome, fun song. Really sounds like the band had fun creating that beat (har har).
Children of the Chosen is hauntingly good.
So Many Roads is a bit long, but it still flies by for me. All sorts of fun little things going on there.
Fly High is a sober and concise closer to an album meant to have some fun but deliver its message.

Great album all around, not my favorite but by no means bad.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 23, 2010, 07:29:07 PM
Upon further review, I can safely that ? and One are undoubtedly his two best solo records. 

Also, assuming Neal does more solo albums, I'd love for his next one to be proggy as usual, but with all individual songs, as opposed to having any type of concept or theme, musically or lyrically.  As much as I like his stuff, he goes overboard with the musical reprises way too often, and going for an album that is all different songs, like he usually did with SB prior to Snow, could bring out the best in him again, I think. 

Two questions for ya, Kev:

1- Do you own the Special Edition of One with the bonus tracks? And if so, do you listen to the album with the restored 11-song tracklist?

2- What did you think of Lifeline? It's not any type of concept or theme, and as you said, is full of different, and individual songs. Infact I liken the album to more along the lines of SB's V, especially in that it opens with a 14-15 minute epic (and even aspects of "Lifeline" are similar to "At The End Of The Day"), and contains a lengthy multi-part epic that is based on Neal's life ("The Great Nothing" and "So Many Roads"), and between them are sandwiched 4 shorter songs of varying styles and ranges (loud and heavy, to soft and acoustic).

-Marc.

I'll bite on this as well even though it wasn't directed at me.

I do not have the special edition of One, but I really should get it.  It is easily my favorite Neal album, and most days probably my favorite album of all time.  VERY powerful.  Several parts still manage to move me to tears.

Lifeline never really impressed me for some reason.  It's funny because I can't really think of much I don't like (other than not being crazy about Leviathan).  As I go song by song in my head, I'm pretty much saying for every song, "Yeah, I like that one."  So I'm not sure what it is.  But I am glad he broke out of the concept album pattern.  I felt he really needed to, although the concepts for his solo albums have all been superb (? being my least favorite).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on November 23, 2010, 08:17:49 PM
(? being my least favorite).

Hmm. How about you ban yourself, sir? That is just blasphemy. Smite thyself!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 26, 2010, 05:33:20 AM
I really like Lifeline.  I think it's better than Sola Scriptura.  There are one or two songs that are less than amazing, but the title track and Leviathan are gold, and So Many Roads is outstanding as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 27, 2010, 03:45:51 AM
I really like Lifeline.  I think it's better than Sola Scriptura.  There are one or two songs that are less than amazing, but the title track and Leviathan are gold, and So Many Roads is outstanding as well.

These are pretty much my exact same sentiments toward this album.

Also, just for a note for you Neal Morse fans out there, I've brought back the Neal Morse Survivor (with permission from Quadrochosis, who started it with Testimony). I hope to see more than 3 voters/round this time (as was the case with the first album).

I've started with One and will be moving forward in order, with ? after, then Sola Scriptura, and finally Lifeline, before doing Consolation Rounds and the Finals.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on November 27, 2010, 05:03:02 AM
I'm in.

I haven't listened to his stuff in a good long while.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 03, 2010, 11:03:34 PM
So, in addition to the Morse/Morse/Portnoy/LaRue project, apparently Neal is working on a "Testimony 2" album, as someone has posted on the SB forums (cited from the InnerCircle newsletter). I'm not sure how I feel about it, but if the music is fresh it might be good. If it turns out to be a rehash of themes/motifs from the first Testimony, I may have to rank it lower than Lifeline. However, if it begins with "Part 6", I'll rejoice in the "continuity" of it!

Also, Roine Stolt has gone on the record as saying he's highly interested in working with Neal/Mike/Pete again and is actually writing material that has yet to have a home (which could be for Agents Of Mercy, Transatlantic or *gasp* The Flower Kings). He says Neal really enjoyed the album and tour and it's great success, so if Neal wants to, I'm sure Mike and Roine would be ALL OVER doing another album, they'd just have to work around Pete's schedules with Marillion, and their own schedules as well.

However, it would be a lot for Neal if he was doing a solo album, the Morse/Morse project, AND Transatlantic... But hey, Roine released 3 albums last year (3rd World Electric's Kilimanjaro Secret Brew, Agents Of Mercy's The Fading Ghosts Of Twilight, and of course Transatlantic's The Whirlwind)... Maybe Neal could pull off the same feat?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 04, 2010, 12:43:14 AM
Also, just for a note for you Neal Morse fans out there, I've brought back the Neal Morse Survivor (with permission from Quadrochosis, who started it with Testimony). I hope to see more than 3 voters/round this time (as was the case with the first album).

I've started with One and will be moving forward in order, with ? after, then Sola Scriptura, and finally Lifeline, before doing Consolation Rounds and the Finals.

-Marc.

I wanted to participate.  But unfortunately, you included the bonus tracks instead of just going with the standard album.  Since I haven't heard the bonus tracks, I can't really vote.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 04, 2010, 05:14:07 AM
Yeah, including the bonus tracks probably wasn't the best idea. I am still new to them for the past few days and it's hard to truly rank them even after a few listens. I am so used to the standard that inserting the new tracks is weird, at least at this point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 04, 2010, 08:27:04 AM
Yeah, including the bonus tracks probably wasn't the best idea. I am still new to them for the past few days and it's hard to truly rank them even after a few listens. I am so used to the standard that inserting the new tracks is weird, at least at this point.

Well this'll be the only NM album that'll do that. I'm not including either of the bonus tracks for Lifeline, and both ? and Sola Scriptura did not have bonus tracks anyway.

Sorry if including them has thrown anyone off, but perhaps once they're gone (one already is, another may be soon, and the third probably in a couple of rounds), please feel free to vote in the last couple of rounds!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 04, 2010, 05:43:42 PM
I have to say, though, I wish they were left on, all 3 are fantastic ( and rank higher than some of the other final tracks).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 04, 2010, 05:57:59 PM
I have to say, though, I wish they were left on, all 3 are fantastic ( and rank higher than some of the other final tracks).

They are pretty good! So much so that I only ever listen to the album with that restored track listing with the bonus tracks put back in their place. Even for my CD-copy case (because I don't listen to/play actual CDs in my car, I make copies of alot of things), I made One a 2-CD set (92:28) with "The Creation"-"Author Of Confusion" on the first disc (tracks 1-5, 38:37), and "The Separated Man"-"Reunion" on the second disc (tracks 6-11, 53:51).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 04, 2010, 06:17:17 PM
I'm probably going to do that. I haven't listened to NM in my car in a loooooong time (really, his stuff in general, and he's like my second favorite artist ever).

I feel a NM phase coming on. :biggrin


Also, I couldn't find the chords to Children of the Chosen, but I am trying to figure it out by ear. I think I have it mostly right, will need to listen to it more. I would like my band to cover this, I could do bass/keys at the same time (split keys), and it would be awesome.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on December 05, 2010, 12:21:20 AM
I am very interested in NM's specific religious beliefs.  Apparently he rejects the Trinity and says that Jesus is not God.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on December 05, 2010, 04:54:52 PM
I am very interested in NM's specific religious beliefs.  Apparently he rejects the Trinity and says that Jesus is not God.

He doesn't reject the trinity, he rejects the idea of it being one monotheistic god. Technically he's polytheistic. I don't ever recall him saying that Jesus wasn't a God either.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on December 05, 2010, 07:02:11 PM
Um.  If that's true then wow.  I've seen in interviews where he quotes a lot of scripture, and he even does so in songs.  He seems like a well-read guy.  That belief of his really surprises me since there are a bigillion verses that say there's one God.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 05, 2010, 07:05:36 PM
I am very interested in NM's specific religious beliefs.  Apparently he rejects the Trinity and says that Jesus is not God.

He doesn't reject the trinity, he rejects the idea of it being one monotheistic god. Technically he's polytheistic. I don't ever recall him saying that Jesus wasn't a God either.

Source? Lyrics to the end of Reunion don't really support that..."One mind, one voice, one love, one Spirit."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on December 05, 2010, 07:10:40 PM
I took this out of Christianity Today's interview with him.

Q: Your message board has a long, ongoing discussion about your views on the Trinity and the nature of Jesus, but can you give a thumbnail sketch of what you believe?

Morse: I believe there is one God the Father, that he has a son, Jesus Christ, the only begotten of the father; and the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of God. I'm neither Trinitarian nor Oneness Pentecostal. I think I'm something different. I simply like to say that I'm a disciple of Christ. I believe that the best thing to do is to stick with Scripture.

Q: Do you believe Jesus was a created being?

Morse: I wouldn't put it that way. I think "begotten" may be distinct from "created." I don't want to make less of God's Son than some people say I do. He is the unique Son of God, and all power has been given to him in heaven and earth. But a son comes from a father. In 1 Corinthians 15:28, it says that in the end times Jesus is subjected to the Father. In the Gospel of John, Jesus doesn't do anything except what the Father tells him to do. I don't see in the Scriptures how Jesus and God can be co-equaI and the same person. I'm just trying to acknowledge what the Scriptures say—that all power has been given to him, and that we should worship him and serve him.

Q: Weren't these issues settled for Christians at the Council of Nicaea, when the Arian view of Jesus as a created being was rejected and the Trinity affirmed?

Morse I probably need to study it more. I'm not sure exactly what the Arians believed. I think that the Council of Nicaea was not a godly event. I was watching the History Channel where it showed that Constantine really didn't care how it came out; he just wanted unity so he could conquer other nations. So it seems to me that the spirit of conquering was very present there, but I wasn't there, and I don't want to pretend to be an expert on the Council of Nicaea.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: j on December 05, 2010, 09:00:56 PM
I really like Morse's music, but from what I can gather his theology is pretty shoddy to say the least.  I mean he cited the History Channel in that interview for crying out loud. :lol  Luckily, it's not that often that it comes through in his lyrics.  He seems like a genuine guy who is doing his best to sort things out, which admittedly is a very difficult task for anybody.

-J
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on December 05, 2010, 10:07:59 PM
Holy mackeral I just thought of something!!!

What if...

the REAL reason Mike left is the SAME reason Morse left? 

1)  There's an upcoming Testimony 2.
2)  There's an upcoming Morse/Morse/Portnoy/LaRue project.
3)  Neal Morse is not going to be the lead singer...(perhaps he doesn't feel it right to be the lead man?)

"My heart is not with DT."

*brainsplode*
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 06, 2010, 11:31:29 AM
I am very interested in NM's specific religious beliefs.  Apparently he rejects the Trinity and says that Jesus is not God.

I'm not sure where you got that he rejects the trinity or that he believes Jesus is not God from the excerpt you quoted above.  While I certainly disagree with him on some religious issues, his statements in the interview are pretty dead-on.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on December 06, 2010, 04:33:28 PM
No Trinity - "I'm neither Trinitarian nor Oneness Pentecostal."
Jesus is not God - "there is one God the Father, that he has a son, Jesus Christ"
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 06, 2010, 04:44:19 PM
No Trinity - "I'm neither Trinitarian nor Oneness Pentecostal."

That does not mean he rejects the trinity.  It means he rejects at least some denominational teaching regarding a trinity.

No Trinity - "I'm neither Trinitarian nor Oneness Pentecostal."

Similarly, this does not suggest to me that he rejects that Jesus is God, but merely that he is saying Jesus is distinct from God the father.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 07, 2010, 09:55:35 AM
I don't see anything non-Biblical in what he said in that interview.  What's the problem?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 08, 2010, 10:34:11 PM
So, with rumors of Testimony 2 in the works (well, probably not really "rumors" if it was in the InnerCircle Newsletter), anyone think Mike would be up to touring with Neal in support of that album? With Mike's 2011-schedule looking a bit more free, I say it's quite possible.

Mike seemed to have had a blast playing on the first Testimony Tour, and I think it'd only be fitting if Neal brought back his Testimony-Band to play on the second album and tour (with the addition of Randy George on bass, of course). Nothing against his European band, but I think it'd be awesome to see Neal tour around the US for his second Testimony album, and it'd be a great way for Mike to fill up some of his time in 2011.

Just putting that out there...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 08, 2010, 10:44:11 PM
Testimony 2?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 08, 2010, 10:54:33 PM
Testimony 2?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Someone's not reading my posts lately... (cue flashback to 5 days ago)...

So, in addition to the Morse/Morse/Portnoy/LaRue project, apparently Neal is working on a "Testimony 2" album, as someone has posted on the SB forums (cited from the InnerCircle newsletter)...

 :loser:

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 08, 2010, 10:57:53 PM
Hey man...this is the week of finals....I...don't have time to read every post...SHUT UP

:p
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 08, 2010, 11:13:00 PM
Hey man...this is the week of finals....I...don't have time to read every post...SHUT UP

:p

Hahaha, it's cool, no worries. It's finals around here too - all the college kids are going crazy :lol I work with a good lot of them, so I feel ya. Hey, I was a college kids once, too!

But yes, Testimony 2!!!111onetwotwoone... Really though, I'm holding on to all hope that it opens with a chunk of songs designated "Part 6".

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 09, 2010, 12:03:29 AM
Could Neal even afford to do a U.S. tour?  And could he pay Portnoy enough money for it to be worth his while?  Let's face it, Neal's fan base has shrunk more and more over the years, to the point where he barely does shows in the States anymore, and even when he does, he barely draws. And I doubt him touring on a sequel to one of his religious CDs would bring any of the old fans who've jumped ship in the last eight years back. Even if Portnoy would agree to do a short tour for pennies, more or less as a favor to his good friend, I just don't see Neal selling enough tickets for this to be profitable for him at all.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on December 09, 2010, 12:52:42 AM
He and Portnoy are practically best friends.  I don't think Portnoy will decline if he's not offered that much money.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on December 10, 2010, 03:50:11 PM
He and Portnoy are practically best friends.  I don't think Portnoy will decline if he's not offered that much money.

Not when he was in DT, but now that he is unemployed it might be a bit out of his control where and when he tours.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on December 10, 2010, 08:01:36 PM
He and Portnoy are practically best friends.  I don't think Portnoy will decline if he's not offered that much money.

Not when he was in DT, but now that he is unemployed it might be a bit out of his control where and when he tours.
I suppose you're right.  It's unfortunate that so many people have abandoned/forgotten about Morse.  He truly is an outstanding musician.  Perhaps they should stick with Transatlantic until Morse's name gets big enough to where he can go out and do shows.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 10, 2010, 09:59:01 PM
Randomly surfing the net for info on the Morse/Morse project brought me to the following link -
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Neal-Morse/106165732748778?sk=wall

- In which someone who is in contact with Randy George had posted the following:
Quote
Randy George, Mike Portnoy, and Neal Morse will be recording "Testimony 2" in Nashville the week before Chrstmas! Wowsers!!!

I suppose that is this coming week!!! Crazy! If Neal is quick with the turnaround, we can likely see this album before next June! We can only hope!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on December 10, 2010, 10:01:05 PM
YES YES YES

Testimony is an album that comfortably sits in my top 5 of all time.  I am extremely excited about this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 10, 2010, 10:03:39 PM
But who knows how credible that source is. That isn't even the official NM facebook page, nor is there any info posted anywhere else. Or is there?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 10, 2010, 10:11:14 PM
But who knows how credible that source is. That isn't even the official NM facebook page, nor is there any info posted anywhere else. Or is there?

Well given that Neal's InnerCircle Newsletter mentioned him doing Testimony 2 makes me want to believe that post is true. And Randy does get around to Neal's fans more often than Neal himself, so it's not entirely beyond the realm of possibility that Randy would spill those beans.

And Mike is done touring with A7X this year (after this weekend's show in Las Vegas), so him flying out to Nashville next week isn't entirely out of the question. I'm hoping more light is shed on this ASAP, as well as the Morse/Morse project!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 10, 2010, 10:21:57 PM
Oh, me too, I am just naturally skeptical. But what you said makes sense, and I really hope it's true!

So, speculation: I love the thematic reprises through the whole album of Testimony. I hope the second part uses some of those (in new ways, of course) and introduces new melodies. I think that that is Testimony's strong point: how Neal wraps the album in a giant theme musically and lyrically. Sometimes it can get a bit over done (example: The Man's Gone as its own song and in another song on One), but Testimony pulls it off fantastically well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: j on December 10, 2010, 11:05:03 PM
Man, Testimony is arguably my least favorite of Morse's solo albums.  Way too long and overly drawn out, and just not very interesting musically or lyrically.

However, I'm excited anyway! :metal  I wonder how and to what degree it will be tied to the original Testimony.

-J
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on December 11, 2010, 09:10:07 AM
I'm a little confused as to why he's making a sequel. Did he have another epiphany? The first one was so long that I didn't think there was anything left to say.

Maybe he unconverted and he is wrapping up his Christian catalog by coming full circle. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on December 11, 2010, 09:17:08 AM
No one has commented on my theory that this is not Neal's Testimony, but Mike's Testimony.  Unrealistic, but would be really cool if true.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: James007 on December 11, 2010, 09:58:16 AM
No one has commented on my theory that this is not Neal's Testimony, but Mike's Testimony.  Unrealistic, but would be really cool if true.
I have recently wondered if Mike's exit from DT had more to do with his faith and his feelings after his dad's death than any musical, personal, or scheduling differences he had with his bandmates.  I have absolutely nothing to base this on other than the circumstances and what MP has said filtered through my perception.  As a Christian, this may just be wishful thinking on my part but I don't think I'm alone in this.   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: rumborak on December 11, 2010, 10:09:20 AM
Yeah, I think that's pretty much wishful thinking. I have not had the impression that religion plays a major role in any of DT's members, present or past.

rumborak
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on December 11, 2010, 10:37:08 AM
Yeah, I think that's pretty much wishful thinking. I have not had the impression that religion plays a major role in any of DT's members, present or past.

rumborak

JP is a practicing Catholic, and I've often seen him in photos at churchy events with his family.  JM is some kind of Christian, and when asked about who his hero/role model is, in some interview, he said "Jesus."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 13, 2010, 01:34:44 PM
Update from Randy George about "Testimony 2":
(Source - https://nealmorse.yuku.com/topic/3862/master/1/?page=1 )

Quote
"I wasn't aware that it was written yet."
Me either... I think we are making it up as we go....

"hahaha I doubt if Neal is even capable of not making it two discs!"
Well actually... I think there was definitely more than one disc worth of songs.  But I doubt we'll have time to do more than a single disc.   

"we can likely see this album before next June!"
I believe the target release is May...

The bold parts are his replies to questions in quotes. Randy seems to say that Neal has more than a disc's worth of songs so I predict a 2-disc Special/Limited edition of the album with the bonus songs (a la One).

Hopefully they stay on schedule for the May targeted release!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: dedSurroun on December 13, 2010, 03:24:54 PM
Glad to hear that Neal is doing some solo stuff. Well, if it's better than Lifeline, I'll be happy.

The (temporary?) title "Testimony 2" does not sounds promising, though. Hope it's not too similar, musically. He seems stuck in a certain style that, while it can work, has become overused.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkEternalNight on December 13, 2010, 07:01:54 PM
Transatlantic is amazing. I should listen to more Neal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: James007 on December 13, 2010, 07:34:03 PM
Transatlantic is amazing. I should listen to more Neal.
:tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on December 13, 2010, 09:22:41 PM
I'm seeing this as a limited edition book/CD/DVD tie in....
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 13, 2010, 10:05:54 PM
I'm seeing this as a limited edition book/CD/DVD tie in....

Could happen. He has been writing that book this year, so if it's about his life, his "testimony", he may release it with the CD, or in conjunction with it. I do see the Limited Edition (through Radiant Records, of course) being the Book, a 2CD set (the standard edition single disc, plus the special edition bonus disc), and a bonus DVD (making of and such).

It could totally happen... and you know what? I would LOVE it, especially for the right price, and depending on the packaging, I'd say around $50-60 would be a good asking price, especially for pre-orders.

Neal, please do this - I'm totally on board for it.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on December 14, 2010, 01:30:38 PM
Book?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 14, 2010, 02:32:24 PM
Book?

Yeah - read on the NM Forums earlier this year that Neal was working on a book...

https://nealmorse.yuku.com/sreply/48832/t/Is-Neal-still-interested-.html

Quote
Right now I am writing a book of my personal story, but also writing songs and music is flowing as well.
We are also working on the Transatlantic DVD/CD live package which will be out in the fall.
After that there will be more music to come I am sure. I am a "one project at a time" kind of guy, and right now I am trying to work on my book. I'll try and post here more often though. you can also check: nealmorsefans.com  for info as well.
take care and God bless,
Neal

So as it seems, Neal has been working on a book AND music, presumably all tied together for this upcoming "Testimony 2" album. That post by Neal was from the end of August, so if Neal works as fast as he usually does, Randy's quote about Neal having a little over a disc's worth of music seems about right at this time.

I'm hoping Neal makes some sort of news-release about his upcoming projects for the new year and informs us fans!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: dech2410 on December 19, 2010, 12:56:37 PM
Mike on twitter:

On my way to Nashville to record Neal Morse's Testimony 2...his love and positive spirit will be PERFECT for me right now

Nuff said, we're getting an awesome new album :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 19, 2010, 01:09:03 PM
Mike on twitter:

On my way to Nashville to record Neal Morse's Testimony 2...his love and positive spirit will be PERFECT for me right now

Nuff said, we're getting an awesome new album :D

More-or-less Official Confirmation now... it's funny, we've heard from both Randy and Mike on this but NOT Neal... Well, with 6 days before Christmas, I'm willing to bet Neal, Mike and Randy jam out the new album in 5 days (which isn't entirely out of the realm of possibility, especially if what Randy has said is true and they're only making no more than a disc-and-a-half's worth of music).

Looking forward to hearing more about this as it develops!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 19, 2010, 03:26:16 PM
YES! New Neal Morse and DT pretty much all in the works. Next year FTW
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: James007 on December 19, 2010, 04:06:27 PM
YES! New Neal Morse and DT pretty much all in the works. Next year FTW
:tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 19, 2010, 04:26:52 PM
I better post here, since I adore Neals song writing abilities.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 19, 2010, 05:02:18 PM
Straight from Neal's facebook status:

Neal Morse
Will be joined by Mike Portnoy and Randy George for the recording of "Testimony 2" during the holidays. Stay tuned for more!
22 minutes ago
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on December 19, 2010, 08:23:12 PM
Wow. For the holidays? Are the Portnoy and Morse family spending the holidays together this year?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ddtonfire on December 19, 2010, 10:44:21 PM
That would be cute!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 20, 2010, 07:53:09 AM
Wow. For the holidays? Are the Portnoy and Morse family spending the holidays together this year?

Yeah, and I am pretty sure I know what Neal will give Portnoy for Christmas: a request to God to smite John Petrucci, Jordan Rudess, John Myung and James La Brie.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 20, 2010, 08:29:14 AM
Wow. For the holidays? Are the Portnoy and Morse family spending the holidays together this year?

Yeah, and I am pretty sure I know what Neal will give Portnoy for Christmas: a request to God to smite John Petrucci, Jordan Rudess, John Myung and James La Brie.

Yes, because there is so much animosity there. ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 21, 2010, 01:14:13 AM
https://nealmorse.yuku.com/topic/3866

Randy George's Testimony 2 Studio Diary:
Quote
Day 1: Well it started out to be a good day. I awoke about 8:00 or so but I still needed a couple hours of sleep. I had some Honey Nut Cheerios for breakfast. Not long after my cell phone died and I realized I left my cell phone charger at home so I had to run to Wal Mart. I got back and we started dialing in tracking mixes and getting things ready. Mike showed up at 1:00 which is normal for him. We really didn't get into tracking until about 3:30 or so though. But we did get through a good amount of stuff. We had some extensive reworking of a few things. What we did get really shaped up to be quite nice. Mike is sounding awesome as usual. I'm using a Mike Lull Thunderbird Bass and the tone is just amazing. I'm really glad I brought it. We still have alot to do though so the next couple of days should prove interesting. Neal has done some extensive remodeling of the studio so there are still things being worked on in preparation for the big session next month with Steve Morse. That will be an interesting project. Anyhow I'll try to post some more tomorrow.

Randy

Solo album this month, Morse/Morse collaboration next month! Mike & Neal are going to be busy boys!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 21, 2010, 05:17:53 AM
*eye twitch*

*drool*
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 21, 2010, 07:31:49 PM
So I've been spinning ? a lot lately, mostly due to my Neal Morse Survivor being on that album right now (which you should all check out in the Polls/Survivors Forum!). Even after 5 years, this album is definitely some of the best work Neal has ever done. Also, Jordan's solo during "In The Fire" is just, well, on FIRE. And Randy's bass solo during "Solid As The Sun" is pretty sweet. And of course Steve Hackett's solo during "12" is mind-blowingly awesome!

I also enjoy the fact that Roine played on this album in 2005, and then Neal played on Roine's Wall Street Voodoo that same year (and both albums were released 2 weeks apart). Then later on in 2007, Neal guested on Jordan's The Road Home and his brother's solo album 4 O'Clock & Hysteria. Glad to know Neal is nice enough to appear on his friend's albums for having them appear on his!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: James007 on December 21, 2010, 07:52:49 PM
So, if MP really is done with DT, how does that play into the Morse/Morse/MP group scenario?  It that closer to a reality or will it just be a side project?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 21, 2010, 08:06:18 PM
So, if MP really is done with DT, how does that play into the Morse/Morse/MP group scenario?  It that closer to a reality or will it just be a side project?

I don't quite follow your question... it IS a reality, and it IS happening (next month as confirmed by Randy George who said Neal is remodeling his studio and preparing for the sessions with Steve Morse/Mike Portnoy/Dave LaRue). It's likely just another side-project for Neal and/or Mike. I don't see how Mike not being in DT plays a factor in this. If anything, his LEAVING them probably allowed it to happen as soon as it is. Instead of going in the studio with DT next month, Mike's going back in with Neal (after recording with him THIS week/month). If anything, I hope this opens up the possibility that this band/project gets to tour! I hope they find a very fitting vocalist for the group too! I wonder if this 5-piece becomes more permanent that it might be Mike's "new band"? Hmmm...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: James007 on December 21, 2010, 08:18:02 PM
So, if MP really is done with DT, how does that play into the Morse/Morse/MP group scenario?  It that closer to a reality or will it just be a side project?

I don't quite follow your question... it IS a reality, and it IS happening (next month as confirmed by Randy George who said Neal is remodeling his studio and preparing for the sessions with Steve Morse/Mike Portnoy/Dave LaRue). It's likely just another side-project for Neal and/or Mike. I don't see how Mike not being in DT plays a factor in this. If anything, his LEAVING them probably allowed it to happen as soon as it is. Instead of going in the studio with DT next month, Mike's going back in with Neal (after recording with him THIS week/month). If anything, I hope this opens up the possibility that this band/project gets to tour! I hope they find a very fitting vocalist for the group too! I wonder if this 5-piece becomes more permanent that it might be Mike's "new band"? Hmmm...

-Marc.
That was my actual question:  Is there a possibility of the side project becoming a new full time band?  Thanks for putting it better than me.  I was trying to forum post and watch my Dallas Mavericks at the same time. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 21, 2010, 08:39:06 PM
I would hope that Mike and Neal do two tours in 2011 - one in support of the Morse/Morse Band, and another tour in support of Testimony 2, because having Mike on the first Testimony Tour was amazing, and I'm glad they caught it for video release! Great concert!

Depending on how long Testimony 2 ends up being (bonus tracks and all), I'd like to see a tour that plays the Testimedley (from Neal's recent tours), then plays the whole new album, and perhaps closes the show with some standards (other Morse-solo tunes, "We All Need Some Light", and perhaps "Is This Really Happening?" and/or "Dancing With Eternal Glory"). Do all of this on a short US tour (a dozen dates or so) and I will SOOOO be there (either at the show, or buying the eventual live release).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkEternalNight on December 21, 2010, 08:41:12 PM
I would love to see them play live. I just doubt they'd come near NC.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 22, 2010, 07:58:25 AM
Another (longer) update from Randy in the studio!!! -
Quote
Day 2: Well today started early. I was up for a moment to do the usual and then get something to drink. Wil and Jayda were making muffins and I sat down in the living room with Neal for a minute and immediately we started talking about an arrangment on one of the songs. So instead of returning to the comfort of my bed to continue the sleep I was so very much enjoying we talked for a while and then had some breakfast. Neal and Mike went to the gym and I fixed some bass stuff with Jerry in the studio. Neal and Mike return soon after and we jumped right into it. We wanted to get a jump on the day as we only got through about 15 minutes of music yesterday. We really needed to cover about 40 more today but I think we managed to get about 35 minutes more done so I think we are sitting at the 50 minute mark. I'm sure this record will no doubt once again challege the limits of CD capacity. We did alot of arranging as we went. We have been bringing in new ideas to the existing ones. Much of the material was still a bit rough as all this was very premature scheduling wise. But here we are. Mike is playing great and the feel is good. We covered several songs today as much of yesterday was spent working out certain musical themes and passages that weave around the songs. We had some fun along the way. We would be waiting for Jerry to do something so one of us would breakout in a song and soon we were jamming on it... although not for the record. Just radom fun. Sometimes you have to break the tedium by just playing off the cuff. Neal started playing "Everybody Wants to Rule The Word" by Tears for Fears and we all jumped in and started playing it. Mike and I played some Zappa stuff a little as well.  We might have to record some of it sometime. But I doubt we will have time for a bonus disc this time. Who knows though... we'll how far we get tomorrow. We have to finish Mike's tracks first as it is his last day here. I think we are in range to finish though. The record is shaping up nicely. There is some really great material going on! Sleep in the next order of business now!

Randy

Mike only has 3 days in the studio with Neal to record drum parts for a CD-length album?! AMAZING... He's almost done anyway, if he got through 35 minutes yesterday, the next 20-30 should be easy today.

I also enjoy hearing that they're jamming on covers and having fun. Part of me kind of hopes they do some bonus-disc material for fun! Mike and Neal always know how to have a great time in the studio with jamming and covers!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 22, 2010, 12:09:21 PM
Mike, Randy and Neal playing Zappa?

That's a... strange combination. But I'm interested to hear that!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 22, 2010, 12:35:35 PM
I just realized that there are no tracks from Sola Scriptura on So Many Roads: Live. Shows how much I paid attention to that.

We have the three epics from SS on Sola Scriptura and Beyond, but Heaven in My Heart is not yet released in a live format. Kind of a bummer. But NM has such a large bank of songs to record live, it's understandable.

Also, Children of the Chosen should be on the next live release. One of my favorite NM songs, just an awesome feeling to that song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 22, 2010, 12:39:46 PM
Good thing you mention Heaven in my Heart. (or to stay in the Zappa/Morse mood "Hebbin' in my heart")

I love that song, after two or three listens I hated it, but it has grown so incredibly much!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 23, 2010, 11:05:54 AM
^Yeah dude, it is an amazing ballad among the 3 giants of that album.

O.K., here is an update from Mike Portnoy:

"Neal Morse's Testimony 2 is another masterpiece! I am so grateful to have such a great friend and amazing artist in my life...
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry"


I cannot wait for this. If we get new DT, NM, and Thrice next year, my head will explode.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 23, 2010, 11:14:16 AM
Third and final update from Randy:
Quote
Day 3: I was so not ready to get up this morning. Todd wanted to go out to breakfast so I had to be up earlier than I wanted. But it was worth it. We went to this little place a mile down the road. It was so totally surreal. It should have been a movie with all the country yokels sitting around playing cards... it was a good time though and well worth the sacrifice of precious sleep.  I had BACON! We worked on some Bass tracks before Mike arrived but then got started on the album about 2:00 or so. We had to finish today since Mike leaves for home in the morning. We were a little unsure but once we got into it we moved right along. Mike did some unbelievable stuff tonight. He cited on fill as his favorite of the year. We also filmed more Christmas videos for the different websites. Dinner was awesome and we got back into the momentum pretty quickly. But we had trouble staying awake... man. But we did get through it all to the grand conclusion despite the fact that Mike farted and I couldn't get out! This has turned out to be a really great record. There was a lot of collaberation on this one. It's the best album I have never heard. We still have no idea what it's going to sound like but we know the drums and bass are good! Neal still has to record all his parts now. We tracked to some rough outlines only. I am really looking forward to the finished product. Well it's time for sleep and I complete Bass tracks tomorrow then home for Christmas!

Randy

Read more here - https://nealmorse.yuku.com/topic/3866

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 23, 2010, 08:36:18 PM
www.nealmorse.com

Neal's put up a Holidays Greeting Video up on his main page! Get it while the getting's good! (Downloading now...)

Also, this update from Neal himself!

Quote
Hello everyone!

I'm sitting on the studio couch listening to Randy do his bass overdubs, singing an occasional line to him as needed. He is great and takes care of himself for the most part...I mean he punches himself in and knows what is good and doesn't need much "producing". Mike is like that too. These guys are incredible.

So we/Mike actually finished the drum tracks last night. Crazy. Not only did Mike finish playing all kinds of amazing stuff, but we rewrote and arranged quite a bit of music from the demo and incorporated several themes from Testimony 1. It all turned out exceeding my expectations, which were already pretty high considering the people involved.

Total time is at about 75 minutes. Hopeful release will be in May.

Hope you all enjoy the holidays! Blessings to all,

Neal

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 23, 2010, 08:48:33 PM
My birthday is in May.

Just letting you know, Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 23, 2010, 08:56:04 PM
My birthday is in May.

Just letting you know, Marc.

Looks like you'll have a good birthday. Does it land on a Tuesday next year?  :lol

Also, psyched that they've incorporated themes from the first Testimony! I really hope it starts with "Part 6" and that tracks are grouped into more parts, but being only one disc and 75 minutes, it can't be more than four parts (but knowing Neal, it's probably 3 or 2 parts). I can't wait to listen to it... I'm still deciding whether or not to listen to Testimony 1 right before I listen to Testimony 2 for the first time (and/or every time after).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 23, 2010, 09:07:09 PM
On a Thursday, enough time for you to ship me my copy. :biggrin:


Ya know, that's a good idea. Listen to Testimony 1 right before the new album, for continuity's sake.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 23, 2010, 09:12:35 PM
On a Thursday, enough time for you to ship me my copy. :biggrin:


Ya know, that's a good idea. Listen to Testimony 1 right before the new album, for continuity's sake.  :tup

Hahaha... you must be a comedian because that's a pretty good joke :lol

I'm holding out hope for a Special/Limited Edition with a bonus track that includes cut-songs, covers, and/or studio jams. I was disappointed when Sola Scriptura didn't have any of that. I know ? didn't, but they eventually released 7 covers they recorded during those sessions on the Cover To Cover album. Then again, with such a short amount of time for Mike and Randy to be at Neal's, I wouldn't be surprised if all they COULD cut was 75 minutes of the album and nothing more.

I won't be TOO disappointed if it's just an album (like ? and SS were), because we're getting Mike and Neal with Steve and Dave as well next year... double-dose of Neal? Yes!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkEternalNight on December 23, 2010, 09:17:25 PM
Best Neal Morse album to start off with?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 23, 2010, 09:18:54 PM
No doubt that it should be ?. It even features two (well, at the time now) DT members (MP and JR). And it is well-liked around here.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 23, 2010, 09:22:42 PM
Best Neal Morse album to start off with?

Depends on what you like... and also, be forewarned, his lyrics since leaving Spock's Beard/Transatlantic are more outwardly and extrovertly Christian in message and meaning. They can be a bit praise-y and worship-y at times, but if you take them for what they are and are not easily offended by religious lyrics, then you are probably ready for ANY of his five albums.

I would probably suggest ?. If you're a fan of Transatlantic and Spock's Beard, I'd say this album is most like his previous works with those bands, and it features an array of musical guests that are surely to delight (Alan Morse, Jordan Rudess, Roine Stolt, Steve Hackett, and as usual Mike and Randy on drums and bass). It's a single piece divided into 12 tracks (sound familiar?), and runs about 56 minutes with varying themes, which aren't beaten into the ground like they are in Testimony. And don't worry if you are a collector of varying editions, there's only one edition of this album.

After that, I'd suggest getting One (Special Edition). Definitely one of my favorite Neal Morse albums of all time, and the special edition has some greats songs that were cut, as well as some sweet covers!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkEternalNight on December 23, 2010, 09:33:25 PM
Wow, excellent summary haha. I'm a Christian myself so I don't have a problem with it. Thanks, I'll check out ?.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 23, 2010, 09:38:10 PM
Five albums?  He has seven!  Why do so many always ignore his first two solo albums?  The first one is damn good; probably better than two or three of his religious solo records.

Anyway, I'd start off with ?, One or his self-titled debut.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 23, 2010, 09:48:12 PM
Five albums?  He has seven!  Why do so many always ignore his first two solo albums?  The first one is damn good; probably better than two or three of his religious solo records.

Anyway, I'd start off with ?, One or his self-titled debut.
:facepalm: I know I know, but usually when recommending Neal Morse albums, I only think about his five since leaving SB/TA as they are more in-line with his previous prog albums (even though his self-titled debut has that 4-part epic at the end of it which isn't too bad).

I just don't normally recommend them at first, but I do agree, his self-titled album is pretty good, so I echo your suggestions!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 23, 2010, 10:11:15 PM
Best Neal Morse album to start off with?

https://www.nealmorse.com/pages/audio.asp

Check out these free single downloads too if you want to sample some of his SEVEN albums :lol (oddly absent is Sola Scriptura).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 24, 2010, 05:28:03 PM
Five albums?  He has seven!  Why do so many always ignore his first two solo albums?  The first one is damn good; probably better than two or three of his religious solo records.

Anyway, I'd start off with ?, One or his self-titled debut.

While true, we're usually talking about his 5 prog records.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkEternalNight on December 24, 2010, 06:00:07 PM
I listened to Sola Scriptura. Amazing stuff.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: James007 on December 24, 2010, 06:04:37 PM
I listened to Sola Scriptura. Amazing stuff.
:tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 24, 2010, 10:27:39 PM
Last update from Randy:
Quote
Day 4: Well today is Bass tracking all day. We did capture alot of good performances on the fly... but there is alwaus tons of stuff that has to be fixed for various reasons. Mike tends to trak through stuff a bit at a time until he likes what he does... I only need to track it once... so with several passes over the same bits the result is a lot of inconsistancies. It's much better to retrack bass after that fact unless we actually track the entire song in one pass. We had a few of those. I was able fix a little things and keep the parts played during drum tracking. But there is some stuff that simply has to be done after in order to assure the best result... sometimes parts are not so clear because regardless of what Neal sends Mike comes up with stuff that is different so I end up have to relearn the songs with Mike parts in place. That doesn't happen on the fly. So here I am in the studio Thursday morning 10:00 am or so. Fortunately everyone vanishes and I can sit here alone. I work best this way. The opening stuff was great and Mercy Street was actually one of the songs I didn't have to retrack. But the next section has some crazy lines that Neal of course played on keys and Is baely possible to play on guitar let alone bass... but it's not as bad as all that. It's just tricky. The worst part is no matter how great I think something is.. .Neal sometimes comes in after that fact and wants me to change it for some reason. It's like... yeah man... I think I would rather hear that part played with a pick and could you pick every note?... Uh sure... Anyhow I end up recording a part a couple of times and sometimes leaving both ways to choose later. Then there is the whole... wow... what's Mike doing there? Sometimes it's tricky to connect with some of his quirky fills. Now it has to be said that regardless of how quirky, busy, intense or insane Mike plays... It's always nuts! But you gotta love it! Who else would do fills like that in a Ballad! Anyhow I worked stright through until about 3:00 am Friday morning and managed to get a few hours sleep before getting up and and packing to leave. Up at 6:00 and off to the airport by 7:00. I'm actually typing this as I sit at the gate waiting for my flight. So the plane has just arrived and I had better wrap this up! We all had a great time once again doing what will be another great Neal Morse project. I look forward to hearing my self as everything Neal played so far on this is going to get redone... so it's the best album I have never heard! I'm looking forward to a May relase!

Wrap Up: The pace was brutal but it was fruitful! It's always a special time for the three of us when we can get together and do this. The problem is that we have so much fun we want to hang out and do other stuff together but there is never the time for that... so we try to keep motivated. But we have our moments... usually after one of Cheri's amazing dinners. well I am finally home for Christmas so I am going to sleep now...

Merry Christmas all!

Randy

"Mercy Street", eh? Anyways, sounds like an intense 4 days for Randy (and 3 for Mike)! I wonder how much of the rest of the parts Neal is going to do between now and when Steve Morse comes by in January, especially with remodeling the studio and all. Hopefully Neal gets most of his parts done before the next project so he can send the mix off to Rich and get it done in time for the projected May release!

I wonder if this means we can expect the Morse/Morse project in June or July? That'd be pretty neat!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 24, 2010, 10:49:08 PM
SQUUUUEEEE
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 15, 2011, 09:22:58 AM
https://nealmorse.yuku.com/topic/3923

From the man himself - Neal Morse to play at High Voltage!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on February 15, 2011, 09:27:07 AM
YES

There will almost surely be a song or two they'll play together...I'm guessing The Light?  Or...I wonder if Neal would sing The Water.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 15, 2011, 09:53:23 AM
I really doubt he would sing The Water.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on February 15, 2011, 10:01:30 AM
Well, I do too, but I just wanted to throw it out there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 16, 2011, 01:46:50 AM
I don't think he'll ever play The Water again live. Because of the Fuck You part.

But who would join him then? MP because DT is playing there too?  ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 04, 2011, 07:55:32 AM
NEAL MORSE TOUR DATES
 
TESTIMONY 2 TOUR 2011
 
Thursday May 19 -  Nashville TN (venue tba)
 
Saturday May 21 -  Mexico City (venue tba)
 
Monday May 23 -  NYC,  The Blender Theater at Gramercy
 
Tuesday May 24 -  Springfield VA.,   JAXX
 
Thursday May 26  - San Francisco,  The Avalon in Santa Clara
www.bayarearockpromotions.com
 
Friday May 27 -  Seattle, WA.,  Experience Music Project Theater
 
Saturday May 28 -  Los Angeles CA.,  The Whittier Theater in Whittier
https://www.calprog.com/
 
Neal will be performing these concerts with members of the original Testimony Band featuring Mike Portnoy!
 
With the European band:
June 2
Hedon
Zwolle
The Netherlands
www.hedon-zwolle.nl
June 3
Asta
Beek (LB)
The Netherlands
www.roosterrockpromotion.com
June 4
De Boerderij
Zoetermeer
The Netherlands
www.cultuurpodiumboerderij.nl
June 5
t.b.a.
t.b.a.
Germany
 
June 7
Colos-Saal
Aschaffenburg
Germany
www.colos-saal.de
June 8
Kaminwer
Memmingen
Germany
www.kaminwerk.de
June 9
Futurum
Praque
Czech Republic
futurum.musicbar.cz
June 10
Majestic Music Club
Bratislava
Slovakia
www.majestic.sk
June 11
Diesel Club
Budapest
Hungary
www.dieselclub.hu
June 14
Z7
Pratteln
Switzerland
www.z-7.ch
June 16
Koko
London
United Kingdom
www.koko.uk.com
June 17
Academy 2
Manchester
United Kingdom
www.manchesteracademy.net
June 18
The Arches
Glasgow
United Kingdom
www.thearches.co.uk
FESTIVALS
July 23
High Voltage Festival
London
United Kingdom
www.highvoltagefestival.com
July 30
Finisterrae Festival
A Corua
Spain
t.b.a.
 
Neal says regarding the tour:

 Also, to avoid any confusion, I am going to have 2 bands, one in Europe and one in America. My reasons are many but the main one is that I want to be able to play this music in as many places as possible, and having bands available on each continent makes it possible to do more concerts. With the festivals being apart from the tour this is really the only way to make it work. Also, I love both these groups and this way I get to play with all of my favorite people!

God bless,
Neal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on March 04, 2011, 08:33:18 AM
Nice. If playing with two band means playing more concerts, then I'm all for it.  :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on March 04, 2011, 08:49:04 AM
I'll be at the NYC show!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: James007 on March 04, 2011, 09:05:00 AM
Nothing near Texas.   :-\
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Durg on March 04, 2011, 09:18:32 AM
For a second there I was thinking that MP and DT would be at the High Voltage Festival .... :corn .... but no.  That would be awkward.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 04, 2011, 09:20:53 AM
Oh snap... I should very much like to see the show in VA! It's the closest to me (about 3 hours away), so I may start saving up for the ticket and trip!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on March 04, 2011, 02:33:18 PM
Damn, I just realized he's coming to Mexico City. I never thought I would see Neal live, but I actually am!  :hat :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on March 04, 2011, 06:08:00 PM
sweet, I hope I am still around in May to hit the LA show!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 04, 2011, 07:22:32 PM
It's your turn to road trip to N. Cal. for a show.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on March 04, 2011, 09:39:45 PM
i just got the calprog email and was just going to pm you to see which show you were hitting (I knew you wouldn't miss it).  I'm game for NoCal, but make sure you grab me a seat this time  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on March 05, 2011, 11:21:33 PM
^^^

What yesh said.  I'd rather see NMT2 than DT11.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 06, 2011, 12:11:48 AM
i may go to the NY show, im listening to Sola Scriptura right now  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 06, 2011, 01:12:33 AM
He's playing in MY TOWN!

Incredible, only... I have to perform myself that night...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 07, 2011, 08:44:50 AM
i just got the calprog email and was just going to pm you to see which show you were hitting (I knew you wouldn't miss it).  I'm game for NoCal, but make sure you grab me a seat this time  :biggrin:

^^^

What yesh said.  I'd rather see NMT2 than DT11.

:lol  I was pretty much joking.  I'm not sure if I'm going or not.  But now that I know there's interest, I'll consider it. 

That venue is actually pretty nice.  But it's all G.A., not seated.  However, there are some really prime spots to scope out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 23, 2011, 11:15:55 AM
***EDIT:  SERIOUS SPOILER ALERT THAT YOU MAY NOT WANT TO HEAR BECAUSE IT WILL RUIN A COOL SURPRISE IN THE MUSIC FOR T2***

anyone seen this update from Neal Morse? It's a little preview of Testimony 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ni1P4gYuNgc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ni1P4gYuNgc)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 23, 2011, 11:28:09 AM
***SERIOUS SPOILER ALERT THAT YOU MAY NOT WANT TO HEAR BECAUSE IT WILL RUIN A COOL SURPRISE IN THE MUSIC FOR T2***


Very cool.  I edited your post to include a spoiler alert.  I mean, it should be obvious that it would contain spoilers, but that reprise is something that I can see people maybe not wanting to know about in advance.  I like how it worked into the next riff.  I'm really looking forward to this release.  I don't doubt that the music will be awesome.  I'm just a little apprehensive that the lyrical content may leave me feeling a little like:  "Eh, did this really need to be said after Testimony I?"  I'm sure Neal will do a good job, and I'm sure he has a lot to say, but I'm just gunshy of sequels that don't, on the surface, feel like they need to be done after seeing what Queensryche did to Mindcrime with the release of Mindcrime II.  Not only did it feel unnecessary, but it also somewhat spoiled the original, IMO.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on March 23, 2011, 11:30:34 AM
Saw that a while ago when it was posted on his FB page, cannot wait to hear this. :giddy:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 23, 2011, 11:34:41 AM
Thats ok Bosk, the spoiler alert was a good idea.

Anyway, i like what NM previewed. Im really looking forward to the new album. Honestly Testimony 1 is my least favorite of the ones i know (Testimony, One, ?, and Sola Scriptura) I still need to get Lifeline though. But T2 sounds interesting, and based on the preview, i might like it more than the first one
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: i_am_here_ on March 23, 2011, 11:39:57 AM
Cant wait to see him at the EMP in Seatle!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 23, 2011, 02:29:42 PM
i would love to see him and MP in NYC. im 95% sure im going
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 28, 2011, 09:42:37 PM
New radio interview with Mike and Neal about Testimony 2...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiLf-tY9R6M

SPOILER ALERT!!!





Neal got the guys in Spock's Beard to sing on T2 about the time when SB was starting to get big! It's a bit ironic/cool in that SB are singing about SB on Neal's album... but this just made me wet my pants even MORE than before about this album!





END SPOILER ALERT!!!



May 23rd, folks!!! Be ready!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on March 28, 2011, 10:23:59 PM
I would go to the NYC show, but there's a dredg/Dear Hunter show 4 days earlier and a Blackfield show 3 days earlier that take extreme precedence over Neal. Maybe next time he comes around.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 28, 2011, 10:26:52 PM
I would go to the NYC show, but there's a dredg/Dear Hunter show 4 days earlier and a Blackfield show 3 days earlier that take extreme precedence over Neal. Maybe next time he comes around.

But...It's Neal AND Mike and the original Testimony Tour Band!!! They played "Stranger In Your Soul" with real string instruments last time!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on March 28, 2011, 10:31:57 PM
I would go to the NYC show, but there's a dredg/Dear Hunter show 4 days earlier and a Blackfield show 3 days earlier that take extreme precedence over Neal. Maybe next time he comes around.

But...It's Neal AND Mike and the original Testimony Tour Band!!! They played "Stranger In Your Soul" with real string instruments last time!

-Marc.

Steven Wilson & Casey Crescenzo
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 28, 2011, 10:42:42 PM
I would go to the NYC show, but there's a dredg/Dear Hunter show 4 days earlier and a Blackfield show 3 days earlier that take extreme precedence over Neal. Maybe next time he comes around.

But...It's Neal AND Mike and the original Testimony Tour Band!!! They played "Stranger In Your Soul" with real string instruments last time!

-Marc.

Steven Wilson & Casey Crescenzo

I only know half of those names... :lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on March 28, 2011, 10:52:29 PM
You need to hear The Dear Hunter then.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on March 28, 2011, 11:15:06 PM
IT COMES OUT 3 DAYS BEFORE MY BIRTHDAY

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 14, 2011, 10:58:56 PM
Just saw this information posted up at ProgArchvies.com -

Quote
CD 1
Part Six: (22:50)
1. Mercy Street
2. Overture No. 4
3. Time Changer
4. Jayda
Part Seven: (22:54)
5. Nighttime Collectors
6. Time has come Today
7. Jesus' Blood
8. The Truth Will Set You Free
Part Eight: (32:36)
9. Chance of a Lifetime
10. Jesus Bring Me Home
11. Road Dog Blues
12. It's For You
13. Crossing Over / Mercy Street Reprise

Total CD1: 78:52

CD2
1. Absolute Beginner (4:39)
2. Supernatural (6:11)
3. Seeds of Gold (25:59)

Total CD2: 36:51

Glad to see it continues with Part 6, and that there's another Overture, as well as new reprises. I wonder if track 8 is a nod to Roine and his TFK song of the same title?

Also - what is "Seeds Of Gold"? A cover? Can't wait to get this album!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on April 14, 2011, 11:12:32 PM
*SCREAMS WITH TEARS OF JOY*

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on April 14, 2011, 11:54:47 PM
Glad to see it continues with Part 6, and that there's another Overture, as well as new reprises.

Yes!  :clap:

I wonder if track 8 is a nod to Roine and his TFK song of the same title?

Given the subject matter of the album, I doubt it.  It is likely a reference to John 8:32:  "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Also - what is "Seeds Of Gold"? A cover?

Possible, but I don't think so.  I think it's part of the "story."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on April 15, 2011, 12:01:50 AM
wait, is this a new morse album?


yippppppeeeee, if so
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on April 15, 2011, 06:27:30 AM
wait, is this a new morse album?


yippppppeeeee, if so

I will slap you :biggrin: His new album comes out next month dude!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on April 15, 2011, 09:09:04 AM
wow, where have I been?
sounds awesome!!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 15, 2011, 11:40:32 AM
(https://www.progarchives.com/progressive_rock_discography_covers/712/cover_371041342011_r.jpg)

Here's the cover, too. It's the same tree, just about 8 years later, and Neal's son is also older too...looks pretty awesome and provides even greater continuity for the sequel!

Cannot wait for this - between DT, Steven Wilson, MMPLM and a few others - this is one of my most anticipated albums of the year!

EDIT - https://rock-and-prog.blogspot.com/2011/04/resenas-de-discos-neal-morse-testimony.html
Here's a review but in Spanish, so get your translator ready. Sounds like a very good review, and here's a list of the guests on the album.
Steve Morse
Alan Morse
Nick D'Virgilio
Paul Bielatowicz
Matthew Ward

Although not listed there, I'd hope that Dave Meros made an appearance as well, because I recall Neal saying he had the guys from SB do some cool GG-style vocals on a song on the album, so I'd hope that would have included one of my favorite bassists!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on April 15, 2011, 02:21:50 PM
Got tickets to see him on May 24th.  :biggrin:

Can't wait for the new album!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 16, 2011, 05:57:18 PM
I'm finding out new information everyday about this album! Apparently there is a special edition (a-duh) that features 2CDs and a Making-Of DVD documentary!

Quote
Progressive Rock's most successful solo artist releases a prog epic with depth that will dazzle and melodies that reach into the soul. Available as strictly limited 2CD + DVD box set with special artwork and as a 2CD set.
Disc 1 - Testimony 2, the main disc tells us the poignant story of Neal's life from the beginning of Spock's Beard through when he left the band in 2002. The brilliant conceptual piece consists of 13 songs  in three sections each over twenty minutes long. Disc 2 consists of 3 great tracks. Two shorter songs and one 26:00 minute prog epic, "Seeds of Gold" which features a guitar solo by famed guitarist, Steve Morse.
This album marks the audio reunion of Spock's Beard as it contains a tribute to Spock's where Neal and the guys sing an elaborate vocal section that is reminiscent of the early days of the band.

Duration DVD:    70:00
DVD Content: The making of Testimony 2. An in depth look behind the scenes of the creative process involved in making this amazing record. Edited by Chad Hoerner.
Source: https://www.spincds.com/product.asp?id=9027931

Looks like 2 versions of this album will be available. What's weird is I don't think Radiant Records has a pre-order up for it yet, but you bet I will be ALL OVER IT when it's up. *cross fingers that it will be soon*... can't wait for the end of May when it comes out!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on April 16, 2011, 06:01:48 PM
I am so getting the biggest package.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on April 16, 2011, 06:41:49 PM
tried to pre-order, but appears it is outside of US.  guess I will wait till US sites offer it
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 16, 2011, 08:58:05 PM
I'm hoping Radiant Records offers some sort of super cool package with the 3-Disc set, like a cheap tour t-shirt or something signed by Mike and Neal (and maybe Randy too?). Neal likes to do those sorts of things through Radiant when he can. I definitely snagged the Whirlwind 3-Disc Set + So Many Roads 3-CD set package when it was up for pre-order back in 2009!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on April 16, 2011, 09:01:29 PM
I got an autographed copy of SSAB where he signed it and "Matthew 6:33" on it. Very awesome
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on April 16, 2011, 09:02:12 PM
thanks, Marc, I will keep my eye on that site
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 26, 2011, 10:44:48 PM
https://www.radiantrecords.com/

So, like a major fanboy, I went ahead and pre-ordered the 3-Disc Set + Neal's Book! It'll be an interesting read about Neal's life and, hopefully, some great insight into his life with SB and post-SB. I hope it's a very well-written and sincere look at his life, giving us stories he's never really told and things he's never really said about his former and current band mates and friends!

Also, I'm excited to be able to listen to the main album next Thursday, and legally too! I love that they're offering MP3 downloads to those who pre-order! I cannot wait to hear this album, especially "Time Changer" with guest vocalists Spock's Beard!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on April 26, 2011, 11:09:21 PM
Of course I ended up ordering the mega-pack. Hopefully I was soon enough to get this signed like Sola and Lifeline.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on April 26, 2011, 11:32:28 PM
At this point, I can't afford to preorder or anything. It's all good, I can wait. Marc, let me know your thoughts!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on April 26, 2011, 11:55:08 PM
can't afford it right now, but can't wait till I can
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 27, 2011, 12:17:30 AM
At this point, I can't afford to preorder or anything. It's all good, I can wait. Marc, let me know your thoughts!

Oh I definitely will. Depending on what time of day on May 5th the download is available, I may not be able to listen to the album, let alone review it, until the next day, but if it is early enough (like at 8 or 9am), then I should be able to give it a quick listen. I have work scheduled at 12 noon, and I'll be busy straight til 9 or 10pm. If all else fails, I will listen to it when I get home that night and post up some quick thoughts on the album.

Of course I ended up ordering the mega-pack. Hopefully I was soon enough to get this signed like Sola and Lifeline.

I didn't realize this! I guess it'll help because if I don't expect mine to be signed and they DO come signed, I will be a VERY happy camper! :tup

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on April 27, 2011, 12:22:54 AM
I'm thinking about getting the mega-pack, but I don't know. The actual CD is 20, which is steep anyway. But then again, I don't have Testimony 1. So I might wind up having to skip out on this for now. Or just check out an amazon mp3 version.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on April 27, 2011, 07:14:24 AM
Wow, this is not cheap.  But I gotta bite the bullet and do it...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 27, 2011, 07:17:34 AM
His stuff is never cheap at Radiant.  I'll probably just wait and buy through amazon, since a) it will be cheaper, and b) I have had bad luck with getting stuff from Radiant on time.  Sure, the mp3 downloads would eliminate the having to wait for it past the release date problem, but I just hate how they charge an arm and a leg at Radiant.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on April 27, 2011, 07:22:12 AM
Kev, for just the CD, how much do you think it will be?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on April 27, 2011, 07:31:39 AM
Yeah, this is not cheap at all. And you kinda get railroaded into buying the delux 40 dollar pack, since the regular edition is 22+shipping already. Huh.

I think Neal's probably not doing great financially. I remember reading that the Spock's Beard guys aren't at all, so I can't imagine things being any better for Neal. Anyway, I'd love to support his work, but I'm gonna have to wait and probably just wind up getting this from iTunes or something.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on April 27, 2011, 07:35:15 AM
If I get this new job (which is most likely, and pays $25/hr.), I'll definitely get the biggest bundle, to support Neal and to get some other cool stuff.

But yeah. It IS a lot.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on April 27, 2011, 08:05:46 AM
I think Neal's probably not doing great financially. I remember reading that the Spock's Beard guys aren't at all, so I can't imagine things being any better for Neal. Anyway, I'd love to support his work, but I'm gonna have to wait and probably just wind up getting this from iTunes or something.

I've often wondered how he makes ends meet.  I'm not an Inner Circle member, so I don't have a lot of inside scoop others may have, but I'm guessing there are a few things that give him an edge over the Spock's guys financially:  I think I recall hearing that he rents out his studio to other bands.  I'm not sure, but he may also work as a producer or engineer on some stuff for smaller bands, which would be a bit of extra income.  And think about it:  He's in Nashville, which has two benefits.  (1) It has a thriving music scene with lots of musicians needing studio time and people to help work on albums.  (2) It is cheaper to live there than L.A.  I'm not sure, but Neal may also sell his worship music to churches.  Personally, I have a lot of problems with that.  But there are plenty of churches that use that sort of thing, so it may be a nice extra income stream.  And unlike putting out a pop music CD that needs to be marketed and distributed through a label, for worship music, I imagine you can probably save costs by putting out the CD's more cheaply and doing more direct distribution, cutting out a lot of the costs.  Those are just some educated guesses, but if correct, that could help explain why Neal and his kids don't look malnourished or anything.  :lol  (and I think his wife may work as well)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 27, 2011, 08:27:21 AM
Kev, for just the CD, how much do you think it will be?

I would guess amazon and iTunes would have it for somewhere around 15 or 16 bucks (since it is basically one CD plus a short second one, so not a true double disc), as opposed to 22 PLUS shipping at Radiant.  I understand the whole "support the artist" mentality, but not when the prices are way too high.  Supporting an artist doesn't mean I should have to grab my ankles for them, right? ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkEternalNight on April 27, 2011, 03:43:43 PM
Just pre-ordered the bundle. Hopefully I'll be one of the 200.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on April 29, 2011, 04:29:38 PM
I could be wrong, but I don't think he's struggling financially.  Being in the inner circle, I hear about stuff going on in the monthly newsletter.  That dude goes on so many vacations, does so many worship trips in Europe (where I doubt he's making a profit), etc.

I went with the super package, had to wait because preorders started during mortgage week, so it probably won't be signed, but I don't care about that.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on April 30, 2011, 08:31:35 PM
It's only 13.98 at amazon.com.  This is for the regular 2 cd version.  The special edition (2cd + dvd) is only 3 dollars more.  I've bought his new stuff from amazon before, I don't always go through radiant.  I was suckered in with the advance digital download, and I really wanted the book (which I haven't seen available anywhere else yet).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 02, 2011, 08:33:49 AM
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Y8WOSA/ref=dm_sp_alb

Looks like the second disc of the album is now available for MP3 download on Amazon! Just bought "Seeds Of Gold" for $0.99!!! It's downloading now...can't wait to listen to this 26 minute EPIC... review to follow sometime today...

EDIT - Actually, I bought the whole 2nd disc (I mean, it's only 3 songs, $2.97...can't beat that price for over 36 minutes of music) just so I can listen to the complete album, albeit in MP3 form, by week's end when the RadiantRecords download becomes available on Thursday!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 02, 2011, 09:14:56 AM
I also just bought the second disc for $2.97 from amazon.  The first two songs sounded pretty cool, but I am pretty bored halfway through this long epic.  I am already looking at the time, wondering when it is gonna be finished.  Not a good sign.  Too many keyboards, not enough guitar, and none of the vocal melodies are grabbing me.  But we'll see...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on May 02, 2011, 09:19:55 AM
Just got it myself. Coolio. Why is it already on amazon? That has to be a mistake.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 02, 2011, 09:22:47 AM
Naturally, as soon as I submit that last post, the songs gets a lot more guitar heavy in the second half. :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 02, 2011, 09:23:13 AM
I also just bought the second disc for $2.97 from amazon.  The first two songs sounded pretty cool, but I am pretty bored halfway through this long epic.  I am already looking at the time, wondering when it is gonna be finished.  Not a good sign.  Too many keyboards, not enough guitar, and none of the vocal melodies are grabbing me.  But we'll see...

Wait until you hear Steve Morse's guitar solo near the end!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 02, 2011, 09:28:42 AM
Seeds of Gold is amazing so far. I have to leave so I will give it a full listen later, and I'll buy the other two later as well. Sounds really awesome.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on May 02, 2011, 09:31:53 AM
I'm listening to Absolute Beginner now. I like it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 02, 2011, 09:44:16 AM
I am taking my wife to the NYC show. She has to be as big a Neal Morse fan as their is. She gets so emotional listening to his music, she often cry's. She is like a kid waiting for Christmas. We never rarely go to shows together because she has little interest in concerts. I usually go with my guy friends so, this night is going to be special. I'm sure she will weep during the show at least a couple times.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 02, 2011, 09:51:33 AM
"Seeds Of Gold" - a typical Neal Morse epic with multiple parts/movements, and the lyrics aren't has terribly in-your-face as some of his recent albums! It sounds like something he could have done with SB or TA, lyrically speaking, AND musically speaking. I will agree with Kev that there are a lot of keyboards in the piece, but I like keyboards, especially when Neal plays them. If you want guitar in this song, you've got it near the end with Steve Morse's epic solo, followed by the big recapitulation of the opening themes, in only the way Neal does! :tup
Mike and Randy do a great job backing up Neal, but I haven't had much of a CLOSE listen to really hear their parts, but it sounds like they're really locked in to Neal's music, as usual, and provide a great rhythm section for Neal's palette of sounds.

"Absolute Beginner" - Nice opening, and it reminds of me so many of Neal's single-sounding rock songs (like "King Jesus" from One), and this time it's complete with a fade-out! lol It's very listen-able and fun and positive and uplifting, and I love that Neal can write great music in this vein! So energetic and rocking, you can't help but smile and nod along to this song all the way to the end!

"Supernatural" - The opening guitar reminds me of some of his Pre-Testimony solo songs, which is a good thing. He had some great songs on his first two solo albums! This is another good song and the synth-motif that comes back is very hum-able and catchy! Neal knows how to get a melody stuck in your head!

Upon first impression, this whole disc, even though it's 3 tracks, I might have to rank above the entirety of Lifeline and it's 7 tracks. Something about that album never really stuck with me, but these 3 tracks sound very fresh and powerful to me whereas most of Lifeline sounded very rehashed to me at the time of its release.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on May 02, 2011, 09:52:25 AM
for some reason "seeds of gold" is showing purchased, but not downloading to HD.  any ideas why?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 02, 2011, 10:04:26 AM
Man, that's annoying!  I'm too Dutch to buy the 3 songs, even though it's only 2.97.  I've already dished out a lot of money for this.  I can only guess that it's a mistake to be on their when the release date is weeks away, but who knows.  Guess I'll wait.  In a few days I'll have the disc one download from Radiant and that will tide me over until I get the whole package in the mail.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on May 02, 2011, 10:07:07 AM
played around long enough and got all the songs....enjoying so far.  will have to continue to spin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nekov on May 02, 2011, 10:45:16 AM
I also just bought the second disc for $2.97 from amazon.  The first two songs sounded pretty cool, but I am pretty bored halfway through this long epic.  I am already looking at the time, wondering when it is gonna be finished.  Not a good sign.  Too many keyboards, not enough guitar, and none of the vocal melodies are grabbing me.  But we'll see...

Wait until you hear Steve Morse's guitar solo near the end!!!

-Marc.

What???? Steve Morse plays in this album? Is that a fail from your post or is this really true?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 02, 2011, 11:35:00 AM
I also just bought the second disc for $2.97 from amazon.  The first two songs sounded pretty cool, but I am pretty bored halfway through this long epic.  I am already looking at the time, wondering when it is gonna be finished.  Not a good sign.  Too many keyboards, not enough guitar, and none of the vocal melodies are grabbing me.  But we'll see...

Wait until you hear Steve Morse's guitar solo near the end!!!

-Marc.

What???? Steve Morse plays in this album? Is that a fail from your post or is this really true?

Straight from Neal Morse's front page on www.nealmorse.com:
Quote
Disc 2 consists of 3 great tracks. Two shorter songs and one 26:00 minute prog epic, "Seeds of Gold" which features a guitar solo by famed guitarist, Steve Morse.
Total Time: 36:51

Definitely not a fail on my part. Trust me, I've been looking forward to this album for MONTHS now, and I've pretty much read all I could about it, including reviews over the last couple weeks.

BTW, Spock's Beard is on the main album, on the song "Time Changer":
Quote
This album marks the audio reunion of Spock's Beard as it contains a "tribute" to Spock's where Neal and the guys sing an elaborate vocal section that is reminiscent of the early days of the band.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nekov on May 02, 2011, 02:47:20 PM
I also just bought the second disc for $2.97 from amazon.  The first two songs sounded pretty cool, but I am pretty bored halfway through this long epic.  I am already looking at the time, wondering when it is gonna be finished.  Not a good sign.  Too many keyboards, not enough guitar, and none of the vocal melodies are grabbing me.  But we'll see...

Wait until you hear Steve Morse's guitar solo near the end!!!

-Marc.

What???? Steve Morse plays in this album? Is that a fail from your post or is this really true?

Straight from Neal Morse's front page on www.nealmorse.com:
Quote
Disc 2 consists of 3 great tracks. Two shorter songs and one 26:00 minute prog epic, "Seeds of Gold" which features a guitar solo by famed guitarist, Steve Morse.
Total Time: 36:51

Definitely not a fail on my part. Trust me, I've been looking forward to this album for MONTHS now, and I've pretty much read all I could about it, including reviews over the last couple weeks.

BTW, Spock's Beard is on the main album, on the song "Time Changer":
Quote
This album marks the audio reunion of Spock's Beard as it contains a "tribute" to Spock's where Neal and the guys sing an elaborate vocal section that is reminiscent of the early days of the band.

-Marc.

Oh my, that is such great news. I want this album right now!!!! :caffeine:

Sorry I doubted you Marc, I promise I won't make the same mistake next time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on May 02, 2011, 05:30:21 PM
You know, the new disc almost sounds like Neal's returning to secular music in my opinion. Sure, the spirituality is still there, but the lyrics remind me much more of something from like BAF than any of Neal's recent solo stuff.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 02, 2011, 07:38:35 PM
You know, the new disc almost sounds like Neal's returning to secular music in my opinion. Sure, the spirituality is still there, but the lyrics remind me much more of something from like BAF than any of Neal's recent solo stuff.

I feel the SAME exact way. It's no less secular than his SB albums or his first two solo albums. I mean, come on, songs like "The Light", "The Doorway" and "The Good Don't Last" are clearly metaphors for religious ideas and beliefs, just not without blatant references like his post-SB solo albums. It seems like the lyrics on the 2nd Disc are more along those lines, and musically, they're pretty fresh to my ears. Sure, they have that signature Neal Morse touch to them, but it's Neal, what else can you expect? It just sounds like Neal with some new ideas while injecting his own sound into them!

However, to balance it out, I fully expect the main album to be riddled with "Jesus" and "God" amongst the lyrics, but I'm okay with that - it's HIS story, and HIS life, and he wants to tell it... and I am willing to listen.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 02, 2011, 07:55:46 PM

Oh my, that is such great news. I want this album right now!!!! :caffeine:

Sorry I doubted you Marc, I promise I won't make the same mistake next time.

Oh it's all good, Nekov! No worries. I was actually quite surprised at BOTH of those cameos, but less so about Steve Morse considering their collaboration on the MMPLM album (Neal Morse, Steve Morse, Mike Portnoy, Dave LaRue, and Casey McPherson)... but what DOES surprise me is that Steve's contribution is not on the main album but rather the 26 minute epic on the 2nd disc!

Cannot wait to get the MP3 from Radiant in 3 days! I'm going to wake up early to download it and hopefully listen to it before I have to go to work at noon on Thursday!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 03, 2011, 04:10:42 AM
Wow, this is not cheap.  But I gotta bite the bullet and do it...
I did.

Went for the best package. 50 bucks!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 03, 2011, 04:12:10 AM
played around long enough and got all the songs....enjoying so far.  will have to continue to spin
How did you manage that? I am jealous.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ShadowWalker on May 03, 2011, 07:55:12 AM
Listening to the main CD right now. Got it playing as I am here at work, so not necessarily giving it my full attention. So far, I am enjoying what I am hearing...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 03, 2011, 08:13:39 AM
Seeds of Gold is pretty good. Hope it grows on me some more. It's not bad, but it hasn't hit me yet.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on May 03, 2011, 08:15:15 AM
Seeds of Gold hit me, and pretty damn hard. Something about the lyrics.

I've listened to it like 100 times already.

The production is bad, though. These are just demos, I hope, right?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 03, 2011, 08:19:08 AM
Admittedly, I was half asleep and about to hit a food coma when I listened to it...so I can't remember much of it. :lol

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ShadowWalker on May 03, 2011, 09:06:38 AM
Seeds of Gold hit me, and pretty damn hard. Something about the lyrics.

I've listened to it like 100 times already.

The production is bad, though. These are just demos, I hope, right?

Do you have a link that I could hear one of the short songs and compare it to the CDs I am listening to right now?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 03, 2011, 09:30:25 AM
Seeds of Gold for sure is not a demo (I have the demo version on an inner circle disc).  I wouldnt be surprised if the production isnt totally top notch.  In my opinion, the songs on Lifelines bonus disc had production not nearly as good as the main disc as well.  Having now heard the 3 songs on disc 2, I think disc one will be quite a bit better.  Im not disappointed with them, but Neals songwriting I think is better in conceptual pieces and he was probably in the zone when writing T2.  These are random songs not written during those writing sessions.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 03, 2011, 10:34:14 AM
Ha ha ha, boy am I stupid. . .  I was on my lunchbreak, checking e-mails and stuff.  I decided to reorganize emails. . .  Somehow I accidentally deleted my e-mail from Radiant records that included my link and password for downloading Testimony 2. . .  And of course I had just emptied the trash can, so it is irretrievable and gone forever.  The ironic thing is, I was just thinking about forwarding it to my work e-mail to make sure I didnt lose it.  When I went to it to forward it, it was gone!!!

(deep breath)  I guess on the bright side I have more to look forward to when it arrives in the mail!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 03, 2011, 02:31:39 PM
May I ask how you all are listening to the new CD? I want to listen to it!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 03, 2011, 02:39:59 PM
May I ask how you all are listening to the new CD? I want to listen to it!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Y8WOSA/ref=dm_sp_alb

Looks like the second disc of the album is now available for MP3 download on Amazon! Just bought "Seeds Of Gold" for $0.99!!! It's downloading now...can't wait to listen to this 26 minute EPIC... review to follow sometime today...

EDIT - Actually, I bought the whole 2nd disc (I mean, it's only 3 songs, $2.97...can't beat that price for over 36 minutes of music) just so I can listen to the complete album, albeit in MP3 form, by week's end when the RadiantRecords download becomes available on Thursday!

-Marc.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ShadowWalker on May 03, 2011, 03:33:46 PM
May I ask how you all are listening to the new CD? I want to listen to it!

As a part-time, noncompensated music journalist who contributes to a website when I feel so inspired, I received a promo copy (2CD version, no artwork) in prep for an interview I will be doing with Neal. I will have to pony-up for a CD so I can get the artwork at some point...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: lonestar on May 03, 2011, 03:53:24 PM
Thanks guys, I appreciate all the appreciation. :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 03, 2011, 03:53:43 PM
Supernatural is an amazing, addictive song!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on May 03, 2011, 04:07:18 PM
played around long enough and got all the songs....enjoying so far.  will have to continue to spin
How did you manage that? I am jealous.

just all songs from disc 2 via amazon...are you still jealous?   :-*
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 03, 2011, 09:40:26 PM
So I've been listening to T2-Disc 2 a LOT in the last day or so and it's just growing on me more and more, and "Seeds Of Gold" is fastly becoming one of my favorite Neal Morse epics!

I really cannot wait to hear the album on Thursday! I don't think I've been this excited about a new Neal Morse album in a LONG time. Then again, the MMPLM project has me on the edge of my seat!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on May 03, 2011, 09:47:37 PM
so all songs on disc 2 are for DL on Amazon.. and i get a free download of disc 1 through the pre order on the 5th? im pumped!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 03, 2011, 10:06:33 PM
so all songs on disc 2 are for DL on Amazon.. and i get a free download of disc 1 through the pre order on the 5th? im pumped!

I know, right?! It's perfect! I was sad that I wouldn't be able to hear Disc 2 until I got the physical album, but I'm glad I stumbled upon Amazon's uploading of the 2nd disc on MP3 download! What a wonderful coincidence!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 04, 2011, 05:33:31 AM
played around long enough and got all the songs....enjoying so far.  will have to continue to spin
How did you manage that? I am jealous.

just all songs from disc 2 via amazon...are you still jealous?   :-*
Nope, I'm listening to it as we speak!
:tick2:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on May 04, 2011, 04:46:26 PM
So do you think ill be able to DL the first Disc at 12:01? i REALLLLY want to hear it
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 04, 2011, 04:52:00 PM
So Marc (and others who have been listening), it seems from what I've read that only disk 1 is a continuation of the Testimony storyline and that the songs on disk 2 are completely unrelated, is that correct?  (I preordered and have not downloaded anything yet--waiting for the DL tomorrow and snail mail for my hard copy)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 04, 2011, 05:04:01 PM
So Marc (and others who have been listening), it seems from what I've read that only disk 1 is a continuation of the Testimony storyline and that the songs on disk 2 are completely unrelated, is that correct?  (I preordered and have not downloaded anything yet--waiting for the DL tomorrow and snail mail for my hard copy)

Indeed, Testimony 2 is a (near-)direct continuation of the first Testimony album, and it even begins with "Part 6", and continues with "Part 7" and "Part 8". And as per Mike's and Randy's suggestions, Neal included themes/motifs from the first album in the new one, as heard in various YouTube sneak-peaks that have floated around in the last month.

The second disc consists of 3 original songs that are unrelated to the Testimony storyline/concept, and you can read all my thoughts on it on the previous page. Actually I am listening to "Seeds of Gold" as I type, here at work, bored out of my mind :lol

I was also wondering if the Radiant download will be available after midnight tonight! If not, I will wake up early tomorrow morning to see if it'll be available between 8-9am EST. I've been listening to the first Testimony album in my car over the last couple days in anticipation, and up to my drive to work today, I finished "Part 4", which has some of the best music Neal has written in it. When I leave work tonight, I will be listening to "Part 5" on the drive home.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 04, 2011, 09:05:39 PM
"Seeds Of Gold" is absolutely amazing! I can't get enough of it!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on May 04, 2011, 09:19:37 PM
"Seeds Of Gold" is absolutely amazing! I can't get enough of it!
:tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 04, 2011, 09:39:26 PM
"Seeds Of Gold" is absolutely amazing! I can't get enough of it!
:tup

:tup :tup

I doubly agree. And the opening/closing refrains are just hauntingly great. "Seeds Of Gold" just reeks of Neal's awesomeness. I dare say it's his third best multi-movement, side-long epic ever (behind BAF's "Stranger" and "Duel"). It definitely beats out "The Great Nothing" and "The Water" and "So Many Roads". I really hope he plays this song on the upcoming tour!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: reneranucci on May 05, 2011, 04:30:03 AM
Did the download work for anybody? Mine keeps asking me the username and password after I write the info that came with my order from Radiant.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 05, 2011, 06:48:36 AM
Did the download work for anybody? Mine keeps asking me the username and password after I write the info that came with my order from Radiant.
I don't know if its not ready for download yet but I also can't get the "user" "password" issue solved.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 05, 2011, 06:51:38 AM
Yeah, still nothing :(

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 05, 2011, 07:44:59 AM
It's working now! Time for the first listen...oh boy!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on May 05, 2011, 09:38:21 AM
It's out?!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 05, 2011, 09:39:10 AM
I'm at Jayda in my first listen. :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 05, 2011, 09:56:50 AM
I'm just on the intro section of Mercy Street, and I already have chills from the way that immediate reprise is done.  :lol

Kinda bitter about the fact that the advance preview is only for disk 1.  I know it's only a few bucks for disk 2 on Amazon, but given that I've already given Radiant Records almost $50 for the full package, I'm not inclined to spend a penny more.

Oh, and Nick, you BADLY need to update the release date thread.  I was looking for a quick reference to remind me when the release date is for this album and was annoyed when it wasn't there.  >:(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 05, 2011, 10:00:52 AM
Did you ever post the album with the release date? Because I have updated that thread recently...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on May 05, 2011, 10:03:22 AM
Am I reading that right on Amazon that the download for the whole album is $2.97?!?!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 05, 2011, 10:05:44 AM
For disk 2 (3 songs).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on May 05, 2011, 10:07:37 AM
For disk 2 (3 songs).

Thanks.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on May 05, 2011, 10:13:27 AM
For disk 2 (3 songs).

Which, just as a reminder, is about 35 minutes worth of music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on May 05, 2011, 10:28:57 AM
listening to Disk 1 of testimony 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! see you in an hour :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 05, 2011, 10:30:15 AM
Here's my initial thoughts that I posted earlier on Neal's forums:


So far so GREAT, I'm halfway through "The Truth Will Set You Free"! I'm loving all the nods to the first Testimony album and Spock's Beard songs in here, and if I'm not mistaken, the ending of "Jesus' Blood" sounds a bit like something from Genesis' The Lamb. (Later I realized that theme sounds like "Hairless Heart").

There is some POWERFUL new music in here, and it's definitely some of Neal's best in recent years. He definitely hasn't run out of ideas and this is a worthy successor to the first Testimony album!

Anyways, discuss away! I'll only get through one listen today before I have to get ready for work, but I will try to listen to it again tonight after work! If not, there will definitely be MORE listens over the weekend!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 05, 2011, 11:13:24 AM
Marc Marc Marc so excited
He so excited


Goodness, can't wait to get this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkEternalNight on May 05, 2011, 03:06:06 PM
I like it so far, wish it wasn't 128kps though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 05, 2011, 07:29:05 PM
I couldn't figure out how to burn the disc without the delay in between each song. Is it possible?
Oh well, it will work for now till I get my real deal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on May 05, 2011, 07:32:52 PM
I couldn't figure out how to burn the disc without the delay in between each song. Is it possible?
Oh well, it will work for now till I get my real deal.

It is, but I've ever done it successfully using iTunes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 05, 2011, 07:41:24 PM
I couldn't figure out how to burn the disc without the delay in between each song. Is it possible?
Oh well, it will work for now till I get my real deal.

It is, but I've ever done it successfully using iTunes.
I tried using I tunes to download it to begin with was unable to figure out how? Couldn't seem to load it into I tunes.I just downloaded through Windows whatever.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 05, 2011, 10:39:30 PM
I'm confused about the plot.  The fact that it starts at "Part 5" seems to indicate that the events take place after those on Testimony.  But listening to the lyrics, it seems like random stuff that is scattered throughout the Testimony period.  Any help?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 05, 2011, 10:42:00 PM
My very uneducated guess, as I don't pay attention to lyrics that much, is that in telling his story since the end of the first Testimony album he is revisiting older stories as we always reflect on our own lives.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 05, 2011, 10:52:09 PM
As usual with long epics, "Seeds of Gold" took a few listens to really sink in, but I am now really digging it.  And while I haven't really focused on the lyrics at all (I almost always get into the music first, with any artist, before diving into the lyrics), it doesn't seem to be overly religious at all.  Am I wrong?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on May 05, 2011, 11:47:10 PM
As usual with long epics, "Seeds of Gold" took a few listens to really sink in, but I am now really digging it.  And while I haven't really focused on the lyrics at all (I almost always get into the music first, with any artist, before diving into the lyrics), it doesn't seem to be overly religious at all.  Am I wrong?

It's as religious as the stuff on Bridge Across Forever. It's not upfront, but if you really think about it, it's there.

The lyrics hit me right away and are the reason I love it so much. I also love the ending though. The "surprise last note" at the very, very end is really something.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 06, 2011, 04:22:15 AM
Portnoy confirmed via twitter that the entire first disc will be played on tour. I had assumed as much but it's good to know.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 06, 2011, 05:54:13 AM
As usual with long epics, "Seeds of Gold" took a few listens to really sink in, but I am now really digging it.  And while I haven't really focused on the lyrics at all (I almost always get into the music first, with any artist, before diving into the lyrics), it doesn't seem to be overly religious at all.  Am I wrong?
It took me one listen to realize its one of my favorite solo Neal pieces.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 06, 2011, 06:26:43 AM
How are the two non-epics on disc 2? I haven't bought them yet but I probably will some time soon (although due to my roulette, I may just hold over til I get the actual album).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 06, 2011, 08:10:54 AM
I'm confused about the plot.  The fact that it starts at "Part 5" seems to indicate that the events take place after those on Testimony.  But listening to the lyrics, it seems like random stuff that is scattered throughout the Testimony period.  Any help?

My very uneducated guess, as I don't pay attention to lyrics that much, is that in telling his story since the end of the first Testimony album he is revisiting older stories as we always reflect on our own lives.

So far, I seem to find it a bit lacking.  Because it does not cover new ground in terms of the subject matter, it doesn't convey a big "Oomph!" at the end for me like the original.  And while I like the music, including the incredible job he did of incorporating some great reprises in with plenty of new stuff, it almost has a feeling of this just being the leftovers from the first session.  Or maybe I'm just not getting it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on May 06, 2011, 08:29:51 AM
I'm feeling like Neal needs to reign his fans back in, spiritually speaking. I'd honestly be surprised if most of his fans are even Christians, and people are getting a bit tired of hearing the same message over and over again. The Whirlwind was a great step for him in the right direction, because the first 80 percent of it was secular enough that all of his fans, even his non-Christian ones, could connect with it on some kind of level. "Seeds of Gold" is the same way; it's got that Bridge Across Forever effect to it that spreads the message without beating the listener over the head with it. And it's so much better than anything on the first disc imo.

Looking more forward to what he does with his other project with Mike Portnoy and Steve Morse now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 06, 2011, 08:44:03 AM
I'm feeling like Neal needs to reign his fans back in, spiritually speaking. I'd honestly be surprised if most of his fans are even Christians, and people are getting a bit tired of hearing the same message over and over again.

It's not that at all.  It's just that I'm not feeling he executed the message well on this album.  But then again, it took a couple of years for Testimony to really click, so...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on May 06, 2011, 08:47:51 AM
Eh, I think Lifeline more-or-less said it. Many, though not all, of Neal's fans aren't going to go for the message unless the music is there because, let's face it, few people can pump out prog epics like he can.

You might not agree now, but I'll be curious to hear what your take on it is once you hear how much better Seeds of Gold is than anything he's done recently. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 06, 2011, 08:49:00 AM
I'm feeling like Neal needs to reign his fans back in, spiritually speaking. I'd honestly be surprised if most of his fans are even Christians, and people are getting a bit tired of hearing the same message over and over again.

I don't think its been the same message over and over?
Question Mark was about the Ark Of The Covenant, and living under the law.
Sola Scriptura was about Martin Luther and the hippocracy of the early church.
Testimony is how Neal found the Lord.
 Sure, he does use a lot of the same themes, but his lyrics are ok by me.
Some of his songs are about the pain of life without the Lord, while others speak of the joy to be had with him. He is a Christian artist in a genre where they don't really exist, so he is bringing his message to many who don't receive it any other way, and that to me is cool.
Just my thoughts.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 06, 2011, 09:12:37 AM
PC, that is why I figured.  Nothing in the long epic has struck me as being overly religious. 

I agree with tick in that the message is not always the same, just because the lyrics are always spiritual/religious.  That is like saying that a band that writes political lyrics writes about the same stuff on every album.  It is possible to have a broad range of topics to write about within something that seems narrow on the surface.

Also, does Steve Morse play on the regular album?  Please say yes...;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 06, 2011, 10:04:50 AM
I'm feeling like Neal needs to reign his fans back in, spiritually speaking. I'd honestly be surprised if most of his fans are even Christians, and people are getting a bit tired of hearing the same message over and over again.

It's not that at all.  It's just that I'm not feeling he executed the message well on this album.  But then again, it took a couple of years for Testimony to really click, so...
I don't know Bosk, the story about his daughter and her healing is just wow to me! and the amount of personal info he shares is amazing in talking about his state when he found out she was healed. The whole thing kind of blows me away.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 06, 2011, 10:40:02 AM
I'm not saying there weren't powerful moments.  I teared up during Jayda as well.  But at the end of the day, like everything else on Testimony 2, it was all covered the first time around and only gave a few more specific details, so I didn't feel the emotional impact of the entire album as a piece of music as much.  Does that make sense?

With T1, there are those powerful moments.  But there is also the climax of all those powerful moments fitting into the larger story with the big resolution.

T2 tries to do the same thing.  But the larger story is simply the same exact larger story as T1, so there are still those individual powerful moments without the big payoff in the end.  I dunno.  Maybe I just feel that way because I was expecting this to be a continuation rather than a retelling, and I need to get over my preconception to really enjoy what is going on.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 06, 2011, 10:53:29 AM
Thanks for clearing that up Bosk. I was thinking of a 'story after' T1 as well, but a retelling makes it a bit different indeed.

Oh well, I'll have to wait a while before listening to the album anyway.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 06, 2011, 10:58:12 AM
I'm not saying there weren't powerful moments.  I teared up during Jayda as well.  But at the end of the day, like everything else on Testimony 2, it was all covered the first time around and only gave a few more specific details, so I didn't feel the emotional impact of the entire album as a piece of music as much.  Does that make sense?

With T1, there are those powerful moments.  But there is also the climax of all those powerful moments fitting into the larger story with the big resolution.

T2 tries to do the same thing.  But the larger story is simply the same exact larger story as T1, so there are still those individual powerful moments without the big payoff in the end.  I dunno.  Maybe I just feel that way because I was expecting this to be a continuation rather than a retelling, and I need to get over my preconception to really enjoy what is going on.
I'm probably guilty of being too big a fan and not analyzing it too much. I like what I hear, even if much of it is expounding on events in T1. I think its going to sound great live as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 06, 2011, 04:32:48 PM
So, here's a question.  I've been undecided about this for years.  Which is the most awesome 3-song stretch on T1?
(a)  Somber Days, Long Story, It's All I Can Do  OR
(b)  In The Middle, The Storm Before The Calm, Oh, to Feel Him
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 06, 2011, 04:34:56 PM
B, although A is a good contender. B just packs so much into 3 songs, especiallly TSBTC
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 06, 2011, 07:44:25 PM
It seems like a quote from Randy was along the lines of T2 taking off where T1 left off. . .  Continuation-wise it doesn't seem like it fits.  But, if the first testimony album had a third disc, it's not inconceivable that he would have gone into detail on things that led to his conversion (Jayda) and things he had to do after (leaving Spock's).  I'm just speculating, really.  I've only heard two songs so far (whatever I've seen on youtube).  I admit, one of those is "It's For You", and lyrically, it's nothing new.  Musically, it's frickin amazing!  Even if T2 is just a different version of T1 (same story told differently with new music) I think I'll be pleased.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 06, 2011, 08:01:18 PM
Got a promotional credit for an MP3 download from Amazon... so the song I decided to get was an easy choice...

Seeds of Gold FTFW.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 06, 2011, 10:25:41 PM
So, here's a question.  I've been undecided about this for years.  Which is the most awesome 3-song stretch on T1?
(a)  Somber Days, Long Story, It's All I Can Do  OR
(b)  In The Middle, The Storm Before The Calm, Oh, to Feel Him

(a) is slightly better of the two, but Sing It High, Moving in My Heart and I am Willing might be better than both.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 07, 2011, 06:02:56 AM
So, here's a question.  I've been undecided about this for years.  Which is the most awesome 3-song stretch on T1?
(a)  Somber Days, Long Story, It's All I Can Do  OR
(b)  In The Middle, The Storm Before The Calm, Oh, to Feel Him
B
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 07, 2011, 08:37:00 AM
So, here's a question.  I've been undecided about this for years.  Which is the most awesome 3-song stretch on T1?
(a)  Somber Days, Long Story, It's All I Can Do  OR
(b)  In The Middle, The Storm Before The Calm, Oh, to Feel Him

A for me.  Although if B would have been I am Willing/In the Middle/The Storm I may have gone for that.  My personal favorite 3 songs in a row on Testimony are Overture 1/California Nights/Colder in the Sun.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 07, 2011, 05:18:48 PM
Just came to say, while listening to it, that "Seeds Of Gold" is quite possibly one of Neal's best epics, EVER, and his best long-song since "Stranger In Your Soul". The lyrics are emotionally moving and VERY sing-along-able and memorable! He just has this way of writing melodies that just latch onto your heart and soul and mind and lyrically, it's just great!

My favorite part has to be the "Homecoming" section in the middle, especially the lyric:
"But now that you're older you're like the new husband
Who lifts up the veil from off of his bride
And finds that she's not quite the young girl that he had in mind."

It sounds so depressing but the chorus is just fascinating:
"But there's a homecoming beyond the danger zone
Where you'll never feel alone
And tomorrow feels like home
Yes, there's a homecoming when you'll admit you're wrong
WHen you're tired and you've lived too long
Come on home where you belong"

Which then goes into the EPIC Steve Morse guitar solo before flowing into the closing recap of the opening themes with yet another catchy chorus:
"Look away to a place where this war is worlds away
Where it's all about you and it's not about me
To a place where you know you'll be okay
And it's all about you and you get it for free
And I have my whole life in front of me"

I really hope Neal and his band(s) play this on the upcoming tour! I won't be seeing him, but knowing that he'll likely record a show for DVD/CD release, I'd love to hear it performed live!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 07, 2011, 05:39:34 PM
So Many Roads is my favorite epic of his, even above anything with Transatlantic.  Since Lifeline came out, it's pretty much been my theme song.  But I like Seeds of Gold about equally with his other epics (Stranger, Great Nothing, etc).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 07, 2011, 08:08:55 PM
So Many Roads is my favorite epic of his, even above anything with Transatlantic.  Since Lifeline came out, it's pretty much been my theme song.  But I like Seeds of Gold about equally with his other epics (Stranger, Great Nothing, etc).

"So Many Roads" is pretty good, if a bit lengthy. I'd say it's definitely Top 5 and it's right there with his other biographical epic, "The Great Nothing", tied for 5th (behind "Seeds Of Gold", "Duel With The Devil" and "Stranger In Your Soul"). Neal knows how to write amazing 20-30 minute epics!

I think "So Many Roads" definitely saved Lifeline for me, and it's a great way to climax the album and then close with the soaring "Fly High". The title track is pretty good too, but over-all I felt the tracklist of the album was very SB-ish, particularly like V - open with an epic, climax with a multi-movement epic, and toss a few shorter songs in between. I think I enjoyed the covers a bit more than the shorter songs between the epics, but then again, I love it when Mike and Neal do covers of ANYTHING - they know SO much music together, they could probably record/perform covers for the rest of their lives and be happy!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 07, 2011, 08:59:57 PM
About to send off an email to Neal's PR guy in hopes of an interview, wish me luck!

Edit: As long as schedules can match up this will be happening. :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 07, 2011, 09:30:33 PM
Wait, "The Great Nothing" is biographical?  I thought it was about Kevin Gilbert. ???
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 08, 2011, 05:37:39 AM
So Many Roads is awesome. It's super-progressive and has some great moments. I can see why some people may not like it that much, though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 08, 2011, 08:47:41 AM
Wait, "The Great Nothing" is biographical?  I thought it was about Kevin Gilbert. ???

Hmmm, maybe it is. I'll have watch The Making Of V again to see what Neal has to say about it but you might be right. Either way, it's a bio-epic song, as is "So Many Roads" in a similar manner. However, "Seeds Of Gold" doesn't seem so inherently biographical, but more philosophical and allegorical like DWTD and SIYS.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 09, 2011, 06:59:17 AM
2 Mondays from today!!! Neal in NYC!!!!
I can't wait for the show! :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 09, 2011, 01:53:15 PM
Surprised at the love for So Many Roads, I think it's a chore to get through and one of the low points of Lifeline along with Fly High.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: j on May 09, 2011, 02:33:21 PM
Surprised at the love for So Many Roads, I think it's a chore to get through and one of the low points of Lifeline along with Fly High.

For realz?  It is a little drawn out, but it, Leviathan, and the title track are the highlights of the album IMO.

-J
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 09, 2011, 02:52:29 PM
Children of the Chosen is my favorite, personally.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: juice on May 09, 2011, 04:32:06 PM
I just listened to the Testimony 2 trailer and it sounds like awesome stuff.  It might just be the 2nd Neal Morse album I buy.  First being Sola Scriptura.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: jsem on May 09, 2011, 04:34:01 PM
I just listened to the Testimony 2 trailer and it sounds like awesome stuff.  It might just be the 2nd Neal Morse album I buy.  First being Sola Scriptura.  :metal
Amirite here (you real fans) when I tell juice to get Testimony first. I dunno, this is a sequel - might be a good idea to listen to the first album first.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: juice on May 09, 2011, 04:41:53 PM
I thought about that too but I don't know.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 09, 2011, 04:44:16 PM
I haven't heard it yet, but I think for continuity reasons he should get T1 first.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 09, 2011, 04:51:07 PM
Having heard it, I can say having T1 is not necessary since, storywise, T2 does NOT simply pick up where T1 left off.  Musically, there are some neat things that occur, the significance of which will be lost if you haven't heard T1.  For instance, there is a section of the story in T2 where Neal is talking about just doing his own thing and not really worrying about his spiritual life, and the main riff from Prince of the Power of the Air comes in for a few measures, and then transitions back to the original riff in the song.  Although he is much more subtle in the lyrics, the music is very blatantly saying "Satan was clearly in charge of my life at that point in time," but someone who hasn't listened to T1 wouldn't pick up on that.  There are some other moments like that as well.  But even so, I don't think it's necessary to have heard T1 first.  In fact, if he likes what he is hearing on T2, getting that first might be more beneficial because it is more compact.  T1 is very long AND very dense, and it took me a VERY long time to even want to absorb everything that is going on.  If someone gets T2 first and likes it, they will have more of an incentive to get into T1 and will probably have an easier time with it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 09, 2011, 04:53:00 PM
Oh. I trust bosk1 when he talks about Neal Morse/Lonestar.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on May 09, 2011, 07:12:32 PM
The best song from Lifeline is "Leviathan".

Such a great tune!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 09, 2011, 08:22:58 PM
Leviathan, Lifeline, Children of the Chosen and So Many Roads are ALL fantastic songs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on May 09, 2011, 08:38:23 PM
Oh. I trust bosk1 when he talks about Neal Morse/Lonestar.

You remember he doesn't like ?, right?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 09, 2011, 08:39:37 PM
It's possible to not like ??
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 09, 2011, 08:56:08 PM
hey Nick, just go ahead and ban bosk.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 09, 2011, 09:03:31 PM
I've been listening to Testimony 2 pretty much all weekend and today, but all this talk of Lifeline really has me wanting to listen to it again with fresh and objective years! I will agree, though, that "Lifeline", "Leviathan" and "So Many Roads" are the better tracks on the album!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 10, 2011, 08:54:08 AM
I agree with bosk1. Testimony 2 is more like he took a magnifying glass over one area of Testimony. Neal dealing with leaving Spock's Beard and questioning weather the whole God thing was real, and really for him.

Although, I feel that if you are accustomed to long progressive rock music, you should still go ahead with Testimony first. It is an amazing album.  Testimony 2 is really taking a lot of time for me to digest and "get", even though it is shorter. Testimony just clicked right away (Although I first experienced it through the live DVD).

On another note, my wife just bought me One. I've heard bits and pieces before, but after listening to the whole album, wow! I don't think it will de-throne ? as my favorite Neal Morse album, but it's close.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 10, 2011, 09:41:25 AM
^Yeah, I am still undecided as to whether I like ? or One more. I give the edge to One because of The Creation. If we are talking about the version of One with the 3 extra tracks, then One wins.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 10, 2011, 09:45:14 AM
One is probably my second favorite Neal solo CD behind ?, but I still don't like how he tacked "The Spirit and the Flesh" on and made it the second half of "Help Me."  "Help Me" should have been its own song, instead of tacking some needless reprise on to it and calling it the second half of the song.  "Reunion" is a fantastic closer, however. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 10, 2011, 10:16:31 AM
^Yeah, I am still undecided as to whether I like ? or One more. I give the edge to One because of The Creation. If we are talking about the version of One with the 3 extra tracks, then One wins.

^^^This^^^

I love the "restored tracklisting" as I call it, and it's the ONLY way I listen to One, either on my iPod or on my CDs. It's a great album and has long been my favorite Neal Morse solo album, although Testimony 2 is a STRONG contender, with tracks like "Jayda", "The Truth Will Set You Free", and "It's For You" on the main album, and the epic "Seeds Of Gold" on the bonus disc. There is just some awesomely STRONG and EMOTIONAL music on T2, and I hope it comes off that way in the live setting!

As for One, the epics are really strong and some of Neal's best pieces ever, and I love MP's drumming in "Author Of Confusion"! Also, "King Jesus" is just such an uplifting and rocking number, how can you NOT like it?!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 10, 2011, 10:40:19 AM
Well Marc, I have you to thank for finding out about those tracks. :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 10, 2011, 10:49:59 AM
Wait, what 3 extra tracks. What are you on about?

Gah! And now I find out there is a special edition.... which is only on amazon as an import, hence me ignoring it.   >:(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nekov on May 10, 2011, 10:54:23 AM
Just finishing my first listen of the testimony 2. So far I'm liking it. Still have to listen to the 2nd CD
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 10, 2011, 11:47:32 AM
Wait, what 3 extra tracks. What are you on about?

Gah! And now I find out there is a special edition.... which is only on amazon as an import, hence me ignoring it.   >:(

"King Jesus"
"Back to the Garden"
"Nothing to Believe"

Get these tracks now. The restored tracklisting on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_(Neal_Morse_album)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nekov on May 10, 2011, 12:19:10 PM
Just finished listening to CD 2. I love Neal!!! I wasn't expecting such a good record since I think Lifeline was a little weak and I didn't really get into Testimony 1. But Neal got it done just right. Plus, I'm very happy to listen to MP again.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 10, 2011, 12:36:00 PM
Where would I find them?


"King Jesus"
"Back to the Garden"
"Nothing to Believe"


Get these tracks now. The restored tracklisting on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_(Neal_Morse_album)

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 10, 2011, 02:43:49 PM
I am digging both discs but "Seeds Of Gold" is blow away! :metal

CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NYC SHOW!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 10, 2011, 03:55:16 PM
Where would I find them?


"King Jesus"
"Back to the Garden"
"Nothing to Believe"


Get these tracks now. The restored tracklisting on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_(Neal_Morse_album)


Well, I obtained them with some searching...I guess you'd have to reorder the special edition or check iTunes (shudder) or Amazon to see if they have the tracks.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 11, 2011, 05:13:15 PM
Testimony 2 is quickly rising up the Neal Morse album ladder.  Of course it's too early to rate it amongst my favorites, but it is definately really good.  Actually the only solo NM album I don't absolutely love is ?.  Not sure why. . .

My favorite song is probably Jesus Bring Me Home.  What a great tune filled with so much emotion!  Jesus' Blood probably comes in second for songs.  Another of my favorite parts of the album is the Mercy Street reprise in the last track. 

There is not a single track that is weak on the album.  I love all the references to other songs.  There's the obvious ones, like the part from the Water, and stuff from T1, but I love the piano part that plays part of Lifeline, or the part that (I think) is at the end of It's For You and the music refers to Eyes of a Saviour from So Many Roads.  It's bloody brilliant!

Disc 2 is excellent, but since I've had disc one I haven't even been tempted to go back to disc 2 yet.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 11, 2011, 05:29:40 PM
As of this moment...

? > One > T2 > Lifeline > T1 > Sola
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 11, 2011, 05:38:09 PM
So far, T2 isn't really clicking with me much.  :(  

Thus far, it is a VERY distant #2 in my new album rankings for 2011.  And that's disappointing because I have only bought 3 albums, and one is a covers album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on May 11, 2011, 07:56:33 PM
Have you listened to Seeds of Gold yet?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 11, 2011, 08:01:30 PM
"It's for You"? More like "It's for Muse" amirite?

Seriously though, I wonder how much influence MP had on that track, seeing as how much he likes Muse. It is one of my favorites on the album.  And I can say that I like Neal doing Muse better than I like DT doing Muse.

I still don't have Lifeline, so I can't say for sure, but, this is probably Neal's most modern sounding track in all of his solo work. (I only have 2 SB albums.)

Thoughts?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 11, 2011, 11:48:37 PM
So far, T2 isn't really clicking with me much.  :(  

Hmmmm, let me get this straight:

-Almost everyone who has heard Testimony 2 seems to be really liking it a lot.  You do not.

-Most Neal fans seem to rave like crazy over ?.  Meanwhile, you don't care for it.

I am now pretty confident that I am gonna like this a lot. :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on May 12, 2011, 02:12:53 AM
As of this moment...

? > One > T2 > Lifeline > T1 > Sola

 :tdwn
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 12, 2011, 08:18:50 AM
Have you listened to Seeds of Gold yet?

Nope.  Even though it's cheap, I spent so much on the full package that I refuse to spend any more money on this album, especially for songs that I will eventually have when it ships.  Looking forward to it though.


So far, T2 isn't really clicking with me much.  :(  

Hmmmm, let me get this straight:

-Almost everyone who has heard Testimony 2 seems to be really liking it a lot.  You do not.

-Most Neal fans seem to rave like crazy over ?.  Meanwhile, you don't care for it.

I am now pretty confident that I am gonna like this a lot. :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:


:lol  Yeah, well I also think Leviathan is FAR AND AWAY the worst track on Lifeline, so there you have it.  My fail is now complete.  :bosky:

But seriously, I don't dislike T2.  I'm just not connecting with it so far.  Not sure why.  Neal is just kind of hit or miss with me, I guess, for whatever reason.  One and Sola Scriptura are top 10 albums for me, and Testimony is not far behind.  I don't hate ?, Lifeline, or T2, but I just don't really connect with them either. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on May 12, 2011, 08:35:36 AM
I also think Leviathan is FAR AND AWAY the worst track on Lifeline
whoa, we agree on something
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 12, 2011, 08:43:31 AM
Odd.  I must be doin' it wrong.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 12, 2011, 08:47:07 AM
So far, T2 isn't really clicking with me much.  :(  

Hmmmm, let me get this straight:

-Almost everyone who has heard Testimony 2 seems to be really liking it a lot.  You do not.

-Most Neal fans seem to rave like crazy over ?.  Meanwhile, you don't care for it.

I am now pretty confident that I am gonna like this a lot. :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:


Haha same here. And Leviathan is awesome and fun.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 12, 2011, 09:11:51 AM
No comments on the Muse influence? I thought it was interesting... but men.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 12, 2011, 09:13:59 AM
I haven't heard it yet...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on May 12, 2011, 09:40:42 AM
I just listened to the teaser sample.  And nothing clicked with me.......is there anything as strong as Somber Days, Colder in the Sun, California Nights, or All I Can Do?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 12, 2011, 09:42:22 AM
Starting with disc one now! I'm psyched!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 12, 2011, 10:15:21 AM
I just listened to the teaser sample.  And nothing clicked with me.......is there anything as strong as Somber Days, Colder in the Sun, California Nights, or All I Can Do?

I think so.  Jesus Bring Me Home and Crossing Over are both as powerful, at least to me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on May 12, 2011, 10:51:46 AM
Bosk, you should do a Neal Morse top 50 thread, just like everyone else.  Or maybe a top 25 or something since he doesn't have that much solo material.  But yeah you should do this.

Nick, are you gonna play any of T2 on your radio show next week?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 12, 2011, 10:57:21 AM
Nah.  Too much of his material that I haven't heard.  I couldn't do it justice.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on May 12, 2011, 10:59:31 AM
Nah.  Too much of his material that I haven't heard.  I couldn't do it justice.
Awww I thought you were the Neal Morse master.  Unless you are counting the material from all those Worship CD's....honestly I have no idea where to find those.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 12, 2011, 11:03:03 AM
Aside from that, he had either 1 or 2 obscure solo albums before Testimony.  And then there are the bonus tracks for One that I don't have.  And that's just if we limit it to his solo stuff.  If we expand, I have none of the Spock's albums, and I think there were some bonus tracks on the first two TA albums, weren't there?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on May 12, 2011, 11:06:20 AM
Yeah, according to Wikipedia, he has 2 solo albums before Testimony.  And with the TA albums, it looks like the bonus tracks are either demos, jams, or alternate versions.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on May 12, 2011, 11:08:02 AM
Aside from that, he had either 1 or 2 obscure solo albums before Testimony.  And then there are the bonus tracks for One that I don't have.  And that's just if we limit it to his solo stuff.  If we expand, I have none of the Spock's albums, and I think there were some bonus tracks on the first two TA albums, weren't there?

There's some alternate versions floating around, particular Roine Stolte's mixes, but I don't think there's actually any other material, though I could be wrong.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 12, 2011, 11:09:47 AM
Nah.  Too much of his material that I haven't heard.  I couldn't do it justice.
Awww I thought you were the Neal Morse master.  Unless you are counting the material from all those Worship CD's....honestly I have no idea where to find those.

I had bought all his worship CD's (whatever he had up the point of a 2 years ago). They didn't really stick besides his covers and a song called Cloudburst.

His non-prog stuff is nowhere near as good as his prog stuff, save for Songs from the Highway, which is an awesome acoustic record he made a few years ago.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: j on May 12, 2011, 11:11:27 AM
I didn't really care for Testimony, still debating whether or not to get this.

As of this moment...

? > One > T2 > Lifeline > T1 > Sola

 :tdwn

Sola Scriptura is probably his second worst album thanks to inconsistency and bad lyrics, but the guitar solo in The Door is one of the best I've ever heard.

-J
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on May 12, 2011, 11:14:51 AM
I heard SS once and I didn't really like it, but I remember really liking the Door.

My ranking:

T1 > One > ? = SS > Lifeline
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 12, 2011, 11:17:44 AM
So far, without hearing T2

One (restored tracklisting)
?
One (standard tracklisting)
Lifeline
Testimony
SS


But I love SS still, so they are all great albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 12, 2011, 11:47:38 AM
I just listened to the teaser sample.  And nothing clicked with me.......is there anything as strong as Somber Days, Colder in the Sun, California Nights, or All I Can Do?

Not really, at least in the same way.   Some of the more notable stuff to me is the more Spock's Beard sounding tracks.  Although "The Truth Will Set You Free" is pretty strong, as well as "It's for You"

My ranking:

?

One/Testimony tie



Testimony 2





Sola Scriptura


I've only heard the title track to Lifeline so I can't rank it yet.

Oh and Bosk1, do yourself a favor and go out and buy "Snow" right away.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 12, 2011, 11:54:07 AM
Nah.  Too much of his material that I haven't heard.  I couldn't do it justice.
Awww I thought you were the Neal Morse master.  

With all due respect, around these parts, I'd say The Letter M/Marc is undoubtedly the Neal Morse master. ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on May 12, 2011, 11:59:48 AM
Nah.  Too much of his material that I haven't heard.  I couldn't do it justice.
Awww I thought you were the Neal Morse master.  

With all due respect, around these parts, I'd say The Letter M/Marc is undoubtedly the Neal Morse matter. ;)
Actually, yeah.

MARC.  DO A TOP 50.

Actually I think M does a great job at making music sound interesting by just describing it.  He's perfect for the job.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 12, 2011, 12:06:37 PM
Yeah, I've certainly never claimed that title.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 12, 2011, 12:08:28 PM
Nah.  Too much of his material that I haven't heard.  I couldn't do it justice.
Awww I thought you were the Neal Morse master.  

With all due respect, around these parts, I'd say The Letter M/Marc is undoubtedly the Neal Morse matter. ;)
Actually, yeah.

MARC.  DO A TOP 50.

Actually I think M does a great job at making music sound interesting by just describing it.  He's perfect for the job.

Oh man, you guys are putting me on a pedestal that's way too high right now  :rollin

I'll think about it! I have to absorb Testimony 2 for a few weeks or so. Would I just include the 6 Post-SB/TA Solo albums (Testimony-Testimony 2) or perhaps also include his debut self-titled album and It's Not Too Late? The former has some great stuff on it, particularly the 4-part epic "A Whole Nother Trip", while the latter is a great singer-songwriter kind of album.

I will have to think about it and give all his albums PLENTY of listens, but I don't think I'd include any SB or TA albums because Neal does have a TON of material outside of the bands he has been in.

I have been (re-)listening to a lot of Neal's albums lately, so I might be coaxed into doing a Top 50...we'll see  ;)

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on May 12, 2011, 12:10:20 PM
:caffeine:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 12, 2011, 12:11:09 PM
I think it'd be interesting to see a top 50 that covered SB, TA and solo stuff, but if you stick with just his solo stuff, you can't not consider stuff from the first two records, unless you want to call in the Neal Morse Top 50 Jesus songs. ;) :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 12, 2011, 12:15:02 PM
Yeah, I've certainly never claimed that title.

I tried to the that thread where we claim to be the biggest fan....but yeah, Marc is definitely the most knowledgeable of the span of SB, TA, and the aftermath of those.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 12, 2011, 12:24:02 PM
Hey now, I will fight anyone claiming to be #1 TA fan.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ich bin besser on May 12, 2011, 02:51:06 PM
"It's for You"? More like "It's for Muse" amirite?

Seriously though, I wonder how much influence MP had on that track, seeing as how much he likes Muse. It is one of my favorites on the album.  And I can say that I like Neal doing Muse better than I like DT doing Muse.

This is what Randy George (bass) says on Neal's forum:

Quote
    "Randy, when working on "It's for You" did the band Muse ever come up in discussion? And did Mike Portnoy have anything to do with it? "

No sir. The song was written as is by Neal. We simply played on it. That was one of the more cut and dry songs that didn't need any changes. I did however suggest to Neal that the end of that song would be the perfect place for Steve Morse to play a solo. But Paul Bielatowicz ended up doing it and shredding it just as well! I was just happy to something by Steve Morse somewhere!

Randy

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 12, 2011, 03:02:46 PM

This is what Randy George (bass) says on Neal's forum:

Quote
   "Randy, when working on "It's for You" did the band Muse ever come up in discussion? And did Mike Portnoy have anything to do with it? "

No sir. The song was written as is by Neal. We simply played on it. That was one of the more cut and dry songs that didn't need any changes. I did however suggest to Neal that the end of that song would be the perfect place for Steve Morse to play a solo. But Paul Bielatowicz ended up doing it and shredding it just as well! I was just happy to something by Steve Morse somewhere!

Randy



I know I asked him.  ;)  I still think MP probably had some say in his drum parts which is what gives it that Muse feel imo.  He probably heard the arpeggios at the end and was like, wow that reminds me of Muse, let's try some Muse drumming. Or maybe Neal has been listening to Muse too. Or maybe it's just a coincidence.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 12, 2011, 03:16:35 PM
Finished up an interview with Neal about a half hour ago, looking forward to sharing it with everyone soon. ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 12, 2011, 04:18:00 PM
Finished up an interview with Neal about a half hour ago, looking forward to sharing it with everyone soon. ;)

Cool, when do you think you will have it up?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on May 13, 2011, 12:46:19 AM
This came in the mail today, reminding me why I should pre-order albums when I'm sober:

(https://images.pricerunner.com/product/image/116825256/India.Arie-TESTIMONY-VOL.-2-LOVE-POLITICS.jpg)

j/k
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on May 13, 2011, 01:12:31 AM
 :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 13, 2011, 07:49:59 AM
:rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Durg on May 13, 2011, 11:09:25 AM
 :rollin

Check it out and let us know if it's any good.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 13, 2011, 12:02:24 PM
Finished up an interview with Neal about a half hour ago, looking forward to sharing it with everyone soon. ;)

Cool, when do you think you will have it up?

That's what a lady friend of mine once uttered.

But also: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=23090.0
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 13, 2011, 12:49:11 PM
...To which you replied, "But, baby, it already is up."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 13, 2011, 12:49:39 PM
Oh snap! :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 13, 2011, 01:53:23 PM

That's what a lady friend of mine once uttered.

But also: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=23090.0

Hah. Thanks, I found it a little while after I posted that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on May 14, 2011, 10:44:29 AM
less than 9 days til T2 comes out! (I didnt pre-order)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 14, 2011, 11:02:15 AM
less than 9 days til T2 comes out! (I didnt pre-order)

Indeed! And I cannot wait to see if I get my pre-order that Monday or Tuesday so I can start my "summer reading" with Neal's book! Also, the Making Of DVD should be pretty awesome and actually, if you think about it, it's Mike's first recording sessions after leaving DT, so it'll be interesting to see how all of that came together at Neal's house. Additionally, it's nice to finally have a Making Of DVD from Neal that isn't SB or TA. He's had 5 prior solo Christian Prog epics under his belt and none of them (save for some Inner Circle releases, I think) have had an accompanying Making Of DVD, so it's nice to see Neal release something with him, Mike and Randy for a change.

I have been listening to Testimony 2 a lot lately, and I can safely say that this album is one of his best, between his solo stuff, TA and SB. There are a lot of great songs on here, and the bonus disc is just the icing on the already delicious and filling cake. I really hope Neal plays "Seeds Of Gold" on one or both of his tour legs for his upcoming tour.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on May 14, 2011, 06:51:31 PM
I just bought Absolute Beginner for a little taste of the whole album.  I really like it.  It's very catchy.  It feels very much like Oh Lord, My God from T1 (a song style of his I used to hate, but is growing on me).  Is the general feel of AB a good picture of how the rest of the album is?

And as for Part 6-8, if you could compare them with one other Part from T1, which would you compare to?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 14, 2011, 09:24:16 PM
I just bought Absolute Beginner for a little taste of the whole album.  I really like it.  It's very catchy.  It feels very much like Oh Lord, My God from T1 (a song style of his I used to hate, but is growing on me).  Is the general feel of AB a good picture of how the rest of the album is?

And as for Part 6-8, if you could compare them with one other Part from T1, which would you compare to?
Absolute Beginner is one of the tracks on the bonus disc, so Its not part of the T2 concept.
Buy "Seeds Of Gold" from the bonus disc. Its phenomenal!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 15, 2011, 10:54:23 AM
I just bought Absolute Beginner for a little taste of the whole album.  I really like it.  It's very catchy.  It feels very much like Oh Lord, My God from T1 (a song style of his I used to hate, but is growing on me).  Is the general feel of AB a good picture of how the rest of the album is?

And as for Part 6-8, if you could compare them with one other Part from T1, which would you compare to?

Absolute Beginner is indeed a good song, but it's actually probably my least favorite from either disc.  The other short track from disc 2, Supernatural, is quite a bit better (to me, at least).  If someone were to buy one song from disc 2, this is what I'd recommend.

So I don't personally feel like AB is a good picture of the album.  It almost doesn't feel like it fits in sound-wise.  But that's just me, others may feel differently.  But I mean this in a good way, I think the rest of the album is better.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 16, 2011, 08:52:32 AM
Album is now startting to click.  Part of the reason is that the interview has helped me to not view it as simply the "T1 leftovers," and part of it is just that it's too good to ignore.  It has now surpassed Lifeline and ?.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 16, 2011, 09:10:13 AM
Album is now startting to click.  Part of the reason is that the interview has helped me to not view it as simply the "T1 leftovers," and part of it is just that it's too good to ignore.  It has now surpassed Lifeline and ?.

And the way I see it, it's more like Neal is filling in some gaps from T1, but because T2 has been released 8 years after T1, it feels more like "here's what I didn't tell you the first time", but if you listen to them continuously (I know, a daunting task), you realize it's just Neal telling the story in various ways that best suit how the story unravels. T1, to me, feels more like how Neal's life used to be, and how he felt he needed to move on to Christianity to save himself, but T2 is more of the how and and when, and how it affected his family and bands, where as T1 was more of a history ("Let me take you back, to where it all began") and telling us how his life changed as a result of becoming Christian. T2 then further explains how his becoming Christian led him to a different calling and eventually "Crossing Over" and leaving his brothers/SB.

I think reading the book will greatly help understanding BOTH Testimony albums, and it'll be an amazing read and I'm sure will have some great insight into one of the greatest prog rockers in the industry!

Also, MP revealed today that they will be playing over 3 hours of Neal Morse music on tour!!! Incredible! I look forward to the eventual CD/DVD of this tour that Neal eluded to in the interview. I wish I could go to the show next Tuesday in VA... :-

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on May 17, 2011, 06:04:20 AM
First impressions of Disc 2 (haven't gotten the main disk yet):

Absolute Beginner: Really strong track.  Just has such a joyous sound to it.  I think Neal's vocals really shine in this track, and he adds quite a bit of personality to the whole song.  My favorite.

Supernatural: This song is kinda bleh for me.  Nothing stands out.  It's not unlistenable, but I can't see myself listening to it other than coupling it with the rest of the disc.

Seeds of Gold: I don't think it compares to Neals other epics, but I predict this one will be a grower.  I really like the softer section about ten minutes from the end...very emotional.  But the rest is too Lifeline-y for me.

On the whole, I am very exicted to continue listening to it and eventually getting the first disc when it comes out on CD.  I am not a huge fan of ?, Lifeline, and SS and I am predicted that it will rank above these and possibly tie with One.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 17, 2011, 06:55:16 AM
Album is now startting to click.  Part of the reason is that the interview has helped me to not view it as simply the "T1 leftovers," and part of it is just that it's too good to ignore.  It has now surpassed Lifeline and ?.
After about a dozen listens, it finally hit me hard yesterday and I am absolutely loving it!
I can't wait till Monday to hear it all live!

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on May 17, 2011, 07:09:26 AM
Wait, what book?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 17, 2011, 07:14:19 AM
Wait, what book?

www.nealmorse.com
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 17, 2011, 08:38:36 AM
Seeds of Gold: I don't think it compares to Neals other epics, but I predict this one will be a grower.  I really like the softer section about ten minutes from the end...very emotional.  But the rest is too Lifeline-y for me.

Give it time and you will reap the benefits of many listens to "Seeds Of Gold". There's a LOT of recurring themes/melodies that bring the whole thing together, like the opening piano part being done on guitar/bass later on, or some lyrical recurrences that just make it one of his best epics yet. Also, the Steve Morse solo near the end is to die for!

It took me at LEAST a few listens to get into it, then a few more to truly understand it, and to me it sounds pretty much unlike his other epics while still sounding like Neal. He does some awesome things in this song that he's never quite done before, particularly the awesome counter-point things between him and Randy in the middle of the song. And the lyrics have a tone that is different than Neal's usual, especially the "Homecoming" section before the Steve Morse solo.

I still listen to "Seeds Of Gold" is great excitement and it's still very fresh to my ears, even after a couple dozen listens!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 17, 2011, 09:41:02 AM
Regarding Neal's upcoming U.S. tour that begins Thursday in Nashville, from Portnoy himself:

Quote
SPOILER ALERT!!!!
  
I hope I'm not spoiling anything for Neal by telling that the whole setlist is NM material...
  
In fact, I wrote the setlist for the US shows!!  
  
I didn't want to do any SB or TA as there was already 6 full albums of amazing NM material to pull from (5 of which Randy and I never had the opportunity to play live)...
  
I just got back from tonight's rehearsal and I can tell you this is going to be an EPIC show!!!  
We havent timed it yet, but I have a feeling it is going to be *well* over 3 hrs!!  
  
So eat your Wheaties and grab a few Starbucks before the show!!  
  
MP

Somethings tells me there will be several medleys, and "Seeds of Gold" probably stands a good chance of being played.  
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 17, 2011, 10:06:49 AM
I could be wrong, but I would estimate they will play a bunch of T1 along with the T2 material to weave it together into a cohesive story. 

A good SS medley would be a good thing.  There is a lot of great material from that album, but other than Heaven In My Heart, the songs are just too long to play.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 17, 2011, 10:13:44 AM
Regarding Neal's upcoming U.S. tour that begins Thursday in Nashville, from Portnoy himself:

Quote
SPOILER ALERT!!!!
  
I hope I'm not spoiling anything for Neal by telling that the whole setlist is NM material...
  
In fact, I wrote the setlist for the US shows!!  
  
I didn't want to do any SB or TA as there was already 6 full albums of amazing NM material to pull from (5 of which Randy and I never had the opportunity to play live)...
  
I just got back from tonight's rehearsal and I can tell you this is going to be an EPIC show!!!  
We havent timed it yet, but I have a feeling it is going to be *well* over 3 hrs!!  
  
So eat your Wheaties and grab a few Starbucks before the show!!  
  
MP

Somethings tells me there will be several medleys, and "Seeds of Gold" probably stands a good chance of being played.  


Interesting. I'm wondering if they'll do any Testimony material considering Neal played the whole album with Mike and Randy and they've released a DVD of it. To be honest, I'd REALLY like to hear Mike and Randy play all of ? with Neal, do selected pieces from One and Sola Scriptura, maybe one or two songs from Lifeline, and of course all of Testimony 2.

If they do "Seeds Of Gold", I wonder if they'll also do "Absolute Beginner" and "Supernatural"? It'd be pretty neat if they played the entire 2nd disc of T2 in addition to the main disc.

I also wonder how much say Mike had in choosing the setlist for the US Tour and how willing/agreeable Neal was to Mike's choices? I don't doubt they picked a great set, but I wonder if Mike put it together himself or if Neal helped too. I'm sure Mike, if he did it alone, put together a great set list!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 17, 2011, 12:30:49 PM
I just hope he gets a really good electric guitar player, especially if they play "Seeds of Gold."  I'd hate to hear some average player butcher that solo.  Same goes for if they would play "12" or the end of "The Door."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 17, 2011, 12:39:27 PM
Kev- where did MP post that info? Just wondering because I posted it at Neal's forums and someone asked...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on May 17, 2011, 12:40:44 PM
Kev- where did MP post that info? Just wondering because I posted it at Neal's forums and someone asked...

-Marc.

https://www.mikeportnoy.com/forum/tm.aspx?high=&m=2667800&mpage=3#2671476
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faemir on May 17, 2011, 02:29:41 PM
I just hope he gets a really good electric guitar player, especially if they play "Seeds of Gold."  I'd hate to hear some average player butcher that solo.  Same goes for if they would play "12" or the end of "The Door."

Paul W. was superb on the Sola Scriptura live dvd.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 17, 2011, 05:51:38 PM
Regarding Neal's upcoming U.S. tour that begins Thursday in Nashville, from Portnoy himself:

Quote
SPOILER ALERT!!!!
  
I hope I'm not spoiling anything for Neal by telling that the whole setlist is NM material...
  
In fact, I wrote the setlist for the US shows!!  
  
I didn't want to do any SB or TA as there was already 6 full albums of amazing NM material to pull from (5 of which Randy and I never had the opportunity to play live)...
  
I just got back from tonight's rehearsal and I can tell you this is going to be an EPIC show!!!  
We havent timed it yet, but I have a feeling it is going to be *well* over 3 hrs!!  
  
So eat your Wheaties and grab a few Starbucks before the show!!  
  
MP

Somethings tells me there will be several medleys, and "Seeds of Gold" probably stands a good chance of being played.  

:metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 17, 2011, 07:14:18 PM
I'm very envious of anyone who gets to see this stuff live!!!!  Nobody worth seeing ever comes to Michigan. . .
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 18, 2011, 05:35:11 AM
I'm very envious of anyone who gets to see this stuff live!!!!  Nobody worth seeing ever comes to Michigan. . .
Sorry to hear that. I live in Connecticut, so I'm just over an hour out of NYC, and 2 and a half hours from Boston, so I can pretty much have the opportunity to see any touring artist close to home if they're not playing in my state.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 18, 2011, 08:47:09 AM
I would have drove to the Nashville show (7 hours) had I known about it sooner and had time to save for it.  Really really regretting not being able to go.    :sad:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 18, 2011, 08:53:37 AM
Another Interview:

https://www.examiner.com/progressive-metal-in-national/neal-morse-spock-s-beard-transatlantic-discusses-his-music-inspirations


Quote
Who knows if itll ever happen again with the full Testimony band?
:mehlin  Really making me feel bad.




Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OsMosis2259 on May 18, 2011, 10:16:45 AM
I saw the hype over Neal Morse almost everywhere and I heard that MP plays with him so I decided to buy the 2nd disc of Testimony 2 on amazon.

Jesus... I'm blown away by SEEDS OF GOLD especially at the "AND TOMORROW FEELS LIKE HOME" section. Love the emotion along with the technical side. Some of MPs best drumming in the recent years too in my opinion.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 18, 2011, 10:30:28 AM
REALLY glad I'll have this by next week, since all the rave reviews you guys have been giving disk 2 have really been tempting me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 18, 2011, 11:04:55 AM
REALLY glad I'll have this by next week, since all the rave reviews you guys have been giving disk 2 have really been tempting me.

Plus the making of DVD!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 18, 2011, 12:45:33 PM
So I'm thinking about just saying screw it, and driving to Nashville tomorrow.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 18, 2011, 12:56:50 PM
It's For You is amazing! Holy moly.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 18, 2011, 03:04:48 PM
It's For You is amazing! Holy moly.
:tup Itnit?

And I'll be at the Nashville show tomorrow. Woo Hoo! Screw bills.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 18, 2011, 04:22:59 PM
Yeah! I've heard Seeds of Gold and It's For You now, and I like the latter better, but both are great.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 18, 2011, 08:23:18 PM
A couple of people in the US have received their special bundles from Radiant records today. . .  The wait is winding down!!!  Since I've heard the music already, I'm looking forward to the book most. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 20, 2011, 06:51:50 AM
A couple of people in the US have received their special bundles from Radiant records today. . .  The wait is winding down!!!  Since I've heard the music already, I'm looking forward to the book most.  
I have mine! and don't forget the DVD.
3 more days till NYC!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 20, 2011, 08:41:59 AM
Crap.  I don't have mine, and given some bad stuff going on right now that it going to take me out of state for a few days, won't likely have it for a while.  :(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 20, 2011, 12:59:30 PM
A couple of people in the US have received their special bundles from Radiant records today. . .  The wait is winding down!!!  Since I've heard the music already, I'm looking forward to the book most.  
I have mine! and don't forget the DVD.
3 more days till NYC!

Awww man...I checked my mail today and nothing... I was hoping to get it today so I could watch the DVD. Maybe it'll come tomorrow and I can watch it then, if not Sunday. Either way, if it definitely comes by Monday, I have off work so I will be watching it then!

Also, the setlist from the Nashville show was posted up at Neal's forums if anyone wants to check it out there. I won't post it here for the non-spoiler people who want to be surprised by the set, but I will just say it's an AMAZING set list and I think Neal/Mike made some awesome song choices (outside the obvious entire T2 album).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 20, 2011, 01:09:09 PM
SPOILER BELOW






I saw the set list, and it is very good, but two songs from Lifeline and nothing from ? is a gaping flaw in it.  Portnoy made a point to mention being able to play all of the stuff from the albums that they've never got to play live, and then nothing gets played by Neal's best and most popular solo album (it is his highest rated album at both RYM and progarchives, for anyone wanting to dispute that :P), while two songs get played from what has been his least popular album since leaving SB?  That is bizarre.  But the rest looks great.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 20, 2011, 01:14:28 PM
Where is the setlist?

And that is odd. ? is such an album
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 20, 2011, 01:20:09 PM

Lifeline
Leviathan
The Separated Man
The Door (cut off after All I Ask For)/Come Out of Her
Seeds of Gold
Overture No. 3/Rejoice/Oh Lord My God/God's Theme

Intermission

Testimony 2 (entire album)

Encore: Sing it High
Reunion

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 20, 2011, 01:22:00 PM
I haven't heard Testimony 2 yet, but that setlist seems weird, even factoring in no ? songs. I can't put my finger on why, though. Still, would kill to see it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faemir on May 20, 2011, 02:11:40 PM
Good thing those are two of the three good songs on Lifeline :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 20, 2011, 11:05:40 PM
After one listen, I like Testimony 2.  I think the second half is much stronger than the first, the ending of the last song is great (I like how he let it just be music instead of trying to force feed a lyrical ending), and "The Truth Will Set You Free" really stood out.  On the flip side, I think the SB-song, "Time Changer," was fairly weak.  But many more listens are to come, so we'll see.

Also, I finally heard Lifeline recently.  Not bad, but not that good either.  The title track has some really cool stuff going on, but seemed a bit too padded.  It probably could have been a killer 7 or 8 minute tune, instead of a 13 minute plus dragger.  The epic, "So Many Roads," didn't do much for me, but with a song that long, it will take some work to get to know it.  I am not wildly optimistic, though, and given how much good new music I have to listen to right now, this album is gonna have a tough time getting listened to much in the foreseeable future.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on May 20, 2011, 11:33:32 PM

Lifeline
Leviathan
The Separated Man
The Door (cut off after All I Ask For)/Come Out of Her
Seeds of Gold
Overture No. 3/Rejoice/Oh Lord My God/God's Theme

Intermission

Testimony 2 (entire album)

Encore: Sing it High
Reunion



I like it...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 21, 2011, 07:58:45 AM
Where is the setlist?

And that is odd. ? is such an album
James the reason for the words,"spoiler alert" are so you have to option not to read the post. Responding to it kind of defeats the purpose.


I read it by the way.

and looked at the set list. Only one song I would omit.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on May 21, 2011, 10:10:46 AM
listening to crossing over for 1st listen...I like it already
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 21, 2011, 11:38:47 AM
Got my package today! Watching the DVD now... wow this is good. I love the editing and the footage. Good stuff! :tup

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 21, 2011, 11:11:33 PM
Portnoy posted on his forum about the id points on Testimony, about he hated where he put some of them on that record, and I have to say, I totally agree with him.  Neal is not always good at picking the right spot to change from one track to another, but if that is the worst thing we can say about him, then that ain't too bad.  The id points for the beginning of both "Wasted Life" and "I Am Willing" in particular really stand out as being way off.  ? has a couple of really bad ones, too.  Sounds like Neal let Portnoy pick all of the ones on the new record, which was probably a good thing, as the id points on all DT records where songs run together all sound perfect, and you gotta think Portnoy had a lot to do with that.  
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 22, 2011, 07:15:10 AM
After listening through Testimony 2 once, I can say that I like it.  But I need more listens to properly digest it.

Oh, and I liked that setlist that was posted.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on May 22, 2011, 02:12:52 PM
since when did portnoy get a nose ring?  :lol  its weird

currently still watching the DVD 8D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 22, 2011, 02:14:23 PM
I may have to wait a while to actually own this album. :( Just too tight on money to buy it. By September I should be well and dandy to get it (plus the new DT!). Until then, I will near my computer a lot this summer exploring new music on Grooveshark and Youtube.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SystematicThought on May 22, 2011, 09:25:16 PM
since when did portnoy get a nose ring?  :lol  its weird

currently still watching the DVD 8D
I think he got that back on the A7X tour.

I'm looking forward to buying T2 this summer. Sounds great!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 23, 2011, 11:50:12 AM
Well, its off to the city, peeps! :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 23, 2011, 12:36:44 PM
Have fun!

Still trying to absorb all of the new album, but "Crossing Over/Mercy Street Revisited" is a spectacular finisher.  Is there any who has ever been as great at writing last songs for symphonic/prog rock albums as Neal Morse?  Seriously.  And it's amazing how they usually seem to follow a similar formula, yet are always awesome.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on May 23, 2011, 12:43:10 PM
Well, its off to the city, peeps! :metal

8D maybe ill see you there.. im meeting up with nick in like 2 hours ! should be a great evening  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 23, 2011, 04:10:37 PM
Wow, the concert was really great. The only other concert I've been to for musicians that I really like at the level of Neal Morse is G3 when JP was there, but this was just really special.  My only complaints was that it was too loud, especially the drums, and it made it difficult to make out the intricate parts going on sometimes.

I took my camera!  (There's more here: https://picasaweb.google.com/unklejman/NealMorseTestimony2Tour2011#)

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_JDgAPQbk7mQ/TdrNBdQASyI/AAAAAAAACrs/VrD3K2rZPjg/s800/nealmorse_2011_3.jpg)

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_JDgAPQbk7mQ/TdrNByWe48I/AAAAAAAACrg/k4qx5Pr9mUQ/s720/nealmorse_2011_7.jpg)

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_JDgAPQbk7mQ/TdrNCmhgO-I/AAAAAAAACr0/kTnDGUK_MAQ/s720/nealmorse_2011_10.jpg)

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_JDgAPQbk7mQ/TdrNDDwOqOI/AAAAAAAACsA/i8BU9Mr-aGI/s800/nealmorse_2011_13.jpg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_JDgAPQbk7mQ/TdrNGDiwLKI/AAAAAAAACsY/eJ8GlKpzvH4/s800/nealmorse_2011_22.jpg)

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_JDgAPQbk7mQ/TdrNGSjaiYI/AAAAAAAACsc/YwfuuSh1XzQ/s720/nealmorse_2011_20.jpg)

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_JDgAPQbk7mQ/TdrNHc70CdI/AAAAAAAACso/qumsA42pdSA/s720/nealmorse_2011_26.jpg)

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_JDgAPQbk7mQ/TdrNHUCo-vI/AAAAAAAACsw/Nuz-9LXhyoY/s720/nealmorse_2011_25.jpg)

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_JDgAPQbk7mQ/TdrPhpfJKLI/AAAAAAAACs4/LvLk00GH-LA/s912/nealmorse_2011_27.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on May 23, 2011, 04:28:35 PM
Wow, great pictures!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 23, 2011, 04:38:00 PM
Thanks, I was pushing my camera to it's utter limits with those. That wide shot of the whole band was with my cellphone though...   :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on May 23, 2011, 05:38:57 PM
 Thanks nick!  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 23, 2011, 06:15:07 PM
Awesome pics Jman!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on May 23, 2011, 06:58:44 PM
So two of my friends who love Neal Morse went to the show tonight in NY and they said that they got me a souvenir!

:caffeine:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on May 23, 2011, 11:56:43 PM
Just picked up Testimony 2 tonight, and it's great. On first listen, it felt like the greatest thing in the world  :lol Still need to listen to the second disc.

So good.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 24, 2011, 01:02:32 AM
Neal did an amazing version of Bridge Across Forever at tonight's show!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 24, 2011, 01:58:19 AM
https://www.nickeh.com/samples/theseperatedman.mp3

Raw, from the NYC show.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on May 24, 2011, 02:32:07 AM
omg that was an incredible show! first time seeing Neal Morse everrr.

Jayda was a very emotional song live. and hearing Neal explain it and start crying while singing it made it that much more special. Also i LOVED Bridge Across Forever! . hell the whole show was amazing!!

and i got to meet tick today too!!

edit:
i was pretty much front row dead center xD

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d178/Scrub206/Neal%20Morse/IMAG0599.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 24, 2011, 08:10:25 AM
Wow, what a night! I was completely floored. Besides the astounding talent on the stage, it is inspiring to watch Neal Morse perform. What a humble man. At one point someone screamed out something like, "yeah party!" as Neal was speaking of the state he was in when he found out his daughter was healed. Neal softly responded with class.
This show was one of those shows that really stays with you when its over.

It was a pleasure seeing Nick coming and going. He asked me as I was leaving what I thought of the show? At the time the only thing that came to mind was, "wonderful". I don't think that adequately summed it up, but the proper words eluded me at the time. It was also nice to meet scrub206 as well.
My wife, maybe one of 10 women in the venue, predictably cried continuously all night long. Last night was a dream come true for her.

The songs that hit me the hardest were "The Separated Man" (thanks Nick for posting it, I'm listening as we speak!) in the first set, and I was completely blown away by the entire "testimony 2" album in a way I didn't see coming. It was so emotional to watch Neal's heart on display, it was like few things I have experienced live.

What a night.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 24, 2011, 12:16:08 PM
Sounds cool.  I would love to have seen this little tour, but he never comes to St. Louis.  Oh well.  At least they're gonna record and release a DVD of one of the shows, so that will be sweet at least.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on May 25, 2011, 07:21:11 AM
Still kicking myself for not going to the NYC show. Money's a bitch, though, and dredg/Blackfield were more important to me, so I can't say I'm disappointed with my decision.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 25, 2011, 07:29:56 AM
https://www.nickeh.com/samples/theseperatedman.mp3

Raw, from the NYC show.

Thanks for that, I actually had to step out of the concert for this song unfortunately. Is it just me or is the violin really flat?  :-\
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on May 25, 2011, 04:00:55 PM
Finally heard Testimony 2 today. The first 6 or 7 songs were really, really, really good- but then there is a clear drop in quality where the music goes from being amazing to bland, generic, and quite dull. I imagine it has something to do with the fact that after the first half, Neal shifted his focus to the lyrics, at which point the music began to be less important to him.

Overall ranking 6/10

EDIT: For clarity's sake, I'm not trying to take a shot at Neal's message. I find a few of his other albums (namely One, ?, SS) to be pretty much perfect from cover to cover, so it's not like I dislike it because it gets very preachy at the end (although the lyrics do definitely get boring after awhile, for me anyway)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 25, 2011, 04:17:00 PM
Finally heard Testimony 2 today. The first 6 or 7 songs were really, really, really good- but then there is a clear drop in quality where the music goes from being amazing to bland, generic, and quite dull. I imagine it has something to do with the fact that after the first half, Neal shifted his focus to the lyrics, at which point the music began to be less important to him.

Overall ranking 6/10

EDIT: For clarity's sake, I'm not trying to take a shot at Neal's message. I find a few of his other albums (namely One, ?, SS) to be pretty much perfect from cover to cover, so it's not like I dislike it because it gets very preachy at the end (although the lyrics do definitely get boring after awhile, for me anyway)

I kind of get that except for I don't think the gap is as big as your saying. "It's for You" is quite great imo, and the closer is also really good. Also the outro hits me emotionally when he talks about leaving the band he loves so much and moving on.  I also agree with you on ? and One being pretty much perfect. Sola, not so much, although it has some good stuff it in.  
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on May 25, 2011, 04:21:27 PM
Yea, the last song is definitely the best one of the later half of the album, but then again, a lot of it is a reprise of the first song, which I've already said is unrealistically good.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 25, 2011, 04:28:09 PM
Seeds of Gold is pretty cool.  Not sure yet if I put it on quite as high a pedastal as some here, but it's early yet, since I've only really heard it once.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on May 25, 2011, 04:29:07 PM
Seeds of Gold is pretty cool.  Not sure yet if I put it on quite as high a pedastal as some here, but it's early yet, since I've only really heard it once.

Yea I forgot to check out the Bonus Disc until just now. I'm up to SoG, and it's pretty good, but I agree that some of his epics are better.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 25, 2011, 04:31:02 PM
Yeah, I haven't digested Seed of Gold yet, but it's growing, and it has a different feel than most of Neal's stuff which is a good thing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 25, 2011, 04:32:00 PM
Seeds of Gold is pretty cool.  Not sure yet if I put it on quite as high a pedastal as some here, but it's early yet, since I've only really heard it once.
For me, Seeds Of Gold gets more epic every time I hear it. It was great live.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 25, 2011, 04:36:10 PM
Seeds of Gold is pretty cool.  Not sure yet if I put it on quite as high a pedastal as some here, but it's early yet, since I've only really heard it once.
For me, Seeds Of Gold gets more epic every time I hear it. It was great live.

Yeah, I can see that it would.  There is a lot going on that is difficult to take in after a listen or ten. 

Oh, and the book is pretty good too so far.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 25, 2011, 05:44:18 PM
Seeds of Gold is pretty cool.  Not sure yet if I put it on quite as high a pedastal as some here, but it's early yet, since I've only really heard it once.
For me, Seeds Of Gold gets more epic every time I hear it. It was great live.

Yeah, I can see that it would.  There is a lot going on that is difficult to take in after a listen or ten. 

Oh, and the book is pretty good too so far.
I'm almost done with the book. Very inspiring read.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 25, 2011, 06:21:51 PM
Yeah, Seeds of Gold is...a lot. I like it, but it'll take some time to "get it."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 25, 2011, 07:12:51 PM
I think it's great, but I don't think it rises to the level of Stranger in Your Soul, Duel With the Devil, So Many Roads, The Great Nothing. . .  But that's just my opinion.  But I still absolutely love it, just not as much as a lot of other longer classics.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 25, 2011, 10:06:02 PM
I can't agree with the second half being weaker than the first half.  "The Truth Will Set You Free" and "Crossing Over/Mercy Street Revisited" are probably the two best songs on the record, and the three song run before the last song is terrific.  Right now, the only songs I am kind of iffy on are "Time Changer" and "Jesus' Blood," but it's not I dislike either song; all of the others just seem much stronger at this point.

Also, I can't remember who said it, but suggesting that "It's for You" sounds like Muse is a major WTF.  It doesn't sound a thing like Muse. ???

Lastly, one thing I have noticed about this record is he has brought back something which has been missing in his solo work since leaving Spock's Beard: FUN!  Songs like "Nighttime Collectors," "Time Has Come Today" and "Road Dog Blues" are all rocking, upbeat and fun as hell.  Honestly, assuming Disc 2 is counted as part of the regular album and not a bonus disc, I could see this becoming my favorite or second favorite Neal solo CD.  Time will tell. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 25, 2011, 10:26:05 PM
Honestly, assuming Disc 2 is counted as part of the regular album and not a bonus disc, I could see this becoming my favorite or second favorite Neal solo CD.  Time will tell. :)

Well considering the album is sold either as a 2CD or 2CD/1DVD set, it seems like the 2nd disc is meant to be part of the album, unlike the 2nd disc to The Whirlwind, which wasn't available with all versions of the album (since the main album was available by itself, unlike Testimony 2).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nic35 on May 25, 2011, 10:45:07 PM
Very disappointing album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 25, 2011, 10:48:08 PM
I'll agree that generally the 2nd half isn't as good as the first half, but that being said I'd say the first half is nearly flawless and the 2nd half is very good, so still a great record at the end of the day.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on May 26, 2011, 12:21:55 AM
I see the first disc as the 3 parts that they are, so I think the entire record is great, and most of the tracks are among his best. Ive only listened to the second disc once so Im still digesting. Seeds of Gold was interesting on first listen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 26, 2011, 05:58:14 AM
I'll agree that generally the 2nd half isn't as good as the first half, but that being said I'd say the first half is nearly flawless and the 2nd half is very good, so still a great record at the end of the day.
Watching the album performed live changed everything for me and brought it to a different level of brilliance. I love the entire album from start to finish. He tells his story perfectly.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: jonny108 on May 26, 2011, 08:19:06 AM
Got Testimony 2 a couple of days ago, been listening to it.  This is my first Neal Morse solo album, not heard any of his other stuff but I'm impressed.  Really been enjoying it, lots of great melodies, loving the mix of it.  Bass sounds great! Mike sounds awesome as usual and Neals vox are incredible. I actually prefer his voice now than when he was with Spock's.  But what's really grabs me with this record is how happy it sounds, just makes me want to smile  :) Definitely buying more of Neal's solo stuff.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: nickel on May 26, 2011, 09:14:51 AM
Wow!! What an amazing show last night in Denver! We got two bonus songs!! Well, kind of. Funny thing happened during Time Changers (track 3 on T2). When the band got to the part where everything stops and they do the Spock's Beard complicated a cappella bit, Neal stopped just as he was starting it... "Whoa, hey, what is that?!?" And there was a loud hum coming over the PA system.

While they were troubleshooting the hum, Mike Portnoy and Randy George started doing a little noodling and then a fan yelled out, "The Fang... Sings!" Neal played dumb a little... "What's that one again? Is that a bonus track from somewhere?" Then Mike leaned in to one of the microphones over his cymbals and "sang" "The Fang... Sings!" and even explained where it comes from (bonus track from bonus disc of Testimony 1), which, of course, Mr. Portnoy would remember b/c he remembers all that stuff.

Then, suddenly, Neal ripped into "Heavy Metal Long Haired Blue Beard Tatooed Jew" and as soon as he started Mike sat right back down and kicked in with the drums. Randy was also right there on bass within seconds and they did about a minute or so of that one.

Finally, the hum was fixed and, without giving himself a starting note on his keyboard to get his bearings (at least I didn't hear one), Neal just started right in on the complex a cappella bit of Time Changers. Quite a highlight!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 26, 2011, 09:23:48 AM
I SO hope that show is taped.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 26, 2011, 10:26:48 AM
[Denver Recap]]


Whoa! I really hope this ends up as bonus material on the DVD! If anyone who went to the show camcorder'd it, it'd be nice if they sent the footage to Mike or Neal with the intent of using it on the concert DVD! It's fun and funny when moments like this happen! I mean, who knew that they'd break out two Bonus Tracks that weren't even really songs, just a jam and Mike being silly.

Either way, sounds like they had fun in Denver. Is the LA show up next? I believe this one is being filmed for the DVD, so I hope they continue to have fun and put on a great show (hopefully without technical difficulties).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 26, 2011, 01:02:07 PM
You know what's really fun? When I work on my show's I track them and test for anomalies at the same time, which just essentially requires me to listen through my entire recording. I'm doing this while reading Testimony and it's cool the little connections and such that come up between what I'm hearing and reading at the moment.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 26, 2011, 09:14:25 PM
Nice, I managed to sing the "One heart, one voice, one love, one spirit" section of Reunion and not make my recording sound like crap. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 27, 2011, 08:35:26 AM
Want.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 27, 2011, 08:49:39 AM
I've finished tracking the 16-bit version. Today I have to finish tracking the 24-bit version and then complete the note files for both shows. After that the note files go off to the guy who wants to do art for the show and then I'll release as soon as he gets art back to me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on May 27, 2011, 10:46:02 AM
Just popping in to share some of my thoughts on disk 1.

1. Mercy Street: Excellent song, perfect as an opener.
2. Overture 4: Not the biggest fan of any of the overtures or instrumentals.  It does its job, but not much else.
3. Time Changer: I didn't think the overlapped vocals were that good.  I felt like it was trying to hard to be a "princes, principalities" thing.  But the latter half of the song is incredible.
4. Jayda: I can't relate to this song at all.  One of my least favorites on the album...I appreciate the significance to the story, but overall I think the delivery of such a tremendous moment could have been better.

5. Nighttime Collecters: For some reason I love this song.  It was my favorite on my first listen, but right now it's probably in the top 3.  It really reminds me of "Young Lust" in both the music and what the song is about.
6. Time Has Come Today: Overall kinda forgettable...random side note, I always think of Neal wearing a sumo Santa suit at the "ho ho ho" part.
7. Jesus' Blood: I thought the imagery of the song was really strong.  I love this song (and the transition to the next).
8. The Truth Will Set You Free: I mean, it's the best, don't really need to elaborate.  On a side note, it sounds like something the NFL would use. Also does anybody know the guy who does the backing vocals? He sounds really familiar.

9. Chance of a Lifetime: Here's a song that isn't special on its own but works great in the story.  I really like it.
10. Jesus Bring Me Home: I feel like there's a song that should have come before this...in Chance, Neal expresses that he has major doubts about everything and thinks it could be a lie, but in Bring Me Home, it sounds like the Neal we know now.
11. Road Dog Blues: I am not a huge fan, but maybe if I get into Spock's, i'll have more appreciation for it.
12. It's For You: People are raving about this song in this thread, but I will be honest and say that it just does nothing for me.
13. Crossing Over/Mercy Street Revisited: I was hoping for a closer like with One, but overall, I thought it was kinda weak.

Overall...I think it suffers from the same blessing/curse as T1.  Great first two thirds or so, but meh closing tracks.  But anyway, This album either ties with One or is a little bit behind it (T1 is my #1).  I am a little bit disappointed with the references to T1.  It felt like they were just kinda thrown in for cheap thrill.  Some of them worked, like the end of Overture 4, but some just weren't that effective, like the "All I Can Do" reference.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 27, 2011, 11:01:58 AM
It really is interesting how music is received by different people. Honestly though on first or second listen I had some of the same feelings, but after repeat listening a lot of those went away. But the big thing was the concert. Hearing it live and seeing Neal really pour himself out just made this album really special, as tick mentioned earlier. 


Just popping in to share some of my thoughts on disk 1.

1. Mercy Street: Excellent song, perfect as an opener.
2. Overture 4: Not the biggest fan of any of the overtures or instrumentals.  It does its job, but not much else.
3. Time Changer: I didn't think the overlapped vocals were that good.  I felt like it was trying to hard to be a "princes, principalities" thing.  But the latter half of the song is incredible.
4. Jayda: I can't relate to this song at all.  One of my least favorites on the album...I appreciate the significance to the story, but overall I think the delivery of such a tremendous moment could have been better.

5. Nighttime Collecters: For some reason I love this song.  It was my favorite on my first listen, but right now it's probably in the top 3.  It really reminds me of "Young Lust" in both the music and what the song is about.
6. Time Has Come Today: Overall kinda forgettable...random side note, I always think of Neal wearing a sumo Santa suit at the "ho ho ho" part.
7. Jesus' Blood: I thought the imagery of the song was really strong.  I love this song (and the transition to the next).
8. The Truth Will Set You Free: I mean, it's the best, don't really need to elaborate.  On a side note, it sounds like something the NFL would use. Also does anybody know the guy who does the backing vocals? He sounds really familiar.

9. Chance of a Lifetime: Here's a song that isn't special on its own but works great in the story.  I really like it.
10. Jesus Bring Me Home: I feel like there's a song that should have come before this...in Chance, Neal expresses that he has major doubts about everything and thinks it could be a lie, but in Bring Me Home, it sounds like the Neal we know now.
11. Road Dog Blues: I am not a huge fan, but maybe if I get into Spock's, i'll have more appreciation for it.
12. It's For You: People are raving about this song in this thread, but I will be honest and say that it just does nothing for me.
13. Crossing Over/Mercy Street Revisited: I was hoping for a closer like with One, but overall, I thought it was kinda weak.

Overall...I think it suffers from the same blessing/curse as T1.  Great first two thirds or so, but meh closing tracks.  But anyway, This album either ties with One or is a little bit behind it (T1 is my #1).  I am a little bit disappointed with the references to T1.  It felt like they were just kinda thrown in for cheap thrill.  Some of them worked, like the end of Overture 4, but some just weren't that effective, like the "All I Can Do" reference.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on May 27, 2011, 12:35:44 PM
I find the album as a whole has very few low points, with my least favorite being Jayda right now, but it does contain the beautiful "Sad Theme" that is further elaborated during Crossing Over/Mercy Street Reprise. I find CO/MS Reprise to be a fitting ending, and though I usually don't like fade-outs, I think it is appropriate for the end of the album, and leaves the album open for Testimony 3 if it were to happen. (However I think Neal took a cue from Dream Theater, and not end every album in a bombastic way, with a big final chord, etc...)

Im also a big fan of the string section on this album. It is more powerful than usual for Neal Morse. The Truth Will Set You Free is some awesome stuff gong on. I also the overture in this album much more than on T1, maybe because of the first albums' riffs, but also the new stuff. And Time Changer is definitely something different for NM, and has a lot of Rush influence.

Mercy Street, Nighttime Collectors and Road Dog Blues are also a very fun songs, the former being very uplifting and opening with the T2 theme on piano; the latter having great sax work, and moving the story along into some of the main themes of the album. It's For You is good, but has that early 2000s mainstream rock feel to it in the chorus (but doesn't really detract from the song). The rest of the song has some awesome parts with the sweep picking on the guitar (is that Neal???) and just some crazy runs ala Is It Really Happening from The Whirlwind.

The finale of the first disc is one of Neal's best, and is the first song from this album to get stuck in my head. From the opening theme played on guitar this time, and Neal talking about leaving Spock's Beard. But the Crossing Over theme is so catchy and uplifting, and containing some of his most beautiful work (not to mention some Genesis influence), I love this ending, and is up there with the epic endings of Stranger In Your Soul, The Whirlwind, ?, One, and Duel With the Devil.

Seeds of Gold from the second disc is awesome. Those first 2 tracks are ok, solid slices of melodic rock. But Ive heard Seeds of Gold 4 times, and I still feel like I need to listen to it 4 more times just to wrap my head around it. But the parts are so good that they keep bringing me back. Plus dat solo!

4 & 1/2 stars for me (out of 5) for me right now. We'll see how this album ages, but I think it will age quite well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 27, 2011, 12:43:07 PM
I am sorry, but I can't get on board with the last song being weak.  I think it is tremendous, and I'd probably say it is one of the best single songs of Neal's solo career.

Also, got the CDs and Making of DVD in the mail yesterday (yes, I had been listening to a leak for the week prior to that ;) :P), and the Making of DVD was great.  You really get a glimpse of how well the three of them work together, and it really showed how important George and Portnoy are when finalizing the album as a whole.  

Quick sidenote: I was shocked at how little Portnoy was.  I mean, I knew he had worked out a ton and lose weight while on tour with AS last year, but he looks really small behind his drum kit now.  And that wasn't even his biggest one! :lol :lol

Anyway, "Time Changer" is growing on me, but I am not big on the "Time changer, time change, change the time..." chorus, and the big vocal section with the Spock's Beard guys is probably my least favorite part of the whole album.  But I was never as crazy about those vocal-type sections when he was in Spock's, as they have the tendency to sound a bit too corny more often than not, especially when they starting saying lines really fast and with a lot of words, like at the very end of the one in "Time Changer."  But that is a very small part of even that song, so I can deal with it. :biggrin:

Finally, I do agree that a few of the reprises from T1 did feel unnecessary and like window-dressing more than anything else, but like I said before, reprises as a whole from T1 are pretty limited, so I am fine with all of it, even the ones that seem a bit "thrown in for the hell of it."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 27, 2011, 12:43:51 PM
. The rest of the song has some awesome parts with the sweep picking on the guitar (is that Neal???)

It is in fact, Paul Bielatowicz.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 27, 2011, 12:48:00 PM
darkshade, I am glad you mentioned the fadeout at the end, as I meant to say something about that in my last post, but I said so much else, I forgot about it. :lol  Anyway, yes, I love that fadeout.  Like you said, not everything has to end with that huge ending.  Plus, that main melody is so awesome, it is like you never want to end, so with it fading out for 40 or 50 seconds, it leaves you with the impression that it is still going on and on and on, even though it faded away from us.  Very effective use of the fadeout! :tup :tup

And while that sweep picking part was not Neal, I do think his electric guitar playing has improved tremendously.  So has his tone.  The lack of many memorable electric guitar parts of T1 (aside from a few nice solos, including Livgren's) has always stood out as something it was really missing, but I no longer get the impression that his electric guitar playing is of lower quality than the bass, drums, keys or acoustic guitars.  :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 27, 2011, 12:53:19 PM
Quick sidenote: I was shocked at how little Portnoy was.  I mean, I knew he had worked out a ton and lose weight while on tour with AS last year, but he looks really small behind his drum kit now.  And that wasn't even his biggest one! :lol :lol

He's also very short.  I was surprised when I met him and stood right next to him.  So with losing weight and getting leaner, yeah, he's going to look tiny.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on May 27, 2011, 01:11:10 PM
darkshade, I am glad you mentioned the fadeout at the end, as I meant to say something about that in my last post, but I said so much else, I forgot about it. :lol  Anyway, yes, I love that fadeout.  Like you said, not everything has to end with that huge ending.  Plus, that main melody is so awesome, it is like you never want to end, so with it fading out for 40 or 50 seconds, it leaves you with the impression that it is still going on and on and on, even though it faded away from us.  Very effective use of the fadeout! :tup :tup

And while that sweep picking part was not Neal, I do think his electric guitar playing has improved tremendously.  So has his tone.  The lack of many memorable electric guitar parts of T1 (aside from a few nice solos, including Livgren's) has always stood out as something it was really missing, but I no longer get the impression that his electric guitar playing is of lower quality than the bass, drums, keys or acoustic guitars.  :coolio

Yea the fadeout works, and thankfully fades out very slowly. I also agree Neal's guitar work has gotten better over the years. I just think he plays better solos on the keys and piano.

BTW, that Spock's Beard vocal section inspired me to listen to some Gentle Giant recently  :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on May 27, 2011, 02:11:05 PM
Anyway, "Time Changer" is growing on me, but I am not big on the "Time changer, time change, change the time..." chorus, and the big vocal section with the Spock's Beard guys is probably my least favorite part of the whole album.
This times a million.  That chorus just sounds SO bad.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on May 27, 2011, 02:23:55 PM
Quick sidenote: I was shocked at how little Portnoy was.  I mean, I knew he had worked out a ton and lose weight while on tour with AS last year, but he looks really small behind his drum kit now.  And that wasn't even his biggest one! :lol :lol

He's also very short.  I was surprised when I met him and stood right next to him.  So with losing weight and getting leaner, yeah, he's going to look tiny.

well, at least he ain't the shortest
(https://guitarinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Standing-Band.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: jonny108 on May 27, 2011, 04:59:21 PM
 :rollin :rollin :rollin Poor Pete
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 27, 2011, 05:07:53 PM
So you know what's surprised me most when I got my package in and I looked in the booklet? "Seeds Of Gold" doesn't have movements! It's all one long song without subsections/movements dividing the various lyrical/musical sections, which I feel like there are :
0:00-4:35 : Intro/Overture (Instrumental)
4:35-7:10 : "Look Away"
7:10-9:48 : "City Of Light"
9:48-12:46 : "Love You More"
12:46-15:11 : (Instrumental)
15:11-22:19 :  "Homecoming"
22:19-25:59 : "Look Away (Reprise)/Finale"

Lyrically, there are five chunks/sections, and you could separate the "Homecoming" section from the epic Steve Morse solo at 19:34, so a total of 8 sections, lyrically and musically.

Either way, I think it's a nice change-of-pace for Neal to do a non-divided epic (much like DT did with "The Count Of Tuscany", which I also expected to have sections), as he has done SO MANY(ROADS) over the last 18 years...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 27, 2011, 05:43:33 PM
Anyway, "Time Changer" is growing on me, but I am not big on the "Time changer, time change, change the time..." chorus, and the big vocal section with the Spock's Beard guys is probably my least favorite part of the whole album.
This times a million.  That chorus just sounds SO bad.
It was cool hearing the band do it live.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 27, 2011, 05:47:27 PM
My favorite part of the album is easily the last half of the last song on disc one.  I love when things go crazy and then it goes into the Mercy Street reprise.  Very hard to sing along to without getting choked up!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 27, 2011, 10:53:24 PM
Definitely!  That song came on when I was doing cardio earlier today, and when it got to the reprise late in the song ("In the house of the rising sun..."), I literally got goosebumps all over both arms.  Neal is great at writing goosebump-worthy moments like that. :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 28, 2011, 12:36:11 PM
So, now that Neal has released six solo prog album since leaving Spock's Beard, which six album run do you like better?   

Comparing the studio albums one-by-one...

The Light vs Testimony: Gotta go with Spock's Beard here.  Testimony has a lot of really good songs, but also has plenty of unnecessary padding.  The Light is nearly perfect - I think "On the Edge" should have been earlier in the track order, as putting a short song at the end after three long pieces makes it seem like an afterthought that they threw on there.  Plus, it has one of the best epics Neal has ever written, that being the title track.

Beware of Darkness vs One: This is tough.  Both of these are really good, but fall a hair or two short of being great.  Even with the bonus songs, I think I'll give Beware of Darkness the very slight edge, as it does have "The Doorway," also one of Neal's best epics (or mini-epics, based on your definition of epic ;)).

The Kindness of Strangers vs ?: There is no "question" which one of these is better, pun intended. :P  TKOS is good, but ? is terrific.

Day for Night vs Sola Scriptura: Both are somewhat weak by Neal's standards, but for completely different reasons.  DFN has a handful of short, forgettable songs, while not really having anything truly great (although I dig "Crack the Big Sky" and "The Gypsy" a lot).  SS, meanwhile, has two really long epics, both of which have some great parts, but both of which also sound a bit too meandering and long.  But SS's highs are higher than DFN's, so I'll give solo Neal the edge here.

V vs Lifeline : This is a beatdown of Super Bowls in the late 80s/early 90s proportions.  Lifeline is easily the weakest of the 12 here, while V is possibly the best.  No contest.

Snow vs Testimony 2: It almost seems unfair to do this now, since T2 is so new, but even though we all sometimes have the tendency to say that something new that we are loving is better than we end up realizing it is, I still gotta give the slight edge to SB.  I still love almost all of Snow, but if T2 ages as well as it, it could someday surpass it....

So, it looks like SB won 4-2.  And if I had to put the 12 in order of preference, they'd probably look like this:

1. V
2. Snow
3. ?
4. Testimony 2
5. The Light
6. Beware of Darkness
7. One
8. The Kindness of Strangers
9. Testimony
10. Sola Scriptura
11. Day for Night
12. Lifeline
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 28, 2011, 12:58:59 PM
I don't know all the SB. Really only know V and Snow.

I like Lifeline A LOT. I can see why people don't like it (as much), but I dunno, I think it is wonderful. I would give the edge to Lifeline.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 28, 2011, 07:59:16 PM
I don't know all the SB. Really only know V and Snow.

You should change that.  But be forewarned that the early albums, from a sound quality standpoint, don't sound nearly as good as almost everything Neal has released since 2000. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on May 28, 2011, 08:10:19 PM
Hey does anybody else think that The Truth Will Set You Free sounds VERY similar to The Water by SB?  I actually think there are a couple references.  But the biggest one is way Neal sings "just stop this haunting in my brain.....brain.....braiaiaiain", which is kinda similar to some of the phrases in the FU section.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on May 28, 2011, 08:26:18 PM
The FU section?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on May 28, 2011, 08:27:52 PM
The FU section?
From The Water.

Or if you're asking where in The Water, the middle part that starts with "you gave me this home, then you left me alone".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 28, 2011, 09:40:19 PM
I haven't noticed any "The Water" references in "The Truth..." yet, but I just may not have picked on them yet.  The bass intro to "Nighttime Collectors" is quite obviously a nod to "The Water," and he throws in some organ chords in the middle of "Time Changer" that are also from a Spock's song, but I can't place which one right now (it is probably really obvious, too :lol).

 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 28, 2011, 09:54:16 PM
I don't know all the SB. Really only know V and Snow.

You should change that.  But be forewarned that the early albums, from a sound quality standpoint, don't sound nearly as good as almost everything Neal has released since 2000. 

I tried to years ago, but the other albums didn't do much for me. I'll try again at another time. I think I remember part of it being the sound quality, yeah. But even the best SB albums don't rank above any of his solo prog stuff. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 28, 2011, 10:22:20 PM
he throws in some organ chords in the middle of "Time Changer" that are also from a Spock's song, but I can't place which one right now (it is probably really obvious, too :lol).

"The Water"

Ironically, I'm listening to it right now on The Beard Is Out There.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on May 28, 2011, 11:25:17 PM
I'll take the Spock's Beard album in every case but Snow.

I got the book, DVD (both autographed with obligatory bible quote) and the CD on Tuesday and read the book the first night (kind of wished he'd have gone into more detail as I didn't learn much, but it was his book...still entertaining anyway) watched the DVD the second night, listened to the bonus disc the third night and listened to the CD last night.

Way too early for me to form any meaningful opinion other than to say some of it sounds a little forced to me (kind of like Snow) and where Testimony 1 has an an outpouring of relief and openess, this one seems a little more controlled. A couple of listens aren't nearly enough....
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on May 28, 2011, 11:55:17 PM
^ Give it time.

Actually listening to The Light album right now, on headphones! The sound quality is clear and you hear everything, but doesn't have that surround sound feel. The compositions MORE than make up for it though, one of NM and SB's best.

Speaking of which, I have all 6 of Neal's solo prog albums, all 3 TA albums, and all SB albums except Beware of Darkness, Day For Night, and Snow; which one should I get next?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 29, 2011, 07:32:00 AM
Get Snow, darkshade. Great album!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 29, 2011, 08:38:32 AM
Yeah, Snow is a must-get, for any Neal and/or SB fan.

Actually listening to The Light album right now, on headphones! The sound quality is clear and you hear everything, but doesn't have that surround sound feel. The compositions MORE than make up for it though, one of NM and SB's best.


Despite sounding pretty raw, the debut sound very organic and lush.  Definitely the best sounding of the first four.  The Kindness of Strangers is probably the worst of the bunch in that regard, as it just sounds noisy at times, especially during the most rocking parts. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 30, 2011, 10:13:11 AM
The Light vs Testimony: Gotta go with Spock's Beard here.  Testimony has a lot of really good songs, but also has plenty of unnecessary padding.  The Light is nearly perfect - I think "On the Edge" should have been earlier in the track order, as putting a short song at the end after three long pieces makes it seem like an afterthought that they threw on there.  Plus, it has one of the best epics Neal has ever written, that being the title track.

Interesting observations.  Regarding the "extra padding" on Testimony, I sort of feel that way, but feel a bit conflicted about it.  I'll make a couple of different analogies to explain what I mean:

The Shattered Fortress analogy:  For the most part, I love TSF.  But one thing that has bugged me since the biggining with that song is that there are a few parts (the "take all of me" and low-voice-Repentence-guy reprises, for example) that almost feel so unnecessary and gratuitous as to drag the song down.  HOWEVER, given what Portnoy was trying to convey with the song and the suite as a whole, they are lyrically essential.  So, really, for what the song and the suite as a whole are trying to accomplish, they need to be there despite giving off a very obvious "unnecessary" vibe.  Yeah, there's an argument that, as an artist, it was incumbent on MP to figure out a way to incorporate those necessary ideas in a way that didn't give off that vibe.  But he apparently felt that what he did worked, so I guess that pretty much ends it.  Kinda the same with Testimony.

The Lord of the Rings analogy:  To grossly oversimplify the trilogy, it is a story about a bunch of guys just going on a long, exhausting quest.  I've heard arguments over the years that Tolkien wouldn't have lost anything and actually would have gained quite a bit by being more concise in areas.  But the sheer length of the story actually works as a literary device in and of itself.  It is a long, arduous, life-changing journey, and one where the sheer length and burden of the journey in and of themselves are key agents in the changes that occur in some of the characters.  The sheer length of the narrative serves to impart those emotions on the reader.  In a way, I feel as thought Neal is doing the same thing with his story.  Yes, he could have been more concise, both lyrically and musically.  Or he could have been a bit more varied and not reused so many themes.  But I think it somehow all works in taking the listener on a journey that is meant to evoke a lot of particular emotions in very particular ways that it would be hard (and perhaps impossible) to evoke if he had done it differently. 

Feel free to disagree, but that's my take on that album.  (which is to say that I partially agree with you while on the same time acknowledging that I think what he did on Testimony works)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 30, 2011, 10:45:20 AM
I think Testimony is the only album Neal has ever done in his three main bands that has any significant filler.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 30, 2011, 10:58:51 AM
I think Testimony is the only album Neal has ever done in his three main bands that has any significant filler.

I would agree. I feel that Testimony has more filler than even Snow, and I don't think Snow has that much, if at all. On the contrary, since Testimony, Neal has done a lot to trim down filler from his albums. Unfortunately, he took out 3 songs from One, which I think sounds better with them restored in the track listing, but that's just me. He really hit it out of the ballpark with ?, and Sola Scriptura was alright (has a bit of padding, but not really filler), and Lifeline was a mediocre-to-good effort IMO, but none of the songs really screamed filler to me, just not his usual writing as we had come to expect it after the previous 3 albums.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 30, 2011, 11:07:06 AM
bosk1, I get what you are saying, and when I listen to all of Testimony (which admittedly isn't that often, since, like Snow, it is a major undertaking to have the time to listen to an album that long the whole way through), there is nothing that I think, "Meh, this stinks, so I am gonna skip it," but when going for single songs, I never listen to stuff like "Colder in the Sun" or "Power in the Air," simply because those two songs and "Moving in My Heart" all pretty much have the same melodies and whatnot, but "Moving in My Heart" by far does the best job with them, so it makes those other two expendable to me.

Also, I think the "Interlude"/"The Prince of the Power of the Air"/"The Promise" section is easily expendable, too.  "Interlude" is basically a short, uninteresting instrumental, built around the melody that is used much better in other places on the album, and "The Promise" is built around that vocal chant that sounds much better in "The Storm Before the Calm."  

Once again, it comes down to have too many musical reprises.  Having several main themes that are reused throughout the album can be a really good thing, but in the case of this record, it seems like there are too many that are overused too many times, resulting in major overkill.  But I get that Neal had a lot to say at the time, given that he had just left Spock's Beard and wanted to tell his story, so maybe he had too many lyrics and not enough musical ideas (which is not to say he didn't have a lot of good musical ideas, because he did, but there are a lot of lyrics on this record), and going for Reprise City was the way to go for him at the time. :biggrin:

Lastly, getting back to the new album, lost in the talk of Disc 1 and the awesomeness of "Seeds of Gold" is what a great song "Supernatural" is.  Very cool song, and the similarity to SB's "June" with those vocals in the middle and at the end was a nice touch. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 30, 2011, 11:14:09 AM
Snow meanders a bit too much near the end of Disc 2 ("Freak Boy Part 2" through "Ladies and Gentleman..."), but the 1-2 punch at the end of "I Will Go" and "Made Alive Again/Wind at My Back" is :hefdaddy :hefdaddy.

I like One with the restored tracklisting, but "Nothing to Believe" really stands out as being significantly weaker than the rest of the songs.  

Also, I recently broke the first two Sola Scriptura songs into six tracks each using Audacity, and when listening to Neal on random or shuffle, some of those sections are really standing out now as being really good.  Before, they kind of got lost in attempts at grasping 30 minute songs as a whole all at once, but individually, listening to them that way has helped me get into that album a bit more.  
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 30, 2011, 11:28:18 AM
...and going for Reprise City was the way to go for him at the time.

Interesting side note.  I just google mapped Reprise City, and its main thoroughfare happens to be Mercy Street.  Wow, who knew? 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 30, 2011, 11:45:25 AM
Yeah, I agree that Testimony is a bit bloated. I see bosk's point, but like Kev, if I wanted to listen to the album, it is a serious undertaking (unless I am doing other things and music is a background).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 30, 2011, 12:12:50 PM
I think Testimony is the only album Neal has ever done in his three main bands that has any significant filler.
I would say that Snow also has significant filler. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 30, 2011, 12:45:07 PM
I think Testimony is the only album Neal has ever done in his three main bands that has any significant filler.
I would say that Snow also has significant filler. 

I thought so too at once, but as I grew to love and understand the album more, everything about it just fell into place and everything seemed to fit right where it was supposed to.

One man's filler is another man's filling.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 30, 2011, 03:00:09 PM
I think Snow is an overrated album, much because a lot of it is great, but much of it just isn't that good. But I don't find it to be filler. To me filler is, good or bad music that inflates the length of the song or album past what seems necessary or natural. I think a clear sign of filler is that you can't point out exactly which song or section is definitely filler, but you know that somewhere too much is there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 30, 2011, 03:05:03 PM
If it's good, it isn't filler.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 30, 2011, 03:09:39 PM
And that's where you and I disagree. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Silent Cody on May 30, 2011, 03:40:02 PM
I totally get into Spock's Beard today.... til today I heard about The Band but haven't heard it. Now I know how much time I've lost...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 30, 2011, 10:33:53 PM
If it's good, it isn't filler.

But if it isn't good, it isn't automatically filler. 

I totally get into Spock's Beard today.... til today I heard about The Band but haven't heard it. Now I know how much time I've lost...

Wait, what? ???
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 31, 2011, 08:57:21 AM
I'll just leave this right here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1KGDzNKWMg


Protip: skip to 1:50
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on May 31, 2011, 09:06:08 AM
I'll just leave this right here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1KGDzNKWMg


Protip: skip to 1:50

So Neal did cut his hair by 1998. I thought it was later. There are barely any pics or vids online of Neal before 2000

Great vid BTW, Ansley Dunbar on drums  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 31, 2011, 09:11:00 AM
I'll just leave this right here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1KGDzNKWMg


Protip: skip to 1:50

So Neal did cut his hair by 1998. I thought it was later. There are barely any pics or vids online of Neal before 2000

Great vid BTW, Ansley Dunbar on drums  :metal

Oh, they're out there if you look.  For example, The Light, 1995 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ8ArciKdZo).  Walking On The Wind, 1997 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4pRGGUy25o).  Seek and you will find.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 31, 2011, 09:18:00 AM
Whoa, long hair.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 31, 2011, 09:20:20 AM
Wow, Walking On The Wind is really good.  (obviously, I hadn't heard it before)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 31, 2011, 09:36:36 AM
"Walking on the Wind" has one of those classic Neal Morse awesome vocal melodies. :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: James007 on May 31, 2011, 09:50:20 AM
"Walking on the Wind" has one of those classic Neal Morse awesome vocal melodies. :hefdaddy
:tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 31, 2011, 09:55:55 AM
I'm really going to have to pick up some Spock's Beard now.  I think I'll start with Snow and work backward through the Neal era first and then possibly look into the "second half" of their stuff.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on May 31, 2011, 10:05:21 AM
I have to do the same thing, the only SB album I have is Kindness, and it's great, but I want to hear more!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on May 31, 2011, 10:59:44 AM
My first SB album was V, and Im glad it was that one. It's their best so far, though Kindness of Strangers is more consistently good.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on May 31, 2011, 11:17:39 AM
I have Snow and V. I got V recently and have only listened through it once. Mainly because to me it sounded a lot like Neal's solo stuff and didn't catch me right away. I need to go back and listen to it some more. Snow just hit me right away as being different sounding than other Neal Morse stuff I've heard.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on May 31, 2011, 12:01:53 PM
I'm really going to have to pick up some Spock's Beard now.  I think I'll start with Snow and work backward through the Neal era first and then possibly look into the "second half" of their stuff.

I think you should do it from the beginning so you can here the evolution.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 31, 2011, 12:03:26 PM
Bosk, I finally have art for my show so I will put it on DIME tonight and on my server tomorrow night.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on May 31, 2011, 12:03:43 PM
He'll hear the de-evolution the other way though!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on May 31, 2011, 12:06:39 PM
He'll hear the de-evolution the other way though!

True.  Either way I think he'll love it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 31, 2011, 12:14:29 PM
I understand starting from the beginning.  But there are two reasons I don't want to do that.

1.  After reading through the book, I am really interested in hearing the music that came out of Neal's head space at the end of his time with Spock's more than I am interested in the early stuff. 

2.  Often, when I discover a band after the fact, their earlier sound doesn't capture where my current tastes are, so the older stuff often sounds better when I can put it in context of their overall sound and evolution than if I heard the older stuff first.  Take Nightwish as an example.  I got into them during the Once era.  I had heard a song or two of their older stuff, and it didn't click.  But I got the two most recent albums at that time, and loved them both.  Then after immersing myself in those, I was able to go back to the older stuff and appreciate it.  I've gotten into a lot of older bands that way.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on May 31, 2011, 12:24:27 PM
Anything that Neal touches is gold!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on May 31, 2011, 12:29:04 PM
Especially Seeds!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on May 31, 2011, 12:33:45 PM
I have been on the craziest Neal Morse kick lately. Testimony 2 got me back in a giant NM mood and in the last week Ive listened to The Light, Testimony 2 (about 6-7 times), The Kindness of Strangers, Testimony 1 (2nd disc), One; now I'm on ? and I'm thinking of listening to more soon  :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on May 31, 2011, 12:43:11 PM
I understand starting from the beginning.  But there are two reasons I don't want to do that.

1.  After reading through the book, I am really interested in hearing the music that came out of Neal's head space at the end of his time with Spock's more than I am interested in the early stuff. 

2.  Often, when I discover a band after the fact, their earlier sound doesn't capture where my current tastes are, so the older stuff often sounds better when I can put it in context of their overall sound and evolution than if I heard the older stuff first.  Take Nightwish as an example.  I got into them during the Once era.  I had heard a song or two of their older stuff, and it didn't click.  But I got the two most recent albums at that time, and loved them both.  Then after immersing myself in those, I was able to go back to the older stuff and appreciate it.  I've gotten into a lot of older bands that way.

Interesting idea.  I'd hope you'd post album to album.  I'd like to see your take.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on May 31, 2011, 12:44:29 PM
I might work backwards too, I'm really interested in hearing Snow.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on May 31, 2011, 12:46:18 PM
I might work backwards too, I'm really interested in hearing Snow.

I'm thinking of getting that today at my local record store. I have 12 other NM-related albums, but not that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 31, 2011, 06:35:50 PM
To those of you who have not heard SB's V yet, feel free to come back and drool in this thread as soon as you hear "At the End of the Day."

And if you aren't blown away by its greatness, please pick up your FAIL card at the door. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 31, 2011, 06:41:54 PM
To those of you who have not heard SB's V yet, feel free to come back and drool in this thread as soon as you hear "At the End of the Day."

And if you aren't blown away by its greatness, please pick up your FAIL card at the door. :biggrin:

True story, I am listening to that album and very song right now! :tup

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 31, 2011, 06:44:56 PM
Well at least you're doing it and not just talking about it, because it's all about what you do and not what you say.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 31, 2011, 06:48:46 PM
"At The End Of The Day" is my favorite track from V, and probably in my Top 5 SB tracks of all time. It just has so many memoriable moments, and I love the bass guitar in it - Dave just SMOKES in this tune, especially near the end.

I'd dare say that "At The End Of The Day" is one of the greatest songs that Neal Morse has EVER written.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 31, 2011, 08:15:00 PM
I like At the End of The Day, but after a while it just feels like it keeps going, and going, and going. . .  Not that I'm against long songs.  The Great Nothing never feels like it drags on and it's much longer.  Anyway, that's just my opinion.  All on a Sunday is another of my favorites from V.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on May 31, 2011, 10:22:19 PM
ATEOTD is great. The Great Nothing is not great.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on May 31, 2011, 11:43:28 PM
on my 3rd spin of T2, and I continue to appreciate Neal's ability to make his music so emotionally dramatic
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 01, 2011, 10:30:24 AM
ATEOTD is great. The Great Nothing is not great.
This.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on June 01, 2011, 11:22:19 PM
As is the trading norm I simply ask that if you convert this to lossy formats you do so for personal use, please do not share the lossy files.

16-bit (CD)
www.nickeh.com/np/shows/NM2011-05-23.rar

24-bit (HQ PC)
www.nickeh.com/np/shows/NM2011-05-23b.rar
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on June 02, 2011, 10:52:30 AM
Sweet!  Looking forward to downloading.  This will ease the pain of not being able to see it live.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on June 02, 2011, 12:09:49 PM
Decided to do a runthru of all NM's stuff and started with Testimony.  I don't know why people don't much it as much as I do, cause it could be in my top 5 of all time, and easily in the top 10.  Every song is pure gold.  Can't think of anything that's filler as people have said before.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on June 02, 2011, 12:14:27 PM
There's only like 5 songs on that album that are good, in my opinion.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 02, 2011, 12:36:47 PM
I like the 2nd disc more than the first (for the first Testimony album), but T2 has given me a new appreciation for T1. Still everything afterwards (except Lifeline) has been better
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on June 02, 2011, 06:59:41 PM
There's only like 5 songs on that album that are good, in my opinion.
Which ones?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on June 03, 2011, 07:30:10 AM
Just listened to One again.  Dang, that is just SUCH an emotional trip.  It might beat T1 for me.  Almost every song gave me chills.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on June 03, 2011, 07:38:46 AM
Just listened to One again.  Dang, that is just SUCH an emotional trip.  It might beat T1 for me.  Almost every song gave me chills.
Its all good in my books!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on June 03, 2011, 08:02:41 AM
I just listened to V again. It is good, but not better than most of Neal's Solo stuff or Snow. The first track really reminds me of Testimony a lot. Since I heard Testimony first and am much more familiar, it just makes me want to put on Testimony.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on June 03, 2011, 08:07:53 AM
I just listened to V again. It is good, but not better than most of Neal's Solo stuff or Snow. The first track really reminds me of Testimony a lot. Since I heard Testimony first and am much more familiar, it just makes me want to put on Testimony.
"Question Mark" is better then any Spocks album imo.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on June 03, 2011, 08:16:31 AM
"Question Mark" is better then any Spocks album imo.

Well yes, it is better than any Neal Morse involved album, imo.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on June 03, 2011, 11:24:26 AM
So the SB album after Neal's departure has a song called "Carry On."  I am appreciating T2's closer more and more...it could be better than TTWSYF now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 03, 2011, 11:47:38 AM
Better late than never! ;) :P

And while I absolutely love ?, I can't say it is better than Snow or V.  I might have thought that at one time, but not anymore.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on June 03, 2011, 12:03:07 PM
TTWSYF?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 03, 2011, 12:04:06 PM
The Truth Will Set You Free.

I know, I know.  Lazy people and their acronyms (when they aren't obvious ones). :lol

Personally, if I am feeling lazy with a long song or album title, I find typing the first few words and then ... to be a lot more effective. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on June 03, 2011, 12:05:05 PM
Ohhh :lol Still need to hear the new album. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on June 03, 2011, 12:06:18 PM
Grooveshark has the album! :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 03, 2011, 12:07:03 PM
So does amazon.con.  And iTunes.  And Radiant Records.

Support the artist. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on June 03, 2011, 12:16:46 PM
Currently poor, like struggling kinda bad. I will buy it when work picks up in the fall. ;) I always buy from RR, I even bought all his non-prog solo albums to support him a few years ago (even though I wasn't too fond of a lot of it). :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on June 03, 2011, 12:24:48 PM
Better late than never! ;) :P

And while I absolutely love ?, I can't say it is better than Snow or V.  I might have thought that at one time, but not anymore.

It only beats out Snow for me because of how Snow kind of drags towards the end. V might be even below Sola Scriptura for me, but I need to give it more listens.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on June 03, 2011, 01:51:24 PM
Better late than never! ;) :P
I know!  I didn't really understand the context of the song.  I figured he was finished talking about leaving Spock's with Road Dog Blues.  So I was pretty confused with the "I'll love you forever but I have to say goodbye" because I thought he was talking to God.  But now that I get it...I get choked up every time I listen to it.  My most emotional line is "I can't describe how hard it was or how much we loved each other".  This has potential to beat out Somber Days for my favorite NM song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on June 03, 2011, 09:24:01 PM
It only beats out Snow for me because of how Snow kind of drags towards the end. V might be even below Sola Scriptura for me, but I need to give it more listens.

I'm thinking opposite here (your opinion regarding Snow).  I think the second half of the second disc is pure gold.  By far the best stuff on the album.  Lots of times I'll just start listening to the album beginning at "Freak Boy" to the end of the album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Bolsters on June 04, 2011, 01:54:23 AM
I'm sorry if this has been asked before, or if it's a question that pisses people off, but I don't want to read 17 pages, so I only looked at the last couple.  :\

I wouldn't call myself a fan of Neal Morse's solo career, but I don't really think I've given it a really good chance. I've heard the odd song on Youtube but never listened to a whole album. I am pretty sure the lyrics are a big factor in this as I don't really like lyrics that are too preachy - I could get past that though if the music rawks.  :metal

So, I was just wondering, what's a good album to use as a starting point for someone unfamiliar with Neal Morse? Keep in mind I like Spock's Beard and love Transatlantic so I am likely to have a favorable opinion of the more proggy albums. I'll go and get that album and see what happens. :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 04, 2011, 01:58:48 AM
?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on June 04, 2011, 01:59:38 AM
?

Quote for truth. Seriously, this is Neal's masterpiece.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on June 04, 2011, 03:25:50 AM
"Question Mark" is better then any Spocks album imo.

Well yes, it is better than any Neal Morse involved album, imo.
Well, they never made a better album without Neal Morse, imo.
and I am still a Spocks fan by the way.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on June 04, 2011, 03:37:24 AM
I would say One....I never really "got" ?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: jonny108 on June 04, 2011, 03:40:46 AM
Collin Leijenaar
Unfortunately the promotor of the UK shows (SJM Concerts) cancelled our Manchester and Glasgow shows due to low ticket sales. Huge disappointment on our side!! And he changed the venue in London. More details to be followed soon!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on June 04, 2011, 06:39:36 AM
?

Quote for truth. Seriously, this is Neal's masterpiece.

Even though One is my favorite, I have to agree.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Bolsters on June 04, 2011, 07:17:15 AM
I'll check out "?" ASAP then. Thanks :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on June 04, 2011, 12:29:28 PM
I'll check out "?" ASAP then. Thanks :tup
Its awesome! :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on June 04, 2011, 12:29:42 PM
? is actually my least favorite of his solo stuff.  I would go for Testimony 2, easily.  There's lots of fun and upbeat stuff on there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Revel on June 04, 2011, 01:11:34 PM
Neal Morse....
Take out the religious aspect and this would be the perfect music for me. 
Don't have all too much to say, it's been said already, he kicks ass.
Lifeline is my favorite album at the moment =]
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ich bin besser on June 04, 2011, 05:51:59 PM
Damn, 2 Neal concerts in the UK were cancelled due to low ticket sales... And the London show is in a smaller venue now. That sucks big time, but kinda reflects the state of live prog rock in these days, I think...  :(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: BRGM on June 04, 2011, 06:26:32 PM
Too bad he won't come to Sweden, I'm really enjoying Testimony 2, haven't heard the first testimony yet though, heh...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on June 04, 2011, 09:17:22 PM
Lifeline is my favorite album at the moment =]

It's not well-liked around here, and it isn't my favorite, but I love it. Cool to see that it is somebody's favorite!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Revel on June 04, 2011, 10:55:37 PM
Lifeline is my favorite album at the moment =]

It's not well-liked around here, and it isn't my favorite, but I love it. Cool to see that it is somebody's favorite!

I can't imagine why :T 
Oh, Testimony II is pretty high up on my favorites list too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on June 05, 2011, 04:56:23 AM
Too bad he won't come to Sweden, I'm really enjoying Testimony 2, haven't heard the first testimony yet though, heh...
Change that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 05, 2011, 05:43:10 AM
As is the trading norm I simply ask that if you convert this to lossy formats you do so for personal use, please do not share the lossy files.

16-bit (CD)
www.nickeh.com/np/shows/NM2011-05-23.rar

24-bit (HQ PC)
www.nickeh.com/np/shows/NM2011-05-23b.rar
BTW, thanks a lot for this, Nick.  I downloaded yesterday but haven't had time to listen yet.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on June 05, 2011, 06:59:48 AM
Damn, 2 Neal concerts in the UK were cancelled due to low ticket sales... And the London show is in a smaller venue now. That sucks big time, but kinda reflects the state of live prog rock in these days, I think...  :(

That's awful news. Its just a shame that the world has little interest in some of the best music being made. :(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on June 05, 2011, 07:26:19 AM
Damn, 2 Neal concerts in the UK were cancelled due to low ticket sales... And the London show is in a smaller venue now. That sucks big time, but kinda reflects the state of live prog rock in these days, I think...  :(

That's awful news. Its just a shame that the world has little interest in some of the best music being made. :(
Yeah, I can't believe it.  But I think the religiosity aspect hasn't really helped Neal in terms of getting bigger, though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on June 05, 2011, 07:38:03 AM
Damn, 2 Neal concerts in the UK were cancelled due to low ticket sales... And the London show is in a smaller venue now. That sucks big time, but kinda reflects the state of live prog rock in these days, I think...  :(

That's awful news. Its just a shame that the world has little interest in some of the best music being made. :(
Yeah, I can't believe it.  But I think the religiosity aspect hasn't really helped Neal in terms of getting bigger, though.
I just feel sorry for the fans like myself and especially my wife who would have been devastated had this had happened to the New York show.
She cried all night during that show. It was a dream come true for her to see Neal. I think she was one of maybe ten females in the entire venue.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on June 05, 2011, 07:47:18 AM
I just learned that Nick might not be able to play at HVF and they might have someone else front the band if that's the case...do you think it could be Neal?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on June 05, 2011, 07:59:29 AM
Nick not being there was announced months and months ago, and the replacement is Ted Leonard.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on June 05, 2011, 08:02:08 AM
Aw ok....well do you think there will be a chance that there's a song they do together?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on June 09, 2011, 02:31:28 PM
Testimony 2 is still awesome for me. One may be creeping past Testimony also. Hard to say because I'm so familiar with Testimony.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 09, 2011, 02:39:21 PM
I think she was one of maybe ten females in the entire venue.

Eleven if you count Nick.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on June 09, 2011, 02:53:41 PM
Sticks and stones.  :'(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 09, 2011, 02:55:49 PM
Snakes and arrows.   :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: juice on June 10, 2011, 07:29:57 PM
So I just got Testimony and I'm listening to it for the first time right now.  Seems good so far.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 11, 2011, 06:48:55 AM
I think she was one of maybe ten females in the entire venue.

Eleven if you count Nick.


(https://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i238/hefdaddy42/DTF/METAL.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: metropofreak on June 17, 2011, 09:26:50 AM
I went to the London show last night. It was absolutely amazing, every second of it. Neal and his band were just so epic, and it was such a heartfelt performance. He is easily one of my favourite musicians around these days. Here is a video i took of 'Mercy Street':

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QszeEpIJ6U0
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Durg on June 17, 2011, 09:40:45 AM
I went to the London show last night. It was absolutely amazing, every second of it. Neal and his band were just so epic, and it was such a heartfelt performance. He is easily one of my favourite musicians around these days. Here is a video i took of 'Mercy Street':

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QszeEpIJ6U0


For a second there I thought he was going to start playing "Fooling Yourself" by Styx.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on June 17, 2011, 11:16:18 AM
My friend just gave me Neal's new book. Looks like I got some reading to do.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: juice on June 18, 2011, 01:11:38 AM
I Am Willing is such a nice song.  :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on June 19, 2011, 06:16:05 PM
Listened to One yesterday on a long trip to work. Definitely my favorite NM album ever. The Creation is my favorite, Cradle to the Grave is just beautiful, and Author of Confusion is such a different song, and brilliantly executed.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on June 19, 2011, 08:22:33 PM
Oh boy! Doing my first official listen to disc 1...I've heard It's For You and maybe a bit of another song here or there...this is awesome.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 19, 2011, 08:49:08 PM
I Am Willing is such a nice song.  :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on June 20, 2011, 12:18:16 AM
My friend just gave me Neal's new book. Looks like I got some reading to do.

I was hoping for more, but it's OK I guess. Pretty easy read. Shouldn't take you long to finish.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 20, 2011, 12:08:23 PM
Oh boy! Doing my first official listen to disc 1...I've heard It's For You and maybe a bit of another song here or there...this is awesome.

 :tup :tup

Also:

Love knocked upon my door one day
In the midst of my suffering
How can a dream so far away
Become a blazing reality YEAH!
In the house of the rising sun
Still the snow falls down on mercy street
Were awaiting to become one
But we LOVE
For now
As the snow falls
Down on mercy street

 :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Icebear on June 22, 2011, 04:35:58 PM
I'm still waiting for Radiant to deliver my copy of T2+ the book. It's about a month late. I'm sure it's quite amazing, though.

As far as the older albums go, I do prefer "?".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on June 22, 2011, 06:57:57 PM
Oh boy! Doing my first official listen to disc 1...I've heard It's For You and maybe a bit of another song here or there...this is awesome.

 :tup :tup

Also:

Love knocked upon my door one day
In the midst of my suffering
How can a dream so far away
Become a blazing reality YEAH!
In the house of the rising sun
Still the snow falls down on mercy street
Were awaiting to become one
But we LOVE
For now
As the snow falls
Down on mercy street

 :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy



THis is such an awesome moment.  I sing along to the song but when I get to this part I have to start mouthing the words because I get choked up every time.  Best album ending EVAR!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on June 22, 2011, 07:06:11 PM
I'm still waiting for Radiant to deliver my copy of T2+ the book. It's about a month late. I'm sure it's quite amazing, though.

That's absolutely ridiculous. I would be all over them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 22, 2011, 10:09:39 PM
I'm still waiting for Radiant to deliver my copy of T2+ the book. It's about a month late

That is unacceptable, but not at all surprising to me. I got burned by them several times in regards to new releases taking forever to get to me, which is why I don't order from there anymore.  It sucks because I'd like to order straight from them, as Neal probably gets more of the money that way, but it is hard rewarding bad service.

Love knocked upon my door one day
In the midst of my suffering
How can a dream so far away
Become a blazing reality YEAH!
In the house of the rising sun
Still the snow falls down on mercy street
Were awaiting to become one
But we LOVE
For now
As the snow falls
Down on mercy street

 :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy

THis is such an awesome moment.  I sing along to the song but when I get to this part I have to start mouthing the words because I get choked up every time.  Best album ending EVAR!

 :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on June 23, 2011, 10:57:44 AM
If you email radiant with an issue, they will get back to you pretty quick to get it resolved.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on June 25, 2011, 11:19:38 AM
Wow. THIS ALBUM IS AWESOME

Listened about 6 times now. My new NM rankings would be:

One
?
SS
T2
LL
T1
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on June 25, 2011, 03:01:55 PM
If you email radiant with an issue, they will get back to you pretty quick to get it resolved.

They've ALWAYS been good to me and very responsive the one time I had a problem with an order.

My only problem with them has ALWAYS been the higher-than-average shipping cost. I write that off in cases where I get something extra like a signature and some other bonus-like incentive.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 26, 2011, 08:56:32 AM
Wow. THIS ALBUM IS AWESOME

Listened about 6 times now. My new NM rankings would be:

One
?
SS
T2
LL
T1

 :tup :tup to your first comment, but still only your 4th favorite? 

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on June 26, 2011, 09:23:44 AM
Wow. THIS ALBUM IS AWESOME

Listened about 6 times now. My new NM rankings would be:

One
?
SS
T2
LL
T1

 :tup :tup to your first comment, but still only your 4th favorite? 



Being wary of ranking it high because of that fresh album perspective...I am confident it will beat SS as well, but I don't want to say so soon enough.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 27, 2011, 08:25:23 AM
Makes sense :)  The important thing is that you are already loving it like crazy. :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on June 27, 2011, 08:33:01 AM
Yeah, it's like T1 but with all the good and without the fluff. I love Lifeline actually, but this album is better spread out than LL. SS is still a beast of an album, The Door is one of my favorite songs and the rest is fantastic. ? and One...well, they are the best. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 27, 2011, 08:36:11 AM
BTW, for those of us who are digging this, in what order do you like the songs on Disc 1?  I'd probably go something like this (bearing in my mind that there are no weak spots):

Crossing Over/Mercy Street Reprise
It's for You
The Truth Will Set You Free
Mercy Street
Time Has Come Today
Nighttime Collectors
Road Dog Blues
Chance of a Lifetime
Time Changer (yes, it has grown on me)
Jesus Bring Me Home
Jayda
Jesus' Blood
Overture No. 4
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on June 27, 2011, 08:41:46 AM
Still too early for me to rank all of them, but TTWSYF and It's For You are definitely top 2.



Edit: The "Where is the rain?" part is just perfect....amazes me every time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on June 27, 2011, 10:11:52 AM
BTW, for those of us who are digging this, in what order do you like the songs on Disc 1?  I'd probably go something like this (bearing in my mind that there are no weak spots):

Crossing Over/Mercy Street Reprise
It's for You
The Truth Will Set You Free
Mercy Street
Time Has Come Today
Nighttime Collectors
Road Dog Blues
Chance of a Lifetime
Time Changer (yes, it has grown on me)
Jesus Bring Me Home
Jayda
Jesus' Blood
Overture No. 4

Wow, this is harder than I thought.  Lots of songs and I love them all. . .  I'll give it a shot:

Crossing Over/Mercy St reprise
Mercy Street
Overture 4
Jayda
Jesus Bring Me home
Chance of a Lifetime
Nighttime Collectors
Time has Come today
The Truth Will Set You Free
It's For you
Jesus blood
Time Changer
Road Dog Blues

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Quadrochosis on June 27, 2011, 06:27:58 PM
Time Changer is the best song on T2
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on June 28, 2011, 01:17:16 AM
Crossing Over/Mercy Street Reprise
The Truth Will Set You Free
Jesus' Blood
Mercy Street
Nighttime Collectors
**everything else**
Road Dog Blues
Time Changer
Chance of a Lifetime

That's all I could come up with so far.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on July 24, 2011, 10:45:15 PM
Wasnt one of the shows on his T2 tour recorded? anyone hear any updates about this? if im mistaken i appologize.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: j on July 24, 2011, 11:25:37 PM
Anybody really like this album who DIDN'T like Testimony 1?  I still haven't had a chance to check it out, but I can't say the prospect of a sequel to my least favorite Neal Morse album got me too excited.

-J
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 24, 2011, 11:32:17 PM
It didn't get me excited either, but while I like the first Testimony, this new one blows it out of the water on pretty much every level.  And I don't really even think of it as a sequel.  The reprises are thankfully left to a bare minimum.  And I say "thankfully" not because the first one didn't have good themes that were worthy of being reprised, but because I didn't want T2 to turn into a reprisal fest.  Which it didn't.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on July 25, 2011, 05:51:26 AM
Anybody really like this album who DIDN'T like Testimony 1?  I still haven't had a chance to check it out, but I can't say the prospect of a sequel to my least favorite Neal Morse album got me too excited.

-J

I'll be honest, T1 is my least favorite NM prog album...it's really bloated despite all the great riffs/melodies. Some gems, but too much filler and reprising.

T2 is the opposite. Reprises are done very well and nowhere near as often (across the whole album I mean), and it flows so much better and is a lot more concise than T1. It's on par with his best solo prog albums (?, One).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on July 25, 2011, 09:13:19 AM
The reprises are thankfully left to a bare minimum.  And I say "thankfully" not because the first one didn't have good themes that were worthy of being reprised, but because I didn't want T2 to turn into a reprisal fest.  Which it didn't.

*bosk1 likes this post*

As for ranking:

1.  One
2.  Sola Scriptura
3.  Testimony
...
4.  Testimony 2
...
5.  ?
6.  Lifeline
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on July 25, 2011, 09:16:02 AM
1. Testimony
2. Testimony 2
3. One
4. Lifeline
5. Sola Scriptura
6. ?

I like Neal's storytelling better than I like his preaching, which reflects in my ranking.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on July 26, 2011, 07:20:48 AM
The previous 2 lists contain a healthy dose of failure. :)


1. One
2. ?
3. Testimony 2
4. Sola Scriptura
5. Lifeline
6. Testimony
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 26, 2011, 11:39:39 AM
Even though Ive only been familiar with his solo albums since last summer, Testimony 1 never clicked for me, for similar reasons as stated above. Good; but too much. Testimony 2 is just stellar, fits on one album, and it's a breeze to get through. It also rocks a little harder than T1.

1. ?
2. Testimony 2
3. Sola Scriptura
4. One
5. Testimony
6. Lifeline (this one has been growing on me, and may move up to #5 soon)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 26, 2011, 02:49:39 PM
The previous 2 lists contain a healthy dose of failure. :)

As does any studio album rankings list that ignores Neal's first two albums. :facepalm: :biggrin:

1. Testimony Two
2. ?
3. One
4. Neal Morse
5. Testimony
6. Sola Scriptura
7. Lifeline
8. It's Not Too Late
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on July 26, 2011, 02:50:39 PM
The previous 2 lists contain a healthy dose of failure. :)

As does any studio album rankings list that ignores Neal's first two albums. :facepalm: :biggrin:

Stop making things up.  We're only counting the real albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on July 26, 2011, 02:57:32 PM
The previous 2 lists contain a healthy dose of failure. :)

As does any studio album rankings list that ignores Neal's first two albums. :facepalm: :biggrin:

An even bigger failure is that you are forgetting Songs from the Highway (AND YES IT DOES COUNT).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on July 26, 2011, 06:55:44 PM
1. ?
2. One
3. Testimony 2
4. Lifeline
5. Sola Scriptura
6. Testimony

I find minimal quality drops after 1, 2, and 3, but I think Sola and T1 are both considerably worse than the rest, though both are still good alums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on July 26, 2011, 08:36:19 PM
I'll rank the albums. . .

1. Testimony 2
2. Testimony
3. One
4. Sola Scriptura
5. Lifeline
6. ?
7. Songs from the highway
8. God Won't Give Up
9. Neal Morse
10. It's Not Too Late

Really, 1 through 5 are all close, I consider them all masterpieces (yes, even Lifeline, because So Many Roads is like, my fav song ever!).

One and Sola Scriptura, although they aren't at top of the list, have received the most playing time.  But maybe I've overlistened, as I don't go back to them very often anymore.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 26, 2011, 10:18:27 PM


An even bigger failure is that you are forgetting Songs from the Highway (AND YES IT DOES COUNT).


No it doesn't.  If we are gonna count that, then we have to count all of those worship albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 27, 2011, 10:14:17 AM


An even bigger failure is that you are forgetting Songs from the Highway (AND YES IT DOES COUNT).


No it doesn't.  If we are gonna count that, then we have to count all of those worship albums.

Yea Im pretty sure most people, at least on these boards, dont have them
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on July 27, 2011, 08:30:58 PM
.... soooo nothing about a Neal Morse dvd?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on July 27, 2011, 08:33:49 PM
Yes, there will be a DVD.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 27, 2011, 08:36:48 PM


An even bigger failure is that you are forgetting Songs from the Highway (AND YES IT DOES COUNT).


No it doesn't.  If we are gonna count that, then we have to count all of those worship albums.

Yea Im pretty sure most people, at least on these boards, dont have them

Which isn't a bad thing.  I bought one of them years ago, 'cause it was fairly cheap, and thought it might be good.  But I was wrong.  Thank God (literally) that Neal saves that stuff for the worship CDs.  If non-believers thought his regular CDs were too preachy or whatever, their heads would explode after one worship CD song. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 27, 2011, 09:32:04 PM
Yes, there will be a DVD.

Yes and IIRC, they filmed the LA show with the US band, so I hope the entire show gets released! Ideally, I'd buy a 2-DVD set, a disc for each leg of the tour - the US band and shows, and the European band and shows, since they had different setlists for each band, it'd be nice if we got video of almost all the songs they played on the tour!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on July 27, 2011, 11:35:46 PM
awesome! thanks :D

and yeah the US and EU sets would be awesome!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on July 28, 2011, 07:01:53 PM


An even bigger failure is that you are forgetting Songs from the Highway (AND YES IT DOES COUNT).


No it doesn't.  If we are gonna count that, then we have to count all of those worship albums.

Wait, what? SFTH doesn't relate to the worship CD's. How do you count the other 2 albums you did initially, but not SFTH? I can see not counting the worship CD's.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 28, 2011, 08:19:53 PM
Because those first two solo albums were officially released studio albums that were available everywhere, while Songs from the Highway, like the worship CDs, are ones you can pretty much only buy at his website (not counting people who sell used copies at amazon, for example).  You can still buy the first album and It's Not Too Late at amazon (albeit the latter as an import only, but it used to be sold as a normal release there).  

In other words, albums like the worship CDs and Songs from the Highway are like DT's ytsejam releases: they are not "official" releases, which is why they are only available at the artists' site (or one ran by the artist, like ytsejam was when Portnoy was in DT).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on July 28, 2011, 08:21:52 PM
Oh crap, yeah that makes sense.

Forgot about your sig. :facepalm:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on August 02, 2011, 07:30:04 PM
Songs From The Road has the Metal Blade logo on it. It's not a self release.  


Songs From The Road is also one of his best releases ever in my opinion.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on August 22, 2011, 09:13:44 AM
Listening to Bridge Across Forever right now, and based on sheer beauty, I think it's the most beautiful Neal Morse-related album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 22, 2011, 01:12:51 PM
Listening to Bridge Across Forever right now, and based on sheer beauty, I think it's the most beautiful Neal Morse-related album.


I'll still SMPTE by a hair over it, but it's close. :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 22, 2011, 03:49:15 PM
Listening to Bridge Across Forever right now, and based on sheer beauty, I think it's the most beautiful Neal Morse-related album.


BAF is far and away one of my favorite albums of ALL TIME. It's just an amazing piece of music and all the songs are so well done. And the shared movements/motifs across the album give it a really good cohesive sound. And the track order is perfect - I'm glad Mike won that argument with Neal as I'm not sure the album would have sounded better any other way.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 22, 2011, 05:38:52 PM
I love BAF, but have never thought that the title track was good with the flow.  I can't imagine it in any other spot in the running order, but it just feels out of place a bit.  I always thought it was odd that they put what is essentially a solo Neal song on a TA record.  Don't get me wrong, it is a beautiful song, but given how few tracks they do per album, dedicating one to one member, when that member could have easily put it on one of his solo records, just seemed a bit weird.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 22, 2011, 09:16:02 PM
I love BAF, but have never thought that the title track was good with the flow.  I can't imagine it in any other spot in the running order, but it just feels out of place a bit.  I always thought it was odd that they put what is essentially a solo Neal song on a TA record.  Don't get me wrong, it is a beautiful song, but given how few tracks they do per album, dedicating one to one member, when that member could have easily put it on one of his solo records, just seemed a bit weird.

I thought so too at first, but apparently it moved the others so well that they didn't want to touch it at all because they felt Neal did it so well by himself, and to add or change anything by the other three members might have seemed a bit damaging to the song. I remember Pete as saying he cried when he first heard Neal's demo of the song, and that Mike really loved it as well, and I'm pretty positive Roine had the same sentiments.

I think they loved it enough to let Neal put it on the album, and even name the album after it. I enjoy the Neal ballads that they have put on TA albums - "We All Need Some Light", "Bridge Across Forever" and "Rose Colored Glasses" (which IIRC was essentially a near-finished song/demo when Neal presented it to the others during the making of The Whirlwind). I think "Bridge Across Forever" is a good breather on an album of 3 multi-movement epics, and gives it some balance.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 25, 2011, 08:23:08 PM
https://www.nealmorse.com/

Quote
COMING SOON!!!
Fresh from Neal Morse's recent T2 World Tour, comes this amazing package consisting of 3 Audio CDs and 2 Full Length DVDs with over 3 hours of mind blowing music and a whopping 4 hours of concert footage and extras! Guaranteed to excite and satisfy the prog fan this Christmas and for years to come.

This is the closest you can get to being on the tour without actually being there! Contains professionally shot footage of the historic reunion of Neal Morse and Spock's Beard, Live from the High Voltage Festival in London and a 90 minute behind the scenes tour documentary!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on August 25, 2011, 08:25:20 PM
YES
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 25, 2011, 11:42:25 PM
I'll be all over this.  Testimony Two has owned me all summer, and getting a live performance of the whole first disc (plus plenty of other tunes) is a no-brainer purchase for this fan. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on August 26, 2011, 02:03:07 AM
Looks like this is going to be my first Neal Morse DVD!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 26, 2011, 05:21:00 PM
Cool.  Will definitely have to pick this up.  I didn't see a track listing.  Anyone know what's going to be on this?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 26, 2011, 06:21:11 PM
Cool.  Will definitely have to pick this up.  I didn't see a track listing.  Anyone know what's going to be on this?

As far as I know, the US Leg of the T2 Tour was pretty consistent. The First set was usually:
Lifeline
Leviathan
The Separated Man
The Door (cut off after All I Ask for, with Come Out of Her)
Seeds of Gold
Testimony, Part 5 (Overture No. 3/Rejoice/Oh Lord My God/God's Theme)

The second set was Testimony 2 in it's entirety, and the encore included "Reunion", and usually preceded by "Sing It High", but in Mexico they did "We All Need Some Light", in NYC they did "Bridge Across Forever", and in Springfield VA and LA (the Whittier show, the one being released) they only had "Reunion" as an encore.

As for how it'll fit across 3 CDs, I can't imagine splitting up T2 off of one CD, but if there are some extended parts, it wouldn't fit since the original album itself was pretty much to CD-capacity as it was! Given that, I'd assume the following.
Disc 1 (about 60 minutes)
Lifeline
Leviathan
The Separated Man
The Door (cut off after All I Ask for, with Come Out of Her)

Disc 2 (about 60 minutes)
Seeds of Gold
T1 Part 5
T2 Part 6

Disc 3 (about 70 minutes)
T2 Part 7
T2 Part 8
Reunion

Just my guess, though.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 13, 2011, 12:20:22 PM
Time for a bump, just so I can say once again that the Mercy Street reprise in Crossing Over/Mercy Street Reprise is as awesome as almost anything ever.  I still get goosebumps every time it kicks in.

"In the house of the rising sun,
still the snow falls down on mercy street..."

 :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 13, 2011, 06:11:53 PM
I need to pull this out and listen again.  There's been so much cool music in the last two months or so that this has been sitting on the shelf.  Can't wait for the live album though.

Cool that they played Seeds of Gold.  Some other good stuff, too.  But I'm not thrilled with Lifeline, Leviathan, and the fact that they cut off The Door.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on October 13, 2011, 06:14:07 PM
I haven't listened to T2 in months. I think I burned myself out on NM. I do love T2, but...I have no desire to listen to it. Or anything else.

But this happens sometimes, and in a few months I bet I'll be going on a NM prog spree.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SystematicThought on October 13, 2011, 08:11:39 PM
I am eagerly awaiting my copy of T2 and the book to get to my doorstep.

In the meantime, I'm in contact with Neal over him coming to my school and giving his testimony during one of our chapel services. Me and my Scripture teacher are eagerly waiting his decision
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on October 13, 2011, 11:32:25 PM
Is it just me or does Crossing Over have really really heavy autotune effects?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on October 13, 2011, 11:52:27 PM
I haven't listened to T2 in months. I think I burned myself out on NM. I do love T2, but...I have no desire to listen to it. Or anything else.

But this happens sometimes, and in a few months I bet I'll be going on a NM prog spree.

Yes, this.

And I'm waiting for my T2Live/TALive CD/DVD Special Edition Package Bundle (With possible signage)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Bongasti on October 14, 2011, 12:34:59 AM
Hm, I got Testimony 2 in early june, and I still listen to it all the time. It's so great. I think I'll have to get the live DVD.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 14, 2011, 12:58:35 PM
Preview from the forthcoming live DVD:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r23P04SIY3Q
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on October 14, 2011, 01:50:20 PM
I listened to T2 this morning at the gym.   It's really a great album. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faemir on October 16, 2011, 09:04:52 AM
Preview from the forthcoming live DVD:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r23P04SIY3Q


Whatever people say about that album, I love that song. And So Many Roads.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on October 16, 2011, 09:09:24 AM
Preview from the forthcoming live DVD:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r23P04SIY3Q


Jesus Christ, that song slays live! :omg:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faemir on October 16, 2011, 11:43:45 AM
The quality kind of sucked - or rather, the lighting was non-existent.

But then again it's the emotion of the performance that drives Morse, not a fancy light show.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on October 16, 2011, 12:14:46 PM
Yeah true. I was shocked by the 'middle school band night' stage directing. But it's allright.

Apparently the boxset is only coming out 5 november, add 2 weeks shipping, man I have to wait a while for that...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on October 16, 2011, 07:19:06 PM
Been listening to T2 a lot.  Rather than try to interpret the lyrics the way I wanted to interpret them, I let them be the way they were...and it went from being a boring album to absolutely amazing!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on October 17, 2011, 06:28:47 PM
Anyone like Children of the Chosen?  It's one that I initially threw out as being corny and preachy, but I just gave Lifeline a listen and it was a track that really stood out to me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on October 17, 2011, 06:34:07 PM
COTC is maybe my favorite off of Lifeline. I love the whole atmosphere and tone.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nekov on October 17, 2011, 06:50:31 PM
Preview from the forthcoming live DVD:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r23P04SIY3Q

 :omg: Never seen NM live before. I want to get that DVD!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 17, 2011, 07:17:26 PM
Anyone like Children of the Chosen?  It's one that I initially threw out as being corny and preachy, but I just gave Lifeline a listen and it was a track that really stood out to me.
Yes, I like it a lot.  In fact, I like the whole album a lot, with the exception of Fly High.

BTW, that DVD looks like it will be amazing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on October 17, 2011, 07:27:42 PM
Anyone like Children of the Chosen?  It's one that I initially threw out as being corny and preachy, but I just gave Lifeline a listen and it was a track that really stood out to me.
Yes, I like it a lot.  In fact, I like the whole album a lot, with the exception of Fly High.

I still think you liked it at one point.

Mr. 42
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 17, 2011, 07:38:46 PM
No.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on October 17, 2011, 07:43:06 PM
Yes, you did.

Case closed. You can't argue with me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 17, 2011, 07:53:05 PM
Yes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on October 17, 2011, 07:54:46 PM
Oh dad. I see that you do love me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 17, 2011, 08:09:11 PM
Yes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on October 17, 2011, 11:22:41 PM
Why don't you like Fly High?  I don't like it for my own reasons, but I am curious to see why you think it's the worst?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Bongasti on October 18, 2011, 07:13:27 AM
He released another preview from the Testimony 2 live DVD...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U23t8aPOAU&feature=feedu
The Truth Will Set You Free FULL SONG (!!)

Probably my second favorite song from the first disc, and it's great live!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 18, 2011, 07:28:36 AM
Such a minor thing to complain about, but I just can't help it...  DUDE!  That green and blue striped rugby shirt is incredibly distracting!  Go report to wardrobe immediately!  >:(

Oh, and @ Neal death growl at 3:11:  :metalol:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on October 18, 2011, 07:38:29 AM
One of the comments on the old video (I believe a trailer) was: Rick Altiser has stolen one of James May's shirts.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on October 18, 2011, 07:47:37 AM
Man, while performance wise Neal Morse solo might be more interesting simply by virtue of the fact that there's more performers and lots of different instruments on stage, the quality of the stage show is noticeably lower. Transatlantic had some pretty decent light stuff going on. Neal Morse solo really looks like a it was filmed in a church basement.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on October 18, 2011, 07:51:54 AM
Oh, and @ Neal death growl at 3:11:  :metalol:

Wow. Was totally expecting him to go all out after that build up. It's like, he was thinking about it, took one more look at the audience, and figured "better not."

You gotta wonder, though. Why do that yourself, when you've got the King of disappointing Ro's jamming away right behind you?  ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 18, 2011, 08:00:18 AM
On the album, I assumed Mike was doubling it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 18, 2011, 08:32:02 AM
Except that he didn't growl it at all. :lol

And yeah, that guy in the green and brown striped shirt should be kicked in the chins for wearing that, for two reasons: 1) It is an ugly shirt in general, and 2) It is definitely somewhat distracting.

The song sounded cool, though. :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on October 18, 2011, 08:33:15 AM
I'm just amazed at how much energy has been breathed into "Lifeline." I think I might pass on the "More Never Is Enough" and make this my first NM DVD purchase.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 18, 2011, 09:51:32 AM
Why don't you like Fly High?  I don't like it for my own reasons, but I am curious to see why you think it's the worst?
There is nothing musically that I find appealing whatsoever.  I can't comment on the lyrics, because I don't listen to the song enough to be familiar with them. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 18, 2011, 01:52:03 PM
I still think Lifeline could have been a great 7-8 minute song.  The intro goes on a bit too long (that quirky part from 3:18 to 3:36 was pretty unnecessary, and sounds like they tacked it on there for the hell of it), and I think a shorter, more concise middle instrumental section would have been better.  As is, I like the song (definitely the best song from an otherwise average record), but it could have been so much better with some trimming.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on October 18, 2011, 04:17:32 PM
I still think Lifeline could have been a great 7-8 minute song.  The intro goes on a bit too long (that quirky part from 3:18 to 3:36 was pretty unnecessary, and sounds like they tacked it on there for the hell of it), and I think a shorter, more concise middle instrumental section would have been better.  As is, I like the song (definitely the best song from an otherwise average record), but it could have been so much better with some trimming.

It's the outro that is too long, though that DVD makes it so epic that I'm glad for it now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on October 18, 2011, 04:19:37 PM
Neal Morse does not sound that good from that live preview of TTWSYF.  He sounds like he has a cold.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faemir on October 20, 2011, 05:50:37 AM
I still think Lifeline could have been a great 7-8 minute song.  The intro goes on a bit too long (that quirky part from 3:18 to 3:36 was pretty unnecessary, and sounds like they tacked it on there for the hell of it), and I think a shorter, more concise middle instrumental section would have been better.  As is, I like the song (definitely the best song from an otherwise average record), but it could have been so much better with some trimming.

What about So Many Roads?!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 20, 2011, 08:21:49 AM
It's okay.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 20, 2011, 09:18:40 AM
I'm not really crazy about any of the songs on that album, although I bet they're great live.  Although I am a Christian and love the lyrics and themes in most of Neal's music, I am not a fan of "contemporary christian" pop music.  To me, Neal's music shines when he is just out there going nuts in full-on prog mode.  And even though the songs on Lifeline easily qualify as prog, they feel more like "contemporary christian" pop to me.  There's just very little on that album that I gravitate to, even though I love all of the other solo albums from T1 onward.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 20, 2011, 09:46:52 AM
I am fairly widely exposed to what you refer to as Contemporary Christian Pop, and trust me when I say that nothing on Lifeline reminds me of that at all.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on October 20, 2011, 09:49:15 AM
I'm not really crazy about any of the songs on that album, although I bet they're great live.  Although I am a Christian and love the lyrics and themes in most of Neal's music, I am not a fan of "contemporary christian" pop music.  To me, Neal's music shines when he is just out there going nuts in full-on prog mode.  And even though the songs on Lifeline easily qualify as prog, they feel more like "contemporary christian" pop to me.  There's just very little on that album that I gravitate to, even though I love all of the other solo albums from T1 onward.

Have you ever shared NM's music with someone who only listens to Christian Pop? I did that last year, with a friend who was kinda "mentoring" me through some issues I was having with my faith. I burnt them "?" onto a disc. And the next day she was practically in tears talking about how awesome it was.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 20, 2011, 09:57:28 AM
I am fairly widely exposed to what you refer to as Contemporary Christian Pop, and trust me when I say that nothing on Lifeline reminds me of that at all.

Well, good for you then.  But I was talking about what it reminded me of.

I'm not really crazy about any of the songs on that album, although I bet they're great live.  Although I am a Christian and love the lyrics and themes in most of Neal's music, I am not a fan of "contemporary christian" pop music.  To me, Neal's music shines when he is just out there going nuts in full-on prog mode.  And even though the songs on Lifeline easily qualify as prog, they feel more like "contemporary christian" pop to me.  There's just very little on that album that I gravitate to, even though I love all of the other solo albums from T1 onward.

Have you ever shared NM's music with someone who only listens to Christian Pop? I did that last year, with a friend who was kinda "mentoring" me through some issues I was having with my faith. I burnt them "?" onto a disc. And the next day she was practically in tears talking about how awesome it was.

Not really.  I actually don't know many people who listen to much of that. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 20, 2011, 11:49:14 AM
I am fairly widely exposed to what you refer to as Contemporary Christian Pop, and trust me when I say that nothing on Lifeline reminds me of that at all.

Well, good for you then.  But I was talking about what it reminded me of.

Jeez, man.   Crabby much today? ;)  hef was just making a relevant point.  And I agree with him.  One listen of any of his worship CDs tells you how far his normal album stuff is from CCP.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 20, 2011, 11:53:01 AM
Except that it's not really a relevant point.  I wasn't trying to incorrectly fit it into that genre, so I don't need to be corrected about whether or not it actually fits.  I know it doesn't, and I said that in my original post.  I just said that, for some reason, to me, it just reminds me of that genre, which is one that I don't care for.  I just don't really like the album for reasons that are really hard to explain, so I'm just doing my best to put a really abstract feeling into words.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on October 20, 2011, 12:35:22 PM
I sort of hear you.  Musically, it's dissimilar to contemporary Christian music, but lyrically and thematically, it's almost identical...

I want to say that Neal Morse's best songs are the ones about conflict and inner struggle.  We see that all over both Testimonies, One, and Sola Scriptura (don't know about ?).  Some of my favorite songs are the more depressing ones, like Somber Days, All I Can Do, Jesus Bring Me Home, and Cradle to the Grave.  Heck, I even like the happy upbeat ones if they are well-placed, like Oh Lord My God and Sing It High.

But Lifeline's problem is that it is pretty much all positive*.  That's inherently fine, I guess, but it just doesn't make for a very interesting album.
 
*Except for Leviathan, which I don't even count as music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 20, 2011, 12:54:53 PM
I love when this thread gets revived.

Ive been slowly but surely getting back into this music after some time away, and Neal's albums have been making their way into my rotation. Started with Testimony 2 which I actually went 2 months without listening to!!! Now I'm on Testimony 1, and it's so much more enjoyable than when I first got it. Maybe T2 helped, but it's so good.

Lifeline is ok, obviously the title track is the best, but I found most of the other songs enjoyable with the exception of a couple. I have to go back to this one soon to make a clear judgment.

I don't care much for the new Transatlantic live album; it just doesn't feel necessary. I await TA4 instead!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on October 20, 2011, 01:31:19 PM
I love when this thread gets revived.

Other threads get revived.

THIS thread gets resurrected. :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 20, 2011, 01:40:47 PM
I love when this thread gets revived.

Other threads get revived.

THIS thread gets resurrected. :D

Oh, but of course; and with Jesus' Blood.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on October 20, 2011, 03:00:01 PM
I love when this thread gets revived.

Other threads get revived.

THIS thread gets resurrected. :D


Rejoiced? :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on October 20, 2011, 03:05:37 PM
I love when this thread gets revived.

Other threads get revived.

THIS thread gets resurrected. :D


Rejoiced? :)

No, reprised! :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 20, 2011, 03:13:56 PM
 :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 22, 2011, 11:01:30 AM
No sooner is this thread resurrected, does it DIIIIEEEE-IIIEEEE!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on October 22, 2011, 05:45:16 PM
No sooner is this thread resurrected, does it DIIIIEEEE-IIIEEEE!!!
Nonono, like this: "diiiiiiiiiii---------------ie".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 23, 2011, 06:04:27 AM
I am fairly widely exposed to what you refer to as Contemporary Christian Pop, and trust me when I say that nothing on Lifeline reminds me of that at all.

Well, good for you then.  But I was talking about what it reminded me of.
Fine, but it makes as much sense as if I said that I dislike Opeth because it reminds me of Mary Poppins.  I'm not defending the worth of "Christian pop" (most of it sucks, just like every other genre).  And I wasn't trying to ruffle your feathers either.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on October 25, 2011, 01:44:29 AM
So, all the limited bundle editions (TA and NM) are signed, I really hope I was quick enough!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faemir on October 25, 2011, 04:26:11 PM
Listening to T2 for the first time, it's pretty awesome on first listen. I never really got into T1, but this is just great. I'm definitely looking forward to getting to Seeds of Gold in the playlist though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 25, 2011, 04:30:18 PM
So, all the limited bundle editions (TA and NM) are signed, I really hope I was quick enough!

I can't wait to get mine! Got the email yesterday saying they're shipping out the 10-Disc Bundles this week, so I'm hoping to get it by next Monday or Tuesday... if I come home to it this week, I'll be ECSTATIC!!! I don't work on Saturday, Sunday or Monday, so I'll definitely be watching these concert DVDs!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on October 25, 2011, 05:49:02 PM
I'm fairly sure I wasn't quick enough, but it will be nice to see a big box at my door all the same.

Might be enough to get me off of this Dread Zeppelin kick I've been on lately. (Not that I mind of course.)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SystematicThought on October 25, 2011, 05:52:58 PM
I feel like I annoy people with these Neal e-mail updates, but here's a response I got back from the man

Hi Ted,
 
Great to hear from you!! I would love to come there and give my testimony and play a few songs. Are you near any main airports? Would your school be able to pay my expenses?
 
Thanks and God bless you!!
 
Neal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on October 25, 2011, 06:55:29 PM
Awesome, Systematic.  If he's a spiritual inspiration to you and others, it's a good thing you invited him.

I wonder what kind of songs he plays for these really small "gigs"?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on November 02, 2011, 02:04:19 PM
Yours truly on the right from the new tour documentary. :D

(https://www.nickeh.com/images/morse.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 02, 2011, 03:02:25 PM
Haha, can't wait to look for you, man I want this box set now. I'll be totally visible on the TA DVD, especially during the encore, I was on first row.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on November 02, 2011, 03:03:46 PM
nick, you and your celebrity skills are amazing  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on November 03, 2011, 11:42:03 AM
Have you ever shared NM's music with someone who only listens to Christian Pop? I did that last year, with a friend who was kinda "mentoring" me through some issues I was having with my faith. I burnt them "?" onto a disc. And the next day she was practically in tears talking about how awesome it was.

I haven't had luck getting these people to listen to the music I provided for them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on November 03, 2011, 09:49:53 PM
I've seen that guy in the center before. I have no idea from where though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 04, 2011, 12:47:58 PM
So wait, the Testimony 2 live DVD package is only available at Radiant for $34.99 and with three live CDs included?  Me no likey.  I don't care about the live CDs, and I am shocked that they wouldn't release a DVDs-only package.  Not sure I can pull the trigger on this at that price. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 04, 2011, 01:19:43 PM
Oh boy! T2 and TA live sets are in. This is going to be a loooong night!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 06, 2011, 02:52:55 PM
So, random thought...how would you guys rank these Neal Morse "Epics To End All Epics":
The Great Nothing
All Of The Above
Stranger In Your Soul
So Many Roads
Seeds Of Gold

These five are arguably 5 of Neal's best epics, and are chock full of great melodies and themes, and while they're all a bit different, follow some similar Neal-isms that are a bit cliche among his pieces. Here's how I'd rank these five...

1. Stranger In Your Soul
2. Seeds Of Gold
3. All Of The Above
4. The Great Nothing
5. So Many Roads

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on November 06, 2011, 06:11:24 PM
1. All of the Above
2. Stranger in Your Soul
3. So Many Roads
4. Seeds of Gold

Haven't heard The Great Nothing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 06, 2011, 08:55:24 PM
1. So Many Roads
2. Stranger in your soul
3. The Great Nothing
4. All of the Above
5. Seeds of Gold

I'll probably be the only one with So Many Roads at number one, but I don't mind. . .
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on November 06, 2011, 10:48:01 PM
1. Stranger in Your Soul
2. So Many Roads
3. All of the Above
4. Seeds of Gold
5. The Great Nothing

All fantastic songs though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 06, 2011, 11:17:31 PM
Well, we are leaving out some of the best epics Neal has written (or hand a big hand in writing, ala the Transatlantic stuff), but as for those five:

1a. Stranger in Your Soul
1b. All of the Above
3. The Great Nothing
4. Seeds of Gold (this could surpass TGN in time; all depends on how it ages)





5. So Many Roads (this doesn't touch any of the others)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 07, 2011, 01:22:04 AM
Well, we are leaving out some of the best epics Neal has written (or hand a big hand in writing, ala the Transatlantic stuff), but as for those five:

1a. Stranger in Your Soul
1b. All of the Above
3. The Great Nothing
4. Seeds of Gold (this could surpass TGN in time; all depends on how it ages)





5. So Many Roads (this doesn't touch any of the others)

Basically that, apart from Seeds of Gold, haven't even heard that one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on November 07, 2011, 05:16:59 AM
"Question Mark" is the ultimate

Anyhow, I'm chiming in to say I just signed my wife up for Neal's Inner Circle for a Christmas present. She is the ultimate Neal fan and she really wanted his Proggy Christmas album so now she has a great treat to look forward to.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on November 07, 2011, 05:53:09 AM
So wait, the Testimony 2 live DVD package is only available at Radiant for $34.99 and with three live CDs included?  Me no likey.  I don't care about the live CDs, and I am shocked that they wouldn't release a DVDs-only package.  Not sure I can pull the trigger on this at that price.

The new Transatlantic is this way too, right?

I'm sorry, but Neal seems to be pulling a cash-grab on some of his fans. Though, I can surely sympathize if he really needs it, which he might.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on November 07, 2011, 07:34:51 AM
All of the above is brilliant.  :hefdaddy

But I've never been a fan of The Great nothing, despite loving the rest of V album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on November 07, 2011, 08:22:27 AM
coolest thing happened the other night.
I went with some friends to an obscure parody band concert in LA and as I walked through the door they were cranking NM ?
They ended up playing the whole album before the show began.
It was miserable though because none of my friends knew him and other than myself and the sound guy, we were it. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 08, 2011, 07:05:18 PM
FINALLY got my *SIGNED* copy of Testimony 2 - Live In Los Angeles yesterday and managed to watch the whole DVD show and some of the documentary, and listened to the CDs as well. This is an AMAZING live show and there's a lot of energy provided from Neal and Mike as well as the rest of the band! What a perfect "sequel" to the Testimony Live set that came out years ago, featuring most of the same band from that concert tour.

I kind of wish they had done TWO encore songs like they did at other shows (including either "Sing It High", "Bridge Across Forever" or "We All Need Some Light"), but "Reunion" was a lot of fun to watch/listen to! I'm also VERY glad there's a fade-out between "Reunion" and the end of "Testimony 1 - Part Five" on the CDs!!! It made it easy for me to rip the songs to iTunes and re-order the tracks (1 through 20) and placing the songs in concert order on my iTunes/iPod!

I'll have to watch the entire documentary another night, as well as the Neal w/SB extra on the first DVD before I can comment on any of it, but the show itself is amazing and it was totally worth all that it costs, and getting it hand-signed by Neal and Mike is quite a bonus! Now I just gotta make time to watch the Transatlantic - Live In Tilburg DVDs...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 10, 2011, 11:39:27 PM
Glad to hear the DVD is cool.  I really hope he decides to release just the DVDs of the live show at some point so I can get this.  I am not paying extra money for live CDs I don't care about.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 11, 2011, 10:00:36 AM
5. So Many Roads (this doesn't touch any of the others)
I agree, it is an OK song but not in the same league as those others.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 22, 2011, 12:10:53 PM
Watched a bit of the T2 DVD live last night.  The performance is just terrific (as I knew from listening to the CD's).  Kind of a bummer the venue is so small.  The tiny stage, the crowding of all the musicians and their gear, and the inability to have much in the way of good lighting take a bit away from the overall vibe of the show.  Also, when it goes into split screen mode, it is distracting and looks amateurish.  However, even with those criticisms, it is still a fun show to watch.  Great set.  Lots of energy.  Very good performance.  I really can't complain at all for $25.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 22, 2011, 02:09:31 PM
$25?  How did you manage that?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 22, 2011, 02:20:47 PM
That's what they charged here at the local shop where I bought it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on November 22, 2011, 03:02:35 PM
Bosk, don't lie, you walked in there and started choking employees until you got a discount.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 22, 2011, 03:18:55 PM
Not my fault.  I found their lack of faith disturbing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on November 22, 2011, 03:38:54 PM
Luke, I am your customer.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: EstyMaJ on January 19, 2012, 06:45:51 AM
Wow i don't know what it is bout Neal's music besides the music itself if great but it really seems to move me emotionally , I cannot remember the last time i said this , I'm not a very spiritual person either but it has been on my mind more often .
Am i being brain washed by listening to his music lol !!! 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on January 19, 2012, 07:01:24 AM
Oh and I don't think I've seen mentioning of this:

Neal is twittering about writing a new album.

MP is twittering about being in the studio with a 'special person'.

Neal tweeted yesterday 'You awake Mike'?

It seems like they're both working on new material. Quite possibly together. And assuming they're working together.... Transatlantic?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bobs23 on January 19, 2012, 08:22:35 AM
Watched a bit of the T2 DVD live last night.  The performance is just terrific (as I knew from listening to the CD's).  Kind of a bummer the venue is so small.  The tiny stage, the crowding of all the musicians and their gear, and the inability to have much in the way of good lighting take a bit away from the overall vibe of the show.  Also, when it goes into split screen mode, it is distracting and looks amateurish.  However, even with those criticisms, it is still a fun show to watch.  Great set.  Lots of energy.  Very good performance.  I really can't complain at all for $25.

I actually tried to get them to spread out a bit. There was a good 15 feet behind MP. I also protested the splits, at least I was able to talk him into the letterbox splits.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 19, 2012, 08:56:27 AM
Oh and I don't think I've seen mentioning of this:

Neal is twittering about writing a new album.

MP is twittering about being in the studio with a 'special person'.

Neal tweeted yesterday 'You awake Mike'?

It seems like they're both working on new material. Quite possibly together. And assuming they're working together.... Transatlantic?

Very doubtful.  Probably Neal's next studio album.  If it were TA, it would probably be more of a secret. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bobs23 on January 19, 2012, 09:01:01 AM
They are not working together this week. 100% positive.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 19, 2012, 09:05:06 AM
Oh and I don't think I've seen mentioning of this:

Neal is twittering about writing a new album.

MP is twittering about being in the studio with a 'special person'.

Neal tweeted yesterday 'You awake Mike'?

It seems like they're both working on new material. Quite possibly together. And assuming they're working together.... Transatlantic?

Very doubtful.  Probably Neal's next studio album.  If it were TA, it would probably be more of a secret. 

If history is any indication, you are probably right.  But just to play devil's advocate, there was much more to be gained by keeping a TA reunion a secret last time around than right now.  Fans had been hoping for a TA reunion for YEARS, and went absolutely ballistic when it happened.  And the guys did it right by keeping it low key, etc.  This time around, there isn't quite the fever pitch since we just got The Whirlwind, the tour, and two live CD/DVD sets very recently.  And everyone knows Neal and Mike are doing a bunch of things right now.  So I see less of a need/benefit from absolute secrecy if they were indeed working on new TA right now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 19, 2012, 09:05:24 AM
They are not working together this week. 100% positive.

Well, shoot.  :(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on January 19, 2012, 10:12:24 AM
Jan 29th they start recording drums and bass for Neal's new album (from inner circle newsletter).  No actual information on the album, though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on January 19, 2012, 04:24:24 PM
Maybe Mike did a track or two on the new Spock's Beard album?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on January 19, 2012, 04:37:54 PM
They are not working together this week. 100% positive.

Well, shoot.  :(

Dammit, I tried, haha.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 19, 2012, 07:05:18 PM
Jan 29th they start recording drums and bass for Neal's new album (from inner circle newsletter).  No actual information on the album, though.

They are to record Neal's new solo album, AS WELL AS a new Covers album, and Randy George posted on Neal's forums asking us (the posters there) if we wanted another Studio Diary from him, and of course we've all said YES!

So that brings us up to TWO of THREE albums that Neal is working on for this year. But what's the third? Of course Transatlantic comes to mind, and it's possible. Pete will be in America for the upcoming Marillion tour, so he may find some time before or after June to record at Neal's studio with Mike, Neal and Roine. OR...it could be something else altogether, or something new. Who knows!

Either way, Neal's got Flying Colors coming out in March, and plans to have the new Covers album sometime in spring (I'd guess April or May), and then assuming his schedule is pretty standard, his new solo prog album will probably see a June or July release (it took him 6 months to release Testimony 2 last year), so March-May-July...could be a very Neal-tastic year!!! This isn't even bringing up his third to-be-recorded album for 2012, so we'll have FOUR STUDIO RELEASES from Neal this year! The man likes to stay busy - no wonder he and Mike get along so well! :lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 24, 2012, 08:02:06 PM
This just in from Randy George's FB -

Quote
Headed to Nashville in the morning to work on 3 albums with Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy... yes I said 3...

See you when I surface for air!

As was eluded to in Neal's Inner Circle newsletter, TWO of them are Neal's next prog solo album, and another is a new Covers album, both with Portnoy. As for the third one, I guess it's safe to say that it's NOT Transatlantic now that, presumably, all three Neal's albums will involve Randy (and possibly even Mike). What would the third one be? Hmmm...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on January 24, 2012, 08:22:15 PM
I'm pretty sure Randy is a very faith oriented person, and so he is perhaps doing one of Neal's more overtly religious albums? I don't know if he has in the past, but I know Neal does albums marketed at Christians moreso than prog fans and it's quite possible that has something to do with it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 24, 2012, 09:10:39 PM
I'm pretty sure Randy is a very faith oriented person, and so he is perhaps doing one of Neal's more overtly religious albums? I don't know if he has in the past, but I know Neal does albums marketed at Christians moreso than prog fans and it's quite possible that has something to do with it.

That would be interesting, but I doubt Neal would hype it in the way he did if it was something that didn't have more prog-appeal:

Quote
There are currently three (count them three!) albums that I am talking about producing this year. The first is something Mike and Randy have been talking about doing for awhile, which is a "Cover to Cover Part 2" album. It's one of our albums that Mike and I both listen to the most, so why not make another one! So, I'm thinking of releasing that in the Spring. Then I'm writing and working around the clock, well not exactly around the clock, but you know... early on the clock anyway.... I'm working on a new Prog Cd and it's going really well. I'm writing right now. Mike and Randy are coming January 30th at the end of the month to track the new cd and to track some covers for the cover album. And I'll just leave the last album a secret for right now cause it's just more fun that way. More news on the last album of the year to come at a later date. But I'm pretty excited and I thought you might want to know that Randy and Mike are scheduled and the Studio is booked from January 30th to February 5th. We're gonna get the great old team back together and see if we can come up with something that's even half as good as the "One" album! :)

Neal and Randy on a "secret album"...hmmmm, definitely has me ponderous.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 25, 2012, 08:21:52 AM
Neal and Randy on a "secret album"...hmmmm, definitely has me ponderous.

-Marc.

:rollin

(https://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y280/bosk1/demotivator/Thatword.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 25, 2012, 09:53:16 AM
Neal and Randy on a "secret album"...hmmmm, definitely has me ponderous.

-Marc.

:rollin

(https://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y280/bosk1/demotivator/Thatword.jpg)

Damn, you caught me, bosk!  :lol

I meant...uh..."pondering". Yeah, that's the ticket!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bobs23 on January 25, 2012, 10:21:49 AM
A bit off topic, maybe more backtracking. To those of you that have T2 live. I was the exec producer of this show. I would like to hear your opinions on the DVD/CD set. No comments on the venue/ stage production, there was nothing I could do about that. I am relatively new at editing and curious of what you thought worked and what did not.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 25, 2012, 04:02:34 PM
Not to criticize, because I think you did a great job overall, Bob.  But since you asked, here are my few criticisms:  (1) Bounce from shot to shot is too fast.  I know that's a bit unfair because it is just the style nowadays and has been for some time.  But I like to focus on each musician for awhile, which is hard to do when the shots bounce to quickly.  (2)  Split screen.  You already know my thoughts on that.  And I know that when it is used, it somewhat helps with #1 because you can keep guys onscreen longer.  But still, me no likey.

Audio editing to me is a lot less obvious to pick out.  But everything is smooth with no choppiness, and the instrument, vocal, and crowd levels all sound great to me, so I'd say you did a great job in that department.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bobs23 on January 25, 2012, 04:24:16 PM
@Bosk
None taken. I fought to slow the cut down a bit.  I also fought about the splits, but as you said with so much happening at once it had to be done to avoid cutting even faster. I was able to get the number of splits reduced from the original number of them. The reality is as well, is this is what the client wanted. I have to balance keeping the client happy along with keeping the fans happy. I'm still trying different things for video looking cool without being cliche or distracting.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on January 26, 2012, 07:27:52 AM
A bit off topic, maybe more backtracking. To those of you that have T2 live. I was the exec producer of this show. I would like to hear your opinions on the DVD/CD set. No comments on the venue/ stage production, there was nothing I could do about that. I am relatively new at editing and curious of what you thought worked and what did not.

Did you have any influence on the sound as well? Because the way that DVD sounds totally floored me! Great sound, so direct, but as big as it needs to be.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on January 26, 2012, 07:56:45 AM
Neal and Randy on a "secret album"...hmmmm, definitely has me ponderous.

-Marc.

:rollin

(https://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y280/bosk1/demotivator/Thatword.jpg)
Outstanding humorous value!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bobs23 on January 26, 2012, 10:17:25 AM
A bit off topic, maybe more backtracking. To those of you that have T2 live. I was the exec producer of this show. I would like to hear your opinions on the DVD/CD set. No comments on the venue/ stage production, there was nothing I could do about that. I am relatively new at editing and curious of what you thought worked and what did not.

Did you have any influence on the sound as well? Because the way that DVD sounds totally floored me! Great sound, so direct, but as big as it needs to be.

I did do the final audio mastering. Thank you. I wanted to do more, but was up against the delivery deadline.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: reneranucci on January 26, 2012, 11:27:25 AM
@Bosk
None taken. I fought to slow the cut down a bit.  I also fought about the splits, but as you said with so much happening at once it had to be done to avoid cutting even faster. I was able to get the number of splits reduced from the original number of them. The reality is as well, is this is what the client wanted. I have to balance keeping the client happy along with keeping the fans happy. I'm still trying different things for video looking cool without being cliche or distracting.
Regarding the splits, I think they are very nice when they allow you to see what's happening in different places of the stage. However, in the case of the T2 DVD, many of the shots looked redundant: you could see Neal in one, and Neal was in the other too, just from a different angle, and you couldn't see any other musician. Otherwise, great job.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 26, 2012, 12:03:56 PM
I am still waiting for the live T2 DVD to be offered for sale by itself as opposed to being forced to buy CDs that I have no interest in with it. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on January 26, 2012, 12:17:30 PM
Just found Neal Morse Whirlwind demo  in my mailbox today, from The Inner Circle.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 26, 2012, 04:12:08 PM
Just found Neal Morse Whirlwind demo  in my mailbox today, from The Inner Circle.

WOOHOO! I've been anxiously awaiting the next Inner Circle physical release. I've been at work all day (since 9am) so I'm hoping when I get home in an hour or so that it's in my mail box!

I hope this is at least a bit different from the stuff on this -
https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/364-inner-circle-cd-from-the-cutting-room-floor-september-2009.aspx

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on January 27, 2012, 11:28:48 PM
Mine showed up today.

It's in that growing pile that I need to get to listen to
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 28, 2012, 04:08:35 AM
If you join the Inner Circle, do you get access to past IC recordings?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 28, 2012, 02:13:25 PM
If you join the Inner Circle, do you get access to past IC recordings?

Indeed you now do! This started a month or two ago, Neal started making his past IC releases available through Radiant to current members. And there's a LOT of them. I'm pretty sure every IC CD and DVD is available on there, either as an original, or a new copy (I think on plain CD-r perhaps).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 29, 2012, 06:03:33 AM
If you join the Inner Circle, do you get access to past IC recordings?

Indeed you now do! This started a month or two ago, Neal started making his past IC releases available through Radiant to current members. And there's a LOT of them. I'm pretty sure every IC CD and DVD is available on there, either as an original, or a new copy (I think on plain CD-r perhaps).

-Marc.
Well, that is something worth thinking about.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on January 31, 2012, 03:52:45 PM
Wait, so NM is already working on his next solo album???..... </head spin> I can't keep up. Jeez.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 31, 2012, 04:01:01 PM
Wait, so NM is already working on his next solo album???..... </head spin> I can't keep up. Jeez.

As well as TWO other albums, at the same time, including a new covers album with Randy and Mike! The man is a MACHINE!!! He'll have at LEAST 3 studio albums this year, perhaps four!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 31, 2012, 11:37:29 PM
I just hope Neal isn't doing too much too soon.  I gotta think that a big part of why T2 was so awesome was because it was his first solo album in three years, so aside for what he wrote for the TA album, he was probably overflowing with years of great ideas.  Doing this much this soon after T2 could result in uneven efforts.  I'd much rather see him focus on writing one album for the time being, instead of juggling so many at once, which could very well result in every project having both good and average stuff, instead of focusing on one album and using the best of it all for that one album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 01, 2012, 10:26:36 AM
I just hope Neal isn't doing too much too soon.  I gotta think that a big part of why T2 was so awesome was because it was his first solo album in three years, so aside for what he wrote for the TA album, he was probably overflowing with years of great ideas.  Doing this much this soon after T2 could result in uneven efforts.  I'd much rather see him focus on writing one album for the time being, instead of juggling so many at once, which could very well result in every project having both good and average stuff, instead of focusing on one album and using the best of it all for that one album.

You *could* have a point, especially with the news that Neal's next album will follow the V/Lifeline format with a huge epic and a few shorter songs, and that it will likely come out less than 2 years after T2. Looking back, Lifeline was released 20 months after Sola Scriptura (which was an AWESOME album), which is probably the longest time between his solo albums

Testimony 1 to One = 13 months
One to ? = 12 months
? to Sola Scriptura = 16 months
Sola Scriptura to Lifeline = 20 months
Lifeline to Testimony 2 = 28 months
Testimony 2 to Momentum (current title track of the album, according to Randy) = 13-14 months, perhaps?

I don't think having time in-between isn't the issue. Albums like One and ? are pure GOLD and they were written and released within a year after the previous album. Perhaps we are due for another album as epic as One!

Follow Randy's updates here - https://nealmorse.yuku.com/topic/4258/Studio-Diary-Jan-2012

It seems they are having a blast and are keeping up a great pace, with Mike having already tracked a few shorter songs and most of the "big epic" for the album! This sounds more exciting than Lifeline, so I am hopeful that it will be amazing, and I have faith (!) in Neal that he will put out only the best he has to offer.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: reneranucci on February 01, 2012, 10:34:03 AM
Randy likes the Flintstones  :heart
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 01, 2012, 11:32:41 AM
I just realized something startling about Neal's solo material.  I love his albums.  I mean, One, Sola Scriptura, and perhaps Testimony would probably be in my top 10 albums of all time.  But in terms of individual songs, there aren't a lot of Neal's solo songs that jump out at me as being truly outstanding standalone songs.  I guess it really goes to th idea of the sum being greater than the individual parts.  But I never consciously realized I felt that way until just now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 01, 2012, 12:24:03 PM
I just realized something startling about Neal's solo material.  I love his albums.  I mean, One, Sola Scriptura, and perhaps Testimony would probably be in my top 10 albums of all time.  But in terms of individual songs, there aren't a lot of Neal's solo songs that jump out at me as being truly outstanding standalone songs.  I guess it really goes to th idea of the sum being greater than the individual parts.  But I never consciously realized I felt that way until just now.

Considering nearly all of his albums have been conceptual, the pieces all seem to run together, with a few exceptions. The only standouts I can recall would be the epics, things like "The Creation" and "The Door" or perhaps things like the end of "Part 4" of Testimony. I do agree, though, that his albums tend to be written as albums rather than as singles, or with singles in mind. There are songs that COULD have been singles (in another world), like "King Jesus" and "Heaven In My Heart".

I think his albums are all stronger as wholes rather than pieces, which is why I always listen to them front-to-back. It's just a more satisfying listening experience.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 01, 2012, 02:03:10 PM
Leaving Transatlantic out of the equation for a moment, I still say that Crossing Over/Mercy Street reprise is one of the three best songs Neal has ever written.  Yes, it's that good.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 01, 2012, 02:30:35 PM
I just hope Neal isn't doing too much too soon.  I gotta think that a big part of why T2 was so awesome was because it was his first solo album in three years, so aside for what he wrote for the TA album, he was probably overflowing with years of great ideas.  Doing this much this soon after T2 could result in uneven efforts.  I'd much rather see him focus on writing one album for the time being, instead of juggling so many at once, which could very well result in every project having both good and average stuff, instead of focusing on one album and using the best of it all for that one album.

Your concern is understandable, but if you've watched the T2 DVD Making-Of, Neal explains how the material for T2 didn't materialize until sometime in 2010, after the Transatlantic tour, and then a friend of his recommended the theme of going back to Testimony and that's when he started putting the album together.

I don't think it matters how much time there is between albums, as long as the inspiration is there. It could be said that it was lacking during the Lifeline era. Ive said this before, but I think The Whirlwind re-invigorated Neal, and if he's so inspired that he's writing 3-4 albums a year now, I would trust that his own solo album will be of high quality. Look at how much music Roine Stolt and co. have written since 1994, and almost all of it is essential prog music (in my opinion at least....)

I just realized something startling about Neal's solo material.  I love his albums.  I mean, One, Sola Scriptura, and perhaps Testimony would probably be in my top 10 albums of all time.  But in terms of individual songs, there aren't a lot of Neal's solo songs that jump out at me as being truly outstanding standalone songs.  I guess it really goes to th idea of the sum being greater than the individual parts.  But I never consciously realized I felt that way until just now.

Considering nearly all of his albums have been conceptual, the pieces all seem to run together, with a few exceptions. The only standouts I can recall would be the epics, things like "The Creation" and "The Door" or perhaps things like the end of "Part 4" of Testimony. I do agree, though, that his albums tend to be written as albums rather than as singles, or with singles in mind. There are songs that COULD have been singles (in another world), like "King Jesus" and "Heaven In My Heart".

I think his albums are all stronger as wholes rather than pieces, which is why I always listen to them front-to-back. It's just a more satisfying listening experience.

-Marc.

This is why I liked Testimony 2 so much. You had the concept album of disc 1, where you can't really listen but straight through to get the full experience; as most of his solo albums are. But then you have Seeds of Gold on disc 2, so it's like a 2fer1
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 01, 2012, 03:21:15 PM
"Seeds Of Gold" was like the icing on the cake, and it was quite a big delicious cake too! The icing just became even more delightfully sinful (ironic?) because "Seeds Of Gold" is something I've hoped to hear from Neal since he left SB/TA (temporarily). It rivals his best epic works and sounds like something Transatlantic could have done, and the lyrics aren't too overly religious (or at least, as blatant as his other recent works), but they have a sort of SB/TA obliqueness to them, you can infer them to be of religious content, but by themselves, they can also mean anything. The lyrics to SOG are as good as anything Neal wrote when he was in Spock's Beard, and I hope this direction carries through to his next album, especially since he's writing "Thoughts Pt. 3"!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 06, 2012, 08:37:45 AM
From Randy the other night:

Quote
For those that asked the target release dates are possibly September for the Prog CD and May/June for the Covers CD. Neal wanted to release the covers CD first. Also there live dates being discussed for July for a one off with the Testimony band and a full blown tour in the fall with a possible new line up. But it's all still in the discussion stage so keep you fingers crossed! I can guarantee your complete and utter excitement and satisfaction for all things Neal this year, at least if myself as a fan is any indication!

So, more Neal goodness 2-3 months after Flying Colors is released, and then again 4 months later.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 06, 2012, 08:49:29 AM
So, I finally got the Testimony Two live DVD - special thanks to bobs23 for hooking me up!! :) - and I gotta say, it is quite enjoyable.  I still need to watch all of the first DVD, but the second one was great.  I loved seeing how great Crossing Over/Mercy Street Reprise was live, and The Truth Will Set You Free is even more of a beast live than in the studio. :hefdaddy :hefdaddy  Them nailing the Time Changer multi-part harmonies was great and got them a big applause from the crowd, which was well-deserved!

I thought the editing was good overall given what they had to work with; it looked very professional and a good job was done of showing every musician a lot, instead of always showing the same guys.  The split screen shots didn't really bother me at all, but I do think that the stage lighting was a bit iffy at times.  It was too dark in the background at times.  The one frequent shot of Neal from the right (at an angle), for one, was not centered enough.  Numerous times, it was like Neal was way to the right on the screen and then it was so dark behind him that the rest of the shot was mostly really dark (except for when that annoying green shirt stood out :facepalm:).  Not a great job by the cameraman when it came to centering Neal, but given the small venue, he/she might not have had a lot to work with, so it is what it is.  It was a bit of a bummer to see Neal playing to such a small crowd - couldn't have been more than a few hundred people there - but it didn't matter to Neal, who brought it and gave a great performance regardless.  :tup :tup

Gonna try to get to all of the first DVD today or tomorrow. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 06, 2012, 08:53:54 AM
So, more Neal goodness 2-3 months after Flying Colors is released, and then again 4 months later.

Eh, sort of.  Maybe I'm in the minority, but I'm not really looking forward to the covers CD.  Not a huge fan of those.  I love it when bands release a covers CD as bonus content with a CD of original music (like DT, Redemption, and sort of Transatlantic), but I don't listen to covers disks enough to feel like I'm getting a decent value when I have to shell out full CD price for a covers disk.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 06, 2012, 08:57:24 AM
So, more Neal goodness 2-3 months after Flying Colors is released, and then again 4 months later.

Eh, sort of.  Maybe I'm in the minority, but I'm not really looking forward to the covers CD.  Not a huge fan of those.  I love it when bands release a covers CD as bonus content with a CD of original music (like DT, Redemption, and sort of Transatlantic), but I don't listen to covers disks enough to feel like I'm getting a decent value when I have to shell out full CD price for a covers disk.

I think once the tracklist is revealed, I may get more or less excited about that release, but my excitement level is pretty high considering it's a recording that features Neal, Mike and Randy. I've loved their covers so much over the years that a straight-up album of just covers would be worth getting, for me at least.

At any rate, the wait to September will be a long one, but at least there will be plenty of new music coming out between now and then!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 06, 2012, 09:09:42 AM
I'm not sure the track listing will do much to get me excited.  If their last covers CD is any indication, the majority of material on there will either be songs that I'm not familiar with or will not have really have had much interest in the originals.  Hopefully, just like last time around, they will transform the songs into something I will really like. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on February 06, 2012, 09:28:52 AM
A bit off topic, maybe more backtracking. To those of you that have T2 live. I was the exec producer of this show. I would like to hear your opinions on the DVD/CD set. No comments on the venue/ stage production, there was nothing I could do about that. I am relatively new at editing and curious of what you thought worked and what did not.

Hey bobs23, I work at a high-end production company. If you want to send me a copy I'd be willing to you give you my professional opinion.... :biggrin:

/brokebegging
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 06, 2012, 01:01:36 PM
So a new Neal Morse album in September

Wow, I thought 2012 was going to be mostly ho-hum for new releases, but every week this year has revealed exciting news. First OSI, then Beardfish, then Flying Colors, then Mars Volta, then The Flower Kings, now NEW NEAL MORSE!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 06, 2012, 11:26:39 PM
For shits and giggles, I did a Neal top 25 (from his eight studio albums).  This was tough to narrow it down.  If I did it again tomorrow, 5-25 might move all around, and songs like It's All I Can Do, Inside His Presence, Wasted Life, King Jesus, Jayda, etc. might make it, but 1-4 are pretty much set in stone for now.

1. Crossing Over/Mercy Street Reprise
2. Seeds of Gold
3. The Separated Man
4. In the Fire
5. Somber Days
6. The Truth Will Set You Free
7. 12
8. Mercy Street
9. The Storm Before the Calm
10. Solid As the Sun
11. Time Has Come Today
12. Everything Is Wrong
13. Reunion
14. Sleeping Jesus
15. It's for You
16. Entrance
17. Cradle to the Grave
18. Break of Day
19. Time Changer
20. The Conflict
21. Outside Looking In
22. The Creation
23. Supernatural
24. Emma
25. Sing It High
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 07, 2012, 08:45:28 AM
Nice list. I'd make one, but I'd have trouble deciding which cuts from "?" I like best. I always listen to that one straight through, and don't necessarily check which track I'm up to. Temple Of The Living God would definitely be one of the best though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 07, 2012, 09:46:59 AM
Yeah, it's not easy leaving off some of the songs from that, even the shorter ones.  I mean, a song like Sweet Elation is only 2 1/2 minutes, but is nothing but awesomeness.  Neal just has too many great songs to include them all! :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 07, 2012, 09:54:11 AM
I'm not even going to try.  In addition to the "too much good stuff" phenomenon, on the concept albums, it's just way too hard for me to remove most individual songs from their respective albums.  But I will say that the 10 minute chunk of music that comprises In The Middle and The Storm Before The Calm is one of the best pieces of music composed by anybody.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 07, 2012, 09:54:59 AM
I'm not even going to try.  In addition to the "too much good stuff" phenomenon, on the concept albums, it's just way too hard for me to remove most individual songs from their respective albums.  But I will say that the 10 minute chunk of music that comprises In The Middle and The Storm Before The Calm is one of the best pieces of music composed by anybody.
Well, just all of this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 07, 2012, 10:51:23 AM
That is a pretty awesome 10-minute section. 

I still say that Testimony could have been a truly great single album.  I know you'd lose some of Neal's story, but it would still work.  Just take these songs, rework some of the transitions, and it would have been all brilliance:

California Nights
Sleeping Jesus
Wasted Life
Break of Day
Somber Days
Long Story
It's All I Can Do
Sing It High
Moving in My Heart (Colder in the Sun and Power in the Air are basically pointless songs since they use the same melody as this song, with Moving in My Heart by far being the best of the three songs)
I Am Willing
In the Middle
The Storm Before the Calm
Oh, to Feel Him
God's Theme
Overture/Rejoice (with Rejoice faded out, which I already edited it to do on my mp3, and ending the album)


Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on February 07, 2012, 11:34:40 AM
I would take out California Nights, but I never much dug that song. Same with Sleeping Jesus. Keep the Overture.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 07, 2012, 12:39:48 PM
 :eek Sleeping Jesus is way too awesome to lose, fool! :P

Also, a brief clip of Neal and the others talking about the forthcoming CDs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AawBqG9BW5I
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 07, 2012, 02:38:05 PM
Also, check out Randy George's studio diary **WARNING. SPOILER ALERT**

Quote
Welcome to the Studio Diary for the new CD recording sessions. At this time it's Jan 18th and I'm actually getting ready for NAMM. I have been trying to write some musical passages for the CD. my ideas are thematic ideas that would serve as intros and other passages... Neal is deep into the songs. I am not sure how many he has written as of yet but it's probably 4 or 5 I think. We are likely going to make and song oriented album as opposed to a concept album. This means a couple big prog epics and some shorter songs. Maybe something like V in terms of format. (I wouldn't mind musically either but that remains to be seen). It's not easy writing for Neal when he ain't here. The real magic happens when we get together in the same room. I am flying out there on the 25th. Mike comes in on the 30th to begin tracking so Neal and I have a few days to write... I suspect it will mostly be arranging things by that time. We are also planning to do some covers as well. We have not yet discussed those yet as Mike is busy at the NAMM show.

I got an email from Neal this morning (Jan 19th) saying he had used one of my ideas in an epic! I sort of wrote it that way and it was heavily inspired by the Great Nothing.

Jan 24th - I received Neal's demos today! I was pleasantly surprised to hear such an amazing album after what amounted to about two weeks of intensive writing. This is a stark contrast to Testimony 2. This harkens back to Neal's Spock's days of writing. I know we always say something like with every album... but seriously this is like instantly one of those albums you just love from the opening chords to the first song! I'm saying that very much as a Neal fan. There are 5 shorter songs and a long prog epic that will no doubt take it's place among the hardcore. I don't know if it's the whole album or if we might yet add more music. I am leaving for Nashville tomorrow to write with Neal for the next few days. Mike arrives on Monday for 6 days of tracking!

We have just began to throw around some covers ideas but nothing has been decided there. I had some great ideas but I don't know of the guys will be into them or not! But the discussion has just started!

Jan 25th I arrive in Nashville and we spend the evening discussing covers while watching the Lakers game.. We came up with a great list of stuff of course nothing is for sure until Mike gets here.

Jan 26th We sat down in the studio and started listening through our little rough recordings of ideas out of those sprung a musical frame to what might become Thoughts Pt3. It's a hodgepodge of ideas of both Neal's and mine. We are also composing on the fly to fill in the blanks. The way Neal writes is to try and flesh out a vocal line to make sure he can sing to it. We are also going through the other songs to just get our foundations firm.

Jan 27th - We spent today writing lyrics to Thoughts Pt 3. I'm diggin' it! It's a worthy predecessor to the previous ones. Both music and lyrics! We had to write the lyrics first then we stacked up the vocals and outlined everything so we can get drum tracks. Also we continued to listen to the demos to further dial in the songs. Of course there is only so much we can do until Mike gets here. This will be the last update until monday as we are taking the weekend off. I am having lunch with Phil Keaggy tomorrow!

Jan 29th - I spent the morning charting out songs and re-recording my scratch bass for the Thoughts Pt 3 track. Tomorrow starts a major week of intense tracking! The album is shaping up to be one the great ones in my opinion! Jerry is in the studio dialing in drum sounds with Neal hitting the drums. We also dialed in bass. So we are pretty much ready to rock! I picked up Mike from the airport and we went out for Mexican food!

Jan 30th - Day one of tracking! Mike arrived at noon and we immediately launched into lunch. My we are hard working aren't we? We started off with Momentum. It's the title track of the album at least at this point. Right away Mike had a suggestion... there was a break where the rhythm stopped and it was just keyboards for a bit and built back up into the next section. Mike felt that it broke the flow too much and so we ended up losing the whole section and joining the solo to the last chorus. It works well that way too. That's a first we actually shortened a song! Woo Hoo! Anyhow it come together pretty quickly. We moved on to a track titled Weathering Sky. This is one of my favorites. It took a bit longer to get drums though. Sometimes the simpler songs take a little longer. Mike is really good at finding just the right vibe for a song. He is very meticulous and thorough in his methods. Of course you would think that made a good day. It would have been had we stopped for the day. But we all felt to get another song done. We moved on to a really nice song called Smoke And Mirrors. This track has a few tender passages so it required special care. Mike noticed that the chorus sounded a lot like Solid as the Sun. So we spent some time altering the chord progression to still work with the melody but not to sound so much like SATS. We got the track done though! So three songs the first day not too bad. Everyone is feeling good about the album and the vibe is good. We managed to discuss covers as well. I think we narrowed the field on those a bit. But we won't track those until later in the week after we get the album.

Jan 31 - Today we started off with the big prog epic! Neal and I were expecting to continue with some of the shorter songs but Mike was ready to dig in! Good thing too cause it was his day for it! His performances were absolutely stunning!We nearly completed the drums on it. It originally started out with a piano prelude very similar to Seeds Of Gold and the Doorway. But that was reason enough for Mike and Neal to change it. Neal had been working on this other theme idea that he stumbled upon yesterday and felt to use it in the song. It turned out very nice. It gives the song a different feel right from the start rather than sounding too much like something we'd already done. The pace was good all day and we covered a lot of ground. We re-arranged a couple sections in the song as well for similar reasons of sounding like something else. It's always fun to play together from scratch as opposed to following the existing demos. We really had a great time working today! It got sort of silly about 10:00 which is right on target for Mike to start going off the deep end. But it was all in good fun. We finally compiled our covers list. Although Neal is still thinking about one or two of them, it's likely going to stick! I think this song (as yet untitled) is going to be one of the best things we've ever done! I'm excited to get it done. Mike will finish the last few minutes of the song tomorrow. I guess I can tell some of the covers that got shot down since we are not doing them Neal and I wanted to do Miss America by Styx but Mike didn't want to. Neal of course wanted to cover Wind Power by Thomas Dolby but Mike doesn't like to cover songs he doesn't know and like. I wanted to cover Hold Your Head up but it doesn't work in the key it's in and it can't be changed or else the guitar part doesn't work so overall it was too much of a compromise to make it work. We actually had an extensive list of covers but we managed to get a good selection that I think everyone will really enjoy! We had an amazing Mexican meal tonight! Cheri always spoils us! We really have to be careful not too eat too much as is easy to do otherwise we will not be worth a darn after dinner! So thus far this is shaping up to be a really killer album! I can't wait for you guys to hear it! The Inner Circle video is going out first thing in the morning! It's not too late to join up! It's mainly just us screwing around but funny nonetheless! I stayed up to work on some of the cover tunes so I'm fried as I type this!. Well it's past 1:00am and I am going to watch an episode of something and go to sleep! Not sure what I brought a bunch of discs. Maybe some Flintstones! yeah I brought a disc of Flintstones Simpsons and Gilligan's Island too. Too bad I already watched all the Simpsons! I got a bunch of other stuff too but it's too late to start a movie.

Feb 1st - Well it's the first day of February! It was a strange day here cloudy most of the day then sunshine, then a raging thunder and lightening storm! The day started off with brunch! what a novel concept! It was a really busy day around here. Chad showed up and started making his famous ribs for dinner and Mike had interviews so we initially fixed some of Neal's parts to reflect some changes that we made on Monday. Then Mike started where we left off yesterday and we immediately started rewriting this section. Of course that means that other parts went away but it was a good trade! There is now a lengthy bass solo in the prog epic which is still without a name! Neal is still writing lyrics for it as well. Mike outdid himself with the drums on this song. I think you will find that this song is one of the best we have ever done together! What's funny is that we spent yesterday plowing through this song and recorded 23 minutes of it and today we only recorded the remaining 10 minutes but again there were a lot of re-writes. Also the afternoon was really broken up. Besides interviews, we had the photographer stop in and take pictures. Then we had Chad's ribs for dinner that made the rest of the long evening even longer! But we finished pending a short review of one thing we noticed after Neal went to bed. This is the longest single track that we've ever done. I know most of you will say "but what about the Whirlwind"? And true as it may be that had several track ID points to move around. But this song will only have one track ID at the start making it the longest. It came in at 33 minutes! Well that's about it for today. It was long and busy but not much else happened. Just worked hard and ate good! Tomorrow we have 3 songs to get through. I think at least 2 of them will go smooth and quickly but the third might take a bit longer! With any luck we can start recording covers!

Feb 2nd - Crazy day. We were very productive. We finished the 33 minute epic. We also finished Thoughts Pt 3. At the last minute Neal thought it would be cool to add this other idea he had. So we played it on his iPhone for us. Of course it was him mouthing sounds so it was pretty hard to get the idea. But once he fleshed it out musically it was the exact same riff from Gibberish! So I made a slight modification and it took on a whole new vibe. But when we inserted it into the song and Mike got the drum part it was totally insane!  Possibly the best track on the record! Again some serious crazy drumming ensued! I am totally stoked for it! It still remains untitled though but Mike has been singing Moon River the whole time because the melody somehow reminded him of it. So he calls it Lunar Creek but that's just a running joke so it remains untitled for now while Neal fleshes out the lyrics. After we finished that track we launched into a track called Freek. (No I didn't misspell that) It will be the last song for the album. Yeah Mike sort of surprised when he showed and suggested we drop the last couple of songs. The album was already 60 minutes and musically quite full and complete. But we opted to do one of the two remaining songs. So in recording the drums for Freek Jerry brought in a this other kit to give a specific effect. it was just a small kit. But later Mike thought it would be cool to double the drum part in what is called the Dylan section of the Prog epic. It gets those names because someone will make a reference while listening to it. Then it becomes a marker for everyone to refer to. But Mike didn't really remember what he played so he was watching the computer screen with the waveforms enlarged so he could see the snare and kick hits from the previous take. It was innovative to say the least! All said and done we completed the drum tracking for the Prog CD. Friday will be spent tracking new covers. We have a list we are working from but everything is subject to change! For those that asked the target release dates are possibly September for the Prog CD and May/June for the Covers CD. Neal wanted to release the covers CD first. Also there live dates being discussed for July for a one off with the Testimony band and a full blown tour in the fall with a possible new line up. But it's all still in the discussion stage so keep you fingers crossed! I can guarantee your complete and utter excitement and satisfaction for all things Neal this year, at least if myself as a fan is any indication!

Feb 3rd - Covers day! Well it was a good start! It's amazing much faster it is to record these songs than Neal's originals! Well the first song we did was a medium tempo classic but a good warm up song. Then we moved on to a slower classic that is a personal favorite of mine! Mike did some nice work on this one. Then we jammed a fast paced feel good song that had us all dancing in the control room! What was really funny is that Neal and some songs he wanted to do in a medley by a certain artist who you would never think Neal would want to cover. Well Mike didn't really like the songs or the artist so they started bartering like trading willingness to do songs that the other really didn't want to. It was fun! I can tell you that the range of artists cover it staggering. If you thought the first cover CD was an eclectic bunch of songs this one really takes the cake! Anyhow Mike is finished with the drums thus ending what was a really great week. We really had fun and enjoy it immensely! Mike was really inspired and we did some of our best work to date. Now begins three long days of tracking for me! I am thinking I'll probably finish sooner than that but it's nice to have the extra day! I am usually cramming right up till I leave for the airport! I'll post a couple more updates if I have anything worth telling you! It's been a wonderful time! I can't wait to hear the finished albums!

Feb 4th - Covers! Again! I tracked all the bass for the covers disc today! I had planned to do that and be done with those by 3 or 4 but even the best laid plans sigh ProTools was throwing a fit and everyone scattered and nobody answered their phone so by the time I got Jerry over here it was like 2:00 when I started working. But once he fixed it it ran great! So off I went! I did 7 songs but one is a medley with 3 songs in it so I guess it's more like 8 songs. In fact it was 8 songs cause the middle of the medley will be guitar and voice so the other two songs were separate for now anyway. And they are complete and not cut down just because it's a medley. Anyhow that's been my day! Tracked with the Fender Jazz Bass today too. That was fun. I felt like the tone served these songs better. Tomorrow I will use the Spector for the original stuff cause it needs that "rip your head off" tone. Interesting that on one of the songs that Mike played a style of drumming I didn't know he had in him. I have never heard him do this kind of song before. I mean I knew he could play it I just never figured he would. Well I am finished early enough to actually watch a movie hmm what should I watch I'll have to look at what I brought. I have been watching Gilligan's Island all week. It's short and I barely made it through an episode each night as it was.

Feb 6th -  This is the final entry for this album. Well I finished everything except the prog epic and Smoke and Mirrors. The prog epic I am taking home to spend the necessary time on it. Smoke and Mirrors I am taking home cause I plan to do fretless bass on it. I can only take so much stuff with me. It's a pain to fly with gear. Anyhow it's all good at this point. I am actually typing and posting this in flight. It's been an amazing week. Everyone had a great time and we had a lot of fun! Thanks for reading the updates and we'll see you at the shows whenever they are!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on February 07, 2012, 06:43:27 PM
That is a pretty awesome 10-minute section. 

I still say that Testimony could have been a truly great single album.  I know you'd lose some of Neal's story, but it would still work.  Just take these songs, rework some of the transitions, and it would have been all brilliance:

California Nights
Sleeping Jesus
Wasted Life
Break of Day
Somber Days
Long Story
It's All I Can Do
Sing It High
Moving in My Heart (Colder in the Sun and Power in the Air are basically pointless songs since they use the same melody as this song, with Moving in My Heart by far being the best of the three songs)
I Am Willing
In the Middle
The Storm Before the Calm
Oh, to Feel Him
God's Theme
Overture/Rejoice (with Rejoice faded out, which I already edited it to do on my mp3, and ending the album)
I agree that the Overtures are too numerous. I also agree that Land of Beginning Again Pt 2 isn't necessary.

I don't agree with the omission of the Colder in the Sun and Power In the Air -- that trio of songs has the best motif in the album. Not to mention the "...and when things didn't go my way..." verse is not present in Moving In My Heart. Oh Lord My God is another great track that you left out. And I dunno if California Nights is such a great opener...probably ought to leave LOBA pt 1 in.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 08, 2012, 03:53:39 PM
I was never a big fan of Oh Lord My God, so we could have lost that and I wouldn't have thought twice about it.

I so seldom listen to Power in the Air and Colder in the Sun that I cannot remember that verse; I'll have to go back and check it out.

And I agree that California Nights would have become kind of a weird opener, so I think a reworking of the tracklisting would have worked fine.  Break of Day with the overture before it would have been a great opener.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 09, 2012, 09:15:26 AM
Testimony is a difficult album.  The sheer length keeps me from listening to it as much as I otherwise might.  But the sheer length of the album is one of the devices Neal uses as a vehicle for portraying how long and difficult his journey was.  It's kind of like The Lord Of The Rings.  Sure, there are some things are are not integral to the major themes and overall plot that could have been eliminated to streamline the story and make it more compact.  But the long, plodding nature of the story and all those extra little details that are there simply because Tolkien takes the time to tell them in excruciating, poetic detail make you feel the length and burden of the journey (both the physical journey and the journey in terms of character growth and development) right along with the characters.  Admittedly, although there are a few albums out there that I feel would benefit from editing, my default in general is to leave albums as is, so I'm a bit biased that way.  But I think there are good reasons for Testimony to be left well enough alone.  I think removing anything from Testimony would take away from the album.  IMO, given how much detail is left out of T2, T2 is a great collection of songs, but doesn't work on the "concept album" level nearly as strongly if Testimony doesn't already exist.  In other words, you don't really feel Neal's story just from listening to T2 in a vacuum. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 09, 2012, 10:31:21 AM
I can see that line of thinking working, almost where, in a journey that long, there are gonna be ups and downs, and enjoying them all is part of the journey.  I get it.  But like you said, it is soooooo long (kind of like SB's Snow) that listening to the whole thing almost takes setting part of your day aside, and who has time for that? :lol  But my beef is that too many musical sections are reprised too many times.  I can deal with the length, but it's almost like Neal wrote so many lyrics to tell his long story, and instead of writing that much music, he wrote a bunch and then just decided to use tons of reprises to get out of writing as much music as he did lyrics.  Typing that almost sounds goofy, as Neal is such a prolific writer than it is hard to imagine that he would have had a shortage of musical ideas to fill up even a double album, but I am just saying, that is how it sometimes comes across to me.  I get that it helps with the musical continuity, but after a while, it's like, did we really need to hear that musical theme again?

In the case of T2, I agree that is more of a regular album, almost like snapshots of stuff he didn't fully touch on on the first Testimony album, but it is still his best overall album, IMO.  For me, many of the best solo songs he has written are on T2, and there are no weaker songs or spots at all. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 09, 2012, 10:36:41 AM
On a somewhat related note, I still don't get what the fuss is over Seeds Of Gold.  Every time I see it praised in a thread, I go back and listen again to see what I'm missing, only to come away still feeling like, "Eh, it's okay, but I don't get why people seem to love it so much."  I JUST DON'T GET IT!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 09, 2012, 10:48:35 AM
I can see that line of thinking working, almost where, in a journey that long, there are gonna be ups and downs, and enjoying them all is part of the journey.  I get it.  But like you said, it is soooooo long (kind of like SB's Snow) that listening to the whole thing almost takes setting part of your day aside, and who has time for that? :lol  But my beef is that too many musical sections are reprised too many times.  I can deal with the length, but it's almost like Neal wrote so many lyrics to tell his long story, and instead of writing that much music, he wrote a bunch and then just decided to use tons of reprises to get out of writing as much music as he did lyrics.  Typing that almost sounds goofy, as Neal is such a prolific writer than it is hard to imagine that he would have had a shortage of musical ideas to fill up even a double album, but I am just saying, that is how it sometimes comes across to me.  I get that it helps with the musical continuity, but after a while, it's like, did we really need to hear that musical theme again?

In the case of T2, I agree that is more of a regular album, almost like snapshots of stuff he didn't fully touch on on the first Testimony album, but it is still his best overall album, IMO.  For me, many of the best solo songs he has written are on T2, and there are no weaker songs or spots at all.

Look at it this way - the musical reprises provide a sort of continuity to the story. Does anyone blame Dream Theater for using the "Regression" musical progression again in "The Spirit Carries On"? Sure it's a SMALLER reprise, and not as frequent, but SFAM was a single disc album.

I think, as a biographical album of Neal's life, the musical reprises show us that they are things that are consistent through HIS life, and are constant, and they show that his life isn't a singular linear journey in a new direction, but rather a bunch of circles and turns that sometimes return to various points in his life, be it places, or people, or things, and perhaps those musical themes are representative of those recurrences. I mean, if you have a job, you go to work everyday. If you wrote a concept album about your job, you'd probably write a "Clock-in theme", a "lunch-hour theme", a "here comes that hot co-worker theme", and use them in reprises.

I think, for Teastimony, it CAN get a little tedious, but it IS a 2-hour album, so there's bound to be a lot of repetition. Had albums like The Wall or Tommy or The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway been over 120 minutes, you can be they would've had more musical reprises than they already did.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 09, 2012, 01:50:48 PM
But those artists were smart enough to keep those albums at the lengths they are at and not overdo it. ;) :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 09, 2012, 02:04:37 PM
But those artists were smart enough to keep those albums at the lengths they are at and not overdo it. ;) :P

Depends on who you are and who you say that to - I've heard plenty of Pink Floyd and Genesis fans say that their respective double-disc concept albums were bloated with filler  ;)

I do think Testimony could've trimmed a bit, but I cannot listen to One unless it's the complete, restored track listing with the 3 Bonus Disc tracks inserted into the story (which I have burned on CD-r for car-use, and then an iPod/iTunes playlist). It makes for a DAMN good 92:28 minute album, but I can understand why Neal wouldn't want to release another 2-disc album so soon. I'm just glad he chose to include it on the Bonus Disc!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 09, 2012, 02:07:35 PM
Curse you and your bonus disks!!!  >:(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 09, 2012, 02:14:33 PM
Curse you and your bonus disks!!!  >:(

I could anger you more and tell you that I have the Special/Limited Edition versions of:
Testimony (3CD)
One (2CD)
Lifeline (2CD)
Testimony 2 (2CD+DVD)
SMPT:e (2CD)
Bridge Across Forever (2CD)
The Whirlwind (2CD+DVD)

 :angel:

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 10, 2012, 04:45:49 AM
Curse you and your bonus disks!!!  >:(

I could anger you more and tell you that I have the Special/Limited Edition versions of:
Testimony (3CD)
One (2CD)
Lifeline (2CD)
Testimony 2 (2CD+DVD)
SMPT:e (2CD)
Bridge Across Forever (2CD)
The Whirlwind (2CD+DVD)

 :angel:

-Marc.

Nice! I don't like Lifeline, so I don't have that one, and I haven't been able to find the SMPTE and Bridge bonus disc versions, but I've got the rest too. Nice collection though.

How about the limited rerelease of The Light?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 10, 2012, 08:10:14 AM
Curse you and your bonus disks!!!  >:(

I could anger you more and tell you that I have the Special/Limited Edition versions of:
Testimony (3CD)
One (2CD)
Lifeline (2CD)
Testimony 2 (2CD+DVD)
SMPT:e (2CD)
Bridge Across Forever (2CD)
The Whirlwind (2CD+DVD)

 :angel:

-Marc.

Nice! I don't like Lifeline, so I don't have that one, and I haven't been able to find the SMPTE and Bridge bonus disc versions, but I've got the rest too. Nice collection though.

How about the limited rerelease of The Light?

The large version? No, not yet, but I do have that version of The Flower King. The collector's version of The Light is on my list of to-buy things. I also have the 4-disc book-case version of Transatlantic's Live In Europe, The Flower King's Meet The Flower Kings and Instant Delivery.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 10, 2012, 08:41:24 AM
Curse you and your bonus disks!!!  >:(

I could anger you more and tell you that I have the Special/Limited Edition versions of:
Testimony (3CD)
One (2CD)
Lifeline (2CD)
Testimony 2 (2CD+DVD)
SMPT:e (2CD)
Bridge Across Forever (2CD)
The Whirlwind (2CD+DVD)

 :angel:

-Marc.

Nice! I don't like Lifeline, so I don't have that one, and I haven't been able to find the SMPTE and Bridge bonus disc versions, but I've got the rest too. Nice collection though.

How about the limited rerelease of The Light?

The large version? No, not yet, but I do have that version of The Flower King. The collector's version of The Light is on my list of to-buy things. I also have the 4-disc book-case version of Transatlantic's Live In Europe, The Flower King's Meet The Flower Kings and Instant Delivery.

-Marc.

I've got all three of those too! I don't have The Flower King, wasn't really into TFK before, at least not enough to spend lots of cash on their studio albums, but those live boxes are great.

Oh and TA's Whirld Tour deluxe version?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 10, 2012, 08:46:02 AM
Curse you and your bonus disks!!!  >:(

I could anger you more and tell you that I have the Special/Limited Edition versions of:
Testimony (3CD)
One (2CD)
Lifeline (2CD)
Testimony 2 (2CD+DVD)
SMPT:e (2CD)
Bridge Across Forever (2CD)
The Whirlwind (2CD+DVD)

 :angel:

-Marc.

Yes, I know.  Eventually, I am going to have to pick up some of those.  One is probably the one I want the most.  And given that it is probably my all-time favorite album by anyone, it makes no sense that I don't have the Special Edition.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on February 10, 2012, 09:02:52 AM
Curse you and your bonus disks!!!  >:(

I could anger you more and tell you that I have the Special/Limited Edition versions of:
Testimony (3CD)
One (2CD)
Lifeline (2CD)
Testimony 2 (2CD+DVD)
SMPT:e (2CD)
Bridge Across Forever (2CD)
The Whirlwind (2CD+DVD)

 :angel:

-Marc.

Yes, I know.  Eventually, I am going to have to pick up some of those.  One is probably the one I want the most.  And given that it is probably my all-time favorite album by anyone, it makes no sense that I don't have the Special Edition.

Oh man. The 3 extra tracks add so much to it. I listened to One so many times that at first it was weird inserting the 3 tracks into the list (I believe there is a certain order to insert them), but it makes the album even better. They are great standalone tracks, much like any song from that album. That's one reason why it's my favorite NM album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 10, 2012, 09:53:55 AM
Having watched the first DVD of the T2 LA show, it was definitely great stuff.  I loved seeing all of The Separated Man performed, the Sola medley was nice (even though it ended right at the climax of The Conclusion), Seeds of Gold was pretty sweet for the most part, and even Lifeline was a nice opener.  The inclusion of Leviathan is still a major WTH, however.  Not a bad song, but Neal has dozens and dozens of better songs that would have been far better choices.  But almost everything else was great.

Also, if Randy George is correct in that they will do a one-off in the summer and a full-blown tour in the fall, it opens up the question of what will they play to record for another likely live DVD.  Assuming Portnoy is a part of it, and that he has a huge hand in picking the songs, you gotta figure they will go for mostly songs that weren't on this last DVD set or the first Testimony DVD set.  Assuming all or most of the new CD Neal will be releasing later this year, I'd like to also see:

-A 20-25 minute ? medley.
-So Many Roads (this song has finally really grown on me)
-The Creation or Author of Confusion
-A handful of songs from both Testimony albums (which would make them repeats across multiple DVDs, but you can't ignore those two albums altogether)
-The Conflict (although who would handle those rather difficult Paul Gilbert leads at the beginning of the song)
-Maybe another short song or tune like Cradle to the Grave or King Jesus
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 10, 2012, 10:36:18 AM
As much as I love Neal, we really don't need yet another live DVD.  Kev, those are great choices, but we already have them on the Sola Scriptura and Beyond DVD (at least, most of them).  Although I am somewhat of a completist, I doubt I would buy another live DVD from a tour this year other than for a BIG chunk of new material.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: TheStinger on February 10, 2012, 10:44:07 AM
I became a fan of Neal Morse through his connection with some of the DT boys.  He is a remarkable musical arranger.  Some of his concepts might be a little out there but as a musician and a composer he is certainly right up there with the best.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 10, 2012, 12:24:32 PM
I've got all three of those too! I don't have The Flower King, wasn't really into TFK before, at least not enough to spend lots of cash on their studio albums, but those live boxes are great.

Oh and TA's Whirld Tour deluxe version?

Yeah, I've got it but it's the American/Radiant cheap-thin-cardboard case, not the European/InsideOut super-deluxe hard-cardboard case, but I plan on getting that version as well, as soon as I have the money to spare for it. Unfortunately, with all the new music coming out this year, it's looking less likely :(

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 11, 2012, 09:47:10 AM
I became a fan of Neal Morse through his connection with some of the DT boys.  He is a remarkable musical arranger.  Some of his concepts might be a little out there but as a musician and a composer he is certainly right up there with the best.

Agreed. :)

As much as I love Neal, we really don't need yet another live DVD.  Kev, those are great choices, but we already have them on the Sola Scriptura and Beyond DVD (at least, most of them).  Although I am somewhat of a completist, I doubt I would buy another live DVD from a tour this year other than for a BIG chunk of new material.

But that's the thing: if the new album is another major winner, won't we all want to see a live DVD with all or most of it being played?  I am guessing most Neal fans would.  Plus, as he releases more music, it has to get harder and harder to narrow a set list down, as he has so much music already.  I didn't realize how many minutes of music of his I really like listening to until a few months back when I went to make a new Neal mp3 CD for my car, following the release of T2, and realized that I couldn't fit it all on one CD (even with putting nothing from It's Not Too Late).  Not many artists have so much music I like listening to that I have to break it all up into two CDs for my car, but Neal is one of them.  And that is not even counting Spock's Beard!  I eventually did the stuff I really like from the debut through Lifeline on one CD, and then put all of the T2 stuff on the same CD as all of Transatlantic's stuff.  Made it nice and easy. :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on February 19, 2012, 01:01:24 PM
Curse you and your bonus disks!!!  >:(

I could anger you more and tell you that I have the Special/Limited Edition versions of:
Testimony (3CD)
One (2CD)
Lifeline (2CD)
Testimony 2 (2CD+DVD)
SMPT:e (2CD)
Bridge Across Forever (2CD)
The Whirlwind (2CD+DVD)

 :angel:

-Marc.

Nice! I don't like Lifeline, so I don't have that one, and I haven't been able to find the SMPTE and Bridge bonus disc versions, but I've got the rest too. Nice collection though.

How about the limited rerelease of The Light?

The large version? No, not yet, but I do have that version of The Flower King. The collector's version of The Light is on my list of to-buy things. I also have the 4-disc book-case version of Transatlantic's Live In Europe, The Flower King's Meet The Flower Kings and Instant Delivery.

-Marc.


I've got all of those versions listed above and the limited book edition of The Light (although i haven't opened it).

I've got the original version of The Flower King although I'm not a huge Flower Kings fan aside from maybe Alive On Planet Earth, Unfold the Future and Wall Street Voodoo...oh wait that's a Roine solo album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 28, 2012, 09:11:30 AM
From Neal's forum

The new issue of UK Magazine "Classic Rock Presents Prog" has not only a Flying Colors track on the free cd, but also the results of the annual Readers' Poll. Neal has numbers 3 & 4 Best DVD's for More is Never Enough and Testimony 2 Live, Number 3 best Keyboard Player (behind Jordan Rudess and Rick Wakeman) and Number 4 Prog Icon (behind Steven Wilson, Peter Gabriel and Mike Portnoy.

There's also quite a glowing review of T2 Live, and some amazing news:

In an interview with Mike Portnoy, he says that Transatlantic are trying to find space in their schedules to record in 2012. I suggest we each donate a Thursday afternoon.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 28, 2012, 09:15:25 AM
:caffeine:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 28, 2012, 09:25:28 AM
New Transatlantic, Neal Morse solo album, The Flower Kings, and possibly Dream Theater recording later this year. This is a great time to be a fan of these guys!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 28, 2012, 09:47:04 AM
 :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 28, 2012, 09:54:43 AM
Sounds awesome.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 28, 2012, 10:46:47 AM
New Transatlantic, Neal Morse solo album, The Flower Kings, and possibly Dream Theater recording later this year. This is a great time to be a fan of these guys!

As well as new Marillion and Spock's Beard (well, even though Neal isn't a part of them any more, his brother Al did some writing with Neal FOR the new SB record, so Neal's name may yet appear on the album's credits again!).

I think I read this news 2 weeks ago when it was posted there... I guess it slipped my mind to post it here ???

Anyways, new Transatlantic in 2013 would be awesome, along with new Dream Theater. It'll be a treat, but with ALL the great new (prog) music coming out THIS year (RUSH, Flying Colors, anything with Steven Wilson's name on it, Marillion, Spock's Beard, Neal Morse Covers album AND new Solo album as well as a third-yet-unknown-project, The Flower Kings, Hasse Froberg & the Musical Companion, and SOOOOO so many more), I think I can wait for 2013 easily!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 28, 2012, 11:11:59 AM
New Transatlantic, Neal Morse solo album, The Flower Kings, and possibly Dream Theater recording later this year. This is a great time to be a fan of these guys!

As well as new Marillion and Spock's Beard (well, even though Neal isn't a part of them any more, his brother Al did some writing with Neal FOR the new SB record, so Neal's name may yet appear on the album's credits again!).

I think I read this news 2 weeks ago when it was posted there... I guess it slipped my mind to post it here ???

Anyways, new Transatlantic in 2013 would be awesome, along with new Dream Theater. It'll be a treat, but with ALL the great new (prog) music coming out THIS year (RUSH, Flying Colors, anything with Steven Wilson's name on it, Marillion, Spock's Beard, Neal Morse Covers album AND new Solo album as well as a third-yet-unknown-project, The Flower Kings, Hasse Froberg & the Musical Companion, and SOOOOO so many more), I think I can wait for 2013 easily!

-Marc.

If they record early enough, the new Transatlantic album could be out in 2012. The Whirlwind was recorded in April 2009, yes? And it came out in October 2009. So if they record sometime in the next few months, it could be out before Christmas!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 28, 2012, 11:21:13 AM
I thought about that...then I realized: Neal is in his studio right now finishing up the new Covers album (which he plans to be out in May/June) and his new solo album (set for September release), as well as planning a third album for the year, and both Roine and Pete are in the midst of recording respective bands' new albums right now, and will likely be in their studios for the next month or two, recording/dubbing/mixing/producing/etc.etc.

And as for Mike, he's likely planning an Adrenaline Mob tour soon, right?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 21, 2012, 11:48:36 AM
This is the day all your life you've looked forward
To when you'd get lucky; take life for a ride
But now that it's here it's the great disappointment
You find yourself empty and lonely inside
Like the spark that was in you was lost and quietly died

But there's a homecoming beyond the danger zone
Where you never feel alone
And tomorrow feels like home
Yes, there's a homecoming that they can't take away
Like a child gone far away
Come on home, it'll be OK

Tried tribulation at first it was nothing
Like nothing before you could turn back the tide
But now that you're older you're like the new husband
Who lifts up the veil from off of his bride
And finds she's not quite the young girl that he had in mind

But there's a homecoming beyond the danger zone
Where you never feel alone
And tomorrow feels like home
Yes, there's a homecoming when you'll admit you're wrong
When you're tired and you've lived too long
Come on home where you belong

 :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on March 21, 2012, 11:50:58 AM
Heh, I just arbitrarily listened to that song this morning. Well, ok... I wanted to listen to some Steve Morse without wearing out Flying Colors and the Steve Morse Band albums I have.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 21, 2012, 12:15:00 PM
Steve Morse's solo is definitely great, but I still can't get over how much better Neal's electric guitar playing has gotten.  It is like his playing suddenly got much better.  Or maybe he just wrote better guitar parts for himself to play.  Regardless, it is nice to see the balance back instead of the keyboards or strings dominating 90% of the time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on March 21, 2012, 12:17:26 PM
He mentioned that touring with Roine Stolt really help him with his playing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 21, 2012, 12:21:21 PM
That makes a lot of sense.  Granted, he toured with Roine back in 2000 and 2001 as well, but he was still part of Spock's Beard at the time and probably didn't think he needed to put any time in into improving his electric guitar playing.  Different from when he toured with him again in 2010.  And hey, what better way to learn and/or improve than by doing it with the best? :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on March 21, 2012, 12:25:24 PM
Here is the exact quote from the Flying Colors website:

Quote
Im constantly challenging myself on the piano and the guitar. For example, it was a great challenge to me to play the intro to Seeds of Gold on the piano, and all the bits on The Whirlwind were stretching out for me as far as how much I needed to practice them and truly get them in my hands. Also, I think Ive grown as a guitar player largely due to touring with Roine and how much feeling and expression Roine puts in his playing and how hes always improvising. That seemed to help me on the Testimony 2 tour to stretch out a little more and have more feeling in my playing, which is really cool!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 21, 2012, 12:36:22 PM
Here is the exact quote from the Flying Colors website:

Quote
Im constantly challenging myself on the piano and the guitar. For example, it was a great challenge to me to play the intro to Seeds of Gold on the piano, and all the bits on The Whirlwind were stretching out for me as far as how much I needed to practice them and truly get them in my hands. Also, I think Ive grown as a guitar player largely due to touring with Roine and how much feeling and expression Roine puts in his playing and how hes always improvising. That seemed to help me on the Testimony 2 tour to stretch out a little more and have more feeling in my playing, which is really cool!

Sweet!  That makes a lot of sense.  Thanks for posting that! :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Priest of Syrinx on April 22, 2012, 10:27:21 PM
I just got Testimony 2, what an album!   9/10 from me!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 23, 2012, 08:37:01 AM
I just got Testimony 2, what an album!   9/10 from me!

 :tup Almost a year later, but ya know, better late than never! I agree, it's a fantastic album! Definitely leaps and bounds above Lifeline, and if his writing continues to be as good as T2, then I have high hopes for Momentum in September!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on April 23, 2012, 11:20:43 AM
When I got Testimony 2 I thought it was a 9/10 or something. It has slipped down to an 8/10, but that's still good; having had the album for almost a year now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 23, 2012, 11:27:08 AM
Absolute Beginner is kind of an afterthought, but everything else on T2 is fantastic.  I still think it is definitely Neal's best solo record to date.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on April 24, 2012, 09:35:07 PM
Absolute Beginner is kind of an afterthought, but everything else on T2 is fantastic.  I still think it is definitely Neal's best solo record to date.

An afterthought perhaps, but it might be the best song on that disc. That could easily have been on a Flying Colors bonus disc if there was one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 24, 2012, 09:41:22 PM
Absolute Beginner is kind of an afterthought, but everything else on T2 is fantastic.  I still think it is definitely Neal's best solo record to date.

An afterthought perhaps, but it might be the best song on that disc. That could easily have been on a Flying Colors bonus disc if there was one.

Speaking of that bonus disc, Neal almost saved "Seeds of Gold" for the Flying Colors project/sessions, but I think Mike and/or Randy convinced him otherwise and Neal decided to record it with them instead, which is why I suppose he got Steve Morse to record that EPIC guitar solo at the end of the piece! I wonder if "Seeds of Gold" would be a choice for the Flying Colors tour set list? I mean, they'll have Mike AND Steve, and I'm pretty sure Dave LaRue could learn Randy's parts easily, and Casey could probably do a lot of the acoustic guitar parts, and with a dedicated guitarist in Steve, Neal could focus on his keyboard parts for that song. I think "Seeds of Gold" needs to be Neal's new "Stranger In Your Soul" in terms of playing an epic at his shows.

Also, the other songs on T2's bonus disc would be good choices for Flying Colors to play.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on April 26, 2012, 02:01:52 PM
I like that Neal has been so productive lately. I really feel like The Whirlwind recharged his creative juices, and I sense the new album will kick ass, coming off the high of Testimony 2.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 29, 2012, 05:06:52 PM
I like that Neal has been so productive lately. I really feel like The Whirlwind recharged his creative juices, and I sense the new album will kick ass, coming off the high of Testimony 2.

Indeed, hearing T2 after TW was a big shock, and I think he's definitely amp'ed up his game. Momentum sounds like it'll be the type of album that V and Lifeline were (one huge multi-parted epic with a bunch of shorter songs), but definitely way better than the latter (and possibly as good or better than the former). From what Mike, Randy and Neal have all said about the material, they seemed REALLY hyped to get it out there. September cannot get here soon enough!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ColdFireYYZ on April 29, 2012, 05:10:46 PM
I'm listening to Testimony 2 right now - can't wait until Momentum is released. There's so many great albums to look forward to this year.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on April 29, 2012, 07:19:12 PM
September cannot get here soon enough!!!

-Marc.

Well, I can wait, because I'll have the new Flower Kings album to hold me over.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 29, 2012, 08:31:55 PM
September cannot get here soon enough!!!

-Marc.

Well, I can wait, because I'll have the new Flower Kings album to hold me over.  ;D

 :tup

Fair enough, September will be amazing with Neal's Momentum and Marillion's Sounds That Can't Be Made (which I've already pre-ordered). Until then, I'll have MPG's Cover 2 Cover, TFK's Banks of Eden, Rush's Clockwork Angels, and a few more.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 17, 2012, 12:23:23 PM
Got my Neal Morse Cover2Cover bundle today, with the CD and making-of DVD! Cannot wait to watch and listen!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 17, 2012, 01:10:20 PM
I wonder if "Seeds of Gold" would be a choice for the Flying Colors tour set list? I mean, they'll have Mike AND Steve, and I'm pretty sure Dave LaRue could learn Randy's parts easily, and Casey could probably do a lot of the acoustic guitar parts, and with a dedicated guitarist in Steve, Neal could focus on his keyboard parts for that song.

Possible, but I kind of doubt it.  If they are playing long enough sets that do end up including stuff beyond official Flying Colors material, I think they would try to make it be a fair representation of material from all the members' full-time band material.  Even though Steve (and Mike) played on Seeds of Gold, you are still talking about a very LONG song that would eat up a lot of set time for what is still, at the end of the day, a Neal Morse solo song. 

For set filler, I'm inclined to believe they will instead include shorter songs from each member and/or some cover songs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on May 17, 2012, 02:19:46 PM
Got my Neal Morse Cover2Cover bundle today, with the CD and making-of DVD! Cannot wait to watch and listen!

-Marc.

That's out already?

Is the making-of a documentary of them recording the new album, or just the cover2cover album? or both? Give us details!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 17, 2012, 02:26:21 PM
Got my Neal Morse Cover2Cover bundle today, with the CD and making-of DVD! Cannot wait to watch and listen!

-Marc.

That's out already?

Is the making-of a documentary of them recording the new album, or just the cover2cover album? or both? Give us details!

The previews for the DVD have stated that it is a Making Of behind the songs featured on Cover 2 Cover, so the covers that were made during the "Lifeline" and "Momentum" sessions. There's only talk about the covers, and they even have some footage of them from 5 years ago during the sessions for Lifeline. It's good stuff, and the DVD runs about 45 minutes long, as they show bits of them recording the songs (sometimes they're not what ended up as the final mix/take, especially watching Mike's drum cam footage) interspersed with bits of them talking about the song choices and how they came up with them. Good stories and information!

And the street-date for the album is (technically) next Tuesday, but mine came in early! WOOHOO! Great music, and if you didn't get the special edition of Lifeline when it came out (shame on you if you didn't!), then definitely get this set, which includes those 4 cover songs featured on LL's bonus disc, as well as the previously-only-available-to-Inner-Circle-Fanclub-members track "Starless (King Crimson cover).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 28, 2012, 12:05:40 PM
Neal Morse Momentum
Youve got some new Momentum you better keep on going, Neal Morse declares in the exciting title track of his new album. After an amazing 2011 that included the release and subsequent world tour of Testimony 2,  and the release of the 5 disc set of Testimony 2 Live in L.A., what could Neal possibly do to follow that? Thats about where I was in January of 2012; waiting and wondering what was next. Then, Mike (Portnoy) had an open window at the end of January so I booked him and Randy (George) to come to Nashville to record. But I had no album! Then, an explosion of creativity happened that far exceeded our expectations

Featuring the guitar work of 6 string legend Paul Gilbert, and of course the stellar drumming of long time partner Mike Portnoy, Momentum is a musical thrill ride that will leave you breathless! Everything youd ever want in a Neal Morse album is here; great prog elements, hooky pop choruses, intricate vocal weaving, blistering musicianship and beautiful melodies are all present and accounted for. HIGHLIGHTS: THOUGHTS PT 5, the perfect sequel to the earlier Spocks Beard classics, WEATHERING SKY, rock/pop brilliance and WORLD WITHOUT END, clocking in at 33:51, this is the ultimate prog epic from the man who practically invented the term.

Also featured on the album is Neals newest find, Brazilian guitarist Adson Sodre and other members of Neals new live band. With its surprising directness, depth and pure prog exhilaration, Momentum is quite possibly the ultimate Neal Morse album. Mixed by Rich Mouser. Produced by Neal Morse.

***The Special Edition also includes the full, behind the scenes "Making of" dvd, which captures Neal, Mike and Randy at their best in the studio, doing what they love most, making music.***

North American release date: September 11, 2012 (Radiant/Metal Blade Records)

European release date: September 10, 2012 (InsideOut/Century Media)

Track Listing:

Momentum

Thoughts Part 5

Smoke and Mirrors

Freak

Weathering Sky

World Without End

i  Introduction

ii  Never Pass Away

iii  Losing Your Soul

iv  The Mystery

v  Some Kind Of Yesterday

vi  World Without End

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 28, 2012, 12:27:07 PM
Awesome tracklist! I see that Neal changed his Thoughts Part 3 into Part 5, mostly because he and Al had written Part 3 for the new Spock's Beard album... so where is Part 4? :lol

This is one of most anticipated albums of the year! Glad to read there will be a Special Edition with a Making-Of DVD! :tup

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 28, 2012, 12:28:13 PM
Go ahead Kev, I know there are a few parts of that press release you're dying to tear into (some good, some bad.) :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 28, 2012, 12:36:44 PM
Like saying that Neal practically invented the term "ultimate prog epic"?  Nope, I'll let that one go. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 28, 2012, 12:42:02 PM
Oh come on! I was really looking forward to where you'd go with that!

But I figured you'd be thrilled (as I am) that Paul Gilbert is on the disc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on May 28, 2012, 01:04:54 PM
I believe it's also confirmed that Portnoy will be drumming with Neal's live band for the U.S. Momentum tour

Nashville, TN - October 3
Mexico City, Mexico - October 4-5
Los Angeles, CA - October 6
Seattle, WA - October 7
Denver, CO - October 9
Chicago, IL - October 12

No east coast dates as of right now

Also, new cover art. Release date September 11, 2012
(https://p.twimg.com/AtsqEZkCMAAQ7ZK.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: crazyaga on May 28, 2012, 01:48:26 PM
not my cup of tea, but his music is decent
and his preachy lyrics make me wanna vomit.
does he support gays? or one of the "homosexuality is soo wrong zomg" kind of christians?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 28, 2012, 02:44:49 PM
Track Listing:

Momentum

Thoughts Part 5

Smoke and Mirrors

Freak

Weathering Sky

World Without End

i  Introduction

ii  Never Pass Away

iii  Losing Your Soul

iv  The Mystery

v  Some Kind Of Yesterday

vi  World Without End[/i]

So I've been re-reading Randy's studio diary and there's a song titled "Lunar Creek" that isn't listed here. He documents working on all of the other songs, a total of 7, but it seems we're only getting 6. I wonder what happened to the 7th song?

Well if Neal fills out the whole CD (as he usually does), with a near 34 minute epic ending the album, we've got 5 more songs to fill out 40-44 minutes of music, which seems reasonable considering who we are dealing with here.

And I wonder how much involvement Paul Gilbert will have this go around, considering his last couple contributions have been relegated to solos and parts of songs.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 28, 2012, 08:36:32 PM
Oh come on! I was really looking forward to where you'd go with that!

Meh, just typical overstating things on a press release or whatever you want to call that.  Par for the course.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 28, 2012, 08:54:44 PM
Oh come on! I was really looking forward to where you'd go with that!

Meh, just typical overstating things on a press release or whatever you want to call that.  Par for the course.

At least it's not like any Roine Stolt-related press release.  :lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SystematicThought on May 28, 2012, 09:03:56 PM
I feel like I annoy people with these Neal e-mail updates, but here's a response I got back from the man

Hi Ted,
 
Great to hear from you!! I would love to come there and give my testimony and play a few songs. Are you near any main airports? Would your school be able to pay my expenses?
 
Thanks and God bless you!!
 
Neal

I got a response back after it was looking like Neal wasn't able to do it. I just said sorry it wouldn't work out, but I am a huge fan and look forward to hearing his other work. Here was his response:

Hi Ted,
 
I am also sorry it didn't work out. It's difficult to work everything in. Oh well, God bless you and I look forward to seeing you at some point. Keep seeking God with all your heart!

 
Neal

Well, at least I have Neal's personal email address in my e-address book  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 28, 2012, 09:20:13 PM
I have his phone number. :D

But regarding the press release, yeah, typical. I get tons of them in for my radio show and it's hard not to just ignore them after awhile. Every single release is the best the band's ever done, and the most innovative thing anyone has ever seen, while still showing off the core of the band as they continue to grow...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SystematicThought on May 28, 2012, 09:26:44 PM
I have his phone number. :D
:sadpanda:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: crazyaga on May 29, 2012, 03:23:33 AM
does he support gays? or one of the "homosexuality is soo wrong zomg" kind of christians?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pols Voice on May 29, 2012, 03:54:59 AM
I haven't been keeping up with Neal's last few solo releases, but I'll be getting this one.

I see that Neal changed his Thoughts Part 3 into Part 5, mostly because he and Al had written Part 3 for the new Spock's Beard album... so where is Part 4? :lol


Yeah, where is Part 4, anyway? *cue twilight zone theme*
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 29, 2012, 08:20:52 AM
I haven't been keeping up with Neal's last few solo releases, but I'll be getting this one.

I see that Neal changed his Thoughts Part 3 into Part 5, mostly because he and Al had written Part 3 for the new Spock's Beard album... so where is Part 4? :lol


Yeah, where is Part 4, anyway? *cue twilight zone theme*

My girlfriend and I surmised that it was probably so Neal could let SB do a Part 4 sometime in the future, if they wanted to, which is nice. So we get "Thoughts Part 3" AND "Thoughts Part 5" this fall between Spock's Beard and Neal Morse! Fantastic! :tup

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 29, 2012, 08:50:39 AM
Well, while I like the first two Thoughts songs, they both go over board a bit with the multi-part harmonies, almost to the point of them sounding uber corny, so I can't say I am overly excited to see another song along those lines, but we'll see. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on May 29, 2012, 08:47:01 PM
does he support gays? or one of the "homosexuality is soo wrong zomg" kind of christians?
He's never commented on that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 30, 2012, 09:03:35 AM
does he support gays? or one of the "homosexuality is soo wrong zomg" kind of christians?
He's never commented on that.
Not to mention that it's off-topic and rude to even ask that question, especially the way it was phrased.  Best to continue ignoring it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 30, 2012, 09:06:27 AM
Yep, and that is why I was hoping everyone else would ignore that question like I was.

Anyway, back on topic: post your top 5 songs from Testimony Two time!

1. Crossing Over/Mercy Street Reprise
2. Seeds of Gold
3. Mercy Street
4. The Truth Will Set You Free
5. Time Has Come Today
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 30, 2012, 09:14:01 AM
2. Streets of Gold

???

:lol

Anyway, for whatever reason, I'm still not really connecting with T2 the way I did with some of the earlier albums.  I'd still rank it at #4 behind T1, One, and Sola Scriptura.  But I think my top 5 songs from it would be, in no particular order:

Mercy Street
Time Changer
Nighttime Collectors
Road Dog Blues
Supernatural
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 30, 2012, 09:16:12 AM
Ouch, damn spelling errors.  As an official grammar and spelling nazi, I am ashamed. :facepalm: :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: crazyaga on May 30, 2012, 09:19:04 AM
sorry for being rude and all....
its just that so many religious institutions are soo anti-gay and since im gay, that made me to really hate religion.
sorry.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 30, 2012, 09:19:47 AM
official grammar and spelling nazi

Which is the only reason I took a moment out of my day to give you crap about it.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 30, 2012, 10:00:03 AM
Anyway, for whatever reason, I'm still not really connecting with T2 the way I did with some of the earlier albums.
Same here.  I like it a lot, but I don't relate to it the way I did his earlier stuff.  But there is some definite gold on there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 30, 2012, 10:02:29 AM
But there is some definite gold on there.

Some seeds, at the very least.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 30, 2012, 10:13:38 AM
And some streets too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 30, 2012, 10:43:46 AM
Yep, and that is why I was hoping everyone else would ignore that question like I was.

Anyway, back on topic: post your top 5 songs from Testimony Two time!

1. Crossing Over/Mercy Street Reprise
2. Seeds of Gold
3. Mercy Street
4. The Truth Will Set You Free
5. Time Has Come Today

Nice top 5! Mine is similar...and in no particular order...

Seeds Of Gold
Crossing Over/Mercy Street Revisited
Time Changer
The Truth Will Set You Free
It's For You

So really, the last 17:28 of the album is just golden for me. "Truth" is just epic, and I love all the parts of "Time Changer", especially the "Spock's Beard" vocal reunion! And "Seeds Of Gold" is just as epic as Neal has ever gotten, probably one of his best epics ever, and that Steve Morse solo!!!  :hefdaddy

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 30, 2012, 12:16:02 PM
It was tough leaving It's for You out of my top 5 (I barely give Time Has Come Today the edge over it).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on May 30, 2012, 12:20:40 PM
JESUS IS MY LIFELINEEEEEE

I just realized, that the only way I could love Neal Morse more, is to have him use more keyboard patches/instruments, outside his piano/organ/80s synth lead/strings pattern.

Even though the compositions are amazing, I can't help but notice them kind of...dated. I mean, there are thousands and thousands of amazing new VSTs, sounds, and things that can add lots of color to music, and I'm sure Neal Morse can go deep into that terrain if he wanted to.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 30, 2012, 12:27:39 PM
That's an excellent point, D_L!

I'd love to see him explore with some new keyboard sounds.  I am not sure what sound it is, but there is a particular one he used to overuse that I am not always fond of.  It is used around 1:36 of Overture Number 1 from Testimony. He seems to like to feature that particular keyboard sound by itself, like he did for a very brief interlude right there, but I think that is a very dated sound.  I think it is also the loan keyboard being played during the first verse of Bomb That Can't Explode (the first part of the Whole Nother Trip suite from his first solo album).

On the bright side, I thought his lead synth sound was beginning to sound a bit stale, but he must have gotten a new one or something, because his lead synth tone sounded mostly fantastic  on both The Whirlwind and Testimony Two.  Or maybe it was just a matter of him writing and playing more interesting keyboard lines.  Either way, I agree with your point. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on May 30, 2012, 08:13:33 PM
 :D

I guess that's kind of his sound approach, for all his work is very Spock's Beard/Classic prog influenced. But nevertheless, I'd love to hear him trying new sounds, atmospheres and cool stuff and see what he can come up with. Neal Morse is a fantastic musician, and I'm glad that he's apparently starting to use VSTs (In The Whirlwind DVD, he plays with a MIDI controller operated by a laptop, if I recall correctly...)

Stack him up with Omnisphere, Reaktor and other cool instruments, and I'm gonna be a happy camper.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bobs23 on May 31, 2012, 08:05:10 AM
Yesterday, I went back and listened to the studio version of "Seeds" after listening to the live version since it came out. To me, after re-listening the studio version sounds like a demo and live has so much more emotion and feel to it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: crazyaga on May 31, 2012, 04:55:39 PM
similar album covers are similar.
(https://s009.radikal.ru/i310/1106/71/78ca44509d50.jpg)
(https://www.metal-archives.com/images/3/6/1/9/3619.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on May 31, 2012, 04:59:43 PM
I recently addressed my lack of ownership of "Lifeline" and I have now listened to it once.  I'm not terribly disappointed that I skipped it, but I'll probably only listen to the longer tracks.


Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 31, 2012, 05:10:08 PM
I recently addressed my lack of ownership of "Lifeline" and I have now listened to it once.  I'm not terribly disappointed that I skipped it, but I'll probably only listen to the longer tracks.

I've recently gone back to Lifeline and have new-found appreciation for the whole album, where as I only used to enjoy the title track and "So Many Roads". The last track is still a bit "eh" as Neal has better ballads (Heck, I'd take "Heaven In My Heart" over "Fly High").

Have you listened to the bonus tracks, "Sometimes He Waits" and "Set The Kingdom"? I'd take those two over the 3 shortest tracks on the main album! For me, the top 3 tracks are still "Lifeline", "So Many Roads" and "Leviathan", with honorable mention to "Set The Kingdom".

If I made the album, this would be the track list:

"Lifeline"             - 13:28
"Sometimes He Waits"          -  5:23
"Children Of The Chosen"       -  4:55
"Set The Kingdom"          - 11:00
"Leviathan"             -  6:04
"So Many Roads"          - 28:43
"Fly High"             -  6:31

Nothing against the shorter tracks, "The Way Home", "God's Love" and "Children Of The Chosen", and in fact I like the latter, but I feel like the album might have done better the much stronger "Set The Kingdom" had been on the album instead.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on May 31, 2012, 05:17:14 PM
I completely agree with you, Marc. 

I will probably be skipping everything except "Lifeline," "Leviathan" and "So Many Roads"   But those are great, especially "Lifeline"



Haven't spun the bonus disc yet.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on May 31, 2012, 05:21:48 PM
Lifeline is good, though admittedly was the last solo Neal prog album I checked out. I also admit to not listening to it enough, aside from the title track. There's just so many other good albums Ive gotten that overshadow it. I'll have to make my way around to it again soon.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 31, 2012, 05:32:45 PM
Lifeline is good, though admittedly was the last solo Neal prog album I checked out. I also admit to not listening to it enough, aside from the title track. There's just so many other good albums Ive gotten that overshadow it. I'll have to make my way around to it again soon.

Definitely get Testimony 2, "Seeds Of Gold" is worth the price alone, but the main album itself is just as good, if not better than Testimony, so if you loved that album (and One), then definitely get T2.

Or, if you want more bang for your buck, get the 3CD/2DVD Live In LA album he just released of Testimony 2 Live. It's got the whole album live, "Seeds Of Gold", a couple tunes from Lifeline and One each, as well as a chunk of Sola Scriptura in medley form and "Part 5" of Testimony. Arguably one of Neal's best live albums to date, and it blows ? Live and So Many Roads out of the water.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 31, 2012, 05:37:12 PM
"Seeds Of Gold" is incredibly overrated, but the album is worth the price for the stuff on disk 1 anyway. 

I agree.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 31, 2012, 05:39:26 PM
"Seeds Of Gold" is incredibly overrated, but the album is worth the price for the stuff on disk 1 anyway. 

I agree.

Hey now...

"Seeds Of Gold" is at least better than "So Many Roads", and is his most secular(-sounding) epic since 2001, so to me, it's definitely one of his best works.

I will agree, though, most of the songs on the main album are also worth the price of the album, especially the last 18 minutes.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 31, 2012, 05:44:53 PM
:biggrin:

I'll take So Many Roads over Seeds, actually.  Personally, I've never really understood what people see in Seeds of Gold.  I love a lot of Neal's longer songs, but that one just isn't interesting to me at all.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on May 31, 2012, 05:45:38 PM
Yeah, me neither. The "but there's a home coming beyond the danger zone" section is very touching, but everything else is kinda meh.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on May 31, 2012, 05:53:40 PM
Lifeline is good, though admittedly was the last solo Neal prog album I checked out. I also admit to not listening to it enough, aside from the title track. There's just so many other good albums Ive gotten that overshadow it. I'll have to make my way around to it again soon.

Definitely get Testimony 2, "Seeds Of Gold" is worth the price alone, but the main album itself is just as good, if not better than Testimony, so if you loved that album (and One), then definitely get T2.

Or, if you want more bang for your buck, get the 3CD/2DVD Live In LA album he just released of Testimony 2 Live. It's got the whole album live, "Seeds Of Gold", a couple tunes from Lifeline and One each, as well as a chunk of Sola Scriptura in medley form and "Part 5" of Testimony. Arguably one of Neal's best live albums to date, and it blows ? Live and So Many Roads out of the water.

-Marc.

Oh I have T2, top 3 Neal album for me. I meant it was the last one that I checked out after getting the other 5 Neal solo albums. Seeds of Gold is one of Neal's best epics, up there with the TA ones, and The Door, The Creation, and ?.

Never checked out the T2 live album, maybe one day I will.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 31, 2012, 06:25:04 PM
Seeds of Gold and So Many Roads are definitely two of Neal's three best 15-minute plus solo songs, the other being The Separated Man.  I don't consider ? to be a single song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on May 31, 2012, 06:28:57 PM
Seeds of Gold and So Many Roads are definitely two of Neal's three best 15-minute plus solo songs, the other being The Separated Man.  I don't consider ? to be a single song.

I know I'm in the minority here, but I only consider multi-tracked grand epics as one song if that's how the artist himself views it. So The Whirlwind, ?, Garden of Dreams, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, In The Presence of Enemies, etc are all single songs to me (just very very large ones).

Ive seen people say that AoM's The Black Forest (the album) is one song, but I believe Roine Stolt refers to it as a concept album, so that is what I view it as, as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on May 31, 2012, 06:31:14 PM
Let me correct myself, and say, if the artist considers it one PIECE of music, then I do too; not necessarily one SONG.

I cannot listen to ?, or The Whirlwind, or GoD, or SDOIT without listening to the whole thing. Starting ? at the middle of the album would just not make sense to me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 31, 2012, 06:37:59 PM
Eh, I think certain artists like calling long suites like that single songs just they can say, "We have a song insert a big number long." :lol 

Besides, Mike Portnoy even said on the last TA DVD that The Whirlwind can be taken as one long song or as a bunch on shorter songs that all go together, and I suspect the same would apply to the other examples you just gave.  Calling ? one song would be like calling The Who's Tommy or Floyd's The Wall one song.  We all know that it is a bunch of songs that all together to form a concept or theme, so let's just leave it at that.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 31, 2012, 06:38:49 PM
Let me correct myself, and say, if the artist considers it one PIECE of music, then I do too; not necessarily one SONG.

I cannot listen to ?, or The Whirlwind, or GoD, or SDOIT without listening to the whole thing. Starting ? at the middle of the album would just not make sense to me.

Pretty much my view, as well. I prefer "Artists' Intent" when it comes to categorizing songs/pieces. And in many cases, like the above examples, the artist does indeed consider the whole work a single piece of music, sometimes even as a single song, just indexed into smaller sections.

Sometimes, larger works are indexed into sections for easier listening (like SDOIT and TW), while others aren't indexed at all, like classic examples of "Tarkus", "Close To The Edge", or "Supper's Ready". Sometimes those longer pieces with movements that aren't individually tracked sound like they should have been, and perhaps the only reason many consider them one song/piece is because they were indexed that way, and in fact they just sounds like suites, even with full-stops and dead-silence between movements, rather than segueing or cross-fading seamlessly between movements.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 31, 2012, 06:52:52 PM
? is not one song in any way, shape or form.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 31, 2012, 07:10:00 PM
? is not one song in any way, shape or form.

At least, no any more so than "The Whirlwind" or "Garden Of Dreams".

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on May 31, 2012, 07:11:51 PM
? is not one song in any way, shape or form.

Hey ChefDaddy, meet
(https://www.iwatchstuff.com/2011/12/02/tim-eric-billion-dollar-movie-chef-goldblum.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on May 31, 2012, 07:12:39 PM
? is not one song in any way, shape or form.

What really is the difference between the The Whirlwind as a studio album and how it was presented live? Just that the studio version has arbitrary electronic cuts in it. Really at the end of the day, if tracked as one, all concept albums are just a really long cohesive song. So while it's technically not in the classic sense, I don't see any problem with somebody looking at ?, or any similar album as a song in some ways.

And also, Seeds of Gold is great, but So Many Roads is the best epic he's done solo.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on June 01, 2012, 07:52:32 AM
? is not one song in any way, shape or form.

What really is the difference between the The Whirlwind as a studio album and how it was presented live? Just that the studio version has arbitrary electronic cuts in it. Really at the end of the day, if tracked as one, all concept albums are just a really long cohesive song. So while it's technically not in the classic sense, I don't see any problem with somebody looking at ?, or any similar album as a song in some ways.

And also, Seeds of Gold is great, but So Many Roads is the best epic he's done solo.

I need more listens, but "So Many Roads" -at least initially- is more appealing to me than "Seeds of Gold" which, for some reason, I find a bit on the dull side.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on June 01, 2012, 09:44:15 AM
I love Seeds of Gold, but I assure you that it wouldn't get half the attention it gets now if Mike Portnoy would've never mentioned that Seeds of Gold was like his favorite Neal Morse epic ever.

People in his forum/twitter/facebook go all like OMG MP LIKES IT IT'S GOLD LOL.

I still take it over So Many Roads, which honestly bores me quite a bit.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 01, 2012, 10:00:59 AM
I don't think that's true, considering he pimps everything he does pretty hard.  I don't see people going nuts over Adrenaline Mob, and he talks them up non-stop. :lol

Seeds of Gold is just a great tune from start to finish.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on June 01, 2012, 11:43:41 AM
Eh, it's OK, but it gets a bit boring in that middle "Run baby run" section.


Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 01, 2012, 11:54:02 AM
Seeds of Gold is fantastic. It took a while to wrap my head around it as the main disc of T2 overshadowed the second disc, but once the excitement for disc 1 settled down, I realized Seeds is one of Neal's best epics. Not my favorite by a long shot, but still very good, and a lot better than So Many Roads from what I remember; but I will go back to Lifeline soon enough.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 01, 2012, 11:57:37 AM
I realized Seeds is one of Neal's best epics.

If by "best" you mean, "most recent," then I agree.  It is indeed one of Neal's "best" epics.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 01, 2012, 01:33:35 PM
I realized Seeds is one of Neal's best epics.

If by "best" you mean, "most recent," then I agree.  It is indeed one of Neal's "best" epics.

I don't know, last I checked, "best" is not a synonym for "most recent", and I think I would have realized that SOG was his most recent epic, as I bought Testimony 2 on release day. DUH.

 :biggrin: :heart

I will say, that there's at least 5 or 6 epics that top SOG; from both TA, SB and Neal's solo albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 01, 2012, 01:40:04 PM
I realized Seeds is one of Neal's best epics.

If by "best" you mean, "most recent," then I agree.  It is indeed one of Neal's "best" epics.

I don't know, last I checked, "best" is not a synonym for "most recent", and I think I would have realized that SOG was his most recent epic, as I bought Testimony 2 on release day. DUH.

 :biggrin: :heart

I will say, that there's at least 5 or 6 epics that top SOG; from both TA, SB and Neal's solo albums.

Quantify epic? In my eyes, a Neal Morse "epic" is at least 20 minutes long. In that case, we've got...
"The Water"
"The Healing Colors Of Sound"
"The Great Nothing"
"All Of The Above"
"Duel With The Devil"
"Stranger In Your Soul"
"A Whole 'Nother Trip"
"The Door"
"The Conflict"
"So Many Roads"
"Seeds Of Gold"

And the upcoming "World Without End" (a 6-part epic on his new album Momentum), which tops out at nearly 34 minutes, his longest single piece of music yet!

What a list up there, and you're right, I'd pick 4 or 5 of those over "Seeds Of Gold"! Probably the 3 TA epics and "The Great Nothing" in the Top 4, then "So Many Roads" and "Seeds Of Gold" contend for 5th.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: BlackInk on June 01, 2012, 01:44:36 PM
At first I really enjoyed Neal's music but now after some time I can't stand listening to his voice, it just sounds so boring and dull I get physically tired hearing it. Which is a bit sad since he makes okay music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 01, 2012, 01:47:28 PM
Should the TA epics really count as Neal Morse epics? While he obviously had a heavy hand in writing those, he didn't write them by himself, unlike the SB and solo epics.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 01, 2012, 01:49:12 PM
Aside from a 20 minute cutoff being completely arbitrary, it is also wrong and leaves off some good epcis he was heavily involved in creating.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 01, 2012, 01:53:13 PM
True. You can't tell me that The Light, The Creation, The Separated Man, At the End of the Day, The Doorway, Flow, etc. aren't all epic. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 01, 2012, 02:25:10 PM
True. You can't tell me that The Light, The Creation, The Separated Man, At the End of the Day, The Doorway, Flow, etc. aren't all epic. 

Exactly.  Marc is a good lad, so I hate to bust him like that.  But you can't look at that list and tell me those aren't some classic NM epics.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 01, 2012, 02:28:05 PM
True. You can't tell me that The Light, The Creation, The Separated Man, At the End of the Day, The Doorway, Flow, etc. aren't all epic.

Fair enough, but I think Neal himself might consider his lengthier pieces to be his "more epic" epics.

If I included anything that was over 10 minutes long, the list would be incredible! Then, of course, there'd be the obligatory "Let's rank them"...

Either way, here's what I would consider in Neal's Epics list:
"The Light"
"Go The Way You Go"
"The Water"
"The Doorway"
"Time Has Come"
"The Good Don't Last"
"Harm's Way"
"Flow"
"Crack The Big Sky" (by 1 second, it's 9:59 long, but I think it's a bit epic)
"The Healing Colors Of Sound"
"At The End Of The Day"
"The Great Nothing"
"A Whole 'Nother Trip"
"The Creation"
"The Separated Man"
"The Door"
"The Conflict"
"The Conclusion"
"Lifeline"
"So Many Roads"
"Set The Kingdom" (pretty epic riffing!)
"Seeds Of Gold"
"All Of The Above"

I included AOTA mostly because his demo made up a large majority of the final song, where as DWTD and SIYS did include sizable contributions from the rest of Transatlantic. I also did not include Flying Colors' "Infinite Fire", despite it sounding a LOT like it was a Neal Morse demo to begin with.

I also didn't include pieces like "Help Me/The Spirit And The Flesh", or even "Author Of Confusion" and "Reunion", although the latter is pretty epic to me. I suppose, if you wanted, you could include ALL three of those. Then one might also consider if the 8 "Parts" of Testimony/Testimony 2 could be considered epics as they are all viewed as songs in a single piece of music (segued together), and many times, they do sound like they SHOULD be one piece. In that case, you have 8 more epics that you could consider adding to this list, ranging from 10:33 to 41:08.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 01, 2012, 02:33:23 PM
I don't even know if I could rank them.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 01, 2012, 03:40:27 PM
I don't even know if I could rank them.  :lol

Go by tiers, I suppose, and then within each of those tiers, rank those songs. It'd be quite the undertaking, but I might take a stab at it by the end of the night...or weekend.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 01, 2012, 04:00:59 PM
Man, so many good songs listed. His epics really are the best songs from him. Don't get me wrong I love most of Neal's work, but it seems that 85% of his output are epics, if you include the Testimony 1 and 2 suites as single pieces.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 01, 2012, 04:03:39 PM
Just...listened to...the solo in...Upon The Door...all out of breath...  I'm just going to sit here and hug myself for a few minutes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 01, 2012, 04:05:01 PM
Yeah, good solo.

BTW, I can't rank all of those WTF
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on June 01, 2012, 04:42:44 PM
"The Light", "All of the Above", "Stranger in your Soul" are my favorite NM epics. I much prefer the shorter songs from his solo stuff.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on June 04, 2012, 08:42:28 AM
I do think Transatlantic epics are a bit better than Neal Morse solo epics.

Duel with the Devil, Stranger in your Soul and All of the Above are all 10/10 for me. I know The Whirlwind is a song by itself, but I like treating it like an album (it's easier to digest that way), so I'm not including it in this.

I don't think that's true, considering he pimps everything he does pretty hard.  I don't see people going nuts over Adrenaline Mob, and he talks them up non-stop. :lol

Seeds of Gold is just a great tune from start to finish.  :tup :tup

And yes Kev, you're probably right. Seeds of Gold is indeed great, it's just that I can help to think of MP saying that and people on his forum going all over "It's probably gonna be a blast MP...Carpe Diem!...It's probably the best thing you've done since *insert last side-project here*

And just to stray a little bit from the epic thing, I'm deeply in love with Chance of a Lifetime. It's such an incredible tune, and very catchy too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 04, 2012, 09:15:09 AM
Chance of a Lifetime is really good, but I have to admit that it is the song I listen to the least from Disc 1 of T2.  I almost never have time to listen to the whole album, or even all of Disc 1, from start to finish, so I am usually picking out songs here and there to listen to, and that is one I almost always skip past.  On another album, it might be one I listen to a lot, but on an album this good, one with so many great songs, it sort of gets lost in the shuffle.  But you know what...I think I'll throw it on my iPod now for my workout here in a bit. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 04, 2012, 10:58:11 AM
Listening to Testimony 2 right now. I forgot how good Nighttime Collectors and Time Has Come Today is. One of the most rockin songs Neal has put out.

Chance Of A Lifetime was, along with Crossing Over/Mercy Street Reprise, my favorite song when T2 first came out. But every song on the album is outstanding, and one of his strongest albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on June 13, 2012, 05:14:54 PM
As far as Neal epics go (including Transatlantic), I think Seeds of Gold is probably my least favorite.  To me, it sounds the most generic and uninspired (disc 1 of T2 is amongst my favorite Neal stuff, though, I just never listen to disc 2).  So Many Roads, on the other hand, is probably my favorite song ever.  So I don't get the general "meh" reaction to it, but hey, my opinion is usually not a popular one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on June 13, 2012, 06:11:09 PM
Chance of a Lifetime is really good, but I have to admit that it is the song I listen to the least from Disc 1 of T2.  I almost never have time to listen to the whole album, or even all of Disc 1, from start to finish, so I am usually picking out songs here and there to listen to, and that is one I almost always skip past.  On another album, it might be one I listen to a lot, but on an album this good, one with so many great songs, it sort of gets lost in the shuffle.  But you know what...I think I'll throw it on my iPod now for my workout here in a bit. :)
id rather stay in hear wit da pain i no x 8
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on July 15, 2012, 08:12:06 PM
Im pretty pumped for new Neal Morse album!  :metal  a 33 minute long epic sounds about right  :biggrin:

(i didnt see it anywhere here so : https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/396-momentum-special-edition.aspx )

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 15, 2012, 08:26:24 PM
YES. I love the behind the scenes with these guys, and Transatlantic. The Flower Kings' new album had some in-studio footage too.

Neal did it for Testimony 2, which was great, though you could tell Portnoy was still in the dumps from his recent departure from DT during a couple interview moments.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on July 16, 2012, 03:03:09 AM
BTW: Thoughts part 5?


I know of part one and two.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 16, 2012, 09:39:31 AM
This was either discussed here or on the Spock's Beard thread, but part 3 is going to be on the new Spock's Beard album.

The only thing that is unclear is what is the fate of part 4?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on July 16, 2012, 10:38:24 AM
There was a youtube interview with Randy George (possibly in this video:  https://youtu.be/K_fZSgW1H9Y )

I didn't just rewatch (so I may be wrong) but I think he said they were reserving part 4 for Spock's if they ever wanted another one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MetropolisWatches on July 16, 2012, 04:04:47 PM
Neal Morse is the man. Apart from Sola Scriptura, Testimony and Testimony 2- what other Neal Morse albums would yall recommend?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Implode on July 16, 2012, 04:14:54 PM
Same question from me. I'm in love with Transatlantic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on July 16, 2012, 04:37:34 PM
Neal Morse is the man. Apart from Sola Scriptura, Testimony and Testimony 2- what other Neal Morse albums would yall recommend?

One is my personal favorite (followed closely by Sola Scriptura).  ? is very popular among fans, but I personally rank it fairly low by Neal standards.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on July 16, 2012, 05:12:50 PM
One is a definate must, I'd get that next (special edition if possible, but regular edition is still da bomb).  My personal favorite is probably Testimony 2, which you already have.  Lifeline is another good one, the song So Many Roads (29 minutes long!) is hands down my favorite song of all time.  I'm hoping the long epic on his new album will rival it.

I see the tracklist has already been posted, but now we have song lengths:

Momentum - Tracklist:

 01. Momentum (6:25)
 02. Thoughts Part 5 (7:51)
 03. Smoke And Mirrors (4:38)
 04. Weathering Sky (4:15)
 05. Freak (4:29)
 06. World Without End (33:39)
       - I: Introduction
       - II: Never Pass Away
       - III: Losing Your Soul
       - IV: The Mystery
       - V: Some Kind Of Yesterday
       - VI: World Without End

Total playing time: 61:17 minutes
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 16, 2012, 05:32:29 PM
Momentum - Tracklist:

 01. Momentum (6:25)
 02. Thoughts Part 5 (7:51)
 03. Smoke And Mirrors (4:38)
 04. Weathering Sky (4:15)
 05. Freak (4:29)
 06. World Without End (33:39)
       - I: Introduction
       - II: Never Pass Away
       - III: Losing Your Soul
       - IV: The Mystery
       - V: Some Kind Of Yesterday
       - VI: World Without End

Total playing time: 61:17 minutes

Looks like the closing epic got 12 seconds shorter! I wonder what Neal and the guys cut out :lol

This is a relatively SHORT album by Neal's standards. He usually likes to fill the album, but then again he went into this one with few songs demoed and not a lot of time to write/re-write with Mike and Randy. Who knew Neal's new solo album would end up being shorter than the new Rush album! :rollin

I guess both Roine and Neal have the itch to present LESS this year (TFK's latest album is their shortest, at under 60 minutes for the main album, about 75 minutes including bonus tracks). I hope this means they're saving up the longer stuff for TA4! :metal

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on July 16, 2012, 06:01:40 PM
I think Lifeline (the main disc) was under 70 minutes as well.  And Momentum will be roughly the same length as Spock's Beard "V", so I got no worries.  If it's 60 minutes with no sub par or filler songs (Leviathan, anyone?), then we'll be in for a treat.  Just kidding about Leviathan, but it is probably my least favorite song Neal has done. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pols Voice on July 16, 2012, 10:37:36 PM
61 minutes is a good length.

Anybody else love The Separated Man as much as I do? It's absolutely amazing, and the ending gives me chills.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on July 17, 2012, 08:15:06 PM
The Separated Man is awesome!!!! 

On another Neal note, I started my countdown to Momentum today.  Each week I'll have an album of the week leading up to the new album.  This week is Spock's Beard "V".  The remaining weeks will be for: Snow, Testimony, One, ?, Sola, Lifeline, Testimony 2.

I'd like to say that I haven't looked forward to a new Neal album this badly before, but I'm sure I was looking forward to Testimony 2 at least as much, if not more.

A new press release on Neal's site describes the songs a bit:

"Momentum" features five exceptional stand alone songs and one longer conceptual piece. In addition to the accessible title track, there's the quirkily clever, Gentle Giant-inspired "Thoughts Part 5," which follows in the footsteps of the previous "Thoughts" tracks penned by Morse with Spocks Beard. "Smoke and Mirrors" trods an introspective, acoustic path, while "Weathering Sky" offers a raucous cry for deliverance and renewal from a searching soul. Rounding out the shorter tracks is "Freak," an upbeat, strings-charged song unlike anything Neal has recorded to date. Last comes "World Without End," a near 34-minute, six-part epic that contains everything that defines Morse as a master of the genre.

https://www.nealmorse.com/

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Bongasti on July 26, 2012, 04:36:20 AM
A music video for a new song "Momentum" was just uploaded on Neal's YouTube page! https://youtu.be/lH7RBTDd4Yg

The song is pretty typical short song by him, nothing special I think. Paul Gilbert solo was very nice though!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 26, 2012, 09:27:00 AM
Pretty good song.  Not sure what to think of that video.  Neal hamming it up as usual. :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on July 26, 2012, 10:31:40 AM
Pretty good song.  Not sure what to think of that video.  Neal hamming it up as usual. :lol :lol

Pretty much my thoughts exactly. Those shades are weird, and being all in the face in the camera like that really isn't very becoming of Neal, I don't think.

Good song though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on July 26, 2012, 11:37:26 AM
I'm going to make Momentum my first Neal Morse solo album. I'm a huge fan of his work in Spock's beard and Transatlantic, also loved Flying colors, but I never had the time to pay some attention to his solo career. The new album obviously won't be the best place to start, but it's gonna be popular and people are gonna talk about it, so I might as well give it a whirl for the sake of being in touch with what's going on.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on July 26, 2012, 02:12:05 PM
I found the song a little underwhelming. It kind of gave me a similar vibe to Lifeline, but not as interesting.

I do love how when Randy shows up in the video, he's just kinda chillin'.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on July 26, 2012, 02:13:29 PM
Oh and, crashed God's partayay.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 29, 2012, 02:59:58 PM
Exclusive interview with Neal Morse, from progshine.com

https://progshine.com/entrevistas/exclusive-interview-with-neal-morse-by-diego-camargo/ (https://progshine.com/entrevistas/exclusive-interview-with-neal-morse-by-diego-camargo/)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: AMindBesideItself on July 30, 2012, 08:51:13 PM
Love Neal. I'm not a Christian, but I like how he relates his songs to universal themes rather just quoting Bible verses or something.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on July 30, 2012, 09:02:13 PM
The video for the new song was switched to private... :/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Hayden on August 02, 2012, 10:47:15 AM
It's back up now; I just watched it then. Definitely not his best work, not by a long way. It is a good song, however, without too many flaws. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a tiny bit underwhelming and lackluster, though. Oh well, maybe it will sound better in the context of the album.

But, while the song isn't too bad, I really wish he didn't do the video. Or, at least didn't do it the way it was done. If it was simply video of in-studio performances, that would've been fine; in fact, that would've been great. But, the way it is, it's kind of embarrassing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ColdFireYYZ on August 02, 2012, 11:13:37 AM
The song was okay but the video was pretty embarrassing. It says "single edit" so I'm hoping that they edited out an instrumental section or something.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Priest of Syrinx on August 02, 2012, 11:48:08 AM
The song was okay but the video was pretty embarrassing. It says "single edit" so I'm hoping that they edited out an instrumental section or something.

+1

Really, the video looks like Neal inserted himself into outtakes from a Rebecca Black video, or something.  Cringe-worthy.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 02, 2012, 12:16:56 PM
It's back up now; I just watched it then. Definitely not his best work, not by a long way. It is a good song, however, without too many flaws. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a tiny bit underwhelming and lackluster, though. Oh well, maybe it will sound better in the context of the album.

But, while the song isn't too bad, I really wish he didn't do the video. Or, at least didn't do it the way it was done. If it was simply video of in-studio performances, that would've been fine; in fact, that would've been great. But, the way it is, it's kind of embarrassing.

Agreed all-around.  Neal has the tendency to come off as a bit too hokey at times, and that is on full display in that video.  But hey, that's who he is, so there ya go. :biggrin:

And the song is pretty good, but nothing special.  I hope this isn't another Lifeline, with a great epic and then a bunch of shorter songs that range from okay to just good.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: rumborak on August 03, 2012, 01:48:21 PM
I just chanced on that song because it was mentioned on mp.com. I dunno folks, but I find his musical crank-turning almost laughable at this point. Same chord progressions, same drummer, same keyboard patches etc. etc.

rumborak
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on August 03, 2012, 01:53:07 PM
It's back up now; I just watched it then. Definitely not his best work, not by a long way. It is a good song, however, without too many flaws. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a tiny bit underwhelming and lackluster, though. Oh well, maybe it will sound better in the context of the album.

But, while the song isn't too bad, I really wish he didn't do the video. Or, at least didn't do it the way it was done. If it was simply video of in-studio performances, that would've been fine; in fact, that would've been great. But, the way it is, it's kind of embarrassing.

Agreed all-around.  Neal has the tendency to come off as a bit too hokey at times, and that is on full display in that video.  But hey, that's who he is, so there ya go. :biggrin:

And the song is pretty good, but nothing special.  I hope this isn't another Lifeline, with a great epic and then a bunch of shorter songs that range from okay to just good.


I've seen a couple of reviews posted already and they're all comparing to....


Lifeline

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 03, 2012, 02:17:11 PM
I get the sense they mean that in regards to format: an album full of songs unrelated to each other (as opposed to the conceptual nature of most of his solo albums), one giant epic and then almost all shorter songs. 

rumborak, I get what you mean; Momentum is definitely "Neal Morse by the numbers."  But considering how small his niche audience has gotten, I can't blame him for sticking to what he does best.  Gotta keep his hardcore fans happy to keep the money flowing in, especially since this is how he earns a living.  He definitely has sort of become the "AC/DC of symphonic prog rock," to say the least.  You pretty much know what you are getting from him every time out, for the most part.  I was almost air drumming to the song halfway through it the FIRST time I heard it, for God's sake! :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on August 07, 2012, 03:19:48 PM
"Momentum" Pre sales have begun... as of midnight last night!!

https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/396-momentum.aspx


got mine then  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 07, 2012, 03:37:17 PM
"Momentum" Pre sales have begun... as of midnight last night!!

https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/396-momentum.aspx


got mine then  :metal

Ordered mine at 12:05am EST last night! I hope I am one of the chosen 100 to get a signed copy!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on August 07, 2012, 04:00:32 PM
12:08 here :( HOPE I GET PICKED
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 07, 2012, 08:32:08 PM
I couldn't care less about getting a signed copy and will probably order my copy of the CD the week it comes out. :biggrin: :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 07, 2012, 08:54:36 PM
Pre-ordered from Radiant today....  Was going to wait and order a cheaper way, but got sucked into the chance of getting a signed copy (but won't be disappointed when I don't get it).

Not sure I agree regarding Neal sounding too samey...  First time I heard Sola Scriptura I was blown away, and it sounded nothing like what I thought it would.  When I compare to other bands I love (Dream Theater, Redemption, etc.) they aren't "groundbreaking" with new releases either usually...  My exception with Neal is Seeds Of Gold from disc 2 of Testimony 2.  I thought that song sounded kind of blah and uninspired compared to Neal's other epics.

I'm predicting the new album will sound closer to "V" than "Lifeline", but of course different in it's own way.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on August 11, 2012, 07:19:33 AM
Oh, so some people were wondering about how Momentum is a single-edit. Well, Neal performed the song before, so this is what the full version is like (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MEoVA6EiN0). Another guitar solo and  piano cool-down section.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on August 11, 2012, 09:47:31 AM
I don't have physical copies of all the Neal prog albums yet, and I've held off ordering them all so I can get them from my local record store so I can support them. I've been waiting for a long time for my local shop to stock some Neal albums on their shelves. They've had Testimony 2 since it came out, and Sola Scriptura for the longest time, as well as the Cover to Cover albums, which I don't care for.. One guy I talked to said they were finally getting some new stuff in soon. I go there the other day, and what did they add? "Lifeline" and "Neal Morse"  :facepalm:

I picked up Lifeline anyway, since I didn't have the physical copy of it, but still...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 11, 2012, 12:26:22 PM
Oh, so some people were wondering about how Momentum is a single-edit. Well, Neal performed the song before, so this is what the full version is like (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MEoVA6EiN0). Another guitar solo and  piano cool-down section.

Randy George really needs to calm down when performing on stage. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 13, 2012, 08:46:26 AM
Oh, so some people were wondering about how Momentum is a single-edit. Well, Neal performed the song before, so this is what the full version is like (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MEoVA6EiN0). Another guitar solo and  piano cool-down section.

Randy George really needs to calm down when performing on stage. :lol

:lol  Can't wait to get this, but I refuse to order anything through Radiant's site unless forced to.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ColdFireYYZ on August 21, 2012, 12:51:45 PM
Thoughts Part 5 Studio Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7A8wwduI6U

I'm only a couple of minutes in and I really like it but its kind of strange that he decided to release this as a solo song. As great as Neal, Mike, and Randy are, I'd rather hear the original Spock's Beard lineup play this. Still a good song though.

Edit: Song just ended and it was excellent! Much better than Momentum (even though that live version was way better than the single). Can't wait for the album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on August 21, 2012, 12:56:39 PM
 :eek   :hefdaddy   :eek
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 21, 2012, 01:04:09 PM
I really only like most of the Neal songs that are centered around those multi-part harmonies (like the first two Thoughts), and sometimes I don't care much for them at all (Gibberish), so I am not sure about this one.  After one listen, there wasn't one memorable melody in there, and Neal's melodies usually grab you by the throat immediately.  But time will tell...

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pols Voice on August 21, 2012, 01:05:00 PM
The part from 3:01 to 4:32 is ace.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 22, 2012, 09:11:49 PM
Kind of a strange release for a single, but I LOVE it!!! (singles from albums tend to be my least fav from the albums anyway)

Listened a few times, liked it more with each listen as each time I picked up on more musical complexity or simple awesomeness!  Not sure if I like this or Momentum better, each song is great in their own way.  In the end I probably would lean towards this one simply because of the longer length (that's what she said) and musical complexity.

I can't wait to get my hands on this album!!!  Ordered the special edition from Radiant, hopefully it comes as early as possible. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on August 22, 2012, 10:11:34 PM
hmmm....I liked both songs, but thoughts seems like it will have longer stay power than the momentum for me
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on September 08, 2012, 06:14:04 PM
Anyone else receive Momentum yet?  (received mine yesterday, ordered through Radiant)  First five songs are pretty good, really varying in style....

But to me the first five songs are irrelevant when compared to the epic 33.5 minute monster at the end!  I was skeptical as to how I'd rank it amongst Neal's other epics (including Transatlantic epics).  But after just a couple listens I am pretty sure it will be amongst the top. 

This album is a home run.  When Testimony 2 came out, I was actually thinking Neal hit his peak and it simply had to go downhill from there.  But I was likely wrong.  Time will tell how this album stands amongst Neal's others, but it's looking good so far.  Lyrically, not very "ecclesiastically bludgeoning", but still very moving if you choose to interpret the lyrics from a Christian perspective.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on September 10, 2012, 11:43:57 AM
I love Neal but between this song (Weathering Sky) and Momentum, this is sounding a little genericy and samey. I hope the rest is better.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJyI5tIDDbc
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 10, 2012, 12:59:34 PM
Agreed.  All three songs I have heard thus far have been okay, but nothing that knocked my socks off.  I suspect the epic will be tremendous, but this is why I feared this would be another Lifeline (great epic, rather average everywhere else).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 10, 2012, 01:42:42 PM
I only heard the title track and Thoughts Part 5, the former was alright, kinda standard Morse short song; the latter was fantastic, so I'm hoping it gets better from there. I agree that I anticipate the epic to be at least awesome. Picking this up later today.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 10, 2012, 07:13:10 PM
I picked up Momentum this afternoon and gave it one full listen. My first impression is mixed, the first 2 tracks I had heard once or twice on YouTube, but sounded a lot better on the album, Thoughts Part 5 kicks a lot of ass, it's so heavy! The remaining songs need to grow on me, especially the epic, which I'm not surprised. It's pretty long, and not much stuck out, but I'm sure repeated listens will pay off, as all Neal albums do.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on September 10, 2012, 08:52:06 PM
I just can't stop loving the epic song....  Neal has a way of his music doing more talking than even lyrics can do.  Kind of like from Testimony, "The Storm Before the Calm" is a powerful song through it's instrumental passages.  I get that same feeling (yet even more powerful) at parts of the new epic. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on September 11, 2012, 08:49:06 AM
So... no Amazon MP3 for Neal? That's odd.

Maybe he got mad that Amazon put "Seeds of Gold" up as a 99 cent stand-alone download last time around.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 11, 2012, 09:31:34 AM
I noticed that, too.  It's not at iTunes either.  So much for getting this today.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 11, 2012, 09:36:05 AM
I noticed that, too.  It's not at iTunes either.  So much for getting this today.

Momentum Hi-Red Audio Downloads in AIFF format are HERE! (https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/412-momentum-hires-audio-download.aspx)

Didn't anyone else get the email? :lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on September 11, 2012, 10:02:37 AM
::snip::

Sorry for the double post.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on September 11, 2012, 10:05:29 AM
I noticed that, too.  It's not at iTunes either.  So much for getting this today.

Momentum Hi-Red Audio Downloads in AIFF format are HERE! (https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/412-momentum-hires-audio-download.aspx)

Didn't anyone else get the email? :lol

-Marc.

Ugh, no thanks. If I wanted to bay $12 for a high-res rip of the album, I'd just buy the physical CD for almost the same price and rip it myself. And anyway, what am I going to do with a 600 MB digital download? I'm not taking ten albums off of my MP3 player so I can make room for the audiophile version of Momentum, which was probably recorded with all digital instruments anyway.

Lots of artists have specials where you can get a $4 to $7 digital download of an album the first couple days it is out. I love that, because it encourages me to check out lots of material I wouldn't otherwise, and makes affording an album or two a month possible by sacrificing something as simple as a fast-food lunch. It's also pretty bad when Bob Dylan, a 71 year old notorious for draining his fans of every cent they'll give him, has his album out on amazon MP3 for $5 before the "fan-oriented" guys who do "progressive" music. I guess the gears of the Neal Morse price-guage machine just keep on churning...  ;D

I really do want to be a Neal Morse fan. But he just makes it so expensive and inconvenient  :yeahright
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 11, 2012, 10:07:20 AM
I think it's Radiant Records, not Neal himself. New Transatlantic and Neal Morse solo albums seem to be more expensive than new Flower Kings, The Tangent, Beardfish, and the like, who are on Inside Out. Even Spock's Beard who are on Music Theories Recordings.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 11, 2012, 10:32:22 AM
I think it's Radiant Records, not Neal himself.

Um, Neal and his wife ultimately run Radiant Records, if I am not mistaken. :lol

And I agree with PC.  I'd also love to support Neal by buying from his site, but he always charges an arm and a leg, and I have had several bad experiences with a new CD taking forever to get to me, so I don't buy from them anymore.  Is there a way to get myself off of their email list? ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on September 11, 2012, 11:45:45 AM
Radiant Records is just a bit ridiculous, is all. They kinda remind me of Manga Carta, except more expensive. I mean, who honestly spent $15.99 + s/h for Cover "2" Cover? Anyone?

Considering the amount of discussion I've seen about it here, I'm going with "not many people".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 11, 2012, 11:55:35 AM
I watched the special edition DVD and I must say, it contained a lot of interesting information. I already knew, but Randy George and Mike Portnoy contributed many ideas to Momentum, as Neal only had a little bit of music written before the recording sessions. There is even a slightly candid moment during the film where we hear Portnoy discussing how some songs should be omitted from the album: Freak, and another song. That other song didn't make it thanks to Mike's input, but Neal wanted Freak to stay on the album very much.

Mike also worked like an editor for some of the songs, which is not necessarily anything new with both Transatlantic or Dream Theater; but he had an incredibly large say in what went on in the music of Momentum, which is not usual, as Neal usually has most of the music written before recording sessions. Neal even admits that a lot of parts were cut out of the music, which is the opposite of what usually happens with his music. It shows you how much influence Mike Portnoy had on how the album was presented.


I think it's Radiant Records, not Neal himself.

Um, Neal and his wife ultimately run Radiant Records, if I am not mistaken. :lol


Oh, I didn't know that. Then, never mind.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on September 11, 2012, 12:07:13 PM
*shrug*


I paid the $11.99 for the download, burned a CD for my car and converted it to MP3 for my iPod.




It's really kind of amazing how devalued music has become in the stealing digital age.....
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on September 11, 2012, 12:20:40 PM
It's not about under-valuing music. Rather, the music world is over-saturated. Artists don't put music up online for cheap just to encourage pirates to become buyers. It's also to encourage buyers-- like me-- to buy their product when they know someone else has an album just a few clicks away.

That said, I'm a guy with a pretty limited income. Why would I spend $12 getting the 6th (?) Neal Morse album released this year when I could probably get two new albums from Amazon.com's MP3 store for the same price? There's just no incentive. Don't get me wrong; I like Neal plenty. But he and Radiant are just hopelessly behind the times when it comes to getting music out there.

And yeah, I'd love to listen to Momentum, and I'd like to support Neal Morse. But Neal Morse thinks I should pay a $12 minimum just to listen to a digital copy of his album, when almost no-other artists I listen to feel the same way about their own music. I'm not a pirate, so my only choice for right now is to simply not listen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on September 11, 2012, 01:13:39 PM
It's not about under-valuing music. Rather, the music world is over-saturated. Artists don't put music up online for cheap just to encourage pirates to become buyers. It's also to encourage buyers-- like me-- to buy their product when they know someone else has an album just a few clicks away.

That said, I'm a guy with a pretty limited income. Why would I spend $12 getting the 6th (?) Neal Morse album released this year when I could probably get two new albums from Amazon.com's MP3 store for the same price? There's just no incentive. Don't get me wrong; I like Neal plenty. But he and Radiant are just hopelessly behind the times when it comes to getting music out there.

And yeah, I'd love to listen to Momentum, and I'd like to support Neal Morse. But Neal Morse thinks I should pay a $12 minimum just to listen to a digital copy of his album, when almost no-other artists I listen to feel the same way about their own music. I'm not a pirate, so my only choice for right now is to simply not listen.


I'd say 75% of the digital albums I buy, which are almost always MP3 files @ 256kbps (Amazon.com, mostly) cost me $8.99 - some of them are cheaper, yeah, but most are $8.99.  Neal is charging a whopping, massive $3.00 more for a digital copy of his album which is high res.  I think Neal realizes that his average fan (who is probably closer to my age than yours) doesn't give a shit about a couple of dollars (I don't) but I know not everyone is in the same position.


With that said, I maintain that music has become massively devalued by pirating, but this is not the venue for that discussion.


Anyway, back to the CD -


First impressions:
The opening track, which is the title track, frankly, bores the shit out of me.  I'll be skipping that one every time I listen to this album.  I don't know what it is about that song, it might be that I can't get that awful video out of my head, not sure, but the song doesn't really work for me.  "Thoughts Part 5" is pretty cool, I like it.  "Smoke and Mirrors" is pretty "meh"   I think "Weathering Sky" is pretty decent.  "Freak" is....OK I guess.    I've been through the epic once so far.


Overall, my first impression is it's fairly typical Neal Morse stuff, and it definitely has his stamp all over it.  A lot of the same bag of tricks he's been pulling from for the last half a dozen albums or so.  My gut tells me this one was maybe a little bit phoned in.  But I need more listens to give it a proper chance to grow on me. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on September 11, 2012, 01:52:38 PM
Just for clarification I emailed Radiant about the AIF download. The files are 44.1Khz/16b, and not 96/24.

Which is a shame. What's the point?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on September 11, 2012, 02:20:02 PM
I love how standard CD quality is "hi-res".

Edit: Not a knock on Neal in this instance as much as it is on the current musical culture.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on September 11, 2012, 02:27:19 PM
Compared to ___________________ <---insert typical down here -- it is "high res" if you think about it.


Amazon.com gives you 256kbps MP3 files


iTunes gives you something similar


Of course it's just a gimmick to make the $11.99 price point sound more palatable, but being a musician myself and looking at those "royalty checks"  :\  I get from my record label each quarter for sales of our album, I can't say I blame ANY musician for a little profiteering these days.  I guess you have to live it to get to the point of understanding it.  I used to feel the same way a lot of others here feel, until I got a legitimate record deal and published an album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: unklejman on September 11, 2012, 04:04:21 PM
I would just rather pay the $3 extra dollars and have a hard copy.  I've only bought a digital download once, and that was to get a really obscure Christian song from the early nineties for nostalgic reasons that I literally could not find anywhere.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on September 11, 2012, 04:47:10 PM
Did anyone else get their pre orders from his site? or did you guys just pick them up?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 11, 2012, 06:35:34 PM
I picked mine up at my local shop. I've never done a pre-order.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Bongasti on September 11, 2012, 10:29:01 PM
I pre-ordered it from Radiant Records and it arrived yesterday. It wasn't signed though :(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on September 12, 2012, 09:00:51 AM
I would just rather pay the $3 extra dollars and have a hard copy.  I've only bought a digital download once, and that was to get a really obscure Christian song from the early nineties for nostalgic reasons that I literally could not find anywhere.


heh, I used to be the same way, but I went all digital about three years ago and never looked back.  Now I get to buy almost twice as much music as I was previously. 


I still collect physical CDs, but only for a few select artists that are in my top 10 or 15 bands
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on September 12, 2012, 11:16:49 AM
Oh crap, I completely forgot about this!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on September 12, 2012, 11:29:00 AM
Watched the two music videos for Momentum and Weathering Skies. The latter was better...but I wasn't really hooked by either.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on September 12, 2012, 11:58:21 AM
Watched the two music videos for Momentum and Weathering Skies. The latter was better...but I wasn't really hooked by either.


Yeah, I'm already skipping both of those tracks.  To be honest, the only track on the album that I think I will keep listening to is the epic.


The rest of it definitely has a very phoned in feel to it.


Overall, I is disappoint


2.5 of 5 stars
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 12, 2012, 02:47:29 PM
The epic is still growing on me, it's very long. But I enjoy the title track and Thoughts part 5 very much. The rest is OK. I have to listen more, but i don't think it'll top Testimony 2, Sola Scriptura, ?, and One.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 12, 2012, 04:10:32 PM
The epic is still growing on me, it's very long. But I enjoy the title track and Thoughts part 5 very much. The rest is OK. I have to listen more, but i don't think it'll top Testimony 2, Sola Scriptura, ?, and One.

I'm with you - the first two tracks are pretty good, top-notch Neal Morse. I've also come to enjoy "Smoke And Mirrors", even though his pronunciation of "Mirrors" in the song is more like "Mears" (especially as he rhymes it with "years" and "tears" and other such sounding words). The epic IS really long, and I'm not sure if that helps or hinders it. When "Seeds Of Gold" came out, I was hooked IMMEDIATELY and it kept my attention all the way through, and this was probably Neal's first side-length epic without movements (I think, I *could* be wrong about that, but I'm pretty sure...) and so it stuck with me as a full single song all the way through.

I'm sure I'll grow to LOVE "World Without End" and after a few listens, there are some great moments and melodies that are memorable, but it still doesn't hook me like "Seeds Of Gold" did, which, to be honest, is so very unlike any other epic Neal has written before and since!

As for the other 2 tracks, they're alright. "Freak" is Neal's quirky piece, as he always seems to write one, and it's really varied throughout and has an endearing quality about it, while "Weathering Sky" is a pretty standard Neal rocker.

As a whole, the album is pretty good, a few steps up from Lifeline, but parts of it feel like a step back from Testimony 2, which felt like Neal was firing on ALL cylinders, as well as Mike and Randy. I don't know...maybe T2 just came out at the right time - after an album and tour with Transatlantic, and he was writing a lot of stuff at the time. For this album, Neal admits he didn't have a lot of material ready, so maybe it kind of shows? I think he didn't let his demos sit for long enough, and they were pulled out too soon from the prog-oven.

I suppose only time will tell how this one sits among Neal's other solo works, but as I've read elsewhere from fans, Neal does concept albums better, and while an album like this is not as full of "God"-this and "Jesus"-that, much of his work on his first 3 solo albums was KILLER compared to what we've gotten with Lifeline  and Momentum.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 12, 2012, 04:21:22 PM
He's saving up all of his good stuff for the next Transatlantic record. :metal :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 12, 2012, 04:28:27 PM
He's saving up all of his good stuff for the next Transatlantic record. :metal :hat

GOD I hope so... :angel: :metal

I cannot wait until Winter, DT will go into the studio and TA may possibly announce something possibly leading towards the possibility of going into the studio... MP and PT just need to clear up their schedules and Roine and Neal are pretty much ready to go!

Anyway, TA5 is going to be a big deal next year, and might contend for AOTY for 2013 for me, especially going up against Spock's Beard and Dream Theater (among other bands).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: lonestar on September 12, 2012, 06:43:06 PM
I enjoy the title track, though it is a bit hokie. Thoughts pt5 and Smoke and Mirrors I loved, as well as the epic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on September 12, 2012, 09:33:12 PM
I pre-ordered it from Radiant Records and it arrived yesterday. It wasn't signed though :(

What he said!  I haven't even opened mine yet.

Perhaps I'll watch the DVD this weekend.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 13, 2012, 01:21:47 PM
Only-listened-to-Momentum-a-few-times ranking time.

Sola Scriptura
?
Testimony 2
One
Momentum
Testimony
Lifeline

It's still a good album, it just hasn't gotten me as excited as when Testimony 2 came out, that one blew me away on first listen, and still does. Momentum is still growing on me, especially the epic World Without End, which I'm still wrapping my head around. I could see the album move up the ranks at least one notch for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: wasteland on September 13, 2012, 01:32:52 PM
Only-listened-to-Momentum-a-few-times ranking time.

Sola Scriptura
?
Testimony 2
One
Momentum
Testimony
Lifeline

It's still a good album, it just hasn't gotten me as excited as when Testimony 2 came out, that one blew me away on first listen, and still does. Momentum is still growing on me, especially the epic World Without End, which I'm still wrapping my head around. I could see the album move up the ranks at least one notch for me.

This is pretty much how I feel about this release. I listened to it only once (I plan on giving the CD another spin tonight), and as far as the first impression goes, I am unimpressed. I still have to get the grand picture behind the epic, but I don't see it besting Seeds Of Gold or The Door.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on September 13, 2012, 04:07:44 PM
It's hard for me to rank Neal's albums.  "One" and "Sola" were both my ultimate favorite albums for extended periods of time.  But I listened to them SO much back in the day that rarely listen to them anymore.

Regarding the new album - it doesn't have the intense staying power that T2 had.  I think that's because it's not a concept album.  The concept albums just seem to get better and better with each listen until you have the album memorized.  The "newness" wore off quite quickly.  However, I don't mean that as negative.  Neal says in his liner notes he was not trying a new direction with this album (duh), so I didn't expect anything groundbreaking.  I would rank it somewhere in the middle of Neals albums. 

I love the new epic.  Not sure if Neal had the idea for the song and was saving the idea for Transatlantic or not (he was hoping they'd have recorded by now), but I'm glad it was done on a solo disc.  So yeah, I'm probably backwards from most people here, as I listen to the epic over and over and love it, and find myself not listening to the short songs much.  And I love "Freak."  Definately my favorite of hte short songs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on September 13, 2012, 05:25:15 PM
ugh its the 13th and it still hasnt come in :|

Also whats with all the hate for Lifeline around here? I thought it was a solid album. probably my top 3.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on September 14, 2012, 05:41:42 AM
Lifeline isn't very appealing for me either, in fact, I think this new album, Momentum will join it at the very bottom of my Neal Morse album list. 


I never thought I'd say this, but maybe he should go back to serving up the more Jesus-y stuff, because it seems this album has significantly dialed back the religion and the result is not that good, I'm afraid.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on September 14, 2012, 06:23:19 AM
ugh its the 13th and it still hasnt come in :|

Also whats with all the hate for Lifeline around here? I thought it was a solid album. probably my top 3.

Well, I'd feel bad for you, but every time a new Neal Morse record comes out there is someone in this thread complaining about how Radiant either delivered too slowly or else screwed them over another way.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: changing_seasons on September 16, 2012, 10:30:29 AM
I would call Neal Morse a god, but he would probably not like that :)

All I can say is that Neal is to melodies/themes what John Petrucci is to guitar riffs. Once again he leaves me without any doubt whatsoever that he is my all time favorite musician. Amazing stuff.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on September 16, 2012, 11:31:21 AM
still hasnt come in :|
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 16, 2012, 11:34:03 AM
still hasnt come in :|

Neither has mine, but I can wait. Between Momentum and Marillion's Sounds That Can't Be Made, I've been checking my mail box obsessively over the last week, but no new packages. Hopefully something comes in tomorrow!

New album pre-order deliveries always have me nervous and anxious!  :eek

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 17, 2012, 01:45:21 PM
Opened my mailbox this afternoon to find two packages from Radiant Records!!!

(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/MarkyMarc/20120917150745.jpg?t=1347911033)

 :metal

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: wasteland on September 17, 2012, 01:59:59 PM
Opened my mailbox this afternoon to find two packages from Radiant Records!!!

(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/MarkyMarc/20120917150745.jpg?t=1347911033)

 :metal

-Marc.

Inner Circle... I heard about this... So, it's not a legend, is it? :lol:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 17, 2012, 02:04:07 PM
Inner Circle... I heard about this... So, it's not a legend, is it? :lol:

It's not as secretive or exclusive as you might think  :lol

It's pretty sweet, actually, and I've been a member since last November, just in time to get Neal's A Proggy Christmas album, although now he's releasing it again with REAL drums and more songs (which I can't wait for! FOUR Neal-related studio releases this year! What a treat!).

The latest DVD is a concert with Neal's new band (sans MP), and the set list is pretty good! Can't wait to watch it!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on September 18, 2012, 03:07:02 PM
Look what came in aswell!

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d178/Scrub206/20120918_165754.jpg)

 :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 18, 2012, 03:13:13 PM
Look what came in aswell!

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d178/Scrub206/20120918_165754.jpg)

 :metal

Awesome!!! Looks like we're two out of a hundred! o/

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on September 18, 2012, 03:19:10 PM
*\o
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 18, 2012, 03:29:51 PM
*\o

... :|

 :rollin

Did you get one, too, Nick???

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 19, 2012, 08:42:44 AM
Just got mine yesterday from a brick & mortar store.  I won't use Radiant's website because I've had so many issues with it in the past, and I don't really care about whether or not my copy is signed.  But I have it, which is cool!

(https://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y280/bosk1/Misc/Momentum_zps729f6f53.jpg)

Only one full listen so far.  A couple of early observations:
1.  I LOVE Neal's music, and this seems a bit ridiculous to say in the case of music that is so varied and complex, but I feel that Neal is somewhat formulaic and that it has really showed on this last few solo efforts.  They're still good, but there are a lot of times when it just feels like I am listening to a rehashed version of something that was done better before.
2.  The above being said, I can say that I immediately like this album more than Lifeline and ?, and possibly better than T2.  It probably doesn't quite measure up to T1, and is not even in the same league as One and Sola Scriptura.  But still feels like a very solid album.
3.  Freak is amazing in its simplicity. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on September 19, 2012, 01:21:48 PM
*\o

... :|

 :rollin

Did you get one, too, Nick???

-Marc.

Nope, just one of my many interceptions around these parts.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on September 19, 2012, 01:49:01 PM
Just got mine yesterday from a brick & mortar store.  I won't use Radiant's website because I've had so many issues with it in the past, and I don't really care about whether or not my copy is signed.  But I have it, which is cool!

Only one full listen so far.  A couple of early observations:
1.  I LOVE Neal's music, and this seems a bit ridiculous to say in the case of music that is so varied and complex, but I feel that Neal is somewhat formulaic and that it has really showed on this last few solo efforts.  They're still good, but there are a lot of times when it just feels like I am listening to a rehashed version of something that was done better before.
2.  The above being said, I can say that I immediately like this album more than Lifeline and ?, and possibly better than T2.  It probably doesn't quite measure up to T1, and is not even in the same league as One and Sola Scriptura.  But still feels like a very solid album.
3.  Freak is amazing in its simplicity.


I know exactly what you mean about the sort of "been there done that" feel with Neal's music.  My personal opinion is part of the reason for that is he's putting out way too much stuff.


I can understand not liking "Lifeline" too much but I think "?" is the best solo album he's made and I even like the lyrics on that one quite a bit.   :eek


T1 was like an ecclesiastical bludgeoning upon my first listen, but when I went back to it after the reality of Neal's career choice kind of sunk in, I found that I really was able to enjoy that album quite a bit.  Still one of my favorites of his.


I've always been kind of "meh" on both "One" and "Sola Scriptura"


What I did today was I took the best tracks from "Lifeline" and this new one and combined them into a playlist:


01 - Lifeline
02 - Thoughts Part 5
03 - So Many Roads
04 - Leviathan
05 - World Without End






 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on September 19, 2012, 02:57:18 PM
I've heard that music is Neal's sole source of income, as is not the case with many of his peers.  I understand that it can be tough being a prog musician in a bad economy, and in an industry which is already heavily suffering. And I can see why he feels like he needs to put out as much material as possible.

But all of this average material is really starting to water down the "Neal Morse" brand. Momentum is pretty typical Neal retracing his old formulas, as have been the last few Neal solo albums. It's just hard to stay interested, when everyone few months Neal's got either another Neal-by-numbers solo record out, or another overpriced low-budget DVD, or a cover disc, or (like is to come) a retinkering of the same old Christmas album he released before. He's starting to put out so much mediocrity that it's hard to stay excited even when he does something genuinely cool.  And he charges fans for lots of things other bands give you as a bonus, like a disc of cover sessions and "Making Of..." DVDs.

I like Neal, and I hate to criticize him so much. But he's really lucky he's still got Transatlantic and Flying Colors, because being a Neal Morse fan is just way too demanding, and not very exciting.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 19, 2012, 03:11:43 PM
I've heard that music is Neal's sole source of income, as is not the case with many of his peers.  I understand that it can be tough being a prog musician in a bad economy, and in an industry which is already heavily suffering. And I can see why he feels like he needs to put out as much material as possible.

But all of this average material is really starting to water down the "Neal Morse" brand. Momentum is pretty typical Neal retracing his old formulas, as have been the last few Neal solo albums. It's just hard to stay interested, when everyone few months Neal's got either another Neal-by-numbers solo record out, or another overpriced low-budget DVD, or a cover disc, or (like is to come) a retinkering of the same old Christmas album he released before. He's starting to put out so much mediocrity that it's hard to stay excited even when he does something genuinely cool.  And he charges fans for lots of things other bands give you as a bonus, like a disc of cover sessions and "Making Of..." DVDs.

I like Neal, and I hate to criticize him so much. But he's really lucky he's still got Transatlantic and Flying Colors, because being a Neal Morse fan is just way too demanding, and not very exciting.

For me personally, I feel like you are going a bit too far.  But I get the general sentiment and don't disagree too much.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on September 19, 2012, 03:19:24 PM
Say what you will about what you (as in anyone, not pointed at Bosk or PC) will about the quality of Neal's releases, I think it's pretty easy to ascertain that he's making his living off music with how he markets his stuff and the amount of material he puts out and the way he puts it out. On one hand I find it to be good that he gets a lot of stuff out there, but on the other hand I think he can over saturate the market, and at times definitely overprices things he knows only hardcore fans will likely buy such as the recent FC making of DVD and the 2nd Transatlantic CD/DVD box set.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on September 19, 2012, 03:33:10 PM
Wow, I hadn't realized the prices for that DVD had already come out.

And, geez. Twenty bucks? That is double what I thought they'd charge for it.
 
See, this is exactly what I mean.  :\
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 19, 2012, 03:37:55 PM
I should also say, though, that if you read Neal's message in the liner notes about the "momentum" concept, it all fits with what we are talking about.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on September 19, 2012, 04:02:03 PM
Too bad he didn't include a PDF of the liner notes and artwork with the download. (like my band did) He charged more than most bands charge for digital copies of his album, but all you get are the audio files.  That's part of the reason why a lot of his fans are getting a little bit worn out.


To be honest, I'm removing Neal Morse from my "automatic buy" list based on the relative mediocrity of "Momentum" which, at least in part, includes the lack of "stuff" that comes with a digital download - a product that costs almost as much as some physical CDs.


Look, if anyone gets it, I do.  I really, really get it.  I know how tough it is to make ANY money in the music business.  But gouging isn't the answer, and that's what Neal's pricing models feel like.   Neal's pushing the envelope just a little bit too much, even for me.  And I'm someone who definitely sympathizes with the plight of relatively obscure musicians who are trying to sell their products, because I'm in the same situation, the only difference is I have a day job so I'm not dependent upon the income from the music.


Fuck, I'd be on welfare if I was  :lol


 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on September 19, 2012, 08:58:24 PM
Likewise, while I would love to support Neal, I would be on welfare if I bought every album produced by an artist I appreciate. So with Neal, I just wind up missing lots. It is hard for him to compete with the younger and more energized newer bands that support themselves in other ways, and only make music when they have the time and inspiration to do it (and then practically give it away).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on September 20, 2012, 04:38:35 AM
The thing with Neal, though, is you can almost step in to any point in his release cycle, buy his latest thing and you'll pretty much hear all of the same stuff he's been doing since the last time you bought something from him.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 20, 2012, 09:15:26 AM
Likewise, while I would love to support Neal, I would be on welfare if I bought every album produced by an artist I appreciate. So with Neal, I just wind up missing lots. It is hard for him to compete with the younger and more energized newer bands that support themselves in other ways, and only make music when they have the time and inspiration to do it (and then practically give it away).

Like Devin Townsend, for example?  Seriously, the amount of music that guy gives us is insane, but it is usually pretty different from the last record (compare Deconstruction to Ghost to Epicloud), and he has no problem with fans trying his music out for free online before buying it; he has said that before.  In fact, just the other day, he tweeted this:

Quote
HA! Got a copyright infringement warning from YouTube for posting my own shit... AWESOME!!!! Suck it! =]

And then this last night:

Quote
Youtube is pulling lots of my own stuff for illegal content. So freaking weird. Get over yourself, money isn't everything.

 :metal :metal

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on September 20, 2012, 10:02:21 AM
Yeah, exactly. And Devin Townsend is someone who, like Neal, releases new music all the time.

There's a few key differences though:

1.) Devin Townsend doesn't charge mark up. You can "Epicloud", which also came out this week, for $8.99 as a download, $10.00 for the vanilla version, and $14.00 if you want the bonus disc. The most expensive version of "Epicloud" is still cheaper than the "Momentum" digital download.

2.) Devin's got the attitude which you just mentioned. He wants other people to hear his music, regardless of what they pay for it. His main goal is still to reach new ears and new audiences. With Neal Morse, it's the opposite. You get the idea that he gears everything toward what he thinks the die-hards will give him.

Neither approach is "wrong". People should feel free to charge what they want for their products.  But, as a fan of both, it's not hard for me to decide which I'm going with when I've got to make a choice.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DT2003 on September 20, 2012, 10:11:02 AM
I love Neal's music (absolutely nothing mediocre about it to me) and I love what Neal is about so I will continue to support him with everything he does.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nekov on September 20, 2012, 12:49:14 PM
Just finished my first listen of momentum. I like it so far but I believe I'll like it even more with further listens. Just to cut it a bit I put (?) on since it had been a long time since the last time I heard it. Still my favorite Neal Morse album, it's just so good
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 26, 2012, 09:03:50 AM
This album is REALLY growing on me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 26, 2012, 09:07:14 AM
This album is REALLY growing on me.

Ditto. I've been giving it regular spins over the last week and the songs just keep getting better. The first three are all great, and the epic is amazing, as Neal's epics usually are. "Weathering Sky" is good for what it is, another DFN-kind of song, or maybe more like "All On A Sunday", and "Freak" is just freaky, and unique, and just something a bit more original-sounding for Neal.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 26, 2012, 09:14:13 AM
The epic definitely has some cool moments, but isn't really gelling for me as a whole.  That may change, but I've felt that way about the longer epics on the previous two albums as well.  Again, definitely some cool moments, but the point I think he is making in the song has been made much better, both musically and lyrically, in other songs, so it just doesn't feel like a particularly strong, coherent piece to me.  At the other end of the album, the only other immediate turnoff was the title song.  It just felt too much like a rehash of Lifeline, due in part to the VERY Lifeline-esque beginning.  But having gotten past that part, it's a pretty good song that definitely stands on its own.  But its the other songs in between those two that are really all just clicking for me.  I really am starting to like them all quite a bit.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 26, 2012, 10:13:48 AM
The epic definitely has some cool moments, but isn't really gelling for me as a whole.  That may change, but I've felt that way about the longer epics on the previous two albums as well.  Again, definitely some cool moments, but the point I think he is making in the song has been made much better, both musically and lyrically, in other songs, so it just doesn't feel like a particularly strong, coherent piece to me.  At the other end of the album, the only other immediate turnoff was the title song.  It just felt too much like a rehash of Lifeline, due in part to the VERY Lifeline-esque beginning.  But having gotten past that part, it's a pretty good song that definitely stands on its own.  But its the other songs in between those two that are really all just clicking for me.  I really am starting to like them all quite a bit.

I sort of got the "Lifeline" vibe from "Momentum", but without the slow middle-section that Neal and co. decided to cut, it definitely allows it to stand out a bit more from "Lifeline". Having heard that cut section on the DVD, I'm really REALLY glad that they cut that part out - it would've been too predictable and even more like "Lifeline"!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on September 26, 2012, 11:20:59 AM
The epic definitely has some cool moments, but isn't really gelling for me as a whole.  That may change, but I've felt that way about the longer epics on the previous two albums as well.  Again, definitely some cool moments, but the point I think he is making in the song has been made much better, both musically and lyrically, in other songs, so it just doesn't feel like a particularly strong, coherent piece to me.  At the other end of the album, the only other immediate turnoff was the title song.  It just felt too much like a rehash of Lifeline, due in part to the VERY Lifeline-esque beginning.  But having gotten past that part, it's a pretty good song that definitely stands on its own.  But its the other songs in between those two that are really all just clicking for me.  I really am starting to like them all quite a bit.


heh, the epic is really the only song I decided to keep on my iPod, already deleted the others as they really REALLY bore me.    Other than "Lifeline" and his first two pop records, this is my least favorite NM solo album.  I really am starting to get burned out on his music, I think.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 26, 2012, 11:35:48 AM
Not sure whether or not this will have any impact on you, but the turning point for me was watching the accompanying making-of DVD.  Even feeling that Neal's music had become formulaic and a bit predictable, there is still ALWAYS a lot to take in and digest.  The DVD helped me quickly pick up on a lot of the nuance and complexity that really makes the album more unique than it sounded on the first couple of listens and helped me more quickly appreciate the songs.  And that is a good thing because I probably wouldn't have given the album the chance for that to have happened just through more active repeat listens.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 26, 2012, 11:51:28 AM
Not sure whether or not this will have any impact on you, but the turning point for me was watching the accompanying making-of DVD.  Even feeling that Neal's music had become formulaic and a bit predictable, there is still ALWAYS a lot to take in and digest.  The DVD helped me quickly pick up on a lot of the nuance and complexity that really makes the album more unique than it sounded on the first couple of listens and helped me more quickly appreciate the songs.  And that is a good thing because I probably wouldn't have given the album the chance for that to have happened just through more active repeat listens.

Precisely my feelings. The Making-Of DVDs for Momentum, Testimony 2, and The Whirlwind (and even Flying Colors) gave me a LOT more insight, and thus, appreciation into the music on those albums. Neal has a great way of explaining his music and his thoughts (pun intended), allowing me to look and listen to the music in a way that I would have otherwise never done. It's also great that Neal has released Making-Of videos for Testimony and One through his Inner Circle Fan Club subscription service, as they are also great looks into the making of those two amazing albums of his. I'd KILL for Making-Of DVDs for ? and Sola Scriptura, though.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on September 26, 2012, 11:59:50 AM
I just bought the digital download, those DVDs rarely have any impact on whether or not I enjoy a given piece of music. 


It's cool, I like Neal and all, but he's way too prolific and it's starting to show a bit, I think.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 26, 2012, 12:03:28 PM
I just bought the digital download, those DVDs rarely have any impact on whether or not I enjoy a given piece of music. 


It's cool, I like Neal and all, but he's way too prolific and it's starting to show a bit, I think.

I think 2012 just had a lot of saturation in terms of Neal releases - Flying Colors, Cover 2 Cover, Momentum... had Flying Colors come out LAST YEAR, instead of over a year after the album was recorded, this year might not have seemed to filled with Neal stuff. Also, Neal has been touring with two different bands this year as well, so he's been pretty busy, and then there's the possibility of Transatlantic entering the studio near year's end, so Neal's been on a roll.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on September 26, 2012, 12:06:24 PM
Momentum is pretty cool. It's basically equivalent to lifeline in my book. Wouldn't listen to it endlessly but it's not bad.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on September 26, 2012, 12:32:01 PM
I just bought the digital download, those DVDs rarely have any impact on whether or not I enjoy a given piece of music. 


It's cool, I like Neal and all, but he's way too prolific and it's starting to show a bit, I think.

I think 2012 just had a lot of saturation in terms of Neal releases - Flying Colors, Cover 2 Cover, Momentum... had Flying Colors come out LAST YEAR, instead of over a year after the album was recorded, this year might not have seemed to filled with Neal stuff. Also, Neal has been touring with two different bands this year as well, so he's been pretty busy, and then there's the possibility of Transatlantic entering the studio near year's end, so Neal's been on a roll.

-Marc.


The problem for me isn't even really one of not liking his music.  I appreciate the music, but I think the problem is what you wrote here - too much stuff out there in the market by Neal and what happens -at least for me- is I get kind of bored with it after a while.


Dream Theater releases an album every couple of years and really you almost never know what you're going to get, they do have a certain sound and style, but a lot of their albums sound quite a bit different from the previous one.  Neal, on the other hand, his music has a little bit of a "samey" thing happening with it.  I hear quite a few recycled riffs and melodies in his songs, and even lyrical phrases are starting to repeat themselves.....

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on September 26, 2012, 12:33:02 PM
World Without End vs. Seeds of Gold, guys?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on September 26, 2012, 12:33:18 PM
With all of that said, though, I still very much appreciate me some Neal Morse.  And I'm definitely looking forward to more Transatlantic


I guess you could say I'm a Glutton For Punishment


is that a nugget?  :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on September 26, 2012, 12:34:02 PM
World Without End vs. Seeds of Gold, guys?


I think I prefer "World Without End" actually.


Solid tune  :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on September 26, 2012, 12:39:04 PM
What's funny is that the final line of WWE (it'll never pass a-waaaaaaaaaaay) leading into the solo sounds straight out of Dancing with Eternal Glory ("after all the storm will pass you by" -> solo).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 26, 2012, 12:42:20 PM
The "samey" aspect of Neal's style, combined with how prolific he is, definitely makes a lot of music have that "been there, done that" feeling to it.  I finally got the new CD, and while it is good, it definitely strikes me as being pretty similar to Lifeline from a quality standpoint: good overall, but so many other CDs that are much better, and all pretty much in the same vein, I am not sure how much I will play this.  Smoke and Mirrors is probably the one song that sounds new and fresh, making it the one song that is likely to stick with me the longest.  The epic is good, but again, he has so many epics now that why dedicate 33 minutes to listening to World Without End when I can listen to far better epics like Seeds of Gold, The Creation, The Separated Man, etc.?

But I haven't been in a symphonic prog rock mood lately, so maybe this will grow on me a lot more when I listen to it once I get back in that musical mood.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 26, 2012, 12:46:20 PM
I hear quite a few recycled riffs and melodies in his songs, and even lyrical phrases are starting to repeat themselves.....

I'll tell you, I've been hearing recycled melodies/riffs/phrases since One!!! They've been everywhere in his albums since then, I'd hear a bit of SB, a bit from Neal's first two solo albums, a bit from other Neal's earlier solo albums in his later ones.

It just happens...a lot, and since the release of ?, I've come to expect similarities in his albums, and often find it fun to try and point them out, like a game! You know that moment when you hear a melody and are stumped - "Where have I heard that before?!", then you go and listen to nearly EVERYTHING Neal has done in the past, just to try and find out where that melody is from.

One example I had was when I was first listening to the ? album, and "Outside Looking In" came on, and I thought..."I've heard this before". Turns out that opening guitar line is nearly the same guitar line in "Something Blue" from his 2nd solo album!

As for SOG VS WWE, I'd have to give it to SOG, but WWE is quickly growing on me. It's got some great parts, and I'm glad Mike talked Neal out of opening the epic with a piano intro, a la "The Doorway" and "Seeds Of Gold".

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 26, 2012, 12:50:42 PM
I am sure I am not the only one who was like :omg: when Neal said on the T2 Making-Of that he tries to do something different on every album and not repeat himself.  I love his music, but let's be serious. :lol :lol

Given that he is a solo artist and isn't "tied down" to working with specific band members, I'd love to see him mix it up by working on his next solo album with all musicians he has never worked with before.  Mike Portnoy and Randy George always do a great job with their playing and writing suggestions, but I gotta think that that contributes a bit to the samey feel his work has.  Let him work with all different writers and players and he might spit out something more fresh.  Just my thought.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 26, 2012, 01:01:58 PM
I am sure I am not the only one who was like :omg: when Neal said on the T2 Making-Of that he tries to do something different on every album and not repeat himself.  I love his music, but let's be serious. :lol :lol

Given that he is a solo artist and isn't "tied down" to working with specific band members, I'd love to see him mix it up by working on his next solo album with all musicians he has never worked with before.  Mike Portnoy and Randy George always do a great job with their playing and writing suggestions, but I gotta think that that contributes a bit to the samey feel his work has.  Let him work with all different writers and players and he might spit out something more fresh.  Just my thought.

I feel like Flying Colors (the band and album) offered him that output, to work in an environment where he wasn't the lead writer/vocalist/player/etc. etc. He's also been playing live with a new band, and in fact, in the last 4 years alone, he's played with essentially 5 different live bands - his old European Tour band, Transatlantic, The Testimony 2 Tour band (which is almost like his old Testimony 1 Tour band), his new solo tour band, and Flying Colors. So he's had a lot of different people to play with (although in more than half of those instances, his drummer has been Mike Portnoy).

I do agree, though, that it'd be nice to hear him with some more players in the studio, but he's got a great working relationship with Mike and Randy, and I'd like to think of them as a whole band now, and not just Neal with 2 guest artists that happen to keep appearing on his solo albums. I also like the fact that Neal included two of his new bandmates on Momentum, as well as Paul Gilbert!


And just a heads up, for anyone interested, after I finish my Genesis Survivor, I will start a Neal Morse Survivor a few weeks after that (after some short DT-Related Survivors), so anyone who wants to participate should gear up for that! I'll be including ALL of Neal's solo studio releases, from Neal Morse and It's Not Too Late, all the way up to Momentum - 9 albums total, 118 songs... it'll be a long one!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on September 26, 2012, 01:15:56 PM
I am sure I am not the only one who was like :omg: when Neal said on the T2 Making-Of that he tries to do something different on every album and not repeat himself.  I love his music, but let's be serious. :lol :lol

Given that he is a solo artist and isn't "tied down" to working with specific band members, I'd love to see him mix it up by working on his next solo album with all musicians he has never worked with before.  Mike Portnoy and Randy George always do a great job with their playing and writing suggestions, but I gotta think that that contributes a bit to the samey feel his work has.  Let him work with all different writers and players and he might spit out something more fresh.  Just my thought.


 :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on September 26, 2012, 01:17:40 PM
I hear quite a few recycled riffs and melodies in his songs, and even lyrical phrases are starting to repeat themselves.....



It just happens...a lot, and since the release of ?,

-Marc.


I would love it if Neal would go another album of that caliber.  That is still my favorite solo album of his, head and shoulders above the rest of them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 26, 2012, 01:34:43 PM
Of note, I'm just glad Neal has done away with the predictable Spanish-guitar section of his songs, which, AFAIK and IIRC, he hasn't done since Sola Scriptura. He even did it on his first solo album in "A Whole 'Nother Trip - C) The Man Who Would Be King"! Seems like that's a Neal Morse-ism he's out-grown.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on September 26, 2012, 01:38:40 PM
I agree that was a worn out device. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 26, 2012, 01:46:21 PM
You know that moment when you hear a melody and are stumped - "Where have I heard that before?!", then you go and listen to nearly EVERYTHING Neal has done in the past, just to try and find out where that melody is from.

Um...actually, no, I don't know that moment.  :lol  Can't say I've ever done that.

Of note, I'm just glad Neal has done away with the predictable Spanish-guitar section of his songs, which, AFAIK and IIRC, he hasn't done since Sola Scriptura. He even did it on his first solo album in "A Whole 'Nother Trip - C) The Man Who Would Be King"! Seems like that's a Neal Morse-ism he's out-grown.

-Marc.

I really liked those sections on Testimony and Sola.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 26, 2012, 02:02:59 PM
I really liked those sections on Testimony and Sola.


Oh me too, don't get me wrong, but it started to seem too predictable. Like, when listening to a new Neal Morse album, I'd go "Okay, when's the Spanish-Guitar part coming up?!" :rollin

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on September 26, 2012, 08:11:37 PM
Well, the idea of "momentum" isn't about changing directions...  Maybe his next feat will be different.  Personally, I was blindsided by Sola Scriptura, that album totally took me off guard in a good way.  I think if he feels led in another direction, he has the capability of doing something amazing.  For this album, I don't think he necessarily felt inclined to put effort into doing something drastically different.

That said (and I've probably already mentioned here), Momentum to me is another Lifeline.  Not meaning that in a bad way, it's an album with an awesome long epic that I can listen to over and over and probably never get sick of.  And some shorter songs that aren't that important to me.  While as full albums they aren't amongst my favorites, So Many Roads and World Without End are probably my two favorite songs of all time.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 27, 2012, 09:17:53 AM
I remember on the Making-of DVD that Neal mentioned that he was on the fence about moving his music in a new direction, but when he was inspired to write Momentum, he said something like he had to keep going and just keep writing. Maybe he'll move in a new direction next album. I hope he does because it's one reason I don't get the couple of Neal-era SB albums I'm missing, or his first 2 solo albums because it's just too much of the same.

In regards to the new album, and the epic in particular, it's grown on me as well, and the epic is amazing. After 7 or 8 listens all the parts started to come together and I actually get excited to throw WWE on now. That middle heavy riff section is really cool. There are a lot of new things going on in that song that are kind of new for Neal, so I'll give him that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faemir on September 27, 2012, 07:54:41 PM
It definitely feels like the epic's of the last two have been head-and-shoulders above the rest of the songs - I wonder why.

In any case, I look forward to a change in style if he decides to.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 27, 2012, 10:01:05 PM
It definitely feels like the epic's of the last two have been head-and-shoulders above the rest of the songs - I wonder why.

In any case, I look forward to a change in style if he decides to.

We may have to wait until 2015 to find out anyway. If plans go as predicted, Transatlantic will go into the studio sometime this winter or spring of next year, release a studio album in the late summer or fall of 2013, then tour through the fall/winter or winter/spring. After all of that, Neal may want to take some time to rest, and subsequently not record again until winter of 2014, for a 2015 release. I mean, we did wait 3 years between Lifeline and Testimony 2 when a Transatlantic album and tour came between them, so I think we can expect a similar time between Momentum and Neal's 10th solo studio album.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 28, 2012, 10:28:21 AM
It definitely feels like the epic's of the last two have been head-and-shoulders above the rest of the songs - I wonder why.

I would disagree about that in regards to Testimony 2. I always enjoyed the main disc more than Seeds.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on September 28, 2012, 10:29:51 AM
I loved Seeds, but the epic on the new album isn't nearly as good as the other tracks.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 28, 2012, 10:36:44 AM
It definitely feels like the epic's of the last two have been head-and-shoulders above the rest of the songs - I wonder why.

I would disagree about that in regards to Testimony 2. I always enjoyed the main disc more than Seeds.

Well, comparing nearly 80 minutes of music to 26 seems a bit unfair, but I'll say that the first T2 disc is absolutely flawless, and, as great as Seeds of Gold is, Crossing Over/Mercy Street Reprise is still the best individual song from either T2 disc. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faemir on September 28, 2012, 10:39:19 AM
Oh sorry, I forgot about T2 - I was talking Lifeline and Momentum, I didn't really listen to T2 (T1 never grabbed me). Even so, T2 is different because it's a continuation of previous works that are structurally different.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on September 28, 2012, 12:50:26 PM
T2 is way different than T1.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on September 28, 2012, 12:59:57 PM
T2 is way different than T1.

And about 5 times better.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 28, 2012, 01:12:35 PM
T2 is way different than T1.

^This.

T2 is way different than T1.

And about 5 times better.

^Not this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on September 28, 2012, 01:20:53 PM
Sorry, Bosk is right, T2 is 10 times better.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 28, 2012, 01:23:16 PM
Sorry, Bosk is right, T2 is 10 times better.

Psh. I just listened to T1 again, on my various drives around town over the last few days, and it's a pretty great album. It still holds up against all of Neal's works over the last 10 years and I'd say it's still one of his best works.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on September 28, 2012, 01:25:10 PM
Sorry, Bosk is right, T2 is 10 times better.

Psh. I just listened to T1 again, on my various drives around town over the last few days, and it's a pretty great album. It still holds up against all of Neal's works over the last 10 years and I'd say it's still one of his best works.

-Marc.

I'll tell ya what, it's definitely one of his best 9 albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 28, 2012, 01:48:06 PM
T1 is really good, but suffers from:

a) being way too long
b) not having a real bass guitar player (this was before Randy George started working with him)
c) pretty pedestrian electric guitar playing (Neal has gotten much better over the years since that record)
d) being way too long (it needed repeating, unlike many of the themes on the actual record)

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 28, 2012, 02:26:02 PM
T2 is 1000x better than T1. If T1 was condensed into one disc, it might be about equal; there ARE great moments on T1, but it's too bloated. T2 gets the job done in one disc, and has overall better material IMO.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on September 28, 2012, 03:16:21 PM
Uhhh T1 blows all of Neal's other stuff (including Spock's stuff) clean out of the water. One is the only one that comes close.
 
EDIT: OK, it's understandable how a person might not like T1 due to the length. But if you break up the listening experience into chunks, it's much more palatable and full of great music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 28, 2012, 03:24:40 PM
Uhhh T1 blows all of Neal's other stuff (including Spock's stuff) clean out of the water. One is the only one that comes close.
 

LOLnuggetz o/

EDIT: OK, it's understandable how a person might not like T1 due to the length. But if you break up the listening experience into chunks, it's much more palatable and full of great music.

True, listening it in the car during my commutes over a couple of days really helped the album stand out a bit more, rather than listening to it all in one sitting, which can be a bit tedious, I'll admit, especially being a fan who loves double albums.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on September 28, 2012, 03:25:45 PM
*\o
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: j on September 28, 2012, 05:05:04 PM
H and M, help me--your brother in the clan of single-letter DTF usernames--appreciate T1.  It is my least favorite thing by Neal Morse I have heard, from any of his projects (granted I have not heard T2 or this newest solo album, and I have probably missed some other stuff too).  The album just doesn't have anything that grabs me or sticks with me, although I've only listened to it twice.

-J
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 28, 2012, 05:10:50 PM
H and M, help me--your brother in the clan of single-letter DTF usernames--appreciate T1.  It is my least favorite thing by Neal Morse I have heard, from any of his projects (granted I have not heard T2 or this newest solo album, and I have probably missed some other stuff too).  The album just doesn't have anything that grabs me or sticks with me, although I've only listened to it twice.

-J

What really helped me was that I watch the Testimony Live DVD set, which features Neal, Mike, Randy, and a whole band of key/guitar/wind/string players (I believe 5 in addition to Mike and Randy), performing all of the album, as well as some extra SB/TA tunes for the encores. It's a great live DVD and show and really captivates the power and energy of the album, as well as the magical moments.

As for the studio album itself, it just needs repeated listens. Try to do what I did - listen to it in chunks, either as it's 5 parts, or just whenever you aren't doing much else (on commutes, going running/jogging/exercising, or other tasks), and it'll slowly sink in.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on September 28, 2012, 05:19:12 PM
H and M, help me--your brother in the clan of single-letter DTF usernames--appreciate T1.  It is my least favorite thing by Neal Morse I have heard, from any of his projects (granted I have not heard T2 or this newest solo album, and I have probably missed some other stuff too).  The album just doesn't have anything that grabs me or sticks with me, although I've only listened to it twice.

-J
It is the first NM release I had heard (other than Smpte by TA), so maybe that was a contributing factor. I like it because it's not super preachy or corny like his other albums. This album was really just an autobiography of sorts, so it has a more sentimental feel to it. It's more theatrical and lyrical than musical, admittedly, but that's what I like about NM.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 28, 2012, 05:50:30 PM
I will say that I enjoy the second disc of T1 more than the first. I realize that the major factor of the album feeling bloated to me is the first disc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 28, 2012, 06:34:40 PM
H and M, help me--your brother in the clan of single-letter DTF usernames--appreciate T1.  It is my least favorite thing by Neal Morse I have heard, from any of his projects (granted I have not heard T2 or this newest solo album, and I have probably missed some other stuff too).  The album just doesn't have anything that grabs me or sticks with me, although I've only listened to it twice.

-J
It is the first NM release I had heard (other than Smpte by TA), so maybe that was a contributing factor. I like it because it's not super preachy or corny like his other albums. This album was really just an autobiography of sorts, so it has a more sentimental feel to it. It's more theatrical and lyrical than musical, admittedly, but that's what I like about NM.

Really? I feel like the entirety of Part 5 on the album is very preachy, but that doesn't mean I don't love it.

I feel like his later albums, particularly ? and Sola Scriptura, are all LESS preachy than Testimony, mostly because they're more like rock-operas with a conceptual narrative, they have stories, rather than being straight-up preachy songs, like much of Lifeline and parts of Testimony. The sequel to that album, however, is quite a bit less preachy than the first, and it seems Neal has slowly gone away from inserting "Jesus" and "God" and "the one" and "Him/He" in much of his songs. It's more or less implied, now, than it was when he started with Testimony and One...much more like his early albums with Spock's Beard. I mean, we all knew what he meant with "The Light" and "The Doorway", but he didn't explicitly say it out right. Same with some Transatlantic songs.

This is also what I really like about "Seeds Of Gold", much of the material on Momentum, and Transatlantic's The Whirlwind - the lyrics are a bit less direct and obvious, there's subtlety and open-interpretation to them. And for those of us who really know and understand Neal, we can choose to believe his interpretations, or we can come up with our own as they fit our beliefs and interests.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on September 29, 2012, 06:46:35 AM
I don't call someone who stands behind his convictions preachy. Most of his lyrics are personal. and not aimed at anyone.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faemir on September 29, 2012, 10:41:41 AM
EDIT: OK, it's understandable how a person might not like T1 due to the length. But if you break up the listening experience into chunks, it's much more palatable and full of great music.

If i have to break up the listening of an album, it's too big and bloated. It's supposed to be a big epic long set of songs, but now I'm having to break it up to not get bored? That doesn't work.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on September 29, 2012, 10:58:15 AM
If i have to break up the listening of an album, it's too big and bloated.
Maybe for you, but not everyone has to listen to albums that way.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faemir on September 29, 2012, 11:03:47 AM
The whole point of the album is that it's a long conceptual journey - breaking it up might work, but it's against the point of it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on September 29, 2012, 11:05:02 AM
Do you read a novel in one sitting?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on September 29, 2012, 12:46:52 PM
Do you read a novel in one sitting?

If that novel is Animal Farm, which takes about as long as a typical concept album, then yes. Otherwise your analogy is horrible.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 29, 2012, 12:51:36 PM
Do you read a novel in one sitting?

Albums (especially concept albums) and movies are created and meant to be appreciated in one sitting. Now, you can watch or listen to these things in chunks, but it surely takes away some of the magic. The novel analogy doesn't work because you can pause between chapters, reading a novel is like watching a TV series. You're not going to watch 6 seasons on Lost in one sitting (it would take you over 100 hours to do so anyway).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 29, 2012, 01:55:25 PM
Do you read a novel in one sitting?

Albums (especially concept albums) and movies are created and meant to be appreciated in one sitting. Now, you can watch or listen to these things in chunks, but it surely takes away some of the magic. The novel analogy doesn't work because you can pause between chapters, reading a novel is like watching a TV series. You're not going to watch 6 seasons on Lost in one sitting (it would take you over 100 hours to do so anyway).

Luckily, Neal Morse's Testimony and Testimony 2 albums are divided into 8 "Parts", ranging from 10-41 minutes long, which, to me, are kind of like Chapters. Being an auto-biographical concept album, each Part is sort of a Chapter in Neal's story, so if one really wanted to, they could listen to Parts 1 and 2 (Disc 1 of T1) in one sitting, pause for a time, then coming back and listen to the next 3 parts.

Comparing albums with movies is difficult, since it has always been easy to fit films into a single-piece medium - for a long time, films would be long (or short) enough to fit into one cassette or laserdisc or dvd or blu-ray. Rarely do films exceed the capacity of a single-piece format.

Albums, however, have had a long history of exceeding the given format of the time - double albums go a long way back, mostly because the format back then (vinyl), only allowed for single albums up to 40-50 minutes in length. Now, in the age of CDs, albums can be double that length and still fit into a single piece, so I think the idea that being able to listen to an album NOW in a single sitting can be a bit tedious, whether or not it's a Double CD.

I agree, films are meant to be viewed in single sittings, but I can't expect all artists to believe that for albums, especially long double albums like The Flower Kings' Unfold The Future. And now that we're in the digital age, a lot of fans only listen to music casually, on their iPods, when they typically are doing other tasks. It's not a sit-down-and-pay-full-attention ritual like fans did way back in the day when they unwrapped their vinyl's double-gatefold cover, slipped the vinyl on their turntables and turned down the lights.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on September 29, 2012, 08:57:56 PM
Do you read a novel in one sitting?

Albums (especially concept albums) are created and meant to be appreciated in one sitting.
Some are. Others aren't. T1 feels like it's one that isn't.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 30, 2012, 06:06:09 AM
Do you read a novel in one sitting?

Albums (especially concept albums) are created and meant to be appreciated in one sitting.
Some are. Others aren't. T1 feels like it's one that isn't.
Because it's way too fucking long.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on October 01, 2012, 10:16:12 AM
I don't think T1 has to be listened to in one sitting to really enjoy.  Disc one, yeah probably.  Disc two, yeah probably.  But they're very distinct and I think they work well apart from eachother.  Heck, in the live DVD they had intermission between the two and put on different color clothes to represent different chapters.

That said, I listen to disc 1 far more often than disc 2.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on October 01, 2012, 12:07:06 PM
^ You're right on the money. T1 doesn't have to be listened to in one sitting, and no one should expect albums to always be constructed for that.

And I listen to disc 1 more often too. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 01, 2012, 12:20:42 PM
Eh, I think it is self-explanatory and implicit in the very idea of a concept album that it is designed to be listened to in one sitting.  But if you choose not to do so, I'm certainly not going to lose sleep over it either.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 03, 2012, 11:11:19 PM
Neal's U.S. tour started in Nashville last night, and according to a post at his forum, the set list was:

Momentum
Weathering Sky
Author of Confusion
Testimony Medley
Thoughts Pt. 5
The Conflict
Cradle to the Grave (with Wil Morse)
? Medley (The Temple, Another World, The Outsider, Sweet Elation, the end of 12 and Entrance)
World Without End
Sing it High
Reunion

Looks pretty good, although I'd like to know what was in the Testimony medley.  Given that the Testimony medley on the last tour was mostly Part 5 (IIRC), I think playing all of Part 2 would be awesome. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 05, 2012, 10:39:29 AM
Several days later, no one has still posted on Neal's board what was part of the Testimony medley. :facepalm: :facepalm:

What is the point of posting a set list if you are gonna sum it up like that?  That would be like DT playing five songs in a row from Scenes at a show, and someone posting the set list and saying, "Scenes medley."  It really doesn't say anything.

I am not a member of that forum, and I am not gonna sign up just to ask, but if any of you guys are (bosk1?), feel free to ask them what was part of that medley.  We need to know!!!! :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Big Hath on October 05, 2012, 10:43:18 AM
listened to Solo Scriptura this week for the first time in quite a while.  I forgot how awesome that album is.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 05, 2012, 10:45:30 AM
Sola Scriptura took quite a while to really grow on me, but I like it a lot now.  The whole Keep Silent section from The Door is one of his best sections/songs from his entire solo career. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Big Hath on October 05, 2012, 10:59:11 AM
the guitar solo near the end of The Door is absolutely ripping.  I'm guessing it's in the "Upon the door" section.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 05, 2012, 11:23:16 AM
the guitar solo near the end of The Door is absolutely ripping.  I'm guessing it's in the "Upon the door" section.

Yes.  My favorite solo of all time by anyone, which is saying a lot since I grew up on '80s guitar-slingers.  (Prior favorite since forever had been Alex Skolnick's solo on Return To Serenity)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 05, 2012, 07:10:25 PM
Hey guys, which would you rather have on a desert island... The three Transatlantic studio albums, or Neal's three best solo albums?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 05, 2012, 08:05:17 PM
Hey guys, which would you rather have on a desert island... The three Transatlantic studio albums, or Neal's three best solo albums?

Transatlantic studio albums...but only if they are the special editions with the bonus discs!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 06, 2012, 06:57:25 AM
Hey guys, which would you rather have on a desert island... The three Transatlantic studio albums, or Neal's three best solo albums?
Transatlantic.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on October 06, 2012, 10:09:48 AM
Neal Morse.  Testimony, Testimony 2, and probably One. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on October 06, 2012, 11:21:46 AM
TA I'd say.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on October 07, 2012, 04:09:06 AM
I've been listening to Momentum the last couple of days and it's pretty cool. Thoughts part 5 has some incredible stuff going, and I'm still digesting the epic, although it has a lot of potential as well. I still need to give it a few more spins, though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 07, 2012, 08:04:44 AM
I'll take the three TA records on the desert island.

But what about your three favorite Neal solo records vs. your three favorite Spock's Beard records from the Neal era?

For me, that is ?, T2 and One vs. Snow, V and the Light.  I am taking Neal's solo records.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 07, 2012, 10:04:51 AM
I'll take the three TA records on the desert island.

But what about your three favorite Neal solo records vs. your three favorite Spock's Beard records from the Neal era?

For me, that is ?, T2 and One vs. Snow, V and the Light.  I am taking Neal's solo records.

Hmmm... interesting question you pose. For me:
Solo Morse - Testimony, One, Testimony 2 (? is a very close 4th...almost a 3b)
SB Morse - Snow, V, Beware Of Darkness

That'd be tough. I absolutely LOVE Snow, but I also really love One (the expanded tracklist). I think I might have to go with SB Morse on that one as much as I love the two Testimony albums, I really enjoy the epics of V and BOD, they are classic Neal Morse tracks and have a lot more weight to them in terms of being classics for me.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on October 07, 2012, 10:21:25 AM
Man, that chorus in Some kind of yesterday from World without end is absolutely gorgeous. This is why I fell in love with Neal's music in the first place.  :heart
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 10, 2012, 12:10:15 AM
To jump backwards a bit here in the convo, why do people bitch about it when Neal does acoustic guitar sections?  That is one of his trademarks.  It would be like telling Dream Theater, "Stop doing unisons."  Dream Theater does unisons; Neal Morse does acoustic guitar-driven instrumental sections.  I don't see the issue, especially since they are almost always awesome.  I mean, is anyone not slayed by that section in The Separated Man??
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on October 10, 2012, 08:34:53 AM
Taking my wife to NYC for the show tomorrow night! We have a pair of meet and greets! :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on October 10, 2012, 10:03:12 AM
Not sure I'd take any Neal stuff on a desert island. The way his music is structured, with all the reprises and payoffs, basically gives you the same effect as listening to a good song over and over again. The first couple times you listen, it's great. But after that, it starts to get really repetitive. It's the kind of thing that's nice now and again, but would drive me nuts on a desert island.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on October 10, 2012, 11:46:45 AM
Either way, I'd have to go with TA or Spock's Beard.  [/nothankyoureligion]



Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 11, 2012, 10:54:49 AM
I forgot to mention that Neal tweeted this on Tuesday:
Quote
Just confirmed we are shooting a DVD at the show in NYC on Thursday! Come on out and be featured in the DVD! Pray that Mike feels better too

Hopefully, it's a better shot, with better lighting and camera angles, than the shooting of last year's DVD.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on October 11, 2012, 11:09:34 AM
I forgot to mention that Neal tweeted this on Tuesday:
Quote
Just confirmed we are shooting a DVD at the show in NYC on Thursday! Come on out and be featured in the DVD! Pray that Mike feels better too

Hopefully, it's a better shot, with better lighting and camera angles, than the shooting of last year's DVD.
Yes! I'll be there!!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 11, 2012, 12:16:38 PM
I forgot to mention that Neal tweeted this on Tuesday:
Quote
Just confirmed we are shooting a DVD at the show in NYC on Thursday! Come on out and be featured in the DVD! Pray that Mike feels better too

Hopefully, it's a better shot, with better lighting and camera angles, than the shooting of last year's DVD.

This.  I did not like the T2 shoot at all.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 11, 2012, 03:36:55 PM
Yep, bobs23 did the best he could with what he had to work with, as far as editing goes and whatnot, but the lighting was poor, the camera angles sucked (that constant shot of Neal that was to his left, not only had that guy with the big green shirt in the back of the shot too often, but Neal was like way to the left of the screen instead of being centered) and, again, that guy with the big green shirt was just a background distraction every time he was on screen at all. Hopefully, the band members this time around adjust their wardrobe accordingly. :biggrin:

Either way, it will be nice to get a lot of ? and Author of Confusion on a live DVD with the current lineup. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 11, 2012, 03:39:12 PM
I didn't even think anyone other than Neal even liked Author of Confusion.  :lol  But, yeah, the two things you cited may end up being the reasons for this being the first Neal live release I end up not buying.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 11, 2012, 03:44:06 PM
Say what?  You don't like it?  I think it's really, really good.  Okay, the intro does go on a bit too long, as does the outro of virtually the same thing, but this is one of the times where the multi-part harmony thing works really well, and the dreamy-like verses that kick in around 5:25 are just wonderful; that is classic Neal stuff there!  Given a bit of editing, the song could have been truly great, but it is still really, really good as is, IMO.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on October 11, 2012, 04:17:49 PM
Dammit. It would have sucked to pull off, but I would have gone to the show tonight had I known it was being recorded. :(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ColdFireYYZ on October 11, 2012, 05:18:03 PM
I wish I could have gone to the show tonight but I just saw Rush last night.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on October 11, 2012, 07:18:30 PM
They messed up quite a bit with the conflict :(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on October 12, 2012, 08:03:43 AM
I wish I could have gone to the show tonight but I just saw Rush last night.
Me too!
I did go though and all I can say is....most amazing venue, EVER! I had VIP tickets and I was seated at a small round table in front of the stage. I had dinner at the table and then the show started. The band was amazing! I have never been so close to an artist for a show like this. Can't wait till the DVD comes out!
The place was all tables. It made it intimate and unique. He had a great audience as well. You could tell the crowd was comprised of diehard fans. It will make the DVD even better.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 12, 2012, 09:22:34 AM
The set list looks good, with the ? medley, Author of Confusion, some of the new songs, The Conflict and King Jesus.

However, Crazy Horses with Portnoy on vocals?

(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/kevshmev/wade-phillips.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on October 12, 2012, 09:53:30 AM
The set list looks good, with the ? medley, Author of Confusion, some of the new songs, The Conflict and King Jesus.

However, Crazy Horses with Portnoy on vocals?

(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/kevshmev/wade-phillips.jpg)
That was the low point of the show. I found it embarrassing in the context of what Neal had achieved on this evening. It was out of place and too self indulgent for Mike. I would think he would be perceptive enough to understand it wasn't the right place for that.
Other than that the night was flawless in my estimations.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on October 12, 2012, 12:35:22 PM
Yeah, I saw the video online. MP was channeling a strong AMOB-era Russel Allen right there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on October 12, 2012, 05:18:03 PM
I thought Crazy Horses was a fun bit, but there was a place and time for that and it certainly wasn't last night. I'm really happy they played "Sing it High" was definitely a lot of fun.

I wasn't too thrilled with the line up of backing musicians, they didnt seem to be as into it as the guys from last tour. the Sodre guy on guitar tho was absolutely INCREDIBLE. His solo in the "Two down One to go" section of The Conflict was probably the best solo played that night.

The Venue was absolute shit tho. Maybe it was because we had shit seats, but I was upset that there was no standing space. It was a little odd for a filmed dvd. The waitresses were hot tho... so that kinda made up for a shit venue  :lol

All in all it was an extremely fun night, good show, ok food, delicious scotch, shitty view of the stage. But thats ok since it was recorded for the DVD.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on October 12, 2012, 05:27:52 PM
I wish I could have gone to the show tonight but I just saw Rush last night.
Me too!
I did go though and all I can say is....most amazing venue, EVER! I had VIP tickets and I was seated at a small round table in front of the stage. I had dinner at the table and then the show started. The band was amazing! I have never been so close to an artist for a show like this. Can't wait till the DVD comes out!
The place was all tables. It made it intimate and unique. He had a great audience as well. You could tell the crowd was comprised of diehard fans. It will make the DVD even better.

Had that very same experience (front and center no VIP, first come first served) with the Carl Palmer Band a year ago tomorrow. There's nothing like it.  The table was right against the stage.

With two Rush shows next week, this wasn't happening for me (DVD or no DVD)

 I chose Flying Colors in September and MacAlpine, Sherinian, Sheehan and Portnoy in November.

Only so much green to go around.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on October 12, 2012, 07:29:52 PM
All in all it was an extremely fun night, good show, ok food, delicious scotch, shitty view of the stage. But thats ok since it was recorded for the DVD.  :metal

I'm just imagining sitting in a shitty venue sipping scotch while watching Mike Portnoy up on stage singing Crazy Horses. Man oh man...  :lol

I'm sure it was otherwise an awesome night, though. I'm already aware of what kinda live vibes Neal can create thanks to having seen the Whirld Tour.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on October 12, 2012, 08:32:44 PM
Im sure it wouldnt have been that bad if i had a decent view of the stage  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on October 13, 2012, 06:31:30 AM
I thought Crazy Horses was a fun bit, but there was a place and time for that and it certainly wasn't last night. I'm really happy they played "Sing it High" was definitely a lot of fun.

I wasn't too thrilled with the line up of backing musicians, they didnt seem to be as into it as the guys from last tour. the Sodre guy on guitar tho was absolutely INCREDIBLE. His solo in the "Two down One to go" section of The Conflict was probably the best solo played that night.

The Venue was absolute shit tho. Maybe it was because we had shit seats, but I was upset that there was no standing space. It was a little odd for a filmed dvd. The waitresses were hot tho... so that kinda made up for a shit venue  :lol

All in all it was an extremely fun night, good show, ok food, delicious scotch, shitty view of the stage. But thats ok since it was recorded for the DVD.  :metal
I actually thought his band was way into it. Maybe its because they were right in front of me and I was able to see what they were doing and the looks on there faces. You thought the venue was shit? Where were you? I guess being right in front of the stage, when I turned around it seemed like every seat was good? I couldn't see how far back to top level went. I would imaging if you not up front it would have been pretty bad. I would call it the best venue I have ever been in.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on October 13, 2012, 10:34:12 AM
I was sitting on the top floor second row back. so i couldnt see shit. so i guess im basing it all off of my shitty seats. But I thought they shouldve still atleast had standing room on the floor. they shouldve done what BBkings does. tables on the side, standing in the middle.

I didnt say they were a bad group, im just saying i feel last years line up seemed to be having a bit more fun with the whole deal. Then again i was up front against the stage then  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on October 13, 2012, 10:46:00 AM
I was sitting on the top floor second row back. so i couldnt see shit. so i guess im basing it all off of my shitty seats. But I thought they shouldve still atleast had standing room on the floor. they shouldve done what BBkings does. tables on the side, standing in the middle.

I didnt say they were a bad group, im just saying i feel last years line up seemed to be having a bit more fun with the whole deal. Then again i was up front against the stage then  :lol
Did you try standing downstairs? It seemed every time I went to the rest room there were plenty of people to get through that were standing in the back and on the sides.

I can only imagine how bad where you were must have been. How could you possibly see from where you were?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on October 13, 2012, 11:27:37 AM
haha you thought i saw the show? good one!

Nah i did end up standing up behind my table and i could see OK. still hard to see from up there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 13, 2012, 12:08:34 PM


However, Crazy Horses with Portnoy on vocals?

That was the low point of the show. I found it embarrassing in the context of what Neal had achieved on this evening. It was out of place and too self indulgent for Mike. I would think he would be perceptive enough to understand it wasn't the right place for that.
Other than that the night was flawless in my estimations.

I think Neal indulges him way too much, especially when it comes to singing and whatnot.  It's like two friends at a karaoke bar, and even though one of them knows the other really can't sing very well, he insists his friend do it, just for shits and giggles and, in their minds, a bit of fun.  Fun is good, but that song have to have stuck out like a sore thumb, and as an encore? Yikes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on October 13, 2012, 01:15:16 PM


However, Crazy Horses with Portnoy on vocals?

That was the low point of the show. I found it embarrassing in the context of what Neal had achieved on this evening. It was out of place and too self indulgent for Mike. I would think he would be perceptive enough to understand it wasn't the right place for that.
Other than that the night was flawless in my estimations.

I think Neal indulges him way too much, especially when it comes to singing and whatnot.  It's like two friends at a karaoke bar, and even though one of them knows the other really can't sing very well, he insists his friend do it, just for shits and giggles and, in their minds, a bit of fun.  Fun is good, but that song have to have stuck out like a sore thumb, and as an encore? Yikes.
Exactly. Mike tends to have that bar band mentality a lot. It was painful to watch.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on October 17, 2012, 03:41:41 PM
Neal Morse's new Christmas album is now available as an mp3 download from Radiant Records.  I'll probably do this to save some money ($10 as opposed to almost $20 after shipping)....
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on October 17, 2012, 07:29:57 PM
but the album cover is worth the 20 dollars alone!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SystematicThought on October 21, 2012, 10:44:43 PM
The new Christmas album is really good. I love The Little Drummer Boy.

"Shall I play for you pa rum pun pum pum
....On my drum...
*drum solo*
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 01, 2012, 12:29:40 PM
but the album cover is worth the 20 dollars alone!

Funny you say this because now Sony had a fit about all the celebrities photoshopped onto the original cover so they are recalling them and only Radiant Records is able to sell the remaining stock, while new issues of the album will have a new cover, which will be released world wide later this month. You can check out the new (less-exciting) cover on the Radiant Records website.

As a side note, I got this album in the mail today! Can't wait to pump this one up and give it a spin tonight!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ColdFireYYZ on November 03, 2012, 07:10:02 PM
I finally got Momentum today. I was holding off due to the fairly lukewarm responses and my expectations for it were pretty low. I had heard  the title track (which I didn't like at first but its growing on me) and Thoughts Part 5 (loved it). After one listen, I think its a pretty good album. Sure, its pretty derivative of his older stuff and unoriginal but I still enjoyed it. Freak was a pretty cool song as were the Weathering Sky and Smoke & Mirrors. World Without End is going to take a few listens before I can really form an opinion on it though. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on November 04, 2012, 02:31:32 AM
but the album cover is worth the 20 dollars alone!
I knew it must be something ridiculous, so I checked it out and laughed my ass off, I didn't expect it's that hilarious.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: wasteland on November 06, 2012, 07:27:43 AM
I listened to a part of The Door this morning in the bus. The last five minutes might be the best five of Neal's discography. Do you agree?  :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: r0cken on November 06, 2012, 08:08:57 AM
pretty cool song as were the Weathering Sky and Smoke & Mirrors.
Oh yeah, these two totally got stuck in my head after a couple of spins. I really need to get back to this album, and give it a proper listen. Or two. Or ten.

Unrelated, my favorite album is "One".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 06, 2012, 08:55:39 AM
I listened to a part of The Door this morning in the bus. The last five minutes might be the best five of Neal's discography. Do you agree?  :)

It might be the best 5 minutes of anyone's discography.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on November 06, 2012, 08:58:19 AM
Neal Morse's new Christmas album is now available as an mp3 download from Radiant Records.  I'll probably do this to save some money ($10 as opposed to almost $20 after shipping)....

Is it a new Christmas album, or a reworked version of the last one?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 06, 2012, 09:06:54 AM
Neal Morse's new Christmas album is now available as an mp3 download from Radiant Records.  I'll probably do this to save some money ($10 as opposed to almost $20 after shipping)....

Is it a new Christmas album, or a reworked version of the last one?

It's most of the songs from his Inner Circle Release last winter, but featuring 3 new songs and real instruments recorded by Mike Portnoy, Pete Trewavas, Roine Stolt, Steve Hackett, Steve Morse and many more! It's a great album and a fine addition!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ich bin besser on November 06, 2012, 09:13:01 AM
Someone posted this on Neal's forum:

Quote
When Neal released the first version of the Proggy Christmas, he was getting many e-mails, and posts on the Inner Circle forum alluding to there not being a real drummer, but having a drum machine instead.  Neal felt like he would have wanted to put real drums to it but didn't have enough time to get it out to us as scheduled.  Later, Neal decided to re-release and to polish up this release.  There are many considerable differences.  The biggest being that there are so many well known musicians playing on this release.  It includes the three other Transatlantic guys, plus Steve Morse.  I love both releases, but it's great to have Mike on the drums!  I personally love this side of Neal, ala the instrumental album side.  He's got several instrumental albums through the Inner Circle.  It's fun to just play it in the background and get some things done in the meantime.  The Shred Ride is so cool!  There were some differences in the tracklist.  Neal is a busy guy, so I don't expect him to do all of these things with his solo album, Flying Colors, writing Transatlantic material, being a family man, and then come up with a whole new list of Christmas songs.  I'm happy either way :-)  He truly is one of the most prolific songwriters I know of!

New Songs on 2012 are highlighted blue
Songs on 2011 but not on 2012 are highlighted green
Songs with no highlight are on both releases

2011 Release Tracklist:

01 Carol Of The Bells
02 O Holy Night
03 The Little Drummer Boy
04 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
05 Home For The Holidays
06 Shred Ride
07 Lo, How A Rose Eer Blooming
08 Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
09 God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen O Come Emmanuel
10 The Christmas Song


2012 Release Tracklist:

01 Joy to the World
02 The Little Drummer Boy
03 O Holy Night
04 Frankincense
05 Hark the Herald Angels Sing
06 The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
07 Carol of the Bells
08 Home for the Holidays
09 Shred Ride - Sled Ride/Winter Wonderland
10 Silent Night/We All Need Some Light
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 06, 2012, 01:06:39 PM
I listened to a part of The Door this morning in the bus. The last five minutes might be the best five of Neal's discography. Do you agree?  :)

I don't.  In fact, to me, the best part of The Door is the part right before that: the "Keep Silent" section.  But the "Upon the Door" section is pretty great, too.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: wasteland on November 07, 2012, 10:00:22 AM
I listened to a part of The Door this morning in the bus. The last five minutes might be the best five of Neal's discography. Do you agree?  :)

I don't.  In fact, to me, the best part of The Door is the part right before that: the "Keep Silent" section.  But the "Upon the Door" section is pretty great, too.  :tup :tup

When I first discovered Neal Morse (around the time Lifeline was being released, maybe even a little before) I read in reviews that Sola Sciptura was a step in the wrong direction from NM, feeling autoderivative and formulaic. After many years I think Sola is at least on par with the album I consider NM's best, "?".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 07, 2012, 10:03:26 AM
If SS was a step in the wrong direction, I don't ever want Neal to be right.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 12, 2012, 07:56:21 PM
I wasn't a fan of it at first, but I like Thoughts Part 5 quite a bit now.  Cranking it up in the car, as opposed to listening at home, made a big difference. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 12, 2012, 09:37:39 PM
I wasn't a fan of it at first, but I like Thoughts Part 5 quite a bit now.  Cranking it up in the car, as opposed to listening at home, made a big difference. :tup :tup

 :tup

Great song, although the ending kind of fizzles out. I kind of wish it was a bit of a more definite ending, but having a fizzly ending is definitely different than the other "Thoughts" songs and many Neal Morse songs in general. This album has aged well with me, more so than Lifeline, but I revisited that album a couple months ago and found it a bit better than I used to, especially the ballads. Of course, "Lifeline", "Leviathan" and "So Many Roads" will always be tops for me. I even like the 2 bonus tracks! I almost wish "Sometimes He Waits" and "Set The Kingdom" had been on the album instead of "God's Love" and "Children Of The Chosen".

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on November 13, 2012, 01:44:28 AM
Thoughts part 5 is great, my favorite song on Momentum next to the obvious choice. I love the outro, some of the riffs are killer, and what can be said about the verses. The third time the vocal harmonies kick in, with that straight drumming, that just rocks.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 13, 2012, 10:32:14 AM
Yeah, the ending of Thoughts Part 5 is a bit strange, the way it just kind of fizzles out, but it is a bit different for Neal, so I'll take it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on November 18, 2012, 10:49:09 AM
One of the most genius Christmas songs ever!
"Frankincense" :metal

https://vk.com/video-2704377_163704026
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on November 18, 2012, 10:58:00 AM
After listening to Momentum a few times, it's got some nice parts. But on the whole, it's nothing new as people said. Particularly World Without End. It's a carbon copy of Seeds Of Gold, which is a carbon copy of So Many Roads. It's basically Lifeline 2.0 but not as good (and Lifeline was that great to start with).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on November 18, 2012, 11:07:42 AM
After listening to Momentum a few times, it's got some nice parts. But on the whole, it's nothing new as people said. Particularly World Without End. It's a carbon copy of Seeds Of Gold, which is a carbon copy of So Many Roads. It's basically Lifeline 2.0 but not as good (and Lifeline was that great to start with).
I'm too big a fan to be objective I guess. I love Momentum!!!
Did you listen to the song I just posted?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 18, 2012, 11:13:37 AM
After listening to Momentum a few times, it's got some nice parts. But on the whole, it's nothing new as people said. Particularly World Without End. It's a carbon copy of Seeds Of Gold, which is a carbon copy of So Many Roads. It's basically Lifeline 2.0 but not as good (and Lifeline was that great to start with).

So wait... you like Lifeline over Momentum??

I think the latter has a few more highs than the former, and not as many (if any) lows. Sure, the epic is pretty long but it's still a BIT different from it's 2 recent predecessors, and it's less like "The Great Nothing" than "So Many Roads" ties to be. "Seeds Of Gold" remains different altogether because it lacks definitive movements, and with that mindset, it sounds like a more cohesive song with smoother transitions than "World Without End" and "So Many Roads" are.

And, if I can humor myself (and everyone else):

Lifeline VS Momentum - Momentum (and I'm glad Neal cut the slow piano-solo-section from the middle to make it LESS like "Lifeline"
Leviathan VS Thoughts Part 5 - Thoughts...these are the heavy rockers of their albums, and Thoughts does it slightly better than Leviathan, although props to Leviathan for being a bit different.
So Many Roads VS World Without End - tie...WWE is a bit long, but it's got some GREAT parts and hooks, but so does SMR.
The Way Home/God's Love/Children Of The Chosen/Fly High VS Smoke And Mirrors/Weathering Sky/Freak - the Momentum tracks because they're all so different from each other, but I couldn't really recall any defining characteristics of the LL tracks, except for maybe the chorus to COTC...they're so homogeneous, but S&M is quite different from WS, and Freak is so unique with it's quirky verses with strings. I will say that I do recall liking Fly High, though...but that's about it.

Winner - Momentum

And to be honest, I was never that on-board with Lifeline to begin with... it was rather lackluster after 3 great albums like One, ? and Sola Scriptura, and with Testimony 2 coming after it, it just looked a bit worse by comparison. At least HALF of the album is pretty good-to-great (title track, Leviathan and SMR).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on November 18, 2012, 11:19:44 AM
 :lol Nice stuff!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 21, 2012, 07:23:37 PM
Neal sent out a new Inner Circle Newsletter earlier today and in it, these were the highlights:
-The Momentum Tour has been a hit, and as noted before, the NYC show was recorded for release, which will be another spectacular 5-Disc (3CD/2DVD) set coming in February of next year!
-Flying Colors will get an eventual live DVD release from their show recorded at Tilburg 013 earlier this fall, but he gives no tentative release date. I also hope we get a 2CD release of the show as well!
-Neal has made plans with Portnoy, Stolt and Trewavas to fly the Transatlantic ship once again, sometime in 2013!!! He says they have some dates picked out and he hopes they can all make them! Hopefully this means they record before or by April (just like last time), and release by October!

So there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. We can expect at least 3 releases from Neal next year, 1 solo live release, 1 live release with Flying Colors, and (God willing) a new Transatlantic album!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: r0cken on November 21, 2012, 10:16:15 PM
Oh yes, please, new Transatlantic. Great news, thank you.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 21, 2012, 11:00:14 PM
As an FYI, here is the set list they played at NYC Highline back on October 11th:
1. Momentum
2. Weathering Sky
3. Author Of Confusion
4. The Distance To The Sun
5. Testimony Suite
6. Thoughts Part 5
7. The Conflict
8. ? Suite
9. Fly High
10. World Without End
11. Crazy Horses
12. Sing It High
13. King Jesus

Tracks 1-7 form the first set, 8-10 the 2nd set, and 11-13 the encore. If the last live release is any indication, the first DVD will include the first set, and the 2nd DVD will include the 2nd set and encore, and I predict the 3 Discs will be as follows:
Disc 1 - Momentum-Testimony Suite
Disc 2 - Thoughts Part 5-Fly High
Disc 3 - World Without End-King Jesus
Each disc would be about an hour or so long!!

Cannot wait to pre-order this set!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on November 25, 2012, 08:49:45 PM
Listened to Momentum again today.

Y'know, as great as Neal is...I have never been keen on his main synth lead. It just doesn't sound good. And now it's starting to sound tired.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ColdFireYYZ on November 25, 2012, 10:27:43 PM
Listened to Momentum again today.

Y'know, as great as Neal is...I have never been keen on his main synth lead. It just doesn't sound good. And now it's starting to sound tired.
Agreed. I'd like it if he experimented with more synth sounds. He's a great keyboardist but the same sound album after album get old.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 05, 2012, 09:53:43 PM
So I'm bumping this up for TWO reasons:

If no one else had seen it yet, Neal Morse and his band (MP's attendance still in the air) will be touring Europe with The Flower Kings for a 3-and-a-half hour progstravaganza!!! Each band will get 90 minutes of set list, while the remaining hour will go to some... you guessed it, TRANSATLANTIC tunes! :metal

I really hope 2 things: Mike Portnoy CAN attend, so then 3/4ths of TA will be present for the hour or so of TA music that will be played! And that this tour gets recorded on audio and video for future release. Something that epic cannot be passed up! I'm hoping there's the inevitable Tilburg show that gets recorded/released. But with 3.5 hours of music, it would be a 3-5 CD set! I'm assuming the 270 minutes will include stage-change times, so maybe each band will more likely play about 80 minutes of music, so with clever edited, each band's set could fit onto a single CD, with the TA set going on the 3rd disc? Let's hope so!

Also, I'm bumping this thread up to let everyone know that I will be starting my Neal Morse Survivor something NEXT WEEK! And yes, I will begin with Neal's FIRST solo album, his self-titled debut. And yes, the 4-part epic at the end will be counted as ONE track in the Survivor options.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 06, 2012, 12:33:32 PM
So I'm bumping this up for TWO reasons:

If no one else had seen it yet, Neal Morse and his band (MP's attendance still in the air) will be touring Europe with The Flower Kings for a 3-and-a-half hour progstravaganza!!! Each band will get 90 minutes of set list, while the remaining hour will go to some... you guessed it, TRANSATLANTIC tunes! :metal

I really hope 2 things: Mike Portnoy CAN attend, so then 3/4ths of TA will be present for the hour or so of TA music that will be played! And that this tour gets recorded on audio and video for future release. Something that epic cannot be passed up! I'm hoping there's the inevitable Tilburg show that gets recorded/released. But with 3.5 hours of music, it would be a 3-5 CD set! I'm assuming the 270 minutes will include stage-change times, so maybe each band will more likely play about 80 minutes of music, so with clever edited, each band's set could fit onto a single CD, with the TA set going on the 3rd disc? Let's hope so!

Also, I'm bumping this thread up to let everyone know that I will be starting my Neal Morse Survivor something NEXT WEEK! And yes, I will begin with Neal's FIRST solo album, his self-titled debut. And yes, the 4-part epic at the end will be counted as ONE track in the Survivor options.

-Marc.


Sounds like the ideal moment to FINALLY get myself to see TFK live!
(but yes, not saying that Colin ain't good ('cause he is), it will depend on Mike performing. Missing Pete will be bad enough)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 06, 2012, 12:37:20 PM
Wow, that is GREAT news!  Yeah, I hope that gets filmed as well.

And maybe I'm expecting too much, but I would expect that at least one show would feature surprise guest apperances by Pete and/or Daniel.  I mean, they are in Europe, after all.  It wouldn't be that hard at all, schedules permitting.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 06, 2012, 12:41:59 PM
Wow, that is GREAT news!  Yeah, I hope that gets filmed as well.

And maybe I'm expecting too much, but I would expect that at least one show would feature surprise guest apperances by Pete and/or Daniel.  I mean, they are in Europe, after all.  It wouldn't be that hard at all, schedules permitting.

Hoping for that too! Would be great!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 06, 2012, 02:24:08 PM
So I'm bumping this up for TWO reasons:

If no one else had seen it yet, Neal Morse and his band (MP's attendance still in the air) will be touring Europe with The Flower Kings for a 3-and-a-half hour progstravaganza!!! Each band will get 90 minutes of set list, while the remaining hour will go to some... you guessed it, TRANSATLANTIC tunes! :metal

I really hope 2 things: Mike Portnoy CAN attend, so then 3/4ths of TA will be present for the hour or so of TA music that will be played! And that this tour gets recorded on audio and video for future release. Something that epic cannot be passed up! I'm hoping there's the inevitable Tilburg show that gets recorded/released. But with 3.5 hours of music, it would be a 3-5 CD set! I'm assuming the 270 minutes will include stage-change times, so maybe each band will more likely play about 80 minutes of music, so with clever edited, each band's set could fit onto a single CD, with the TA set going on the 3rd disc? Let's hope so!

Also, I'm bumping this thread up to let everyone know that I will be starting my Neal Morse Survivor something NEXT WEEK! And yes, I will begin with Neal's FIRST solo album, his self-titled debut. And yes, the 4-part epic at the end will be counted as ONE track in the Survivor options.

-Marc.


Sounds like the ideal moment to FINALLY get myself to see TFK live!
(but yes, not saying that Colin ain't good ('cause he is), it will depend on Mike performing. Missing Pete will be bad enough)

Colin? You mean Collin Leijenaar, Neal old Dutch band? They're not touring with Neal, and IIRC, haven't since the Lifeline Tour. Neal's current drummer, besides Mike, is Paul Simmons.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 06, 2012, 03:13:31 PM

Colin? You mean Collin Leijenaar, Neal old Dutch band? They're not touring with Neal, and IIRC, haven't since the Lifeline Tour. Neal's current drummer, besides Mike, is Paul Simmons.

-Marc.

Oh really? I know he's busy with Affector, and now some other project with Kristoffer Gildenlow and the guitarist of Frost, but I always thought he did Neal's tours too.
Well apart from that, my point remains. TA with just Neal and Roine, is not really TA.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 06, 2012, 11:25:06 PM

Colin? You mean Collin Leijenaar, Neal old Dutch band? They're not touring with Neal, and IIRC, haven't since the Lifeline Tour. Neal's current drummer, besides Mike, is Paul Simmons.

-Marc.

Oh really? I know he's busy with Affector, and now some other project with Kristoffer Gildenlow and the guitarist of Frost, but I always thought he did Neal's tours too.
Well apart from that, my point remains. TA with just Neal and Roine, is not really TA.

Well I think I saw someone say that Mike *IS* going to tour with Neal on this tour, so what about 3/4ths of TA? I say it counts!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 07, 2012, 04:49:05 AM
3/4 counts totally. And like Bosk said, maybe Pete (and Daniel) could be in Tilburg for a DVD, that'd be awesome.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 09, 2012, 06:25:27 PM
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=34956.0

Just an update, I'll be starting my Neal Morse Survivor next week, so everyone get your listens in ASAP! As I've said before, I'll be starting with his self-titled debut, so if you haven't heard it in awhile, give it a spin!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 10, 2012, 01:32:16 PM
Quote
NEAL MORSE BAND:
Neal Morse - Lead vocal, Keys & Guitar
Randy George - Bass & Vocal
Adson Sodre - Lead Guitar & Vocal
Bill Hubauer - Keyboards & Violin & Vocal
Eric Gillette - Keyboards & Guitar & Vocal
Jason Gianni - Drums & Vocal

THE FLOWER KINGS:
Roine Stolt - Guitar & Vocal
Tomas Bodin - Keyboards
Hasse Froberg - Vocal & Guitar
Jonas Reingold - Bass &Vocal
Felix Lehrmann - Drums

Just posted by Roine on Facebook, looks like no Portnoy. Now the question remains - during the TA set, will Jonas or Randy handle the bass, and will Felix or Jason handle the drums? To be honest, I'd be happy with either, but I know that Randy has played Transatlantic tunes before with Neal's band, but I'm not sure if Jonas has (I think maybe he did with Agents Of Mercy?). More knowledgeable fans here will be able to answer this question.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 11, 2012, 02:17:50 PM
I believe Agents did do a couple of (Roines) TA tunes. Off the top of my head My New World and a big epic...
I found it, Duel with the Devil.
But still my guess would be Randy, and I'm hoping for MP on the Tilburg gig. Because there will be a Tilburg gig. And that's where the DVD will be recorded.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 20, 2012, 12:52:28 PM
As an FYI, here is the set list they played at NYC Highline back on October 11th:
1. Momentum
2. Weathering Sky
3. Author Of Confusion
4. The Distance To The Sun
5. Testimony Suite
6. Thoughts Part 5
7. The Conflict
8. ? Suite
9. Fly High
10. World Without End
11. Crazy Horses
12. Sing It High
13. King Jesus

Tracks 1-7 form the first set, 8-10 the 2nd set, and 11-13 the encore. If the last live release is any indication, the first DVD will include the first set, and the 2nd DVD will include the 2nd set and encore, and I predict the 3 Discs will be as follows:
Disc 1 - Momentum-Testimony Suite
Disc 2 - Thoughts Part 5-Fly High
Disc 3 - World Without End-King Jesus
Each disc would be about an hour or so long!!

Cannot wait to pre-order this set!

-Marc.

As I predicted, the DVDs will be split between the intermission, according to Neal's recent IC Newsletter!

Also, he mentions penciling in Transatlantic in the Spring, and hopefully getting Flying Colors back together sometime next year, so we may be looking at new albums from both bands in 2013!

Also, Neal mentions the upcoming NM/TFK tour, but nothing about recording a show, but considering their penchant for recording and releasing tours on a semi-regular basis, and how epic this tour is sure to be, there's no way this show will go undocumented for posterity! Besides, these two guys just released two huge albums this year, TFK's comeback album after 5 years off, and definitely one of Neal's best! A live album from this tour would be tremendous and top a lot of fan's lists for 2013 or 2014 I'm sure!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 20, 2012, 01:33:22 PM
I'd probably be more excited about this if it were coming to America, but it's not, so I am like, eh, whatever. :lol

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 20, 2012, 01:35:42 PM
I'd probably be more excited about this if it were coming to America, but it's not, so I am like, eh, whatever. :lol

Actually, I've heard that Neal and Roine are working on taking this tour to the US/NA sometime in the summer, so keep an eye/ear out for more info on it!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 20, 2012, 01:43:27 PM
Sweet.  The advantage of them touring together, too, is they could possibly get a jump start on writing material for the next TA album. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 20, 2012, 02:24:57 PM
Sweet.  The advantage of them touring together, too, is they could possibly get a jump start on writing material for the next TA album.

Definitely, especially if the TA4 sessions land between the EU and NA legs of this tour, which would mean Roine and Neal could pool together ideas, then write/record, then go back out on the road while the album gets mixed and mastered! Then by the time the tour for TA4 comes around, they'll be super tight live!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: changing_seasons on December 27, 2012, 09:19:36 AM
Bumping to confirm that Mike Portnoy is definitely playing on this tour. Which made my decision to travel down to Stockholm to see them so much easier.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 27, 2012, 10:00:07 AM
Bumping to confirm that Mike Portnoy is definitely playing on this tour. Which made my decision to travel down to Stockholm to see them so much easier.

Nice :tup

Yes, now that Mike is a part of this tour, I *REALLY* hope it gets recorded for video and/or audio release! A show this epic deserves that kind of treatment, especially if it's sponsored by InsideOut!

I keep reading that all the musicians will share the stage and that there may even be some inter-band playing! I wonder what they'll be doing, in terms of inter-band play in their own sets, and if all the musicians will share the stage for the Transatlantic tunes? That's a LOT of guitarists...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on December 28, 2012, 07:34:10 PM
Bumping to confirm that Mike Portnoy is definitely playing on this tour. Which made my decision to travel down to Stockholm to see them so much easier.

Nice :tup

Yes, now that Mike is a part of this tour, I *REALLY* hope it gets recorded for video and/or audio release! A show this epic deserves that kind of treatment, especially if it's sponsored by InsideOut!

I keep reading that all the musicians will share the stage and that there may even be some inter-band playing! I wonder what they'll be doing, in terms of inter-band play in their own sets, and if all the musicians will share the stage for the Transatlantic tunes? That's a LOT of guitarists...

-Marc.

It's Neal Morse. How would it not get recorded?

Besides, it keeps the revenue stream flowing...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 28, 2012, 07:42:09 PM
Bumping to confirm that Mike Portnoy is definitely playing on this tour. Which made my decision to travel down to Stockholm to see them so much easier.

Nice :tup

Yes, now that Mike is a part of this tour, I *REALLY* hope it gets recorded for video and/or audio release! A show this epic deserves that kind of treatment, especially if it's sponsored by InsideOut!

I keep reading that all the musicians will share the stage and that there may even be some inter-band playing! I wonder what they'll be doing, in terms of inter-band play in their own sets, and if all the musicians will share the stage for the Transatlantic tunes? That's a LOT of guitarists...

-Marc.

It's Neal Morse. How would it not get recorded?

Besides, it keeps the revenue stream flowing...

True! My only concern is that there will be song over-lap between his Live In NYC show from this past tour-leg. I hope he brings out "Smokes And Mirrors" and "Freak" in place of "Weathering Sky", just to give us ALL 6 Momentum songs on a live release. If Neal lets Mike do the set list again, I'm sure Mike will take a look and change the sets accordingly, just to make sure the sets are at least half-way different than what Neal played a few months ago.

Also - the best selling point for a live release - TRANSATLANTIC!!! Well, at least 3/4ths of the band, but I hope they break out "My New World" and/or "Mystery Train", and perhaps "Suite Charlotte Pike", the three tunes of theirs that they didn't play on the Whirld Tour! I'd even be happy if they broke out "Spinning" and "Lenny Johnson"!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: wasteland on December 29, 2012, 10:34:50 AM
I would love to see a performance of "For Such A Time". It shares the main melody with the Whirlwind, sure, but I have been fascinated with that song since day one!  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 01, 2013, 12:41:58 AM
Just so everyone knows, I've started Testimony on my Neal Morse Survivor, so if this is where you like your Neal Morse Discography to start, hop on over to the Polls/Survivors forum and join in!!! :tup

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 04, 2013, 12:43:41 PM
I had one of those awesome music moments when driving in the car the other day.  It was snowing, and when the Mercy Street reprise kicked in near the end of the final song on Track 1 of Testimony Two, it was like, wow.  A very neat moment. :coolio :coolio :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on January 04, 2013, 07:16:17 PM
I had one of those awesome music moments when driving in the car the other day.  It was snowing, and when the Mercy Street reprise kicked in near the end of the final song on Track 1 of Testimony Two, it was like, wow.  A very neat moment. :coolio :coolio :coolio

 :tup  I hear ya, that's a great album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ħ on January 04, 2013, 11:44:30 PM
I had one of those awesome music moments when driving in the car the other day.  It was snowing, and when the Mercy Street reprise kicked in near the end of the final song on Track 1 of Testimony Two, it was like, wow.  A very neat moment. :coolio :coolio :coolio
You've raved about that part before. It is indeed awesome. A wee bit predictable, since he had reprises done in pretty much identical fashion in his other solo works and Transatlantic, but it's still awesome nonetheless. Just a little bit sad that it's a fadeout, cause that's an awesome solo.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 05, 2013, 09:00:26 AM
I know I have said this before, but the fact that he ended that song with a fadeout, instead of his usual big ending with the major crescendo, actually works to its benefit.  I love how that main melody keeps going round and round, with cool and interesting variations to the main theme, especially in regards to the instrumentation, and then the long fadeout gives the impression that it will go on forever, even though our time of listening to it is coming to an end.  The way it explodes back into the main melody shortly after the fadeout begins, and then Neal hits that big note on the guitar (a note that definitely shows the influence Roine Stolt has had on him as an electric guitar player)...it doesn't get any better than that.  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on January 05, 2013, 10:08:58 AM
I thought I'd just check out that one note.

And listening to the fade out of the entire album only gives me maximum goosebumps.
I mean, 20 seconds of music, and that amount of power. Incredible.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 08, 2013, 09:06:41 AM
Absolutely. :hat

In other news, anyone else completely ambivalent towards Weathering Sky?  It's not a bad song by any means, but just comes across to me as another run of the mill Neal rocker.  It has by far the least amount of plays by me as far as the Momentum songs go, in iTunes and I always skip over it in the car.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on January 08, 2013, 10:14:35 AM
I like it quite a bit.  I rank the songs on Momentum (best to least best): World Without End, Thoughts 5, Weathering Sky, Momentum, Freak, Smoke & Mirrors.  The top four I like quite a bit, the bottom two I don't dislike, but don't like as much as the others.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 08, 2013, 08:42:51 PM
"Weathering Sky" is alright - I put it next to tunes like "All On A Sunday" and the such, just an okay rock tune from Neal. It seems he always has to have some of that on his albums, and I'm okay with that. I've come to expect it by now.

By the by, as a plug, my Neal Morse Survivor is just over half-way through Testimony, so if you guys want to help, we're nearing the final rounds for that album, then we'll be getting into the REALLY fun stuff with One and ?!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 10, 2013, 08:36:46 AM
Preview from the upcoming live DVD:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO1jRw_Nerg
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on January 10, 2013, 09:00:29 AM
The audience is sitting at tables? Looks like a dining show.

Apart from that, the two guitar players are awesome.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 10, 2013, 09:11:34 AM
Wow.  Visually, this looks MUCH better than T2 Live, and his band is the tightest I think I have ever heard them.  Looking forward to this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 10, 2013, 09:21:08 AM
Visually, this looks MUCH better than T2 Live

That was definitely a good thing to see.  No weird lighting or bad angles (or doofuses wearing loud green shirts on stage :lol).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on January 11, 2013, 06:17:03 AM
Visually, this looks MUCH better than T2 Live

That was definitely a good thing to see.  No weird lighting or bad angles (or doofuses wearing loud green shirts on stage :lol).

Haha! Now it's just Randy in a robe, but that was to be expected  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 14, 2013, 01:25:12 PM
Fans of ONE should head over to the Polls/Survivors forum on here and vote in my Neal Morse Survivor for that album! It is the restored/reunited track list that includes 3 songs from the Special Edition Bonus Disc that were originally in the story for the album, making a total of 11 songs! I'd like to think there are more fans of this album than there are of Testimony so I hope to see more than 3-5 voters for this album! :tup

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 17, 2013, 11:58:50 AM
And speaking of One, who else here ranks it pretty high on their list of Neal Morse albums? I'd say it's in my Top 3. For the longest time it was number one, but then I would listen to ? and love it more, and then Testimony 2 came out and that was incredible!

The album's bookending tracks are just fantastic, top-notch Neal Morse, while songs like "Author Of Confusion" really rock out in a way that hadn't quite been done by Neal. Since then, though, he always manages to throw in something heavy or, in the case of Sola Scriptura, nearly an album full!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 17, 2013, 12:04:11 PM
My #1 album of all time by anybody.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 17, 2013, 12:07:48 PM
It's probably my 3rd favorite by Neal, behind T2 and ?.  I get the flow considering the story he told, but having the long songs as two of the first four songs makes getting through the rest of the album in one sitting somewhat exhausting, even if I am a big fan of every song on the album, except for The Spirit and the Flesh, which feels tacked on to Help Me, hence me editing that song and eliminating it (fading the song out during the piano bit that segues into the Spirit and the Flesh section).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 17, 2013, 12:37:55 PM
It's probably my 3rd favorite by Neal, behind T2 and ?.  I get the flow considering the story he told, but having the long songs as two of the first four songs makes getting through the rest of the album in one sitting somewhat exhausting, even if I am a big fan of every song on the album, except for The Spirit and the Flesh, which feels tacked on to Help Me, hence me editing that song and eliminating it (fading the song out during the piano bit that segues into the Spirit and the Flesh section).

I did find having "The Separated Man" so soon after "The Creation" to be a bit tough, which is why I enjoy the longer version of the album with the shorter 2nd disc tracks between them. It spreads them apart a bit more, and on my CD-r copy of the track list, "The Separated Man" begins Disc 2, while "Author Of Confusion" closes Disc 1 (and what a closer that makes!).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on January 17, 2013, 08:29:05 PM
One suffers a lot from its flow. Otherwise, the material is top notch for Neal. It alternates between #3 and 4, depending on my mood. Today, I feel like it's #3.

?
Sola Scriptura
One
Testimony 2
Momentum
Testimony
Lifeline
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Unlegit on January 17, 2013, 08:59:28 PM
Your list is pretty close to mine, but I'd switch ? with Sola Scriptura and Testimony with Momentum. Honestly, all these albums are 4 stars or higher IMO, except for maybe Lifeline, but even that is 3.5 stars for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 01, 2013, 11:15:54 AM
So pre-orders for the new Live Momentum set just went live 15 minutes ago... and the website is frozen. Is it loading for anyone else?!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 01, 2013, 11:30:10 AM
Well nevermind then. After nearly half an hour of trying, the site finally loaded for me, but SLOWLY. Managed to place my order, and hopefully I get one of the first 200 signed by Neal!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 01, 2013, 11:49:54 AM
Neal has unfortunately lost a lot of money from me personally over the years due to his website frequently not performing properly.  I don't bother ordering directly from Radiant anymore simply because the site is so screwed up.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on February 01, 2013, 11:57:25 AM
I know he's gotta make a living and all, but the dude just releases too much stuff for me.  "Momentum" is....decent.  I like the epic and a couple of the other tracks, but routinely skip the rest.  I don't really have any interest in a live set of this stuff.  I'll buy his next studio release, I just hope it's a bit less "phoned-in" feeling.


As for his website....yeah, Bosk, I've had similar problems with it and rarely order anything directly from his site.  Haven't done that since around the time that "?" was released.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 01, 2013, 12:20:44 PM
Well, the epic is over half the album, so if you like that and a couple other songs, that comprises over 2/3 of the whole record! And if Thoughts II is one of the other ones you like, then that is about 3/4 of the album! Gotta love math. ;)  Overall, I agree that it is not one of his best solo records, but it is still very good.

And I agree about his site. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 01, 2013, 12:22:16 PM
I know he's gotta make a living and all, but the dude just releases too much stuff for me.  "Momentum" is....decent.  I like the epic and a couple of the other tracks, but routinely skip the rest.  I don't really have any interest in a live set of this stuff.  I'll buy his next studio release, I just hope it's a bit less "phoned-in" feeling.

Yeah, I know we've discussed it in the past, but I kinda agree about sometimes feeling like it is "too much."  But on the other hand, I would MUCH rather have too much than, for example, for him to be like Nightwish and take 5 years to do an album that could have been done in 1 or 2.  And after personally feeling like Lifeline was a signficant dropoff in quality, with Testimony 2 being only a small step back in the right direction, Momentum really felt to me like Neal getting back on track.  So for me, I'm actually looking forward to this live set.

As for his website....yeah, Bosk, I've had similar problems with it and rarely order anything directly from his site.  Haven't done that since around the time that "?" was released.

Yeah, it's a shame.  I'm sure he gets a bigger cut when people order direct as opposed to going to Amazon or a brick and mortar store.  But if he can't have a website that actually works, I'm not going to waste time frustrating myself trying to order from there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on February 01, 2013, 05:59:35 PM
I've passed on the past few Transatlantic and Neal Morse live multi-disc box sets because of cost.  I'd rather just a DVD come out at a reasonable cost.  But I like Momentum a LOT so I'm contemplating ordering the live set this time...  And as much as I'd like the blu-ray, that's just way too expensive, so the DVD set will have to do.  I used to collect concert DVD's, but I haven't picked one up by any artist since Neal's Live Sola Scriptura.

As far as Radiant records goes, I've never had a problem with the website, shipping, ordering.  But I'll buy some Neal stuff from amazon to save significant dough.  Neal already gets my monthly payment for his inner circle fan club, so I don't feel too bad about not paying extra to get from Radiant.  Momentum I got from Radiant, but mainly just to get it a bit early.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 02, 2013, 12:27:43 AM
I find it frustrating that he once again is only selling it as a DVD or Blue-Ray/CD set.  I don't give two you-know-whats about live CDs, and the Blu-Ray set is $49.99! :eek :eek :eek  Sorry, but I am not paying $50 for a Blu-Ray and three live CDs that will do nothing but collect dust.  That is irritating as heck.

But his site says it will be available "worldwide" on Feb. 19th.  I wonder if that means it will be available at sites like amazon.com (unlike the T2 live DVD, which I think was only sold at Radiant).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 02, 2013, 08:24:19 AM
I find it frustrating that he once again is only selling it as a DVD or Blue-Ray/CD set.  I don't give two you-know-whats about live CDs, and the Blu-Ray set is $49.99! :eek :eek :eek  Sorry, but I am not paying $50 for a Blu-Ray and three live CDs that will do nothing but collect dust.  That is irritating as heck.

But his site says it will be available "worldwide" on Feb. 19th.  I wonder if that means it will be available at sites like amazon.com (unlike the T2 live DVD, which I think was only sold at Radiant).

Not only sold at Radiant because I saw a copy of the 5-disc set over in my FYE, which was WEIRD. They also had the deluxe edition of Neal's Testimony 2 as well, both in stock, at the same time. I had wondered if anyone had ordered and never picked it up because it was in stock for a long time. Either way, they were able to order it, and it's being sold on FYE's website, so Radiant isn't (or wasn't?) the only place that sold them.

I suppose this is good news for those who are willing to wait for the Live Momentum set.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 02, 2013, 08:45:58 AM
Also, on a related note, I've begin my Survivor for Sola Scriptura, so fans of that album should head on over to the Polls/Survivors forum here and vote!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 14, 2013, 10:05:32 AM
Notwithstanding my rant above, the discussion actually prompted me to give the website one more shot just for the heck of it, and it actually went through!  Got an email on Monday saying my order was completed.  Should be getting Momentum Live and One - Special Edition (finally!) soon.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 16, 2013, 01:22:18 PM
Got my 5-Disc set in the mail today, SIGNED by Neal himself! :metal Can't wait to spin the CDs and watch the DVDs soon!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 19, 2013, 04:22:51 PM
Got mine today, signed by Neal.  AND my One - SE as well (been wanting to hear the stuff on disk 2 FOREVER now).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 20, 2013, 08:53:45 AM
Wow, no comments from Marc yet?  I'm SHOCKED!  :lol  Well, I haven't had the chance to watch this yet, but I did catch a few songs last night.  The look and sound are EXCELLENT.  I love seeing Mike onstage with Neal.  But the entire band is just ON.  Neal really hit a homerun with this lineup.  Having gone through such an extensive audition process, I really think he did himself and his music a great service because he not long got great musicians, but got guys that he obviously gels and has chemistry with, and that comes across.  As good as his former lineups were, they all sounded loose and unpolished at times.  This lineup sounds and looks very tight and focused. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 20, 2013, 09:13:36 AM
Wow, no comments from Marc yet?  I'm SHOCKED!  :lol  Well, I haven't had the chance to watch this yet, but I did catch a few songs last night.  The look and sound are EXCELLENT.  I love seeing Mike onstage with Neal.  But the entire band is just ON.  Neal really hit a homerun with this lineup.  Having gone through such an extensive audition process, I really think he did himself and his music a great service because he not long got great musicians, but got guys that he obviously gels and has chemistry with, and that comes across.  As good as his former lineups were, they all sounded loose and unpolished at times.  This lineup sounds and looks very tight and focused.

LOL Sorry, I've been busy! I did watch SOME of the DVD the other night, from "World Without End" to the end of the show. GREAT song, the epic, and the pull it off effortlessly. You're right, bosk, he chose the best people for the job, and these guys really know their stuff! He picked great musicians who are also great fans of his music, so they've all taken great care and time in learning the songs and performing them at top-level. Also, it helps to have 2 multi-instrumentalists on stage in the form of Bill and Eric, it allows Neal to just SING whenever he wants to! And boy, does Neal sing his heart out on this set! I don't think he's ever sounded THIS good!

Of all the live sets I have from Neal on my iPod (an audio-rip of Testimony Live, ? Live, audio-rip of Sola Scriptura & Beyond, So Many Roads, Testimony 2 Live In LA, and now Live Momentum), this set is probably the best right after the last one (T2 Live In LA). Great set choices, and I dig the album-suites this time around! The Testimony Suite is literally the 2nd half of "Part 1", and they pull out great renditions of those songs. The Question Mark Suite takes four parts from the 12, and seamlessly melds them together, with a bit of "12" in the middle.

Other highlights have to be "Thoughts Part 5" and "Author Of Confusion", as well as "The Conflict", which includes the last bit of "The Conclusion" (all of which wasn't played on the last tour/live album, since it was part of a medley with "The Door"). Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn't mention the great performance of the SB tune "The Distance To The Sun" - on Day For Night, it's a good ballad, but here it has taken on a life of its own, and has become a "We All Need Some Light"-type epic ballad. The vocal harmonies are amazing as well.

Really, there's probably only two tunes on here that I could care less for ("Weathering Sky" and "Fly High", but even then, both performances are still stellar). Hell, I even really enjoyed "Crazy Horses", as well as the jammy "Sing It High"! Neal and company will be hard pressed to surpass a live set like this in the future (of which we probably won't see another of until 2014-2015, depending on when Neal releases another studio album).

Give me a few more days when I have more free time, and I'll watch the rest of the DVD. I *did* watch the Tour Documentary, though, and it's a good hour of hilarious antics from Neal, Randy and Mike, as well as the rest of the band. You really get a sense of the camaraderie that these guys have with each other, and that they're not just hired guns for a gig - they're truly a band, and it helps that Bill, Eric and Adson all also contributed to Momentum in some way! I hope Neal keeps these guys for a couple more albums/tours after this year! Of his 3 major bands over the years, I'd rank this at the top, followed by the Testimony/Testimony 2 Live band, and his European band last (not that they weren't bad, but the others were just tighter).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 20, 2013, 09:26:08 AM
Also, it helps to have 2 multi-instrumentalists on stage in the form of Bill and Eric, it allows Neal to just SING whenever he wants to! And boy, does Neal sing his heart out on this set! I don't think he's ever sounded THIS good!

I noticed that as well.  He sounds GREAT from what I've seen so far!  It probably also helps that the show was recorded in NY so he wasn't as tired as when he is schlepping around Europe.

I hope Neal keeps these guys for a couple more albums/tours after this year!

Seems like he plans to.  From everything he was saying during the time he was auditioning these guys, it seems like he wants a solid, long-term, somewhat "local" band in place. 

-----------

I'll also try to give disk 2 on the One SE a listen and post my thoughts soon.  First I have to make myself put down the Iron Maiden CD's...   :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 20, 2013, 09:34:29 AM
I'll also try to give disk 2 on the One SE a listen and post my thoughts soon.  First I have to make myself put down the Iron Maiden CD's...   :lol

After you do that, listen to One with the 3 "bonus songs" inserted into the track list in their original order. It makes for an amazing 92-minute experience!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 20, 2013, 09:42:01 AM
Yeah, I was trying to figure out exactly where they'd go.  Do you have the track listing that shows where to insert them?  (and now that you mention it, which three are they?  I know King Jesus was originally part of the main story, and I assume Back To The Garden is another, but which of the other songs goes in there as well?)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 20, 2013, 09:46:43 AM
Yeah, I was trying to figure out exactly where they'd go.  Do you have the track listing that shows where to insert them?  (and now that you mention it, which three are they?  I know King Jesus was originally part of the main story, and I assume Back To The Garden is another, but which of the other songs goes in there as well?)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_(Neal_Morse_album)#Restored_Tracklist

Quote
1.   "The Creation"     18:22
2.   "Back to the Garden"     4:26
3.   "The Man's Gone"     2:50
4.   "Nothing to Believe"     3:29
5.   "Author of Confusion"     9:30
6.   "The Separated Man"     17:58
7.   "Cradle to the Grave"     4:55
8.   "Help Me / The Spirit and the Flesh"     11:13
9.   "King Jesus"     4:48
10.   "Father of Forgiveness"     5:46
11.   "Reunion"     9:11

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 20, 2013, 10:29:11 AM
Man, I remember trying to do that when I was new to Neal's solo albums back in 2010, and all I remember was just waiting for the album to end. It felt so dragged out. Then again, I feel like the One we all know and love suffers from flow anyway, so it didn't help to have 3 extra songs in the track listing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 20, 2013, 10:33:01 AM
Agreed, darkshake.  Going with the original tracklisting would have been a huge mistake, and it is good to see it didn't turn out that way.  The album already feels a bit too long as it is (mostly because three of the first four songs are so long, combined with the unnecessary Spirit and the Flesh tacked on to the end of Help Me), and making it even longer is just a bad idea. 

Overall, King Jesus and Back to the Garden are really good as bonus tracks, but not in the context of the regular album; Nothing to Believe is pretty average.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 20, 2013, 10:34:31 AM
Man, I remember trying to do that when I was new to Neal's solo albums back in 2010, and all I remember was just waiting for the album to end. It felt so dragged out. Then again, I feel like the One we all know and love suffers from flow anyway, so it didn't help to have 3 extra songs in the track listing.

I can see where you're coming from, especially after Testimony, which some fans see as also being bloated and dragged out.

But as a fan of long albums, especially the conceptual kind, I enjoy the expanded track list and the other songs all contain themes that are found elsewhere on the album, so it's more cohesive in my mind with ALL of the tracks together.

I split the tracks onto TWO CD-r's, with "The Creation"-"Author Of Confusion" on the first disc, and the rest on the second. It's a good way to split it up if you want to listen to just part of the album in this format.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 21, 2013, 11:54:33 AM
(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/179280_10151495734866416_672725460_n.jpg)

First day of rehearsals for the European Tour.

Any predictions as to what their 90 minute set will be? I expect at least "World Without End", "Thoughts Part 5" and "Momentum", and that already is about 48 minutes! The remaining 42 will likely include "Author Of Confusion" or maybe "The Conflict", although including the latter would only leave 15 or so minutes of music!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 21, 2013, 12:20:46 PM
So far, I'm really liking Live Momentum.  While I was unhappy to see Author Of Confusion in the set again, it's a great live tune.  REALLY happy to see the Conflict, as I don't think SS gets nearly enough love.  Also REALLY happy to see Weathing Sky in the set, as I love the album version already, and I think it sounds both heavier and just all out better on Live Momentum.  I would have loved to have seen Smoke And Mirrors and Freak in place of Thoughts Part 5, but can't have everything. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 21, 2013, 12:32:29 PM
While I was unhappy to see Author Of Confusion in the set again, it's a great live tune. 
Again? It hasn't been on a live release set since So Many Roads, and even then, it was a different band and it segued into "I'm The Guy" from Snow, so I'm glad it's on Live Momentum in a rendition closer to the album version.

REALLY happy to see the Conflict, as I don't think SS gets nearly enough love. 
Having "The Conflict" is great, and it's a great companion to the SS Medley they did on the last tour, featured on the Testimony 2 - Live In Los Angeles concert, especially as that medley didn't have the closing part(s) of "The Conclusion", but part of that is featured at the end of "The Conflict" here! Nice touch! :tup

I would have loved to have seen Smoke And Mirrors and Freak in place of Thoughts Part 5, but can't have everything.
My hope is that Neal and Mike, with the foresight that the new tour leg may be released on CD/DVD, will substitute "Weathering Sky" for "Smoke And Mirrors" and/or "Freak", just to provide some variety of the new material and not have so much overlap. I doubt they'll get rid of the title track or the epic, and "Thoughts Part 5" is so good live, I doubt they'd get rid of that. So trade out "Weathering Sky" for one of the other tracks!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 21, 2013, 12:53:56 PM
While I was unhappy to see Author Of Confusion in the set again, it's a great live tune. 
Again? It hasn't been on a live release set since So Many Roads, and even then, it was a different band and it segued into "I'm The Guy" from Snow, so I'm glad it's on Live Momentum in a rendition closer to the album version.

Yes, and So Many Roads wasn't that long ago.  :lol  In general, I just don't like the song very much, so if you had asked me beforehand whether it should show up on another live release ever, my response would have been "no."  I mean, it's definitely an impressive song.  There is a lot of cool stuff going on.  But overall as a song, I just don't find it to be an enjoyable listening experience.  I wouldn't quite rank it as low as, say, Leviathan for example, but still. 

But back to this version.  It sounds great and is fun to watch/listen to.  I'm glad they included it.

I would have loved to have seen Smoke And Mirrors and Freak in place of Thoughts Part 5, but can't have everything.
My hope is that Neal and Mike, with the foresight that the new tour leg may be released on CD/DVD, will substitute "Weathering Sky" for "Smoke And Mirrors" and/or "Freak", just to provide some variety of the new material and not have so much overlap. I doubt they'll get rid of the title track or the epic, and "Thoughts Part 5" is so good live, I doubt they'd get rid of that. So trade out "Weathering Sky" for one of the other tracks!

You might be right, but I think they'll just save those for a future tour.  Much easier to play around with shorter songs than have to worry about fitting in epics, so I think they'll likely just save these for later.  But either way. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 23, 2013, 08:45:56 AM
Review from the TFK yahoo mailing list:

It was a superb evening. Perhaps I had som wiches about songs, but I was satiesfied. Opening track was Numbers folloed by Cosmic Lover which was a positive surprise. I loved the way Jonas played the bass in the song. Roines guitarr solo on The Truth Will Set You Free was awesome. I was pure magick,I guess it must have been ten minutes long. Roine! You hit the right spot there, beautiful and expressive.
 
Neal played mostly from the new album Momentum and ended with a very long track World witout End. Lot from Questionmark and  Author of Confusion from One are songs from the concert, Also an excellent show with a tight band. I must say that the volume was a little bit to high.
 

Transatlantic with parts from Whirlwind with som errors in switching from one part to another, anyhow I enjoyed it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 09, 2013, 02:09:51 PM
BUMP!

Just an FYI - I've started my FINALS in my Neal Morse Survivor! Hoping to see plenty more voters this time around!!! :tup

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 29, 2013, 12:42:27 PM
As I mentioned in another thread the other day, I have been trying to condense my favorite artists down to one CD for my car, and Neal being one of those I had two for, it was not easy, but here is what the final CD looks like as of now:

Everything Is Wrong
Emma
Sleeping Jesus
Break of Day
Somber Days
Long Story
It's All I Can Do
Sing It High
Moving in My Heart
I Am Willing
The Storm Before the Calm
The Creation (split up into three separate tracks)
The Separated Man (split up into two separate tracks)
Cradle to the Grave
Help Me (edited down to remove The Spirit and the Flesh...5:28)
Reunion
The Temple of The Living God/Another World
The Outsider/Sweet Elation
In the Fire
Solid as the Sun
The Glory of the Lord/Outside Looking In
12
Entrance
Inside His Presence/The Temple of the Living God
Keep Silent (part V of The Door)
Upon the Door (Part VI of The Door)
The Conflict
The Conclusion
So Many Roads (the last (9:09 only)
Mercy Street
Time Changer
Jayda
Nighttime Collectors
Time Has Come Today
The Truth Will Set You Free
Jesus Bring Me Home/Road Dog Blues
It's for You
Crossing Over/Mercy Street Reprise
Supernatural
Seeds of Gold (split up into four separate tracks)
Thoughts Part 5
World Without End (split up into four separate tracks)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on May 03, 2013, 12:31:16 PM
So I have the chance to see TFK/NM in Glenside on Sunday for cheap. I want to go, but then again I don't. Here's why:

1.) I haven't really enjoyed the last four Neal Morse albums (Just the main ones, if you count all the side NM stuff since ?, I haven't like around 8 of his last albums 10 :P).
2.) I didn't enjoy the last TFK album and have heard little of their discography overall
3.) I like TA!
4.) TA aren't as good live without DG.
5.) It's Sunday, so I could get over the Glenside early and get some good stuff to eat.
6.) It's Sunday, so I'm gonna be (even more) tired on Monday
7.) Getting to Glenside means 45 minutes drive, most of which is straight through Phillie's less desierable areas, aka "the Hood".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on May 03, 2013, 12:47:26 PM
So I have the chance to see TFK/NM in Glenside on Sunday for cheap. I want to go, but then again I don't. Here's why:

1.) I haven't really enjoyed the last four Neal Morse albums (Just the main ones, if you count all the side NM stuff since ?, I haven't like around 8 of his last albums 10 :P).
2.) I didn't enjoy the last TFK album and have heard little of their discography overall
3.) I like TA!
4.) TA aren't as good live without DG.
5.) It's Sunday, so I could get over the Glenside early and get some good stuff to eat.
6.) It's Sunday, so I'm gonna be (even more) tired on Monday
7.) Getting to Glenside means 45 minutes drive, most of which is straight through Phillie's less desierable areas, aka "the Hood".

You better damn go. Some of us don't get that luxury as NM/Transatlantic/TFK don't do anything but hit the coasts.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ShadowWalker on May 03, 2013, 01:42:39 PM
So I have the chance to see TFK/NM in Glenside on Sunday for cheap. I want to go, but then again I don't. Here's why:

7.) Getting to Glenside means 45 minutes drive, most of which is straight through Phillie's less desierable areas, aka "the Hood".

I find it amusing that you are letting a 45-minute drive deter you, while I will be making a 2.5 hour drive to see this show...

I have been wanting to see The Flower Kings for a long time now and was planning to go to ROSfest tonight, a slightly closer drive and much more convenient timing. But when the Sunday show was announced, that was the better choice. I love Neal Morse's solo material (and I missed the Momentum tour, so this will be as good an alternative as I will get) and am a Transatlantic fan. Monday is going to suck, but I think it will be worth the lost sleep to catch this show.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on May 03, 2013, 02:05:43 PM
The Flower Kings are one of the best live bands I've ever seen.  And I've seen them 4 times.  Stellar performances ever time. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ShadowWalker on May 09, 2013, 01:00:01 PM
Neal has unfortunately lost a lot of money from me personally over the years due to his website frequently not performing properly.  I don't bother ordering directly from Radiant anymore simply because the site is so screwed up.

Yep. I tried to join the Inner Circle thing yesterday and the site wouldn't advance past a certain point. Was going to try again today, but the site wouldn't let me log in. The first response I got from the website contact info was useless. Oh well. Someone else will get my money...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on May 12, 2013, 04:43:57 AM
MP broke two drumheads on the same night but he dealt with that like a pro!  :metal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTOFyHQvsD4&feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on July 29, 2013, 01:55:27 PM
Just FYI the Momentum Live Bluray set is back on Radiant records.
 :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 29, 2013, 01:58:29 PM
And still only available if you buy the three live CDs (which I do not want).  Damn.   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on July 29, 2013, 02:00:56 PM
And still only available if you buy the three live CDs (which I do not want).  Damn.

Sorry..

This is uber cheap right now too:

https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/167-transatlantic-live-in-europe-2-cd-set-audio.aspx
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 15, 2013, 07:28:51 AM
Quote
Finished all vocals on TA4 yesterday! Sang 2 covers and a short heartfelt track.  Running ruffs this am then on to a new writing project!

Recent tweet from Neal, and it looks like he's already working on something new AFTER TA4...so soon!!! I wonder what it will be. I doubt it'll be a solo album, so who knows...any guesses?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on August 15, 2013, 03:00:19 PM
Hey guys,
  I love Neal's work in TA, Spock's Beard and his solo Momentum material.  I want to get into his back catalog a bit. But I'm very sensitive about about getting too preachy with lyrics.

  What can you suggest that won't make me want to hurl the disc out my car window? 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 15, 2013, 04:14:28 PM
Hey guys,
  I love Neal's work in TA, Spock's Beard and his solo Momentum material.  I want to get into his back catalog a bit. But I'm very sensitive about about getting too preachy with lyrics.

  What can you suggest that won't make me want to hurl the disc out my car window?

? (Question Mark album)
Testimony Two
One

Have fun. :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on August 15, 2013, 05:39:09 PM
Slacker Radio has an interesting Neal Morse whoopsie.

(https://i.imgur.com/fEqGU1h.png)

Not even the right track either...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on August 21, 2013, 10:36:44 AM
Neal Tweeted more about working on TA4 today...
 :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 21, 2013, 11:02:20 AM
Neal Tweeted more about working on TA4 today...
 :metal

There should be a Transatlantic thread for all TA news somewhere around here.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on August 21, 2013, 11:30:49 AM
Neal Tweeted more about working on TA4 today...
 :metal

There should be a Transatlantic thread for all TA news somewhere around here.

-Marc.

Meh, it was a Neal tweet. I felt it was ok to be here.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on August 21, 2013, 01:15:07 PM
Wait, hasn't it been more than a week since the last Neal Morse album?


He should have a new solo album out any day now, right?  :P



Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on August 21, 2013, 01:15:37 PM
He should have a new solo album out any day now, right?  :P

You missed it. It came out last tuesday.

 :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on August 22, 2013, 10:26:09 AM
Can someone tell me a bit about Inner Circle? Is it worth $144 a year? 

I mean, for that much I'd think being part of the inner circle should maybe at least get you free shipping on Radiant Record orders as well? 

Would love to hear the Whirlwind Demos and the "What wasn't on FC" or whatever.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 22, 2013, 10:49:03 AM
Can someone tell me a bit about Inner Circle? Is it worth $144 a year? 

I mean, for that much I'd think being part of the inner circle should maybe at least get you free shipping on Radiant Record orders as well? 

Would love to hear the Whirlwind Demos and the "What wasn't on FC" or whatever.

Is it really $144? I thought it was only $120... at least when *I* joined, it was only $10/mo, which I still pay.

And I think they're worth it, also for discounts on past IC stuff, like great live sets from past tours, DVD Documentaries, Demos, etc. It's kind of like is YtseJam Records had a subscription service. Sure, you only get one item every 2 months, but sometimes Neal throws in a 2-CD set or 2-DVD set as one item, so it can really surprise you! I've been a member for about 2 years now and have a dozen cool things, as well as a dozen more from purchasing back catalog stuff. It's totally worth it if you absolutely LOVE Neal and all of his work, from solo to TA to FC and more!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on August 22, 2013, 10:55:00 AM
Is it really $144? I thought it was only $120... at least when *I* joined, it was only $10/mo, which I still pay.

And I think they're worth it, also for discounts on past IC stuff, like great live sets from past tours, DVD Documentaries, Demos, etc. It's kind of like is YtseJam Records had a subscription service. Sure, you only get one item every 2 months, but sometimes Neal throws in a 2-CD set or 2-DVD set as one item, so it can really surprise you! I've been a member for about 2 years now and have a dozen cool things, as well as a dozen more from purchasing back catalog stuff. It's totally worth it if you absolutely LOVE Neal and all of his work, from solo to TA to FC and more!

-Marc.

It's $12/mo for US, $14/mo for International. 

So 12*12 = 144 since I'm stateside.

What sort of discounts on the past catalog? I see they are almost all listed as $10 bucks (though you cannot buy them unless an IC member).

Thanks :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 22, 2013, 11:26:52 AM
Is it really $144? I thought it was only $120... at least when *I* joined, it was only $10/mo, which I still pay.

And I think they're worth it, also for discounts on past IC stuff, like great live sets from past tours, DVD Documentaries, Demos, etc. It's kind of like is YtseJam Records had a subscription service. Sure, you only get one item every 2 months, but sometimes Neal throws in a 2-CD set or 2-DVD set as one item, so it can really surprise you! I've been a member for about 2 years now and have a dozen cool things, as well as a dozen more from purchasing back catalog stuff. It's totally worth it if you absolutely LOVE Neal and all of his work, from solo to TA to FC and more!

-Marc.

It's $12/mo for US, $14/mo for International. 

So 12*12 = 144 since I'm stateside.

What sort of discounts on the past catalog? I see they are almost all listed as $10 bucks (though you cannot buy them unless an IC member).

Thanks :)

Hmm well I think I remember they've had some sales in the past before for IC members on purchasing past IC albums. I remember they had them down to $8 a piece before, which was quite a steal for some of them!

Like I said, if you're a big Neal Morse fan, it's totally worth it if you can afford it, especially for the back catalog stuff!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on August 22, 2013, 11:35:44 AM
You know, I would normally consider his Inner Circle to be a fair price and a cool deal, but it loses its luster a tad when the market is already so full of Neal Morse related things. I get all the official stuff he's on and that is hard enough, and expensive enough to keep up with as is.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 22, 2013, 12:05:47 PM
I agree with that.  Paying that much just to hear demos or songs that weren't deemed good enough for the Flying Colors album sure ain't worth it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on August 22, 2013, 12:18:00 PM
20% off orders 60 or more trough Sunday on radiantrecords.com
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on August 23, 2013, 03:59:03 PM
Ok broke down and joined IC. That way I can get 20% off any IC CD's I want before Sunday ends.

Can anyone suggest any that really stand out that are worth having?  I was thinking the Whirlwind demos: https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/387-inner-circle-cd-whirlwind-demos-january-2012.aspx

and one (or both) of the FC ones:

https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/400-inner-circle-cd-not-for-flying-colors-may-2012.aspx
https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/416-inner-circle-cd-island-of-the-lost-keyboards-november-2012.aspx

But open to suggestions!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 24, 2013, 02:19:23 PM
Not For Flying Colors I thought was "meh."  The Island of Lost Keyboards I thought was really good, I like it quite a bit better than the actual Flying Colors album.  The Whirlwind demos is one of my favorite inner circle releases.

My favorites, off the top of my head:  Whirlwind demos, samples of Jesus Christ: The Exorcist, Flevo Festival DVD, making of One DVD pt 1 and pt 2, Neal Morse in the 80's and 90's, and From the Cutting Room Floor.  The first two on this list are the top two, the rest are in no particular order.  I tend to like the cd's better than the dvds.  Just don't have time to watch the dvd's but can listen to the cds while I work.

Neal tweeted that the next release will be Neal Morse in the 90's.  Can't wait for this one, as I liked the last one that was doing something similar.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on September 01, 2013, 09:26:59 PM
Listening to Sola Scriptura for the first time and loving it. Can't believe I haven't checked out his solo stuff til now. What else is good?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on October 18, 2013, 07:32:31 AM
Yeah, I decided to check out Sola scriptura at last as well, and I've been spinning it quite a bit this week. I'm sure I'll listen to all the other solo releases of his as soon as possible, the stuff gets me going as much as Transatlantic and Spock's beard do.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 18, 2013, 07:33:53 AM
Listening to Sola Scriptura for the first time and loving it. Can't believe I haven't checked out his solo stuff til now. What else is good?

One is my favorite, but SS is a close second.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: wasteland on October 18, 2013, 07:36:44 AM
Listening to Sola Scriptura for the first time and loving it. Can't believe I haven't checked out his solo stuff til now. What else is good?

One is my favorite, but SS is a close second.

No love for Question Mark?  :omg:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 18, 2013, 07:58:33 AM
Nope.  Just not a good album at all, especially by Neal Morse standards. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: wasteland on October 18, 2013, 08:16:27 AM
Nope.  Just not a good album at all, especially by Neal Morse standards.

I'm surprised, considering the album is normally at or near the top of many fan's ranks, including mine. Well, it's fine, at least you like Sola Scriptura! :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Big Hath on October 18, 2013, 08:42:23 AM
I'm going to agree somewhat with bosky here.  Although I can enjoy ? and have it in my regular album rotation, I find it isn't in the same ballpark as SS and especially One.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 18, 2013, 08:46:32 AM
? blows Sola Scriptura out of the water, and is a little bit better than One as well.  Testimony Two is the only Neal solo album as good or better than ?.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on October 18, 2013, 07:28:38 PM
I appreciate Neal for almost ALWAYS sending out pre-orders sometimes weeks before the release date.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: j on October 18, 2013, 07:59:01 PM
One and ? are my favorites, but I haven't listened to Morse in awhile, and I haven't heard any of his more recent output including Testimony 2.

But as I've probably said before, while I consider SS one of his weaker efforts, The Door is pretty good, and the guitar solo at the end of it is one of the most stupid awesome solos I've ever heard.

-J
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 19, 2013, 04:46:10 AM
One and ? are my favorites
Me too, by far.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on October 19, 2013, 08:52:44 AM
Momentum still is not sitting right with me :( I can't get into it no matter how hard I try. Oh well, that's 1 out of the ... many he has?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 19, 2013, 09:05:11 AM
Momentum still is not sitting right with me :( I can't get into it no matter how hard I try. Oh well, that's 1 out of the ... many he has?

Nine, if you count his self-titled debut and the follow-up, both released before he left Spock's Beard.

What about Momentum can't you get in to? Is it the lack of an over-arching album concept? Or the lack of longer tunes in the 8-12 minute range? Or is the epic closer a BIT too much?

At first, I liked most of the album, but thought some of it was "more of the usual" fare for Neal. The standout tracks were "Thoughts Part 5", the title track, and the epic (well, most of it...I still don't think I've digested it completely yet, even a year after it's release). But most of the rest of the album has grown on me since then, and I like it more than Lifeline as a whole.

Honestly, though, I feel like Momentum is a return to his writing-style of his days in SB and early TA, not just musically, but lyrically as well. It's a bit more secular and less overtly religious in nature, perhaps spiritual and not as a direct as, say, most of Lifeline was, especially for not being a concept album that used religion as part of the narrative and thus, not sound as preachy (as many SB fans had felt some of Neal's post-breakup albums have sounded).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on October 19, 2013, 09:16:36 AM
This may sound odd but I never actually thought about WHY I didn't like Momentum. Momentum, Weathering Sky and Freak just sound too Neal Morse-y? It just feels like he just took a Neal Morse formula and just plugged in the parts with out really feeling them out? I do enjoy the Epic in segments, I can't sit through the whole song with out getting antsy. Smoke and Mirrors and Thoughts Pt. 5 were pretty good from what I remember.

That's from what I remember. I haven't listened to it in a while. It's not a bad album or bad music by any means. It just doesn't sit well with me.

After I get off work, I'll sit down and listen to the whole album again and try to figure out what exactly it is that bothers me about it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 19, 2013, 10:09:58 AM
Momentum is really enjoyable, but it didn't ever own my CD player for an extended period of time the way One, ? and Testimony Two all did.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 19, 2013, 11:30:59 AM
I don't think I've listened to Neal Morse/TA/SB in over a year...  :-\
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on October 19, 2013, 05:16:52 PM
I think World without end is just perfect.  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Polis on November 17, 2013, 06:38:26 PM
I just came here to say the solos in It's for You is the best moment in all of music history ever. Not even exaggerating.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 17, 2013, 08:02:15 PM
I haven't listened to Neal Morse in quite some time.  Kind of going through some spiritual slump and can't get into much religious music.  It's kinda depressing.  That said, I though Momentum was great.  World Without End is breathtaking.  But as enough time has passed since it's release to be objective,  T1, One, and T2 are still my favorite Neal albums.  Then Momentum.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 18, 2013, 02:01:35 AM
Neal posted recently that he has had some new song ideas pop up and has started to jot them down. Today, Randy posted (on Facebook) pics of him at Neal's home studio doing some recording/writing, and MP himself responded to the pics saying he wishes he was there - I suppose he is busy at the moment? Anyways, it seems Neal (and Randy) are writing music for Neal's 10th solo album! I wonder if we could possibly get it late next year? Between Transatlantic, Flying Colors and possibly new Neal Morse solo stuff, we'll have a jam-packed years of Neal Morse music (with Mike Portnoy). I am VERY excited about these possibilities!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 18, 2013, 09:57:14 AM
I was wondering when he was going to get back to writing.  When a month went by after his last release without any word of a new album, I was starting to think maybe Neal was slipping.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 18, 2013, 07:34:21 PM
I feel like there's been random tweets throughout the last few months regarding some writing project.  You know, when he has a break from preparing the Transatlantic.  The information has been vague enough that I'm not sure if it's a Neal solo thing, or something totally unexpected.  But today the tweets of him writing with the "Neal Morse band" seems to point to solo material.  I would personally be surprised if 2014 didn't include a Neal Morse solo cd.  First things first, I can't wait for the new TA and seeing them live in February (I bought the meet and greet package for the Chicago show).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on November 18, 2013, 07:51:46 PM
I'm never going to get all the Neal Morse related albums. He releases them faster than I can buy them. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 09, 2013, 12:23:12 AM
Bump just to say that Momentum is really growing on me.  Granted, I have always liked it a lot, but now I am really loving it.  I am not sure it will break my Neal solo top 3 (T2, ? and One), but it might be 4th (or 5th, as that and Sola Scriptura, another slow grower for me, are pretty close in quality, IMO).  World Without End is definitely all kinds of awesome, and all of the shorter songs are outstanding. Yes indeed. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 20, 2014, 01:10:25 PM
So I just watched a recent interview on Youtube with Neal stating his plans for the next year and more.

Obviously, this month sees Transatlantic's fourth album, but by summer, he hopes to have a singer/song-writer type album out, similar to It's Not Too Late. No word on who else will appear on the album, if anyone.

By the fall, Flying Colors' second album might be out, which he says Mike had said will be really amazing. Neal isn't in FC mode right now so he wasn't really keeping up with that album being in the midst of TA rehearsals and all. Mike has already tracked his drums for the album (among drums for other things like an upcoming guest appearance on the next Tiles album, apparently).

After all of that, he said his next Neal Morse Band solo album will come out, the one that Randy and the others have been writing with Neal over the last couple months. I suspect that Mike will track his drums for that album sometime after the TA tour, probably by summer, with the others working on it in the summer when Neal is more free to do so.

So those are Neal's plans for the next 12-14 months. What a busy guy!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on January 20, 2014, 01:31:17 PM
While he's in the middle of all of that, he's still obligated to put out something for his Inner Circle fan club, each and every month.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 20, 2014, 02:31:12 PM
While he's in the middle of all of that, he's still obligated to put out something for his Inner Circle fan club, each and every month.

I thought ICFC releases were bi-monthly, as in, every other month? This month's release are his demos from Snow, which, being one of my favorite albums of all time, I am eagerly awaiting its arrival in to my mail box!

I'm sure we'll see another ICFC release this year of demos and outtakes from Kaleidoscope and possibly even the next Flying Colors album as well.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 31, 2014, 01:20:59 PM
For fans of Neal and Transatlantic, I had another semi-pointless topic of discussion to pose to you all:

"Seeds Of Gold" & "World Without End"

VERSUS

"Into The Blue" & "Kaleidoscope"

How do Neal's last two epics stack up against the two new epics from TA's latest album?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on January 31, 2014, 01:25:58 PM
I prefer Into The Blue and World Without End from that group.


Of course, I haven't had a chance to listen to Kaleidoscope too much yet.


Since I've got the songbook, I think I'm going to learn "Shine" on the acoustic guitar and play it at a gig in the near future

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on January 31, 2014, 01:39:21 PM
For fans of Neal and Transatlantic, I had another semi-pointless topic of discussion to pose to you all:

"Seeds Of Gold" & "World Without End"

VERSUS

"Into The Blue" & "Kaleidoscope"

How do Neal's last two epics stack up against the two new epics from TA's latest album?

-Marc.
I love all of them. They are all truly epic!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 31, 2014, 01:41:59 PM
For fans of Neal and Transatlantic, I had another semi-pointless topic of discussion to pose to you all:

"Seeds Of Gold" & "World Without End"

VERSUS

"Into The Blue" & "Kaleidoscope"

How do Neal's last two epics stack up against the two new epics from TA's latest album?

-Marc.
I love all of them. They are all truly epic!

There's no doubt about that! Between Neal and Roine, they have both certainly been on fire since the Whirld Tour ended nearly 4 years ago. Neal's had two solo albums, as well as Flying Colors, and Roine's had two albums with TFK. It's amazing the work ethic these guys have, and I'm glad they could get together to bring more epic music to us fans.

But I will say, there's something special about each of these epics, things that set them apart from each other, but also (because of Neal), things that also show some similarities, which is why I pitted Neal's 26/33 minute epics against TA's 25/32 minute epics.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Estiui on January 31, 2014, 03:31:27 PM
IMO, World without end is the best among those songs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on February 01, 2014, 04:31:57 AM
For fans of Neal and Transatlantic, I had another semi-pointless topic of discussion to pose to you all:

"Seeds Of Gold" & "World Without End"

VERSUS

"Into The Blue" & "Kaleidoscope"

How do Neal's last two epics stack up against the two new epics from TA's latest album?

-Marc.
Seeds and World get my vote. Into the blue isn't one of my Transatlantic favorites, even though it's very good, and Kaleidoscope is brilliant, but I still prefer the beauty of Seeds, not to mention that World without end might be in my opinion the best song Neal has ever written.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 28, 2014, 12:16:53 PM
If anyone Neal Morse fans don't have Momentum yet, Neal is selling it on his website store for ONLY $1.99!!! This is an amazing deal, and there's some other great deals going on right now too!

https://www.radiantrecords.com/category/191735-clearance.aspx

I may get one of those t-shirts actually!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on April 28, 2014, 02:18:27 PM
Just grabbed the 3-CD "Whirld Tour" thingy and one of the green Transatlantic tour shirts.   :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on April 29, 2014, 07:49:07 AM
Just grabbed the 3-CD "Whirld Tour" thingy and one of the green Transatlantic tour shirts.   :tup

Yes that 3 CD whirld tour set is an  unbeatable price. Makes me almost wish I didn't buy it when it came out so I could have saved some dough ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on April 30, 2014, 07:59:01 PM
Just grabbed the 3-CD "Whirld Tour" thingy and one of the green Transatlantic tour shirts.   :tup

Yes that 3 CD whirld tour set is an  unbeatable price. Makes me almost wish I didn't buy it when it came out so I could have saved some dough ;)

Almost makes me wish I'd wait a few years and save a bunch of money.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 04, 2014, 02:23:25 AM
Finally decided that I want to be a member of Neal's Inner Circle soon. Just browsing through the titles that have been released...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 17, 2014, 10:18:17 PM
This month's Inner Circle Newsletter just came in today and WOW...lots of exciting stuff for Neal coming up!

His singer/songwriter album, Songs From November, is coming out August 19th, with preorders starting July 22nd. First 100 get it signed by Neal himself.

The second Flying Colors album should see release in late September with a tentative 2-week tour in the beginning of October!

The live Kaleidoscope tour album, possibly named KaLIVEoscope, will be another 5-disc extravaganza, 3 CD and 2 DVD. No word on pre-orders yet, but it should be out in late October.

And as for November, Neal and Mike have set up a 2-night concert event where they'll play all of One (Special Edition, i.e. with bonus tracks) and encores, and all of Testimony 1 with encores. This is a TBA event, but I figure I'd get the hype-train going here. With Mike and Neal and Randy on board, I'm sure this 2-night MORSEFEST will get well documented and released next year. Then again, we already have TWO versions of Testimony Live (from the live DVD in Tilburg, and then from Whittier, CA from Inner Circle), but the complete ONE live with Mike, Randy and the rest of the band will be a treat! Hopefully they do release these shows, if not officially through their site, then in the Inner Circle.

Anyways, looks like Neal will be super busy from now til November. At the rate he's going, I doubt he'll start work on his next prog album before December. He seems to enjoy having Randy and Mike over during the winter months anyway, so we'll likely see him record with them in December and/or January, and then aim for a May/June release next year.

Whew...what a busy man, but I love all that he does. Cannot wait to get SFN, FC2, and live TA!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 17, 2014, 10:34:15 PM
Not sure why we need another full live rendition of something as long as Testimony.   Seems completely unnecessary.

Should be interesting to see if Songs from November is better than his first two solo albums, both of which I like, especially the first one, but neither of which compare to the majority of his other solo records.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: adastra on July 17, 2014, 10:47:57 PM
World Without End  has propably one of the best song endings I have ever heard!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 17, 2014, 10:54:26 PM
Neal's self-titled solo debut is definitely pretty good, and I've been hoping for YEARS that he'd play all of "A Whole 'Nother Trip" live with his band, but he has yet to do so. Maybe the encores in his Morsefest shows will include it? Then again, I'm sure those encores will include the usual suspects: "Wind At My Back", "June", "We All Need Some Light", "Bridge Across Forever"...then again, maybe he'll surprise us with songs like "For Such A Time", "Absolute Beginner", "Supernatural", or some deep cuts from the old SB albums.

Either way, I both hope and don't hope that they'll record and release the Testimony portion of those shows, if only because we already have 2 versions of the whole thing played live. If buying it means I get to have all of One played live as well, then I'll bite the bullet and get the whole thing.

As for SFN, I'm looking forward to it. I'm not sure how it'll sound, though, but I can imagine that, lyrically, it'll be a mix of Christian and Secular works. I mean, if it ends up being all Christian stuff, he might as well have released it as part of his Worship Sessions series. Then again, he released Songs From The Highway, which was a strictly Christian album, so we'll see. I'm hoping for something more along the lines of INTL, more secular than Christian, or if it's Christian, then just subtle like INTL or early SB lyrics, just spiritual in nature, and not blatant.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on July 18, 2014, 07:49:17 AM
funny that this got bumped up a bit as I just yesterday ordered a whole bunch of Neal to beef up my collection:

Testimony
One (Special Edition)
Testimony 2 (Special Edition)
Momentum
So Many Roads
Testimony 2 Live (5 Disc Version)
Momentum Live (5 Disc Version)
Whirld Tour 2010
Flying Colors Live
Nick n Neal Two Seperate Gorillas

So Excited!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on July 20, 2014, 03:35:57 AM
This month's Inner Circle Newsletter just came in today and WOW...lots of exciting stuff for Neal coming up!

His singer/songwriter album, Songs From November, is coming out August 19th, with preorders starting July 22nd. First 100 get it signed by Neal himself.

The second Flying Colors album should see release in late September with a tentative 2-week tour in the beginning of October!

The live Kaleidoscope tour album, possibly named KaLIVEoscope, will be another 5-disc extravaganza, 3 CD and 2 DVD. No word on pre-orders yet, but it should be out in late October.

And as for November, Neal and Mike have set up a 2-night concert event where they'll play all of One (Special Edition, i.e. with bonus tracks) and encores, and all of Testimony 1 with encores. This is a TBA event, but I figure I'd get the hype-train going here. With Mike and Neal and Randy on board, I'm sure this 2-night MORSEFEST will get well documented and released next year. Then again, we already have TWO versions of Testimony Live (from the live DVD in Tilburg, and then from Whittier, CA from Inner Circle), but the complete ONE live with Mike, Randy and the rest of the band will be a treat! Hopefully they do release these shows, if not officially through their site, then in the Inner Circle.

Anyways, looks like Neal will be super busy from now til November. At the rate he's going, I doubt he'll start work on his next prog album before December. He seems to enjoy having Randy and Mike over during the winter months anyway, so we'll likely see him record with them in December and/or January, and then aim for a May/June release next year.

Whew...what a busy man, but I love all that he does. Cannot wait to get SFN, FC2, and live TA!

-Marc.

I'm already happy to be a part of Neal's inner circle, just after receiving this one email. Great stuff. One - live, will be awesome, I love the way that album flows and brings back themes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on July 22, 2014, 01:55:21 PM
https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/498-songs-from-november.aspx

Some more info about the upcoming album, including the samples. I'm very intrigued.  :corn
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on July 22, 2014, 02:29:05 PM
https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/498-songs-from-november.aspx

Some more info about the upcoming album, including the samples. I'm very intrigued.  :corn

I preordered it at 9:57AM. Hope I was one of the first 100. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 22, 2014, 03:06:15 PM
https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/498-songs-from-november.aspx

Some more info about the upcoming album, including the samples. I'm very intrigued.  :corn

I preordered it at 9:57AM. Hope I was one of the first 100. :)

I placed my order in at about 9:59/10:00am CST, so I'm hoping I came in under the first 100 as well. It seems as though they went live with pre-orders around 9:56-9:57 according to when Neal's twitter account posted about it, at least according to my local time. I actually had no issues with the website either. Pre-ordering was smooth and easy, and I actually also got a $3.00 discount! After shipping and all that, I only paid $16.99 for the album! Not bad! :tup

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on July 22, 2014, 03:07:21 PM
I placed my order in at about 9:59/10:00am CST, so I'm hoping I came in under the first 100 as well. It seems as though they went live with pre-orders around 9:56-9:57 according to when Neal's twitter account posted about it, at least according to my local time. I actually had no issues with the website either. Pre-ordering was smooth and easy, and I actually also got a $3.00 discount! After shipping and all that, I only paid $16.99 for the album! Not bad! :tup

-Marc.

How did you get a 3 dollar discount?  I didn't have any problems with the site either.

I see a $2.25 discount in the cart when I go back and add his album to a new cart, that's 15% off which I think isn't supposed to apply until $60 or more was ordered according to the front page. Weird.

Radiant tweeted at 9:54 that the sale was on. So I was 3 minutes behind that.  What happend to 10PM CST?  :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on July 22, 2014, 04:51:49 PM
My order was at 1036am. I hope I made the cut.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 22, 2014, 05:06:13 PM
I placed my order in at about 9:59/10:00am CST, so I'm hoping I came in under the first 100 as well. It seems as though they went live with pre-orders around 9:56-9:57 according to when Neal's twitter account posted about it, at least according to my local time. I actually had no issues with the website either. Pre-ordering was smooth and easy, and I actually also got a $3.00 discount! After shipping and all that, I only paid $16.99 for the album! Not bad! :tup

-Marc.

How did you get a 3 dollar discount?  I didn't have any problems with the site either.

I see a $2.25 discount in the cart when I go back and add his album to a new cart, that's 15% off which I think isn't supposed to apply until $60 or more was ordered according to the front page. Weird.

Radiant tweeted at 9:54 that the sale was on. So I was 3 minutes behind that.  What happend to 10PM CST?  :hat

I'm not sure how. I guess the system glitched with the discount? The album was $14.99 + $5.00 shipping for me, making it $19.99. With the 15% discount, that would be the $3.00 discount I got. Ah well, I guess I got lucky when I ordered! :biggrin:

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on July 22, 2014, 05:45:12 PM
I got the discount as well (16.99 final price with shipping)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 22, 2014, 11:40:12 PM
That's still a lot to pay nowadays for a single CD.  Factor in my vow to never pre-order from Radiant again, and I'll be getting this through amazon or iTunes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on July 23, 2014, 02:26:25 AM
Over here in The Netherlands that's preeetty cheap for a single CD. Let alone a new single CD. (Regular prices being around 24 dollars, except for Zappa's newest, that one was 50)
But apart from that, I'll wait a bit to hear what you guys think of this album, I've got a couple of Neal's acoustic albums, I while I like the songs, I rarely listen to them. When I'm in the mood for Neal, I always grab a prog album. Or SB. Or TA.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on July 23, 2014, 07:39:17 AM
That's still a lot to pay nowadays for a single CD.  Factor in my vow to never pre-order from Radiant again, and I'll be getting this through amazon or iTunes.

The CD is like $17 on Amazon for pre-order. So.. *shrug*
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 23, 2014, 07:43:05 AM
I suspect it won't stay that price for real long.  I might even wait to get it, in the hopes that the price drops.   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on July 24, 2014, 07:43:41 AM
I suspect it won't stay that price for real long.  I might even wait to get it, in the hopes that the price drops.
Maybe. 

The glitch on Radiant Records is fixed. Now the 15% discount only applies to $60 and up.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 24, 2014, 08:23:42 AM
"We fixed the glitch.  He won't be receiving a paycheck, so the problem will just work itself out naturally."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on July 24, 2014, 08:25:47 AM
"We fixed the glitch.  He won't be receiving a paycheck, so the problem will just work itself out naturally."

I thought the same thing.  :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 24, 2014, 08:35:52 AM
 :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 08, 2014, 11:34:23 AM
New song and video from Neal's forthcoming CD:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lqHZNj5TIM
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on August 08, 2014, 01:14:01 PM
I really expected to hate that and now I'm on my third listen  :lol   F'n Neal gets me every time  :facepalm:    :rollin



Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on August 08, 2014, 02:32:17 PM
Spock's Beard - V on Vinyl preorder at RadiantRecords. First 50 get it signed by Neal.

Email went out 30 minutes ago, so I may be too late as it is.  :facepalm:

They also have "The making of snow" dvd in their clearance section! I thought it was OOP for some time now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on August 10, 2014, 03:52:57 PM
MP just confirmed via twitter NMB starts recording new album next month.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 10, 2014, 06:21:20 PM
MP just confirmed via twitter NMB starts recording new album next month.

Oh wow...that was....quick. He JUST finished with SFN and Flying Colors! The man never stops! I suspect/expect a winter/spring release date for the new album, then.

This mean, in less than, let's say, 18 months, Neal will have released/been a part of FOUR studio albums - Transatlantic, solo, Flying Colors, and Neal Morse band.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on August 11, 2014, 06:30:03 AM
I'm confused by the difference between NMB and NM.  :lol

As for the new song, I played it right after the entire The Pros and cons of hitchhiking by Roger Waters, and it was good that way.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 11, 2014, 07:46:15 AM
I'm confused by the difference between NMB and NM.  :lol

 

It's still basically solo Neal Morse.  Neal Morse put together a full band to tour and record with, as opposed to it being just him, Mike Portnoy and Randy George, but it's basically still a solo Neal Morse project, so there really is no difference.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 11, 2014, 11:23:05 AM
Well I differentiated between Neal Morse and Neal Morse Band because Neal, just himself, released Songs From November, which is more along the lines of his first two solo albums, specifically It's Not Too Late, and doesn't feature Portnoy or George, or any of his prog band members.

Since his prog band prominently features his prog albums (duh!), roping in SFN with other solo Morse albums might confuse fans who just enjoy his works from Testimony onward - at least, the proggy ones as he's released other singer-songwriter and worship albums since leaving Spock's Beard.

I mean, we could say Solo Neal Morse and Singer-Songwriter Neal Morse if that helps.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on August 29, 2014, 09:55:34 AM
Sept 1 ONLY SALE. Non-IC members can buy IC releases for $10 each. IC Members can get them for $5 each. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 29, 2014, 10:40:16 AM
Sept 1 ONLY SALE. Non-IC members can buy IC releases for $10 each. IC Members can get them for $5 each.

URGGH!! On the 1st only?! Two days before my next paycheck?! There's still so many IC releases I want to get, and for $5 a pop, that's a steal!!! Anyone want to order for me and I'll pay you back? :tup

JK, though, this is a great deal. Sign up for the club now, become a member, get the next disc (which will be Kaleidoscope Demos part 1), and get in on this deal!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on August 29, 2014, 10:43:04 AM
Sept 1 ONLY SALE. Non-IC members can buy IC releases for $10 each. IC Members can get them for $5 each.

URGGH!! On the 1st only?! Two days before my next paycheck?! There's still so many IC releases I want to get, and for $5 a pop, that's a steal!!! Anyone want to order for me and I'll pay you back? :tup


I'm trying to figure out which ones are worth having that I don't have.  I figure the two FC ones, the 2 disc momentum release and the NMB/TFK DVD with something with Steve Hackett on it in my cart.

Edit: Added Hitman, ? Live, Homeland Musical and "From the cutting room floor (early whirlwind demos)"
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on August 31, 2014, 06:57:00 AM
Oh man, I was totally going to buy them all. Only became a member a couple of weeks ago, and now all of that at such a price! Well, I said I WAS going to buy all of them, until I found out there are 56 releases, haha. So that would be a bit excessive. I've got 17 releases on my list right now, might wanna lose a couple, but nevertheless this is an awesome deal! I just hope he'll do this some day again so I can buy the rest.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 01, 2014, 12:27:16 AM
The sale has begun!!!

I managed to snag five for now, thankfully my PayPal credit line had some left in it (whoops! lol), so I was able to get the following:
Inner Circle DVD - From the Video Vault - May 2008
Inner Circle CD - Roine's Love Mix - January 2009
Inner Circle DVD - Live in Seattle with Ajalon - September 2010
Inner Circle DVD - Progfest '97 - January 2011
Inner Circle DVD - Testimony 2...For You - July 2011

I was going to get more, but I'll have to see if I can get any more money first. I decided to get some choice DVDs that I don't already own, especially the Progfest '97 video! I've also been wanting to get Roine's Love Mix of the ? album for a long time now and I figured I'd take advantage of this sale to do so.

I wish this sale would go until Wednesday (payday for me), so I could totally order the rest of the ones I really want. I have 10 more sitting in my shopping cart (4 DVDs, 6 CDs) right now that I'd love to get, but I'd need at least another $65 or so to cover all of that.

Of the 56 Inner Circle releases, from May 2005 up to July 2014, I'll have 28 of them. Exactly half, and I joined the club back in November 2011 for Neal's Proggy Christmas demos. Technically, one CD set Neal sent out, the ? Live 2CD set, eventually became a full-on live album later on, so I guess if you count that, then I have 29.

Anyways, I hope you guys get in on this sale! I don't recall Neal ever doing such a sale in recent years, so take advantage of it! :tup

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on September 01, 2014, 12:51:19 AM
Whoah, I bought 17 of 'em  :lol

The shipping costs we're quite high, but what the hell. 17 great, great albums or DVD's for less than a 100 euros.  :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on September 01, 2014, 06:38:32 AM
Well here was something I didn't expect today... ended up getting 8 of them, mostly focused on TA, FC, and the ? album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on September 01, 2014, 07:56:43 AM
Well here was something I didn't expect today... ended up getting 8 of them, mostly focused on TA, FC, and the ? album.

Yeah I ordered my 8 at midnight when the sale kicked on.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 02, 2014, 04:50:45 AM
Is anyone going to Morsefest in Tennessee in November?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on September 02, 2014, 09:46:26 AM
Haven't looked seriously into it, but having been on a cruise and big camping trip this year already, it's pretty much out of the question. That said, One live would be amazing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 02, 2014, 09:57:35 AM
I am considering going.  It would be neat if some other forum members went too, maybe have a meet-up or something.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on September 03, 2014, 03:10:14 PM
I'd love to, but, well yeah, impossible, financially.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on September 04, 2014, 03:37:56 AM
The new album has been out for a couple of weeks and still no comments?

I'm enjoying it quite a bit, some of the tunes are truly wonderful, but I'm still getting used to having no epic prog on a Neal Morse album.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 04, 2014, 09:35:46 AM
It reminds me of It's Not Too Late: most enjoyable, but hardly anything that wows me. 

Stick to prog, Neal. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nel on September 04, 2014, 09:51:36 AM
I had a feeling it wasn't going to be prog when I saw the album cover in the store, so I bought it alongside Momentum to soften the blow.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 04, 2014, 10:54:38 AM
I had a feeling it wasn't going to be prog when I saw the album cover in the store, so I bought it alongside Momentum to soften the blow.  :lol

 :rollin

That's one way to do it. Momentum should have plenty of Neal-prog to keep you going if you haven't heard it already!

As for SFN - I've known all along that it would be more like his first two solo albums (before he left SB), so I was prepared to hear a bunch of 4-6 minute songs with loads of acoustic guitar and lyrics about love, religion, and personal stories. I've listened to it once, in my car, and I liked it. It's enjoyable and pleasant, but I don't listen to Neal's first two albums much as it is, so I doubt I'll listen to SFN much more in the future. If I am in the mood for prog-less Neal, sure, but I might be more inclined to spin his first two albums. I should make a playlist of all three albums on my iPod, though, for those times where I want the more singer-songwriter version of Neal.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nel on September 04, 2014, 10:13:59 PM
The only NM stuff I heard up to that point was Spock's Beard, Transatlantic and Flying Colors. I had sought out Thoughts Part 5 over a year ago because I love the SB Thoughts songs so much and just wanted to hear that one for the heck of it, and I remember loving it so much that when I was looking for a partner album to buy with Songs From November, Momentum was the no-brainer.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 13, 2014, 06:52:19 AM
I just got the Testimony 2 Live CD/DVD package.  I must say, those DVDs are incredible.  I thoroughly enjoyed those performances (although I still don't care all that much for Testimony 2).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 13, 2014, 01:16:09 PM
From Randy George on Facebook:
Quote
Well off to record a new Neal Morse Band album! I leave out in the morning! This will be the longest session we have ever had together! But writing most of it from scratch so it might take a little longer! I am very excited about the possibilities!

From scratch, eh? That'll be interesting! Every time the band gets together, it's usually when Neal has a good chunk of the material demoed out for them to learn. Randy, Mike and Neal did write "Thoughts Part 5" together, though, on their last album together. It'll be interesting to hear what these three, along with Eric and Bill, have together. I'm sure there'll be an emphasis on Neal's stuff, whether he still has demos or ideas, or if he comes up with the majority of the new music during the sessions, but it'll be neat to see if there's anything different this time around with him writing with a 5-man band.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on September 14, 2014, 06:26:42 AM
From Randy George on Facebook:
Quote
Well off to record a new Neal Morse Band album! I leave out in the morning! This will be the longest session we have ever had together! But writing most of it from scratch so it might take a little longer! I am very excited about the possibilities!

From scratch, eh? That'll be interesting! Every time the band gets together, it's usually when Neal has a good chunk of the material demoed out for them to learn. Randy, Mike and Neal did write "Thoughts Part 5" together, though, on their last album together. It'll be interesting to hear what these three, along with Eric and Bill, have together. I'm sure there'll be an emphasis on Neal's stuff, whether he still has demos or ideas, or if he comes up with the majority of the new music during the sessions, but it'll be neat to see if there's anything different this time around with him writing with a 5-man band.

-Marc.

I just read on twitter that all the band members sent in demo's. I guess this will even be called Neal Morse Band, instead of just a Neal Morse record. Bring it on!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 14, 2014, 07:04:36 AM
Bah, for the purposes of iTunes organization, I will still be indexing it as just "Neal Morse," just like I index all of Devin Townsend's various projects as simply "Devin Townsend."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nel on September 14, 2014, 10:15:26 AM
Same here. It's just easier that way, like categorizing an album as "Neil Young" instead of "Neil Young and Crazy Horse".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: XB0BX on September 14, 2014, 10:47:57 AM
I feel like I'm sitting in church whenever I listen to NM.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 14, 2014, 10:55:34 AM
See, to me, it's more like kneeling in a pew. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on September 15, 2014, 01:21:10 AM
I just got a message that I can pick up my order from the Fan Club sale! That means I've got 17 Neal Morse releases to digest the coming weeks!  :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on September 19, 2014, 06:56:01 PM
Songs From November finally clicked with me today.  I bought it shortly after it was released, but couldn't really even listen to it.  I was more in a metal phase or something...  Today I gave it another chance, and I really like it.  All songs are enjoyable, but there's a couple real gems on there.  For me, My Time Of Dying is such a beautiful song, it's my clear favorite on the album.  Daddy's Daughter...  It's a love hate relationship.  Great song, but very hard to listen to because it's so touching.  I tear up just thinking about it...  Dang it Neal!!!

Bottom line, no it's not a prog album and won't get much play in the long run.  But, very good songs.  To me, the good ones kind of rival the good demos and unreleased stuff from throughout the years on inner circle releases.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 19, 2014, 08:46:10 PM
I got Songs From November as well.  Some of it is pretty good, but a lot of it is somewhat forgettable, for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on October 06, 2014, 12:03:21 PM
Smoking deal in the clearance section on radiant records -  Live Momentum Blu Ray ($19.99)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on October 15, 2014, 09:59:03 AM
woot woot, made the decision to go to Morsefest yesterday.  Got my ticket and room booked!!!  I was thinking i'd never get the chance to see Neal (solo stuff) live...  Now instead I'm seeing the ultimate of Neal concerts.  Driving down from Michigan, approx. 9 hour drive, and making a small vacation out of it with wife and daughter.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 15, 2014, 11:15:16 AM
I was hoping to be able to do that, but I don't think it's gonna work out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on October 24, 2014, 08:32:53 AM
Any of you guys see Radiant will refund most of the Tweetsecret fee through a IC membership pricing reduction?

They'll refund you $1.80/mo making your membership to follow Neal on TS just $1.20/mo. That's pretty cool of them.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on October 24, 2014, 02:33:44 PM
Any of you guys see Radiant will refund most of the Tweetsecret fee through a IC membership pricing reduction?

They'll refund you $1.80/mo making your membership to follow Neal on TS just $1.20/mo. That's pretty cool of them.

Hadn't seen that yet. Cool thing for them to do.


Not into the nickel and dime thing though.

 If they want to put it on a DVD after a year or so and sell it to me then, I'll be all over it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on October 24, 2014, 04:08:56 PM
I saw that, I'm just too lazy and uninterested in tweet secret.  Very cool of them to make the effort on it, though!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 05, 2014, 05:17:01 PM
Oh my goodness.  Matt Smith, singer from Theocracy, was just named as a special guest for Morsefest for Friday night.  Saw it on facebook.  This.  Is.  Awesome.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 05, 2014, 05:46:20 PM
I keep wondering if Neal will be playing the Special Edition of One with the restored tracklist (with the 3 in-story bonus songs placed in the tracklist, rather than being played apart from the other 8 tracks)??? Or if he's going to play the regular album, take an intermission, then do the bonus album (covers and all)? Hmmmm....

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on November 06, 2014, 08:05:08 AM
I keep wondering if Neal will be playing the Special Edition of One with the restored tracklist (with the 3 in-story bonus songs placed in the tracklist, rather than being played apart from the other 8 tracks)??? Or if he's going to play the regular album, take an intermission, then do the bonus album (covers and all)? Hmmmm....

-Marc.

Do you have a copy of the restored tracklist? I've never heard of this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 06, 2014, 08:36:20 AM
I keep wondering if Neal will be playing the Special Edition of One with the restored tracklist (with the 3 in-story bonus songs placed in the tracklist, rather than being played apart from the other 8 tracks)??? Or if he's going to play the regular album, take an intermission, then do the bonus album (covers and all)? Hmmmm....

-Marc.

Do you have a copy of the restored tracklist? I've never heard of this.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_(Neal_Morse_album)#Restored_tracklist

I'm pretty certain it was Randy George who gave us that information many many years ago.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 06, 2014, 10:18:51 AM
i'll be surprised if it's NOT done that way.  or there's no point in even doing the extra songs
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 06, 2014, 11:24:50 AM
i'll be surprised if it's NOT done that way.  or there's no point in even doing the extra songs

Agreed. I'd like to see them do the whole Restored Tracklist, which runs at about 90-95 minutes (depending on whether or not they add any extended solos or jams), then come back and encore with the 4 covers from the album, then maybe another song or two from his back catalog to fill out the first night's show.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 07, 2014, 05:12:49 PM
Personally, I could do without the covers.  Too many other songs I'd rather hear!

And for those not following, Alan Morse just announced today as another guest!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 08, 2014, 04:51:31 AM
Personally, I could do without the covers. 
Agreed, I don't see any reason to do those in a live performance.  They are just something goofy to record to put on CD to justify a "Special Edition."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: reneranucci on November 09, 2014, 11:43:02 PM
woot woot, made the decision to go to Morsefest yesterday.  Got my ticket and room booked!!!  I was thinking i'd never get the chance to see Neal (solo stuff) live...  Now instead I'm seeing the ultimate of Neal concerts.  Driving down from Michigan, approx. 9 hour drive, and making a small vacation out of it with wife and daughter.
Did you get an electronic ticket on your email account or a physical ticket shipped to your address? I ordered my tickets weeks ago and only got the invoice on my email, contacted Radiant records about it but never got a response. Any help? Thanks!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 10, 2014, 04:16:39 AM
woot woot, made the decision to go to Morsefest yesterday.  Got my ticket and room booked!!!  I was thinking i'd never get the chance to see Neal (solo stuff) live...  Now instead I'm seeing the ultimate of Neal concerts.  Driving down from Michigan, approx. 9 hour drive, and making a small vacation out of it with wife and daughter.
Did you get an electronic ticket on your email account or a physical ticket shipped to your address? I ordered my tickets weeks ago and only got the invoice on my email, contacted Radiant records about it but never got a response. Any help? Thanks!

No physical ticket.  On Radiant's site it says somewhere "Please, note the confirmation email you receive at the time of your purchase will act as your ticket. Please, print and bring to the show."

So all you really need to do is print out your e-mail invoice.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 15, 2014, 11:23:48 AM
Night one setlist:

Tetimony one (obviously the whole album!)
Encore: Jayda, Time Has Come Today, Jesus Blood, It's For You, Wind At My Back
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 15, 2014, 09:55:05 PM
Night two setlist!

One - full disc one with "Nothing To Believe" after "The Man's Gone" and "King Jesus" after "Spirit and the Flesh".  Note: yes, "Back to the Garden" was omitted.  Not sure why, it's more of an observation than complaint.

Encore - The Light (complete with Al Morse on guitar!), then Stranger in Your Soul (with extended jam sessions).

Looking back on the two nights, my personal highlights were:  "Oh to Feel Him" and "It's For You" from the first night.  I enjoyed the second night better by a bit I think.  "Spirit and the Flesh"  followed by "King Jesus" was my favorite part of both concerts.  The energy!!!  And "The Light" was another highlight.  I haven't seen that one done live before, but it was done REALLY well.  Tons of energy.  The whole night every band member seemed to be having a great time.  During Stranger Neal took over on drums and everyone started switching instruments.  Mike grabbed a bass I think and was running down the aisles playing.  This charade went on a while, it was a gas.  Eric Gilette even was on drums at one point and Randy playing keyboards (he's good!).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 16, 2014, 05:06:12 AM
At one time, this event was on the calendar for me.  Then, as it always seems to do, life happened and plans changed.

Sounds like you had a great time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 16, 2014, 07:52:20 AM
Sounds cool, but I still think he missed the boat, doing all of Testimony again, when that has already been done from start to finish and released on a live DVD.  Why not do ?, which has always been regarded more highly by fans, and doesn't have a live full release yet?  I get that Testimony probably has more of a personal feel for Neal, since it's about him and his conversion, but I just think this was a bit of a missed opportunity. 

And while The Light and Stranger in Your Soul are both totally awesome, he's played both a ton over the years, as a solo artist and/or with Transatlantic.  It would have been neat to see him pull out a different Spock's epic or two for once, like The Doorway or Flow, especially Alan Morse was there to play the lead guitar parts, but whatever.  I'll stop picking nits and say it sounds like it was a cool experience. :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 16, 2014, 10:38:47 AM
Night two setlist!

One - full disc one with "Nothing To Believe" after "The Man's Gone" and "King Jesus" after "Spirit and the Flesh".  Note: yes, "Back to the Garden" was omitted.  Not sure why, it's more of an observation than complaint.

Encore - The Light (complete with Al Morse on guitar!), then Stranger in Your Soul (with extended jam sessions).

Looking back on the two nights, my personal highlights were:  "Oh to Feel Him" and "It's For You" from the first night.  I enjoyed the second night better by a bit I think.  "Spirit and the Flesh"  followed by "King Jesus" was my favorite part of both concerts.  The energy!!!  And "The Light" was another highlight.  I haven't seen that one done live before, but it was done REALLY well.  Tons of energy.  The whole night every band member seemed to be having a great time.  During Stranger Neal took over on drums and everyone started switching instruments.  Mike grabbed a bass I think and was running down the aisles playing.  This charade went on a while, it was a gas.  Eric Gilette even was on drums at one point and Randy playing keyboards (he's good!).

Weird that they'd omit "Back To The Garden". I wonder what Neal's thoughts were behind doing that. Ah well. I heard it was all recorded so I'm looking forward to a future live release! And I heard about the wild instrument-switching that went on from a post on Facebook!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 16, 2014, 06:15:08 PM
Yes, it was an AWESOME once in a lifetime experience.  But I totally agree with a lot of the comments.  For one, if it's the first time "One" is performed in entirety, why exclude one of the bonus songs if you're going the bonus song route?  If nothing else, I'm just glad they included the bonus songs they did include instead of keeping to just disc one.

And, I agree the two encore songs from night two were the most overdone encores they could have done.  Can't complain about the Light, don't think that one could get old.  But Stranger has been done to death between Neal solo and Transatlantic.  Not a complaint, though, just agreeing with others comments. Personally, I think it was mainly chosen because it has so many jam sections that could be used for extended jams and theatrics.  Just works well live with an abundance of musicians or something.

I do disagree a bit on doing Testimony 1 in it's entirety again.  Granted ? hasn't been released on DVD live (that I can recall), but personally I think Testimony was the perfect thing to play, especially in his hometown where some of the events occurred.  Being the first Morsefest (there may be more in the future?), it seemed fitting to start from the beginning.  AND, I'm not totally convinced the whole thing will be on official DVD.  They mentioned before night 2's performance it being recorded.  It's possible (just my own personal speculation so take it with a grain of salt) that only "One" live will be released as an official release.  Which would make T1 performed again not a re-do.  I'd still picture it being released as an inner circle DVD at some point if this is the case though.

<edit> new theory.  Maybe to perfectly fit the night two performance on 2 cd's they had to cut a short song, thus omitting Back To The Garden.  Who knows, just a thought.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 16, 2014, 06:59:02 PM
<edit> new theory.  Maybe to perfectly fit the night two performance on 2 cd's they had to cut a short song, thus omitting Back To The Garden.  Who knows, just a thought.

If that's the case, they still could've played "Back To The Garden". It's only a five minute song. The complete One track list only runs about 95 minutes, and if "The Light" was about 15-20 minutes long, and "Stranger In Your Soul" was the usual 30-minute jam-extended version, that would be, at most, 145 minutes, and 2 CDs could hold 160 minutes total.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 16, 2014, 07:33:28 PM
<edit> new theory.  Maybe to perfectly fit the night two performance on 2 cd's they had to cut a short song, thus omitting Back To The Garden.  Who knows, just a thought.

If that's the case, they still could've played "Back To The Garden". It's only a five minute song. The complete One track list only runs about 95 minutes, and if "The Light" was about 15-20 minutes long, and "Stranger In Your Soul" was the usual 30-minute jam-extended version, that would be, at most, 145 minutes, and 2 CDs could hold 160 minutes total.

-Marc.

That sounds true, in theory!  Too close to call, though, the length of the actual concert was very close to the two cd mark.  Between talking between songs and just extended sections here and there throughout "One", nothing was really at a predictable length.  And with regards to my theory...  I don't really have a whole lot of stock in it anyway (with regards to omitting Back To The Garden).  The encore alone I think lasted an hour in itself (which would be about 40 minutes going by the album versions).

But yeah, by the time I left the concert it was for sure around the 160 minute mark (with no intermissions), so it's anybody's guess.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on December 02, 2014, 08:23:09 AM
 For the first time ever prog icon Neal Morse came into a recording session with his long time friend and collaborator Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Bill Hubauer and Eric Gillette... with NOTHING! He had no prepared material at all. "I wanted to see what it would be like to create freely in the room with no preconceived notions. It was quite a risk! I made a lot of room for the other guys to create and express themselves and the result is outstanding! We wanted to experiment, do something a bit different, and see what everyone is capable of...we found out...in SPADES!" The results are obvious! This was a "grand experiment" that produced something far beyond anyone's expectations!
 
The main disc, containing 5 tracks, 2 long prog epics that are sure to be favorites for years to come, as well as 3 shorter songs including the catchy rocking title track "The Grand Experiment" is sure to blow the minds of all prog fans and appeal to anyone who loves hooky songwriting with virtuoso performances from some of the best musicians in the world.
 
North American Dates:
 
Feb 22nd - Nashville, TN - TBA
Feb 24th - Manhattan, NY - Highline Ballroom
Feb 25th - Montreal , QB - La Tulipe
Feb 26th - Quebec City, QB - L'Imprial de Qubec
Feb 27th - Chicago, IL - Arcada Theater
Feb 28th - Denver, CO - Soiled Dove Underground
Feb 2nd - Los Angeles, CA- Westminster Theater
 
European Dates:
 
Mar 5th - Pratteln CH - Z7
Mar 6th - Zoetermeer NL - Boerderij
Mar 7th - London UK - Islington Assembly Hall
Mar 8th - Verviers BE - Spirit Of 66
Mar 9th - Paris FR - Divan du Monde
Mar 11th - Aschaffenburg DE - Colo-Saal
Mar 12th - Mannheim DE - Alte Seilerei
Mar 13th - Hamburg DE - Markthalle
Mar 14th - Bochum DE - Matrix


HAWWWT. I assume the date on the Los Angeles date is a typo though.



Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 02, 2014, 08:37:19 AM
The main disc, containing 5 tracks, 2 long prog epics that are sure to be favorites for years to come, as well as 3 shorter songs including the catchy rocking title track "The Grand Experiment" is sure to blow the minds of all prog fans and appeal to anyone who loves hooky songwriting with virtuoso performances from some of the best musicians in the world.

That sounds an awful lot like Kaleidoscope in terms of album structure. Then again, Neal has been known to repeat certain album structures before... 4 songs with two epics (The Light, Bridge Across Forever, Sola Scriptura), 6 songs with one huge epic at the end (V and Momentum), an album-suite with 12 tracks/movements (? and The Whirlwind)...so I'm not entirely surprised.

Only five songs, though...I wonder if there will be any over-arching lyrical (or even musical) themes throughout the album, or if this will just be five songs, all standalone. I guess we'll have to wait a little longer for the track and pre-order details.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 04, 2014, 06:41:32 AM
With the jam-approach of the writing of the album, I'm really expecting themes popping up all over the album. Instead of writing demo's over the course of an entire year (or more) all songs were written in that short time span. I think that that would lead to a musical concept album, especially when you have those guys aboard.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on December 04, 2014, 06:43:00 AM
There is a good chance I will go to the NYC show.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on December 10, 2014, 07:11:36 AM
Quote from: email
We are beyond excited to officially announce the coming of the highly anticipated Neal Morse Band album! The Grand Experiment, featuring the talents of Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Bill Hubauer, and Eric Gillette, is sure to blow the minds of all prog fans and appeal to anyone who loves hooky songwriting with virtuoso performances from some of the best musicians in the world! Release date is February 10th, 2015, and pre-orders start here at Radiant, January 10th, 2015. 

(https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/ApnJ2QzF0Vq-yKanOTZjalL0fRry_ys2Yy-SY43y6LqGishu9pO8Ck3PvqkKORPz5sNo2rscpbXjOsMndZWDb7I85hAfW9rXr1UvEEiTuUuRdb0=s0-d-e1-ft#https://ih.constantcontact.com/fs175/1109748798654/img/772.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 10, 2014, 07:27:34 AM
Quote from: email
We are beyond excited to officially announce the coming of the highly anticipated Neal Morse Band album! The Grand Experiment, featuring the talents of Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Bill Hubauer, and Eric Gillette, is sure to blow the minds of all prog fans and appeal to anyone who loves hooky songwriting with virtuoso performances from some of the best musicians in the world! Release date is February 10th, 2015, and pre-orders start here at Radiant, January 10th, 2015. 

(https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/ApnJ2QzF0Vq-yKanOTZjalL0fRry_ys2Yy-SY43y6LqGishu9pO8Ck3PvqkKORPz5sNo2rscpbXjOsMndZWDb7I85hAfW9rXr1UvEEiTuUuRdb0=s0-d-e1-ft#https://ih.constantcontact.com/fs175/1109748798654/img/772.jpg)

Nice cover! I'm getting a Hugh Syme vibe from it, though...in both a good and bad way. :lol I do like it, though!

January 10th for pre-orders?! Good! I have time to save up for it after Christmas/New Years/a couple paychecks later. I was hoping we'd get a tracklist sometime soon, but I'm ok with just the cover for now!

The question is...how do we count this in the discography? Will this follow Momentum on his solo career? Or do we become nitpicky and say this is the debut of The Neal Morse Band?? I think Neal himself is touting it as the latter, so if that's the case, then within a year's time, Neal will have released four albums from four different perspectives - Transatlantic, Solo, Flying Colors, and now The Neal Morse Band.

EDIT - Just saw the announcement in my email from Radiant Records. Here's the rest, and just-as-important information!!!

Quote
For the first time ever prog icon Neal Morse came into a recording session with his long time friend and collaborator Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Bill Hubauer and Eric Gillette...with NOTHING! He had no prepared material at all. Neal comments, "I wanted to see what it would be like to create freely in the room with no preconceived notions. It was quite a risk!" On previous albums, like the Testimony album for example, Morse had the entire album written in advance. "I used to be rather paranoid about whether things would turn out in the short space of time we had available...so I would fill all the space in advance!" This album was totally different. "I made a lot of room for the other guys to create and express themselves and the result is outstanding! We wanted to experiment, do something a bit different, and see what everyone is capable of...we found out...in SPADES!" The results are obvious! This was a "grand experiment" that produced something far beyond anyone's expectations! 
 
The Grand Experiment will be released in 3 formats:
Single Disc
3 Disc Special Edition Digipak (containing the main disc, bonus audio disc featuring 3 unreleased studio tracks and 2 live tracks from the Morsefest weekend, and a "making of" documentary DVD in special packaging)
LP + 2CD Set (containing main disc, and bonus audio disc)
The main disc, contains 5 tracks, 2 long prog epics that are sure to be favorites for years to come, as well as 3 shorter songs including the catchy title track "The Grand Experiment." Mixed by Rich Mouser.
 
Track Listing:
1. Following the Call
2. The Grand Experiment
3. Waterfall
4. Agenda
5. Alive Again

I'm guessing "Following The Call" and "Alive Again" (the tour's title!) are the two long prog epics, with the other 3 as the shorter songs.

Also, it looks like I am going to be getting the 3-Disc Special Edition Digipak. I wonder if the 3 unreleased studio tracks are the 3 other songs they worked on (because I recall Randy saying on FB how they had like 7 or 8 songs written). Interesting to see that we're getting 2 live tracks from Morsefest - I wonder what they'll be!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 10, 2014, 07:52:29 AM
3 disk edition here.  No brainer.  :lol

And I just want to add that Neal is pushing the saturation theory to its limits.  I am completely saturated on Neal Morse, and have been for some time now.  ...and I will still buy anything he puts out, and be simultaneously happy for the new release and pissed that he doesn't slow down.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 10, 2014, 08:05:12 AM
3 disk edition here.  No brainer.  :lol

And I just want to add that Neal is pushing the saturation theory to its limits.  I am completely saturated on Neal Morse, and have been for some time now.  ...and I will still buy anything he puts out, and be simultaneously happy for the new release and pissed that he doesn't slow down.

 :rollin This is too true. I think next year, though, will probably a slower year for Neal. He'll tour his new album, then probably release a live Flying Colors album, then a live album (5/6-disc extravaganza!) from the Alive Again tour. I don't see TA doing another album again until at least 2017, and FC until 2016 or later. In fact, I'm sure he'd probably do another solo/NMB album before either of those, but who knows! He could start ANOTHER band/project for all we know!

Either way, like you, I'll still buy anything that gets released with his name on it. Truly a remarkable man with a great track record of wonderful music!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on December 10, 2014, 08:09:24 AM
Instead of releasing a bunch of albums in a year, he should focus so that energy into I've project to make it really awesome. His albums this year were good but also a lot if weak moments. You could probably make a great compilation album out of the three of them. I imagine this will be similar.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 10, 2014, 08:22:29 AM
3 disk edition here.  No brainer.  :lol

And I just want to add that Neal is pushing the saturation theory to its limits.  I am completely saturated on Neal Morse, and have been for some time now.  ...and I will still buy anything he puts out, and be simultaneously happy for the new release and pissed that he doesn't slow down.

 :rollin This is too true. I think next year, though, will probably a slower year for Neal. He'll tour his new album, then probably release a live Flying Colors album, then a live album (5/6-disc extravaganza!) from the Alive Again tour. I don't see TA doing another album again until at least 2017, and FC until 2016 or later. In fact, I'm sure he'd probably do another solo/NMB album before either of those, but who knows! He could start ANOTHER band/project for all we know!

Either way, like you, I'll still buy anything that gets released with his name on it. Truly a remarkable man with a great track record of wonderful music!

-Marc.

IMO, each of his projects brings something different to the table, and I like them all for different reasons.  But for his solo material, I doubt he will ever touch what I consider my "big three":  Testimony, One, and Sola.  Those three albums are about as close to musical perfect as it gets for me. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on December 10, 2014, 08:28:59 AM
3 disk edition here.  No brainer.  :lol

And I just want to add that Neal is pushing the saturation theory to its limits.  I am completely saturated on Neal Morse, and have been for some time now.  ...and I will still buy anything he puts out, and be simultaneously happy for the new release and pissed that he doesn't slow down.

Pissed there's no 3 disc edition + LP bundle (so far)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 10, 2014, 08:30:52 AM
The 3 disc is enticing.

But can I be the first to request no more studio covers?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 10, 2014, 08:34:45 AM
I don't think there are any covers.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 10, 2014, 08:39:44 AM
I don't think there are any covers.
Good, but it has seemed to be a staple for prior Morse/Portnoy/George get-togethers.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 10, 2014, 09:04:18 AM
I don't think there are any covers.
Good, but it has seemed to be a staple for prior Morse/Portnoy/George get-togethers.

True. Morse and Portnoy (and eventually George) were always having fun doing covers. They did a couple for Testimony, four for One, seven for ?, and four for Lifeline, but they haven't done any with MPG since that album in 2008. It's hard to separate MPG doing covers from TA because in 2009, they did four for The Whirlwind and then whooping eight for Kaleidoscope.

As far as solo Neal Morse, his last two major prog albums haven't had any covers, Testimony 2 and Momentum.

It's good to see that they did decide to release the other 3 songs from the studio sessions, though. I'm sure Neal didn't want to hold back any b-sides from the sessions, unless they were covers (like he did with the ? sessions, though those were later released on MPG's Cover To Cover).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 10, 2014, 05:52:53 PM
Neal Morse Band or not, this is still essentially solo Neal Morse to me, so just like I label everything that Devin Townsend does as just 'Devin Townsend' in my iTunes, this will be just 'Neal Morse.'
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 10, 2014, 06:19:36 PM
It will be Neil Morris in my iTunes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nel on December 10, 2014, 07:11:56 PM
Yeah, like how Bob Seger has the "Bob Seger System" and "and the Silver Bullet Band", or how Paul McCartney had Wings, it'll probably just go into my library under Neal Morse.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 11, 2014, 01:33:01 AM
3 Disc version, totally. The making of's are totally worth buying the deluxe editions.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on December 11, 2014, 05:53:01 AM
True. Morse and Portnoy (and eventually George) were always having fun doing covers. They did a couple for Testimony, four for One, seven for ?, and four for Lifeline, but they haven't done any with MPG since that album in 2008. It's hard to separate MPG doing covers from TA because in 2009, they did four for The Whirlwind and then whooping eight for Kaleidoscope.

As far as solo Neal Morse, his last two major prog albums haven't had any covers, Testimony 2 and Momentum.

It's good to see that they did decide to release the other 3 songs from the studio sessions, though. I'm sure Neal didn't want to hold back any b-sides from the sessions, unless they were covers (like he did with the ? sessions, though those were later released on MPG's Cover To Cover).

-Marc.

Sounds like you haven't heard Cover2Cover. There's seven covers from the Momentum sessions, plus the five from Lifeline (including the unreleased King Crimson cover of "Starless"). Now you know. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on December 11, 2014, 07:17:46 AM
The album cover looks familiar, as well as the structure of the album (five songs, two epics). I'm really looking forward to it, though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 11, 2014, 09:41:28 AM
True. Morse and Portnoy (and eventually George) were always having fun doing covers. They did a couple for Testimony, four for One, seven for ?, and four for Lifeline, but they haven't done any with MPG since that album in 2008. It's hard to separate MPG doing covers from TA because in 2009, they did four for The Whirlwind and then whooping eight for Kaleidoscope.

As far as solo Neal Morse, his last two major prog albums haven't had any covers, Testimony 2 and Momentum.

It's good to see that they did decide to release the other 3 songs from the studio sessions, though. I'm sure Neal didn't want to hold back any b-sides from the sessions, unless they were covers (like he did with the ? sessions, though those were later released on MPG's Cover To Cover).

-Marc.

Sounds like you haven't heard Cover2Cover. There's seven covers from the Momentum sessions, plus the five from Lifeline (including the unreleased King Crimson cover of "Starless"). Now you know. :biggrin:

I mentioned Lifeline, but I did forget about "Starless" as it wasn't on the album itself. As for the Momentum session covers, I'll admit to forgetting about them as I don't typically listen to the Cover albums by MPG. But yes, there were 7 of those.

In that case, Neal, Mike and Randy had not done covers between 2008 and 2012 for those album sessions, so it was over 4 years in-between, although with TA's covers, in 2009 and 2014, it feels like we've gotten more from Neal (and Mike) than from just the solo Neal albums.

Back to the topic of The Grand Experiment, I went back and read Randy's Studio Updates from back in mid-September and I'll share what he posted here:
Quote
September 13
Well off to record a new Neal Morse Band album with Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy, Bill Hubauer and Eric Gillette! I leave out in the morning! This will be the longest session we have ever had together! But writing most of it from scratch so it might take a little longer! I am very excited about the possibilities!
Quote
September 17 White House, TN
Well day 2 has ended and we have finished mapping out an epic song. It started as a piece that we put together last November in the first writing session. It was about 20 mins long and we basically cut a few parts out and replaced them with some of Eric's ideas. It was a bit if a challenge but I think in the end it will be great! There are several great ideas to work with and we will be mapping out some new ones tomorrow. For those not seasoned in the recording arts, we have to create a demo of the song for Mike to track drums with. After a few days of mapping out songs we will get final drums tracks and begin re-recording the instruments! I will get some pictures for the next entry.
Quote
September 18
Day 3 wrap up: We spent a good part of the day continuing work on the big epic piece. We had a nice arrangement but in the morning Neal felt that it needed more fire to keep all y'all going at the start! So we drafted a new section starting with a riff from one of my demos. We kept going with it and it turned out quite amazing! Later in the day we moved on to a couple other new songs. One was a song Bill had and we tackled it... it has a really cool funky vibe to it! Then Neal had an idea for a Song and we tackled that... with Mike's direction it took an interesting turn and wow! Can't wait for you to hear this album! We have 2 other songs that were already mapped out waiting in the wings which brings us to a total of 5 songs. we have more to work on today so by the end of the day I think we'll have the album mapped out. We begin tracking final drums tomorrow!
Quote
Day 4 Wrap up: The day started with Eric, Bill and Neal working on a tune that Bill wrote called Waterfall. It's a really nice piece that is mostly just acoustic guitar and voices... with some cool keys to be added later. The three part vocals are mesmerizing! Once Mike showed up we fixed up a couple things from yesterday and moved on to a new piece. We started with a couple things we wrote last November in the writing session. The funny thing is by the end of the night not much remained of the original ideas as it had developed into something really cool! As of now we have 9 solid songs for the record. Tomorrow we begin tracking final drums for the songs. I believe Mike finished one of the songs already. So there are 8 left to get drum tracks on. We have til Sunday night when Mike has to leave. The rest of us will stay on a few more days to work on some things. I might finish a couple bass tracks before I leave... but I want to take most of the tracks home where I have more options for Bass sounds. So far it's shaping up really nice. We definitely ventured into new territory! There are great songs on this record for sure!
Quote
September 19
Day 5: Well today started out with a few more tweaks to the song we completed last night. Once that was out of the way Mike started tracking final drums to it. The more he played through the cooler it became. It really took shape. When we first mapped it out I was really skeptical as it sounded like a mess of disjointed ideas... but we persevered and it became an extremely cool song. Sometimes the best things are born out of great pains! Anyhow Mike got all the drums done on the track and started into the 30 minute epic... why is there always a 30 minute epic? Anyway I digress. So here at the end of the day Mike all of a sudden got this major inspiration to do something at the top of the song in the intro! Something about Xanadu... but I'll just leave it at that! Anyhow there are about 7 more songs left and most are much shorter so we should get through quite a bit tomorrow! One thing you can expect is... while we probably won;t do any covers... one of the main tracks will be a remake of a song from 1969 (?) and it is pretty cool! You wouldn't know the song from hearing our remake but you would know it by the lyrics of course but the music is totally progged out! I will say while everyone here is amazingly talented... Bill Hubauer is a particular genius when it comes to creating an arrangement! His contributions to this record are phenomenal! Eric Gillette is on fire and brings some incredible guitar work as well as his own brilliant arrangements! One of my favorite moments on the album is from his demo! I can't wait to get this thing mixed and out! And better yet... I can't wait to hit the road with it! Dates are being sorted out as we speak! Of course that will be in 2015! I'm toast so back to my hotel room and chill and watch some Netflix and then zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....!
Quote
Day 6: The day started with Mike and Jerry working on what had already been tracked... just dialing it in better. Then Mike jumped into a couple new things. The first is an 11 minute roller coaster ride that Bill arranged of a classic song from 1968. yeah it's a cover but not in the usual sense. This one, while based on the themes of the original sound nothing like the original. You're probably saying...what? Yes one of the main songs is a remake. Not a bonus disc feature... Both Mike and Bill felt strongly about that and Neal went for it... The other song is one of the shorter more poppy songs that has a bit of a funky / sludgy feel to it. It is a cool song though! Think Simon and Garfunkel meet the Hollies, but definitely a little more proggy than that. We settled on 7 songs of the 9 that were on the table. We would do all 9 but the 7 add up to about 70 minutes or so. The verdict is still out on whether or not there will be a bonus disc. But Mike flies out tomorrow night so it will depend on how much we accomplish. The 7 songs is the priority. I think we have drums for 6 in the can as of now. The rest of the week will be the 4 of us writing and recording some bits that are still blank but now have drums that will dictate what happens in those spaces. Things like riffs and unison phrases that tie parts together. Neal has also been working on lyrics as we work. Anyhow that's about it for now. Things are winding down so maybe I'll add one more update in a couple days depending on if there is anything interesting to to tell!
Quote
September 24
Final wrap: I'm headed back to LA tomorrow! It's been a long run! But what a great album in the making! Everyone brought such a great vibe and attitude toward it and remained really open to ideas! I tracked bass last night to one of the songs with the working title of the Great Experiment. It's a drop D vibe and I used my friend Mark Roberts 8 String Kramer! I also used my Tech 21 NYC Red Ripper pedal to get that low grungy King's X kind of vibe to it. Really cool song. What's funny is that Neal wrote it the second day and of course it had a real Neal sort of vibe with the keyboard and what not... Mike said he wanted to hear the main riff on guitar so Eric rocked it on guitar and it totally opened up the song... Mike was really instrumental in the direction it went from there! Neal probably never expected his idea to take that direction! But he loves it now! I think he's excited as so many things are different than what he normally goes for. But he has been great in letting things take shape as they seem to want. In the end he knows it will be for the best! I have stems copied onto my thumb drive and I can't wait to dive into them at home! I already plan to use my Wilkins 65 P Bass on a couple of songs! Unfortunately I am not sure I'll have much time before the Flying Colors tour starts! Everyone flies into LA on Sunday night to start rehearsals on Monday! I might find some time next week to knock a couple things out... but the bulk of it won't happen til I get back from Europe. Same for Neal. Eric is getting married and honeymooning so he won't get to things until about the same time. Bill is the only one that can start working on things right away! It will be good to have his finished tracks to work with though! We are trying to get it all done by Nov 1st to hand off to Rich for mixing! Anyhow I look forward to coming in a blasting through the new Bass Amp we just got here in the studio! It just arrived today! It's an Ampeg SVT 4 Pro with a 4 x 10 cab and a 1 x 15 cab! I bought one too so I'll have to un-box it when I get home as mine arrived while I have been here! Hopefully I'll have time to take it over to the rehearsal studio to make some noise this weekend!

So judging by these posts, we can see a few facts:
-They had written 9 songs, but the final album only has 5, with 3 on the bonus disc. Where's the 9th song?!
-Randy says there were 7 songs as a priority, so I wonder which 2 got cut from the album?
-The two epics are of the 20~ minute and 30~ minute length.
-And if 7 songs added up to 70 minutes, with 50+ of those from 2 epics alone, the remaining 3 songs add up to less than 20 minutes.
-"Waterfall", which made it to the album, was a song by Bill.
-At least one song was brought in by Eric as a demo.
-"The Grand Experiment" was once called "The Great Experiment", written by Neal in studio.
-One of the tracks is an 11-minute cover of a 1968 song, arranged by Bill. Not sure if this track made it to the album or not, but Randy said Mike and Bill really wanted it for the album and he says it would be included, but we can deduct that it's title is either "Agenda", "Following The Call", or "Alive Again".

That's all I've got for now. Can anyone figure out what the cover song is and who it's by now that we know the tracklist?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 11, 2014, 03:08:02 PM
That's strange, I thought I saw the entire timeline of Waterfall via Neal's Tweetsecret. From early demo's to writing lyrics. I really thought it was cool that you could follow the path from idea to full song. But apparently it was Bill's idea. I don't know what to think of that cover though, but we'll see.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 18, 2014, 07:04:16 PM
Thanks to BurningShed for posting their pre-order page for Neal's new album, now we have MORE information regarding this upcoming sure-to-be-masterpiece!

https://www.burningshed.com/store/InsideOutMusic/product/523/6345/

Quote
Featuring Neal Morse and his long-time friend and collaborator Mike Portnoy, The Grand Experiment contains 5 tracks, including 2 epics that highlight Morse's accessible song writing as well as providing a showcase for some stunning virtuoso performances.

Special edition double cd with making of dvd in digipak.

Pre-order for February 16th release.
preorder ($29.55 USD)


Tracks
CD 1:   

1. Following the Call (10:15)
2. The Grand Experiment (5:30)
3. Waterfall (6:32)
4. Agenda (3:45)
5. Alive Again (26:42)

CD 2:   

1. New Jerusalem (Freedom is Coming) (6:50)
2. Doomsday Destiny (5:27)
3. MacArthur Park (10:50)
4. The Creation (Recorded Live at Morsefest) (18:15)
5. Reunion (Recorded Live at Morsefest) (9:23)

DVD:

The Making Of The Grand Experiment (44.39)

Interesting that when their original press-release came out from Radiant Records, I suspected the first and last tracks to be epics, but not 10 and 26 minutes. Maybe I'm used to expecting MORE from Neal? :lol

I was thinking a 15-20 minute epic opener, and a 30 minute epic closer, but what we have doesn't look too shabby either. The main album looks to be a rather SHORT 52:44. I think this is his shortest album since the ? album. The 3 non-album bonus tracks add up to 23:07, so they really could have been on the main album (totalling to 75:51). I wonder what made Neal/the band decide to hold back 3 tracks from the main album?. Hmmmm...either way, my CD-r copy will contain all 8 songs on it since it'll fit.

Also, now we know the mystery cover song, which eventually did NOT make the final main album - "MacArthur Park"!!! And it's a 10-minute epic now! WHOA! I cannot wait to hear that. I'm not tangentially familiar with the original, so this might be a real treat for me!

I'm also a bit confused as to why we got "Reunion" from the One set? I understand getting "The Creation" as we haven't had a live recording of that with Mike and Randy (or the rest of the band), but Neal released "Reunion" on his Testimony 2: Live In Los Angeles album a few years back. I kind of wish we had gotten "Help Me / The Spirit And The Flesh", or "The Man's Gone", or "Father Of Forgiveness". Ah well, beggars can't be choosers. Hopefully they'll release the WHOLE One concert at some point, or at least the other tracks that aren't "The Creation" and "Reunion".

Anyways, feel free to discuss. I'm excited for this album! Eight new Neal Morse songs (well, 7 and a cover) to digest and love!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on January 03, 2015, 03:05:12 PM
There is a good chance I will go to the NYC show.

I'll be in New York if Rush doesn't announce a tour first.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on January 03, 2015, 06:50:15 PM
Only a week until pre-orders begin at Radiant records.  Makes me think they'll release the video they have ready probably sometime next week?  Just a guess.  I guess I don't really care when they do, I'll have the whole album next month already :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 03, 2015, 08:04:57 PM
Only a week until pre-orders begin at Radiant records.  Makes me think they'll release the video they have ready probably sometime next week?  Just a guess.  I guess I don't really care when they do, I'll have the whole album next month already :)

Neal did mention that he'd have the video out around the time of pre-orders, so I'd assume sometime next week. I gotta wake up early on next Saturday to pre-order. I wonder if there will be any specials announced, as he does, with the first XXX-number of orders, like a signed album, or a signed poster, or just a plain poster of the album art, etc. etc.

Either way, I'll be getting the Super Special Limited Deluxe Edition with all the works...which I think just comes down to the album, the bonus disc, and the Making Of DVD documentary, which is all fine and dandy enough for me.

I'm still itching to hear their 10 minute cover of "MacArthur Park" that Bill brought in. And of course, "Alive Again" as the album's closing epic - I wonder how it will stack up against the likes of "World Without End", "Seeds Of Gold" and "So Many Roads"? I expect an overture, a main theme that's repeated twice (once in the middle, again at the end), an acoustic guitar section, and a piano solo. :rollin

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on January 06, 2015, 10:36:24 AM
TGE Preorder moved to Jan 13th. Neal forgot the 10th was a Saturday.  :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 06, 2015, 11:19:12 AM
TGE Preorder moved to Jan 13th. Neal forgot the 10th was a Saturday.  :rollin

 :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:

Great. Meanwhile, Burningshed still has their pre-orders up, although their release date is February 16th, 6 days later than Radiant's release date.
https://www.burningshed.com/store/InsideOutMusic/product/523/6345/

I'm still waiting on Radiant's prices and if there's going to be any incentive(s) for pre-ordering, as there usually is.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on January 06, 2015, 01:48:13 PM
TGE Video being released tomorrow too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on January 06, 2015, 01:48:17 PM
I'm just going to buy the cd in a store. Not making the same mistake again as with TA's new live album. If I want to buy the deluxe edition, I want to buy the deluxe edition. Not some sort of cheaper version. I want to be able to check the packing before I buy.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 06, 2015, 04:58:46 PM
I'm just going to buy the cd in a store. Not making the same mistake again as with TA's new live album. If I want to buy the deluxe edition, I want to buy the deluxe edition. Not some sort of cheaper version. I want to be able to check the packing before I buy.

Did you order through Radiant? I warned everyone here that Radiant's version would be cheaper compared to Inside Out's sturdier version. The same thing happened with Whirld Tour 2010, and the same thing happened again with KaLIVEoscope.

The only reason I ordered from Radiant was to get the signed lithograph, which is pretty fantastic, but I still plan on getting the Inside Out version eventually.

As for studio albums, I think IO does digibooks while Radiant usually does jewel cases or digipaks that unfold. Take Momentum for instance:
(https://img9.ph.126.net/rz8ppYkNfJ8XOLLZQ8FzrQ==/6597616223935212829.jpg)
Here's Radiant's version, a tri-fold digipak that folds up in itself, with the booklet sliding into the pocket of the front cover (left panel)

(https://www.insideoutshop.de/images/products/large/0IO01019_634814093132826762.jpg)
(https://www.insideoutshop.de/images/products/large/0IO01019_634814093204118887.jpg)
Here's Inside Out's version, which features a larger-sized digibook with the booklet stapled into the book-case.

However, having ordered it from Radiant, I was able to get my copy signed by Neal, Mike and Randy, all on the front cover. I kind of like the standard-sized digipaks better since they look nice with all the jewelcases of the same size. The digibooks are sturdy and nice for what they are, but the OCD-part of me likes all the albums to "look" the same, and so all of my Neal Morse stuff has come from Radiant, mostly because I pre-order on the 1st day to try and get their incentives (typically a free poster, signed, or the album signed).

I like Neal's work a lot, but I haven't gone out of my way to get Inside Out's versions of his albums. And I feel a bit better than the money I spend on Radiant's website pretty much goes straight to Neal and his band(s). There are a few times where I'll buy a product from Radiant and later get the nicer version from Inside Out (Transatlantic being the main reason), but as for Neal's solo albums, I'm fine with what they produce.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 07, 2015, 08:20:44 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JkEf9qsAYE

New music video for the album's title track! Reminds me of classic SB for some reason.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 07, 2015, 08:31:13 AM
That was kinda ordinary. Neal's strength have always been the epics, so I can't wait for the full album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 07, 2015, 09:09:39 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JkEf9qsAYE

New music video for the album's title track! Reminds me of classic SB for some reason.

-Marc.

Wow, I REALLY like it!  :tup

I have only recently realized that, while Neal is one of my favorite artists and I love a lot of Neal's albums, I cannot really point to a lot of individual songs on his solo work that I truly love.  When he is working on a grand concept, like Testimony, One, or SS, the songs themselves shine in the context of the entire concept, even if they may not be strong standalone songs.  This is one of the things that made Lifeline such a disappointment for me.  I feel that that turned around a bit with Momentum.  There are some really strong individual songs on that album.  This new one seems to fit the bill as well, which makes me more optimistic about this album than I previously was.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 07, 2015, 09:56:00 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JkEf9qsAYE

New music video for the album's title track! Reminds me of classic SB for some reason.

-Marc.

Wow, I REALLY like it!  :tup

I have only recently realized that, while Neal is one of my favorite artists and I love a lot of Neal's albums, I cannot really point to a lot of individual songs on his solo work that I truly love.  When he is working on a grand concept, like Testimony, One, or SS, the songs themselves shine in the context of the entire concept, even if they may not be strong standalone songs.  This is one of the things that made Lifeline such a disappointment for me.  I feel that that turned around a bit with Momentum.  There are some really strong individual songs on that album.  This new one seems to fit the bill as well, which makes me more optimistic about this album than I previously was.

Good point. A lot of what the first five SB albums did was make songs that really stood out from each other, especially the first three albums, while DFN was a bit more homogeneous to my ears, V kind of fixed that by having only 6 songs.

I'll agree with you about Lifeline, which really only had 4 stand-out tracks; the title track, "Leviathan", "So Many Roads" and "Fly High". The rest was a bit more forgettable, although the two bonus-disc originals were pretty nice and IMO, should have replaced the other 3 tracks on the album.

Momentum set the record straight by offering 6 unique songs that really did stand out from each other. I distinctly remember each one, from the rocking title-track, to the "Thoughts" sequel (a highlight for me), to the quirky "Freak", the SB-ish rocker "Weathering Sky" with its great sing-along chorus, the ballad-esque "Smoke And Mirrors", and of course, the epic closer "World Without End", which had some surprisingly good themes in it.

I am glad The Grand Experiment (main album) will only feature 5 songs, although having all 8 on the album would've made it about 75 minutes long (the usual length of a Neal Morse album). We get to digest 5 songs a bit easier and I think it'll help those 5 stand out, although I see no problem with the title track being a stand out track, or the two longer tracks (the opening epic "Following The Call" or the closing epic "Alive Again"). I'm willing to bet the other two shorter tracks are a proggy-like tune and a ballad, just for variety's sake. Wait....bookending epics, three short songs in the middle...where have I seen that formula before.... ;)

Anyways, I am excited for this one! I look forward to hearing how the other 2 guys mix it up with the whole band with Bill on keys and other instruments, and Eric's guitar leads. I mean, we've heard them live, but as a creative output in the studio is a bit different, so this "grand experiment" sure has me anticipating the outcome!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 07, 2015, 11:28:18 AM
Also, the following information has now been posted on Radiant's page for the album:

Quote
Pre-orders begin January 13th, 2015

*First 100 Special Edition preorders will be signed by Neal!*

Don't wait to get your's!

Album release date is February 10th, 2015

And the prices:

Quote
Main audio disc
$14.99 (USD)

3 Disc Special Edition Digipak
Contains the main audio disc, bonus audio disc featuring 3 unreleased studio tracks and 2 live tracks from the phenominal [Morse]fest weekend, and a "making of" documentary DVD in special packaging
$24.99 (USD)

LP + 2CD Set
 Containing single LP, main audio disc, and bonus audio disc
$29.99 (USD)

Not a bad price. Burningshed has their version up at $28.45 right now, a few bucks more than Radiant's, although Burningshed won't offer a signed exclusive like Radiant usually does, so with that in mind, I will still wake up early on Tuesday morning and pre-order then. While I'm at it, I might pick up the Mediabook version of Enchant's last album (which I haven't gotten yet). So glad I got paid today!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: TAC on January 07, 2015, 03:43:29 PM
Spock's Beard fan? No
Neal Morse? No
Transatlantic? No
Flying Colors? Hell No


BUT I REALLY LIKE THAT SONG! :tup
Reminds me of Styx.

I doubt very much that I'll buy this, but on the strength of this song, I will absolutely check out the rest of the album on Youtube or such. Hoping I'll be pleasantly surprised. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 07, 2015, 05:55:54 PM
This is REALLY a great song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 07, 2015, 06:16:16 PM
Spock's Beard fan? No
Neal Morse? No
Transatlantic? No
Flying Colors? Hell No


BUT I REALLY LIKE THAT SONG! :tup
Reminds me of Styx.

I doubt very much that I'll buy this, but on the strength of this song, I will absolutely check out the rest of the album on Youtube or such. Hoping I'll be pleasantly surprised. :)

Hearing the Styx comparison here isn't the first time I've read it. I've seen a few people on Facebook make that comparison, and I hear it very much in the chorus. The bridge vocal was kind of Beatles-y too. Lots of rock influences from Neal in this one, and I like it a lot! Just listened to it again at home with headphones on, rather than the crappy monitor speakers I had at work earlier today. This one rocks hard, and I'm sure it'll sound great live when they tour on it soon!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on January 07, 2015, 07:31:14 PM
Haha, the first time I heard it I first thought Styx...  I'm kinda convinced it's only because of the Styx song The Grand Illusion (one of my fav Styx songs).  Only from the similar title, not from the sound.  I could be wrong of course.

After a few listens I am really, really digging the song.  First listen I thought it was good, not great, and chalked it up to my usual experience of the first single on an album being one of my least favorites from the album.  That happens a lot.  I NEVER judge an album by the pre-release single for this reason.  But it is growing quickly.  Getting excited for the whole album!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 07, 2015, 07:45:08 PM
Listened twice.  Yeah, that chorus is gonna be stuck in my head for days. :lol :biggrin:

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on January 07, 2015, 08:09:49 PM
After plenty of listens for me it's about on par with the song Momentum as a first single.  I initially thought that the song Momentum was better, but I'm just not so sure.  This song is really good.  I will have it stuck in my head too haha.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on January 08, 2015, 08:19:08 AM
Not a bad price. Burningshed has their version up at $28.45 right now, a few bucks more than Radiant's, although Burningshed won't offer a signed exclusive like Radiant usually does, so with that in mind, I will still wake up early on Tuesday morning and pre-order then. While I'm at it, I might pick up the Mediabook version of Enchant's last album (which I haven't gotten yet). So glad I got paid today!

-Marc.

I think their weekday preorders usually start at 10AM CST unless specified otherwise.


Also Randy George.. man you look bored up there like you don't even want to be standing up.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 08, 2015, 04:39:46 PM
He always looks like that on stage.  :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on January 08, 2015, 04:46:45 PM
Damn that song is good!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 08, 2015, 04:49:44 PM
He always looks like that on stage.  :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on January 09, 2015, 12:25:00 AM
I really liked that song. I may pick up this album when it comes out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Moor on January 09, 2015, 02:57:44 AM
Eric Gillette playing a JP Music Man guitar :metal

Hope that we will not read in the coming days something like ... somebody came to my video shooting with a JP Music Man guitar...REALLY???  Please try to use some sensibility/sensitivity when choosing a guitar for an MP event.

Just kiddin  :biggrin: :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 09, 2015, 05:38:52 AM
 :lol  :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on January 09, 2015, 11:41:37 AM
9AM CST for the preorders

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on January 09, 2015, 06:40:09 PM
Eric Gillette playing a JP Music Man guitar :metal

Hope that we will not read in the coming days something like ... somebody came to my video shooting with a JP Music Man guitar...REALLY???  Please try to use some sensibility/sensitivity when choosing a guitar for an MP event.

Just kiddin  :biggrin: :biggrin:
It's ok, that model came out while MP was still in the band.

If it was a JP Majesty, there'd be problems. :p
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: finn the fisherman on January 12, 2015, 09:59:11 AM
Will be waiting with mild  anticipation on his new solo release.It does contain his usual two epics ,which is Morse all over! His solo output has been frighteningly consistent,and for that we should be happy.I must admit I was worried when he quit Spocks Beard back in the day,but,as he was the chief song writer i now understand his decision.
My only slight worry on this release ,is that the two epics  are better than the two that graced the Transatlantic album,Kaleidoscope,which were pretty average ,as was the whole album! Maybe he's saving his best material for The Grand Experiment?  Though I'm sure I read somewhere that all members have contributed to this album in the writing  process.
If it's as good as Sola Scriptura,my favourite,then I'll be happy!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 12, 2015, 10:37:11 AM
IIRC, Neal said he went into the studio with no prepared demos to start with. It was also noted that both Eric and Bill brought material in, and I suppose everything else was written in the studio. It's been awhile since Neal has done this (or maybe even the first time!) So the results should be interesting! Hopefully we get more of Eric and Bill in the music now that they're part of the band proper. Funny how Neal has a line up comparable to Spock's Beard - Neal, a drummer/vocalist, a dedicated guitarist, a dedicated keyboardist, a bassist, and Neal. And I think Bill also does vocals. Funny how things feel full circle sometimes. I hope Neal sticks with this line up for a couple more albums!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Moor on January 13, 2015, 02:40:19 AM
What happened with the Brazilian guitarist that was hired by NM and played the Momentum album? If I remember well, he is an ordinary guy who was hired due to his youtube videos.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 13, 2015, 05:07:46 AM
Oh yeah, that guy did a tremendous solo on World without end.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on January 13, 2015, 07:23:07 AM
They just added 2 new options to the preorder

3 Disc Digipak of TGE + KaLIVEoscope  Special edition.
3 Disc Special Edition Digipak + KaLIVEoscope Ltd. Edition Box Set

AAAAAAAAND the site is now down.  :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on January 13, 2015, 08:00:31 AM
Order Date: 1/13/2015 8:59:45 AM
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: countoftuscany42 on January 13, 2015, 08:01:59 AM
ordered the deluxe version the second the add to cart button appeared  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on January 13, 2015, 08:02:09 AM
Order Date: 1/13/2015 8:59:45 AM

Order Date: 1/13/2015 9:00:07 AM
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 13, 2015, 08:02:49 AM
Order Date: 1/13/2015 8:59:45 AM

Order Number: 60666   
Order Status: Processing
Order Date: 1/13/2015 10:00:25 AM

WOOHOO!!! Hoping to get a signed one. I've been sitting on the site like a hawk for the last 5-10 minutes anyway, refreshing every few seconds for the last few minutes. Noticed the 3-disc Special Edition popped up first before anything else and I rushed to order like no one's business!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on January 13, 2015, 08:03:34 AM
Order Date: 1/13/2015 8:59:45 AM

Order Number: 60666   
Order Status: Processing
Order Date: 1/13/2015 10:00:25 AM

WOOHOO!!! Hoping to get a signed one. I've been sitting on the site like a hawk for the last 5-10 minutes anyway, refreshing every few seconds for the last few minutes. Noticed the 3-disc Special Edition popped up first before anything else and I rushed to order like no one's business!!!

-Marc.

Damn they are moving fast. I'm 60629.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 13, 2015, 08:19:55 AM
Order Date: 1/13/2015 8:59:45 AM

Order Number: 60666   
Order Status: Processing
Order Date: 1/13/2015 10:00:25 AM

WOOHOO!!! Hoping to get a signed one. I've been sitting on the site like a hawk for the last 5-10 minutes anyway, refreshing every few seconds for the last few minutes. Noticed the 3-disc Special Edition popped up first before anything else and I rushed to order like no one's business!!!

-Marc.

Damn they are moving fast. I'm 60629.

Yeah, no kidding! In a matter of about 40 seconds, 36 other orders were placed between yours and mine! :o
That's nearly one order per second! I'm betting the 1st hundred were gone before 10:01:30 AM even hit.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on January 13, 2015, 08:33:26 AM
Where are you guys seeing the timestamp?

I think mine was right around 10:00:00 ET, but I'm not seeing it. In any event I think I'm looking good with my order #60631. Only seen one better so far (Mindflux beat me by two orders!)

EDIT: Nevermind, I see it
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Art on January 13, 2015, 08:50:34 AM
Really cool song! Now im hyped for the album!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on January 13, 2015, 08:51:34 AM
Order Date: 1/13/2015 9:00:07 AM
I had order #60635

Hoping I get a signed one and looks like I will looking at your order numbers.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 13, 2015, 09:05:15 AM
Looking at all of our orders...(all times adjusted to EST)

Order Number: 60629                           Mindflux
Order Date: 1/13/2015 9:59:45 AM

Order Number: 60631                           OpenYourEyes311
Order Date: 1/13/2015 10:00:00 AM

Order Number: 60635                           goo-goo
Order Date: 1/13/2015 10:00:07 AM

Order Number: 60666                           The Letter M
Order Date: 1/13/2015 10:00:25 AM

Wow...you guys are QUICK. Now I'm worried I just missed the 100 mark. :-\ Ah well, if I don't get it, it's alright. I won't be too miffed by it.

Between Mindflux and goo-goo, there were only 5 orders in the span of 22 seconds, but between goo-goo and I, in the span of 18 seconds, there were 30 orders. Quite the leap there! With that in mind, I'm sure the first 100 were all gone before 10:00:30 AM.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on January 13, 2015, 10:11:39 AM
Between Mindflux and goo-goo, there were only 5 orders in the span of 22 seconds, but between goo-goo and I, in the span of 18 seconds, there were 30 orders. Quite the leap there! With that in mind, I'm sure the first 100 were all gone before 10:00:30 AM.

-Marc.

Yep. Remember radiant sells world wide, so it's just the US competing for those first 100. 

I do think that they should mention they are past the signed preorder stage after that happens (a few minutes in) so that people aren't buying with a false sense of hope for that signed artwork or whatever.


Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 13, 2015, 11:24:40 AM
Between Mindflux and goo-goo, there were only 5 orders in the span of 22 seconds, but between goo-goo and I, in the span of 18 seconds, there were 30 orders. Quite the leap there! With that in mind, I'm sure the first 100 were all gone before 10:00:30 AM.

-Marc.

Yep. Remember radiant sells world wide, so it's just the US competing for those first 100. 

Wait...what? That's confusing. Did you mean "so it's NOT just the US"??

I do think that they should mention they are past the signed preorder stage after that happens (a few minutes in) so that people aren't buying with a false sense of hope for that signed artwork or whatever.

I think that's the point, actually. :lol
Radiant is the SOURCE, it's Neal's record label, and they've done these promotions for the longest time to try and get the bulk of pre-orders in from fans. Nowadays, a lot of other websites, especially internationally, offer pre-orders, like the aforementioned BurningShed, and their versions are the European ones, which come from the Inside Out record label. And if you recall my previous posts in this thread and the Transatlantic threads, the Inside Out versions of Neal's albums typically have BETTER packaging - digibooks with hard covers as opposed to digipaks, things like that. Neal offers these "signed item" specials in hopes to get a ton of pre-orders so they can make more money right out of the gate. And I don't blame him! This is his livelihood, which is why I do not mind spending money on Radiant, even for slightly inferior product, but if I can get it signed, then I'm happy with the packaging even more!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on January 13, 2015, 11:43:21 AM
Between Mindflux and goo-goo, there were only 5 orders in the span of 22 seconds, but between goo-goo and I, in the span of 18 seconds, there were 30 orders. Quite the leap there! With that in mind, I'm sure the first 100 were all gone before 10:00:30 AM.

-Marc.

Yep. Remember radiant sells world wide, so it's just the US competing for those first 100. 

Wait...what? That's confusing. Did you mean "so it's NOT just the US"??

I do think that they should mention they are past the signed preorder stage after that happens (a few minutes in) so that people aren't buying with a false sense of hope for that signed artwork or whatever.

I think that's the point, actually. :lol
Radiant is the SOURCE, it's Neal's record label, and they've done these promotions for the longest time to try and get the bulk of pre-orders in from fans. Nowadays, a lot of other websites, especially internationally, offer pre-orders, like the aforementioned BurningShed, and their versions are the European ones, which come from the Inside Out record label. And if you recall my previous posts in this thread and the Transatlantic threads, the Inside Out versions of Neal's albums typically have BETTER packaging - digibooks with hard covers as opposed to digipaks, things like that. Neal offers these "signed item" specials in hopes to get a ton of pre-orders so they can make more money right out of the gate. And I don't blame him! This is his livelihood, which is why I do not mind spending money on Radiant, even for slightly inferior product, but if I can get it signed, then I'm happy with the packaging even more!

-Marc.

I felt ripped off when I saw the pictures you posted comparing the European editions vs the Neal editions. I may someday hunt down the European and sell the american version.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on January 13, 2015, 01:28:52 PM
Yeah same here. I'll wait until I can see which version I'm gonna buy. I want to hold it in my hands first. I mean, I've got the European version of Whirld Tour, and the American version of Kaliveoscope, and the difference is huge.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on January 13, 2015, 02:43:37 PM

Wait...what? That's confusing. Did you mean "so it's NOT just the US"??

Err yes. NOT just the US.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on January 14, 2015, 07:12:16 AM
https://www.tollbooth.org/index.php/home/music-reviews/1421-neal-morse-band-the-the-grand-experiment

Early Review
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on January 14, 2015, 07:58:46 AM
Quote from: radiant
Yesterday was a record breaking day here at Radiant! The first 24 hrs of The Grand Experiment pre-sales blasted our record for the highest one day sales in Radiant history! What?!?! We have the BEST fans in Prog music! Now we can't wait to see The Neal Morse Band head out for what's sure to be a record breaking tour!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 15, 2015, 05:51:53 PM
For all the Inner Circle members here (which is how many? I'd actually like to know! :lol ), this month's disc will be the Making Of ?, video and sound compiled from the sessions of Neal's 3rd (5th?) solo album, the 12-part epic known as the Question Mark album.

There's a video preview on Radiant's website, and it looks good! It's weird seeing Mike and Randy so YOUNG from an album's sessions that date back about a decade this year! Crazy that it's been almost that long since ? came out. This video makes me want to listen to the album now. Definitely one of Neal's better works. If they do another MORSEfest again (which I think Neal said they were looking into it), they should definitely play this album in its entirety this year, ESPECIALLY because it'll be 10 years old!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on January 16, 2015, 03:05:27 PM
Those making of DVD's are the best. The making of One was awesome, and this will be too, no doubt. I believe that with this coming DVD we will have making off's of all NM albums since Testimony, right?

PS. And all TA albums since Bridge...

PPS. And both flying colors albums, though I haven't seen those

PPPS. Are there more?

PPPPS. I forgot Sola Scriptura and Lifeline, I guess they'll be future IC releases.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 16, 2015, 04:02:49 PM
PPPPS. I forgot Sola Scriptura and Lifeline, I guess they'll be future IC releases.

This. I assume they'll get released eventually. I know they recorded stuff (as Mike and Neal always do, but Neal put some SS studio stuff on his YouTube back then), so there's probably footage lying around in his archives that Randy will eventually sort through. I'd LOVE to see the Making of Sola Scriptura!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on January 17, 2015, 07:02:11 PM
So excited for the new album!  Haven't ordered it yet, will probably do next Friday as I'll have some overtime pay on my check.  I wish I could go to a store and pick it up on release day.  That's an awesome experience...  And unfortunately I think Dream Theater is the only band I'm really into that I get to do that with!!!

Stupid reviews are giving me such high hopes!!! Haha, I don't think I can be let down, though.  I think "?" is the only album that ever actually disappointed me by Neal.  (it's good, just not my cup of tea?)  Every other album has met or exceeded expectation.  Looking back on Neal's career, I'd have to say Testimony 2 was probably my personal highlight.  So delighted to see a sequel to his first Testimony.  And it sounded so fresh and had so many awesome songs!

Last thought: I can't wait to hear the long epic from the new album!  I always love the epics and feel confident this one will be awesome.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 17, 2015, 07:32:54 PM
So excited for the new album!  Haven't ordered it yet, will probably do next Friday as I'll have some overtime pay on my check.  I wish I could go to a store and pick it up on release day.  That's an awesome experience...  And unfortunately I think Dream Theater is the only band I'm really into that I get to do that with!!!

I wish I could do that, too, but since Sola Scriptura, I've always ordered my albums right from Radiant Records. In fact, I've rarely seen Neal's music in any stores (be it solo, with SB, with TA, with FC, or anyone), which is a damn shame because he is a great musician with a keen ear for melody and hooks.

Stupid reviews are giving me such high hopes!!! Haha, I don't think I can be let down, though.  I think "?" is the only album that ever actually disappointed me by Neal.  (it's good, just not my cup of tea?)  Every other album has met or exceeded expectation.  Looking back on Neal's career, I'd have to say Testimony 2 was probably my personal highlight.  So delighted to see a sequel to his first Testimony.  And it sounded so fresh and had so many awesome songs!

T2 was pretty amazing! I love taking the time to spin both T1 and T2 together - it creates an AMAZING 3+ hour listening experience. Do you really not click with ? that much? Did you enjoy Lifeline more than it? I find LL to be my least favorite of his since Testimony - it was an attempt to be a song-based album rather than a conceptual piece like his previous 4 works had been, and because of that, its strengths (the title track, "Leviathan", and the epic "So Many Roads") stand out in a sea of mediocre tracks, but at the time it came out, I felt like they bogged the whole album down. Neal didn't get this formula right until Momentum, which for me, as a non-conceptual album, is the better of those two. I'm hoping Neal continues that trend with The Grand Experiment.

Last thought: I can't wait to hear the long epic from the new album!  I always love the epics and feel confident this one will be awesome.

YES! His epics never disappoint me, be it with SB or TA, or his solo works, they're always magnificent. Songs like "So Many Roads", "Seeds Of Gold" and "World Without End" are all amazing, have incredible themes and motifs, some catchy choruses and hooks, and just display some of the best musicianship he and his bandmates record. I know it's awfully stereotypical of me to be a progger who loves long, multi-part epics, but when it comes to Neal, he just does them right for me! "Alive Again" sounds like it'll be another winner in a long string of epics!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 17, 2015, 08:24:44 PM
Lifeline wasn't that great, but I still think it was better than Songs from November, which was similar to It's Not Too Late: it all sounded nice, but very little of either demanded frequent rotation in my CD player.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on January 17, 2015, 09:01:49 PM
I'll never understand the dislike for Lifeline. Maybe it's because it was my first Neal album, but it may be my favorite, except for T2 probably. No love for Children of the Chosen? The Way Home? God's Love? These are GREAT songs!! Very melodic, he's singing right from the heart... I love it. On top of that the best epic he's ever done in So Many Roads!! It seems like I'm the only one who thinks this way. It's not a problem, I just think it's weird.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 17, 2015, 09:11:13 PM
I like Lifeline, but I don't love it.  So Many Roads is definitely pretty great, and despite needing some editing, the title track is very good.  Nothing else on it really sticks with me.  None of it is bad, but it's just kind of there. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 17, 2015, 10:57:44 PM
None of it is bad, but it's just kind of there.

Pretty much my feelings about Lifeline. It's kind of there, but it still has some great moments. I'll spin it tonight before going to bed (as I usually put an album on to go to sleep with). I really do like the bonus track originals, though, and feel like they should've been included with the main album, although it was already nearly 70 minutes long. "Sometimes He Waits" was about as good as anything else on the album (as far as short songs go), but "Set The Kingdom" has some great parts. I kind of wish they'd actually play it live with Portnoy, though, since it was Collin Leijenaar who recorded drums for it on the album version.

That bonus/hidden track, though...THAT was pretty good. :tup

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 18, 2015, 04:08:09 AM
I love So many roads, it's pretty much as great as his other epics.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on January 18, 2015, 02:12:37 PM
I think I don't care for "?" because it's a concept album and I just fail to connect with the lyrics.  Being a Neal fan, I'm obviously used to, and even love, concept albums.  But there's just so much there (solid as the sun, burn it in the fire, other lyrical stuff, etc) that just doesn't do it for me at all, and I'm a huge lyric guy.

Another example is Scenes from a Memory.  I don't like the story at all, and I just never listen to the album.  I listen to pretty much every other DT album though.  Even "The Spirit Carries On", for example.  Totally awesome song.  And then at the end the random line about Victoria being real, it totally kills the momentum for me.

Obviously these are just my opinions.  I get why people like the albums, as everyone likes what they like for different reasons.

As for Lifeline, I really don't like that album so much.  There's a couple decent songs, and I love So Many Roads.  But, going with my lyric theme, I can't stand Leviathan (probably my least favorite Neal song).  It's second place above ? if I were to rank the solo prog Neal albums.  T1, T2, Sola, and One will probably always be the big four for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 19, 2015, 08:51:33 AM
I like Lifeline quite a bit.  I think the title track, Leviathan, and the three acoustic-based songs are fantastic.  So Many Roads is OK, but not great, and I don't like Fly High at all.  I think that, in contrast with its title, it never takes off, and stays flat on the ground.

I like Lifeline better than Testimony 2, easily.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on January 19, 2015, 12:29:48 PM
I like Lifeline quite a bit.  I think the title track, Leviathan, and the three acoustic-based songs are fantastic.  So Many Roads is OK, but not great, and I don't like Fly High at all.  I think that, in contrast with its title, it never takes off, and stays flat on the ground.

I like Lifeline better than Testimony 2, easily.

I must be misunderstanding that last thing you're saying there, Hef.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 19, 2015, 01:10:40 PM
No, I don't think so.  I haven't been able to get into Testimony 2.  It's got its moments, for sure, but I don't think it measures up to Testimony at all, or to any of his other concept albums.  It just falls flat for me, no connection whatsoever.

I much prefer Disc 2 to Disc 1.  I love Seeds of Gold, and the other two songs aren't bad either.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 19, 2015, 01:37:23 PM
No, I don't think so.  I haven't been able to get into Testimony 2.  It's got its moments, for sure, but I don't think it measures up to Testimony at all, or to any of his other concept albums.  It just falls flat for me, no connection whatsoever.

I much prefer Disc 2 to Disc 1.  I love Seeds of Gold, and the other two songs aren't bad either.

I can see how one might feel that way. For me, it was the opposite with LL/T2. The former fell flat for me aside from the few songs I mentioned before, including the epic, but when T2 came out, the main album blew me away. The opening tracks were catchy and powerful, the return of some themes from T1 were welcomed, and the over-all concept was nice. I also loved the Spock's Beard vocal reunion that appeared on the album. And yes, the 2nd disc is pretty stellar, too, with the epic "Seeds Of Gold".

I'd say T2 was a return to form for me with Neal's music, and he's only gone in the right directions ever since.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on January 20, 2015, 01:46:55 AM
I think I was just really happy with T2 at the time. After finding '?' a bit less than the mighty One, and Sola didn't do much for me, and Lifeline after that wasn't any good at all really, I somehow thought Neal's most creative days were over. I was amazed that he found a way through and made such a great album at that point in his career. (Especially after writing a very large portion of The Whirlwind just before)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on January 20, 2015, 10:24:23 AM
I think I was just really happy with T2 at the time. After finding '?' a bit less than the mighty One, and Sola didn't do much for me, and Lifeline after that wasn't any good at all really, I somehow thought Neal's most creative days were over. I was amazed that he found a way through and made such a great album at that point in his career. (Especially after writing a very large portion of The Whirlwind just before)

To me, The Whirlwind seemed to invigorate Neal's creative juices. Since The Whirlwind, T2 and Momentum have been great albums, some of his best. Kaleidoscope was good too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 20, 2015, 10:39:19 AM
I think I was just really happy with T2 at the time. After finding '?' a bit less than the mighty One, and Sola didn't do much for me, and Lifeline after that wasn't any good at all really, I somehow thought Neal's most creative days were over. I was amazed that he found a way through and made such a great album at that point in his career. (Especially after writing a very large portion of The Whirlwind just before)

To me, The Whirlwind seemed to invigorate Neal's creative juices. Since The Whirlwind, T2 and Momentum have been great albums, some of his best. Kaleidoscope was good too.

I've felt that way, too. Since 2009, Neal's prog music has been pretty top notch - The Whirlwind, Testimony 2, Flying Colors, Momentum, Kaleidoscope, Second Nature, and soon The Grand Experiment (we hope! First reviews are looking good!).

Before the TA reunion, he had only worked with his solo material since 2003, so I think by branching out with FC and TA (again), he was able to sort through his material and pick out stuff that was pretty good and worth having on an album. He also hasn't been afraid of being more collaborative (which is GOOD!) with Mike and Randy, as well as having guests (like on T2 and Momentum). Also, finding his own FULL BAND through auditions was a smart idea, being able to get people who could tour with him all over the world (and not just his former European-tour band), as well as being able to tour with the musicians who helped put the record together (i.e. Randy and Mike, eventually Eric and Bill too).

The premise for TGE is promising, having gone into the studio with no real fully prepared demos and material with the band, and considering the quality of TA and FC music, I'd say we can expect something as good, if not better, especially given with how much Eric and Bill were involved with these writing sessions (and I'm assuming Randy was, too).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on January 22, 2015, 12:36:55 PM
***nothing to see here.***
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HolidaysAnoraks on January 23, 2015, 07:39:54 AM
Radiant shipped my copy! Excited to hear this
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 23, 2015, 12:17:15 PM
Radiant shipped my copy! Excited to hear this

Pretty sure they just printed the shipping labels for everyone.

Quote
Your postage has been PRINTED for your Radiant Records order, and you will receive an additional email once your order has been SHIPPED. ***Pre-Sales will SHIP closer to the actual realease date.*** Thank you! Team Radiant

So yeah, no one will get theirs shipped until at LEAST February, possibly the 4th or 5th to get them out the weekend before the release date of the 10th.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on January 23, 2015, 12:17:51 PM
Yep I got my "PRINTED" email a couple days ago.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HolidaysAnoraks on January 23, 2015, 12:36:41 PM
Whoops! Should have actually read the entire email! Still, it should be a great record. May even go to the Nashville gig if I like it well enough
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 24, 2015, 07:01:39 AM
Revisiting his discography before the new album comes out. Man, Testimony really is tough to get through, isn't it? Only a couple of truly great songs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 24, 2015, 07:17:12 AM
I'd say more than a couple, but I agree that it's extremely difficult to get through.  It's so freaking long and there are so many reprises of melodies that quite a few songs have that "been there, done that" feeling even on that album (as opposed to his other albums, for those who want to chime in with "Neal's stuff always sound similar" :lol). 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 24, 2015, 10:37:41 AM
Those reprises are one of the things that make his music so amazing. But they truly aren't that impressive on Testimony, and yeah, there might be too many reprises on it, way more than on other albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Counselor of Prog on January 25, 2015, 07:48:42 AM
What are your thoughts on NM?
That he is the most talented musician Ive ever heard. That I love every single second of his music. That the melodies he creates are as beatiful as contemplating the sunset holding the hand of your loved one. And that he seems to be a really nice guy, and I would love to meet him.

Inarguably true.  Thankful I've recently gotten back into his music. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on February 02, 2015, 10:16:48 AM
New interview with some clippage of yet unheard stuff

https://progpositivity.podbean.com/mobile/e/progpos-interview-neal-morses-grand-experiment-2015-part-1/#.VM97lNWCiio.twitter
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Prog Snob on February 02, 2015, 10:20:45 PM
I just received my DVD from joining Neal Morse's Inner Circle.  Did anyone else here join?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on February 03, 2015, 09:36:24 AM
I just received my DVD from joining Neal Morse's Inner Circle.  Did anyone else here join?

Been a member a while, got mine last night.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Prog Snob on February 03, 2015, 11:19:57 AM
That's great.   So what are some of the other things you have received as a member/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 03, 2015, 11:46:12 AM
I got mine on Saturday night, but I just haven't had a chance to watch the whole thing yet. I did watch like 5-10 minutes of it, and it's weird seeing these guys as they were 10 years ago!!! Hard to believe that the ? is already 10 years old. I still remember when that album was NEW!

That's great.   So what are some of the other things you have received as a member/

If you look at Radiant Records' website, there's a place you can look at and order all of the IC back catalog. They're ordered by release date, with the oldest first, so if you start from the end of the list, you can see what was recently sent to IC members! I've been a member since November 2011 when the original demo album of A Proggy Christmas was released by Neal!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Prog Snob on February 03, 2015, 12:15:08 PM
Thanks M.  I'll probably order a couple of them at a time.  I haven't watched the new DVD yet but that's something I can do at work when it's quiet.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on February 03, 2015, 05:53:49 PM
My personal favorites of the inner circle releases are demos from Neal's past.  Neal in the 80's and Neal in the 90's.  There's been a couple other discs I've gotten with random collections of unused demos.  The live stuff is good, but I'm not a huge live music fan so most of those I have listened to only once (or not at all). 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 04, 2015, 01:39:01 PM
Yeah those are great, and the Early Snow Demo's, all the making of DVD's, and there are many more. A while back there was a 50% off off all the Inner Circle releases. I believe I bought nearly 20 releases right away  :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on February 04, 2015, 03:25:35 PM
Got my order from Radiant in the mail today!!!  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 04, 2015, 04:22:03 PM
Got my order from Radiant in the mail today!!!  ;D

Wait, of the new album?!? WHOA!!! That's early! I should check my mail when I get home!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on February 04, 2015, 04:52:23 PM
Oh, yes.  I'm afraid to start listening.  I get first listen anxiety with Neal Morse and Dream Theater.  I'll probably wait until tomorrow when I can crank it on headphones at work.  Nothing like some good old fashioned machine designing while rocking out to good tunes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on February 05, 2015, 08:05:50 AM
Got my order from Radiant in the mail today!!!  ;D
Sounds like I need to check my mail.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 05, 2015, 10:13:38 AM
Oh, yes.  I'm afraid to start listening.  I get first listen anxiety with Neal Morse and Dream Theater.  I'll probably wait until tomorrow when I can crank it on headphones at work.  Nothing like some good old fashioned machine designing while rocking out to good tunes.

Checked my mail last night and nothing. I hope I get it by the end of the week!!! I've been aching to hear this for so long!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Counselor of Prog on February 05, 2015, 02:24:36 PM
I just gave Transatlantic's Kaleidoscope its maiden spin.  Simply amazing.  :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on February 05, 2015, 05:38:43 PM
Me getting The Grand Experiment when I did may be a fluke.  My dad didn't get his yesterday, or today, and he lives only a few miles away (and I ordered them at the same time).

I've listened to the entire album a couple times now.  Obviously I like it, but it's too soon to compare it to Neal's other stuff (well, I probably could but I don't want to give a bunch of spoilers or anything).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 05, 2015, 05:42:33 PM
Me getting The Grand Experiment when I did may be a fluke.  My dad didn't get his yesterday, or today, and he lives only a few miles away (and I ordered them at the same time).

I've listened to the entire album a couple times now.  Obviously I like it, but it's too soon to compare it to Neal's other stuff (well, I probably could but I don't want to give a bunch of spoilers or anything).

Probably not. I would've thought so had I not seen someone post on FB that they got their copy today as well, so I'm hopeful that I'll get mine this weekend. What state are you in? I'm in MD, which isn't entirely TOO far from Radiant Records, so I'll cross my fingers and see if it'll get here soon!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on February 05, 2015, 07:03:35 PM
Grand Rapids, Michigan.

And of course, the album is a grower.  I'm finding I like it more with each listen. :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 05, 2015, 07:13:38 PM
When does this actually come out?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on February 05, 2015, 07:15:44 PM
This coming Tuesday, February 10. 

And by calling the album a grower, that needs to be taken with a grain of salt.  I've only had a few listens (not that anyone was even questioning me).  I based that on the fact that my first listen left me with mixed feelings. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 05, 2015, 07:21:43 PM
Dang, I had no idea. :lol

Guess I'll have to mosey on over to amazon next week and buy the mp3s. :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 06, 2015, 06:59:43 PM
I got my SIGNED copy in the mail today! Finishing my first spin in my car (every song on the main album except the previously released title track) and it sounds SO FRESH for Neal! The vocals are the real star on this album, and having the other members be given more prominent vocal parts is refreshing, not that I'm tired of Neal's voice but I like the group effort presented here! More thoughts over the weekend as I absorb this album.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on February 06, 2015, 07:07:45 PM
I got my SIGNED copy in the mail today! Finishing my first spin in my car (every song on the main album except the previously released title track) and it sounds SO FRESH for Neal! The vocals are the real star on this album, and having the other members be given more prominent vocal parts is refreshing, not that I'm tired of Neal's voice but I like the group effort presented here! More thoughts over the weekend as I absorb this album.

-Marc.

Mine came too! Signed of course.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on February 06, 2015, 08:00:11 PM
Me too! Me too! Signed and everything! IM SO EXCITED! gotta wait til tomorrow when the wife is at work to CRANK this album, but it'll be worth the wait.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 07, 2015, 10:57:20 AM
While everybody is getting their Grand Experiment, let me just say that the Making of ? was very cool to watch. A bit shorter than the other IC making of's were, and mostly a Mike Portnoy DVD, but he's the most entertaining to watch anyway :) A very cool dvd!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 07, 2015, 12:44:44 PM
Glad to hear that other early-pre-orderers got their albums signed!!! :tup I wonder how many DTF'ers here were part of the First 100 to get theirs signed? At least 3 or 4 so far!

Preliminary short review: The opening track is gorgeous and has some tasty bass and drum parts, which excite me a lot, but the vocals are the star here. Having almost the whole band pitch in on vocals helps create some lush and beautiful vocal moments. The title track is just as good as it has been since the music video came out, and "Waterfall" is a unique, almost 4-man Genesis-era-sounding ballad brought in by Bill, which is quickly growing on me. "Agenda" is a funky rocker with an Marillion-esque chorus (not the first Marillion-sounding moment on this album for me, either, which isn't a bad thing), and I think this might be one of the shortest songs Neal has done on a major prog album in a long time!

"Alive Again"...hoo boy, another amazing epic by Neal, and I'd love to say more about this one, but it'll take a lot more listens for me to absorb the whole thing, but first impressions have been VERY good! I just hate that it FADES OUT with what sounds like an epic jam-out ending. I'm sure they'll rock it out in the live version, but this is twice in a row that Neal has done this (previously with TA's "Kaleidoscope"). I sure hope we get a decent live version on the eventual "Alive Again Tour" live album (a multi-disc EXTRAVAGANZA as Neal puts it).
EDIT - the drum groove in 6 that Mike does after the initial instrumental/overture is surprisingly new for Mike, not quite like any groove I've heard him do before, and it totally caught me by surprise on my first listen!!!

The bonus disc tunes are pretty good, especially "New Jerusalem", but the "MacArthur Park" cover is a huge stand-out for me, which takes the classic epic-length rock song and gives it a huge prog-twist. There's a part in the middle that sounds like Seasons End-era Marillion, but the band seem to take the song and own it, much like Yes had done with "America".

All 8 studio album tracks are great, and this will be on my playlist for the next month (at least until SW's album comes out and into my mailbox).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: countoftuscany42 on February 07, 2015, 12:57:39 PM
just got my signed copy as well!  :metal
can't wait to listen to it, this is the second time this week I've gotten an album before its release date, its a great feeling  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on February 07, 2015, 07:44:23 PM
Signed copy here! Will listen to the album tomorrow on a drive to Texarkana, Arkansas.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nel on February 07, 2015, 07:50:56 PM
Hoping to pick up the bonus track version on Tuesday along with the new Beardfish.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 08, 2015, 01:04:19 AM
Glad to hear that other early-pre-orderers got their albums signed!!! :tup I wonder how many DTF'ers here were part of the First 100 to get theirs signed? At least 3 or 4 so far!

Preliminary short review: The opening track is gorgeous and has some tasty bass and drum parts, which excite me a lot, but the vocals are the star here. Having almost the whole band pitch in on vocals helps create some lush and beautiful vocal moments. The title track is just as good as it has been since the music video came out, and "Waterfall" is a unique, almost 4-man Genesis-era-sounding ballad brought in by Bill, which is quickly growing on me. "Agenda" is a funky rocker with an Marillion-esque chorus (not the first Marillion-sounding moment on this album for me, either, which isn't a bad thing), and I think this might be one of the shortest songs Neal has done on a major prog album in a long time!

"Alive Again"...hoo boy, another amazing epic by Neal, and I'd love to say more about this one, but it'll take a lot more listens for me to absorb the whole thing, but first impressions have been VERY good! I just hate that it FADES OUT with what sounds like an epic jam-out ending. I'm sure they'll rock it out in the live version, but this is twice in a row that Neal has done this (previously with TA's "Kaleidoscope"). I sure hope we get a decent live version on the eventual "Alive Again Tour" live album (a multi-disc EXTRAVAGANZA as Neal puts it).
EDIT - the drum groove in 6 that Mike does after the initial instrumental/overture is surprisingly new for Mike, not quite like any groove I've heard him do before, and it totally caught me by surprise on my first listen!!!

The bonus disc tunes are pretty good, especially "New Jerusalem", but the "MacArthur Park" cover is a huge stand-out for me, which takes the classic epic-length rock song and gives it a huge prog-twist. There's a part in the middle that sounds like Seasons End-era Marillion, but the band seem to take the song and own it, much like Yes had done with "America".

All 8 studio album tracks are great, and this will be on my playlist for the next month (at least until SW's album comes out and into my mailbox).

-Marc.


:caffeine:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Scrub206 on February 10, 2015, 08:25:39 AM
Oh no....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cux2QH3ZyCo
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 10, 2015, 08:31:18 AM
Oh no....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cux2QH3ZyCo

:rollin  I LOVE THAT!  :clap:

However, I will say that I find it odd that, if you aren't paying very close attention, it is easy to think that Neal and Mike are the only guys in the band.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on February 10, 2015, 12:12:57 PM
My God, that video!  :lol Neal's got a great sense of humor.  :lol

The tune is pretty sweet, the chorus is a grower, the only flaw is that I fear the thing with Neal yelling out "AGENDA" is gonna get old quickly.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 10, 2015, 12:31:26 PM
My God, that video!  :lol Neal's got a great sense of humor.  :lol

Reminds me of Talking Heads or Peter Gabriel.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on February 10, 2015, 02:21:35 PM
I'm not very fond of "Agenda" or "Waterfall" and would have liked those two songs to appear on the bonus CD instead of the main CD.  I find the tracks on the bonus audio CD far more compelling.


The opening track is great.  And the closing epic is pretty good, too.  The rest is...decent.  Definitely need a few more spins, but I can already tell this one will end up a lot like "Lifeline" - I'll listen to a couple of the songs when I put it on, but I'll skip through quite a bit of it too.


I never thought I'd say this, but I think Neal is more inspired when he writes about his religious awakening.  There's a certain sparkle that is missing from this album. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on February 10, 2015, 02:22:58 PM
That video makes me cringe so hard.  Neal at his cheesiest.
 :facepalm:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Counselor of Prog on February 10, 2015, 02:56:41 PM
Oh, yes.  I'm afraid to start listening.  I get first listen anxiety with Neal Morse and Dream Theater.  I'll probably wait until tomorrow when I can crank it on headphones at work.  Nothing like some good old fashioned machine designing while rocking out to good tunes.

Checked my mail last night and nothing. I hope I get it by the end of the week!!! I've been aching to hear this for so long!!!

-Marc.

I never got an e-mail for either the older NM stuff or the new one...but The Grand Experiment arrived yesterday.  Yours should be here any day.  Enjoy!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 10, 2015, 02:58:02 PM
That video makes me cringe so hard.  Neal at his cheesiest.
 :facepalm:

This is exactly why some people should not be allowed to have opinions. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on February 10, 2015, 03:01:18 PM
That video makes me cringe so hard.  Neal at his cheesiest.
 :facepalm:

This is exactly why some people should not be allowed to have opinions.

Everyone is allowed to have an opinion.  I like the song, not the video.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 10, 2015, 03:02:47 PM
Everyone is allowed to have an opinion. 

Yes, but clearly not everyone should be.

Please deposit yours in the Opinion Forfeiture Receptacle and leave the premises immediately.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 10, 2015, 06:31:41 PM
Oh, yes.  I'm afraid to start listening.  I get first listen anxiety with Neal Morse and Dream Theater.  I'll probably wait until tomorrow when I can crank it on headphones at work.  Nothing like some good old fashioned machine designing while rocking out to good tunes.

Checked my mail last night and nothing. I hope I get it by the end of the week!!! I've been aching to hear this for so long!!!

-Marc.

I never got an e-mail for either the older NM stuff or the new one...but The Grand Experiment arrived yesterday.  Yours should be here any day.  Enjoy!!

If by any day you mean 4 days ago (as noted in this thread), then yeah!!! :rollin :tup

Hope you're enjoying the album as much as I am!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 11, 2015, 06:30:19 PM
Bought this off iTunes last night - it wasn't available at amazon as mp3s, and I still had nearly 15 bucks off credit from a gift card I was given for Christmas, so what the hell? :lol - and ripped it to a disc for my car. 

After one listen, to and from work today, I wasn't sure what to think, as the many vocal sections that didn't have Neal on lead at all kind of threw me, but on the second listen this evening, I was more used to it, and I am starting to like most of it.  The Call is doing nothing for me so far.  So many vocal harmonies, yet nary a hook in there.  Agenda is a cool little rocker, though.

Many more listens to come. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 11, 2015, 10:16:03 PM
Bought this off iTunes last night - it wasn't available at amazon as mp3s, and I still had nearly 15 bucks off credit from a gift card I was given for Christmas, so what the hell? :lol - and ripped it to a disc for my car. 

After one listen, to and from work today, I wasn't sure what to think, as the many vocal sections that didn't have Neal on lead at all kind of threw me, but on the second listen this evening, I was more used to it, and I am starting to like most of it.  The Call is doing nothing for me so far.  So many vocal harmonies, yet nary a hook in there.  Agenda is a cool little rocker, though.

Many more listens to come.

I love "The Call", and I picked up on the fact that the guitar plays the vocal melody from the chorus at the beginning of the song. Lots of good stuff in the 10-minute epic, and I feel like I'm still finding new things to like about it even after nearly a week of listening.

And I know it's only a cover, but "MacArthur Park" is quickly becoming a new favorite of mine. If it had been on the main album like Mike and Bill had wanted (according to Randy's in-studio FB updates), it would've been awesome, but I'm still glad it made it to the bonus disc.

Once I get my hands on some CD-R's, I'll make a copy of the main album with the 3 bonus tracks since they all add up to about 76 minutes anyway (which begs the question - why didn't they just make the whole album 8 songs anyway?).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ariich on February 12, 2015, 03:50:03 AM
The best version of MacArthur Park, in my opinion, will always be Maynard Ferguson's big band jazz version. But the NMB prog version is also rather cool.

Overall, very solid album, definitely finding it more exciting that most of recent solo work. Might even be my second favourite NM album behind One. This is after only one full listen though, so far too early to tell with any certainty.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Prog Snob on February 12, 2015, 03:56:14 AM
The song will have to grow on me. It didn't hook me completely with the first listen. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 12, 2015, 09:50:58 AM
I already held the album, haha! Official release date over here is tomorrow. So while the record store had em, I couldn't buy it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on February 12, 2015, 09:57:14 AM
I don't know how to feel about both The Great Experiment and Agenda.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 12, 2015, 10:49:54 AM
I don't know how to feel about both The Great Experiment and Agenda.



Oh, well let me help you then.  You love them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Evermind on February 12, 2015, 10:55:43 AM
Agenda is :rollin

Haven't checked the full album yet, but I'm going to rectify that soon.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on February 12, 2015, 02:33:29 PM


Once I get my hands on some CD-R's, I'll make a copy of the main album with the 3 bonus tracks since they all add up to about 76 minutes anyway (which begs the question - why didn't they just make the whole album 8 songs anyway?).

-Marc.


I know, I don't get it either. 


Marketing, I guess.  You have to lay out more money to get the album version with the bonus CD
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on February 12, 2015, 03:27:53 PM
I have mixed feelings on the album having had it for a week...  It's more of mixed bag for me than any other Neal album.  There's songs I just can't get into. 

Not sure I'm a fan of Bill's singing, which is probably the biggest detractor.  Doomsday Destiny and Macaurther Park I have not listened to all the way through, for example.  His part on the epic is ok, to me it feels like a Transatlantic song and he sounds a bit like Pete.

The epic and New Jerusalem are my two favorites.  But I'm already finding myself not going back to the album like previous albums.  Even with Momentum (the album), I could listen to World Without End every day for months when it came out.  I don't see that happening here.

It seems I'm probably in the minority here, which I guess is a good thing.  Glad y'all are enjoying it for the most part.

Oh, I do really love the Morsefest songs on there.  That was cool to hear, and they are amongst my favorites.  I read in an interview recently that Neal is currently planning on a big Morsefest box set tentatively for late summer/early fall (don't have a link handy, was one of the many interviews linked to his twitter in the past week).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 12, 2015, 04:50:39 PM

Not sure I'm a fan of Bill's singing, which is probably the biggest detractor.  Doomsday Destiny and Macaurther Park I have not listened to all the way through, for example.  His part on the epic is ok, to me it feels like a Transatlantic song and he sounds a bit like Pete.


Is the guy that sings the section around the 17-minute mark or so of Alive Again?  I like that section a lot.  Cool vibe, and having the different singer gives it a different feel you don't normally get in a Neal Morse solo record (I know it's Neal Morse Band technically, but you know what I mean).

Also, who sings the "I can see the light" line in that tune? 



Once I get my hands on some CD-R's, I'll make a copy of the main album with the 3 bonus tracks since they all add up to about 76 minutes anyway (which begs the question - why didn't they just make the whole album 8 songs anyway?).


Well, not every album has to be "hey, let's cram in as much as we can."  There is something to be said for a well-flowing record, and just throwing on other songs that might disrupt the flow, just to fill up the CD, is rarely something I am in favor of.

I don't know how to feel about both The Great Experiment and Agenda.

I loved both instantly.  Agenda is a big ball of cheese, but it rocks, and I had that melody stuck in my head all day at work. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on February 12, 2015, 05:14:52 PM
Yes, Bill does the long section at about the 17 minute mark of Alive Again.  I don't love it, but I don't mind it.  Because it's mixed with Neal's vocals, and there's a lot more to love in the other sections of the song too.  It's the songs where his are the only lead vocals where I don't care for it at all. 

The "I can see the light" vocal line is the guitarist Eric Gillette.  I really like his voice, and wish they would have utilized it more.  His vocals were also on Thoughts pt 5 off of Momentum.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 12, 2015, 05:40:55 PM
Gotcha.  That "I can see the light" line has a resonance that is very, well, epic. :lol  The way it comes back at the end is pretty great.  :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on February 12, 2015, 08:32:47 PM
I'm loving The Call. Probably the most refreshing Morse solo epic I've heard. Not sure how I feel about the rest album yet.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Thoughtspart3 on February 12, 2015, 09:34:40 PM
I really dig the call as well.  New Jerusalem has such a different feel in a good way.  I would have preferred that on the album proper.  I keep singing the grand experiment.  Having the rest of the band be more involved has helped some of songs feel more fresh. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on February 12, 2015, 09:43:39 PM
Haven't gotten to the bonus disc yet but the comments on here are promising!

I gave the album another spin, it's even better the second time. Agenda and The Grand Experiment are really fun songs. Alive Again is the only song I'm not sure about, but it's a big song though so I won't make any judgements yet. If I had to give the album a rating right now I'd lean toward a 7/10.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 13, 2015, 11:49:30 AM
Gotta get this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Leprous on February 13, 2015, 03:07:11 PM
Agenda is probably the worst song I've ever heard with Neal's name associated with it. Utterly terrible attempt at a "catchy pop rock" song.

However, Alive Again is utterly spell-binding. The rest of the record is fairly predictable and boring. There's only so much of Neal's signature "widdly widdly widdly" keyboards in the intro to a song that I can take.

Worth the entry price for Alive Again though. That shit's up there with Seeds of Gold, The Door and The Conflict.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 13, 2015, 04:53:51 PM
I can't even begin to compare an epic I have only heard several times to his tried and true classics, but I am really liking it so far.  World Without End and The Separated Man are in that conversation as well.

I like Agenda a lot.  Again, it's cheesy, but cheesy in a good way.

And iTunes had the two new songs from the bonus CD as songs you could buy individually, so I got New Jerusalem and Doomsday Destiny last night!  I don't care about the cover or live songs, all of which were album only buys with the special edition, so this worked out nicely.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on February 13, 2015, 10:45:44 PM
I like Agenda because it doesn't take itself seriously. Neal knows he isn't hip, it's cool that he embraces that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 14, 2015, 06:38:54 AM
With the new album out now and putting me in a mood for Neal's music, I gave Songs from November a whirl last night.  It's still a nice listen.  Nothing great, but mostly very nice.  Neal is at his very best when he's doing all-out prog, but with an album like that, you can't say every album of his sounds the same.  Songs for the Free, My Time of Dying and When Things Slow Down are probably the songs I enjoy the most from that record.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on February 14, 2015, 06:52:05 AM
I've also returned to Songs from November this week, it really is a nice listen and a nice break from full-on prog he usually puts out. My favorites are Love shot an arrow and The Way of love, although I really like Daddy's daughter, I've never heard a song that honest with that kind of topic.

The new album still needs a few more spins, it's been very enjoyable so far.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 14, 2015, 09:55:12 AM
Sitting down right now for my first listen of the new album. I'm excited!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 15, 2015, 06:11:21 AM
Even though I am not going to see him, it will be interesting to see what he plays when touring this year.  Now that Neal has a lead guitarist with the chops to handle some of the guest solos on his records, I think that opens up the possibility of something like 12 or the final section of The Door being played.  Hell, they could easily get away with playing just Keep Silent and Upon the Door from The Door epic.  Heck, I broke The Door up into three separate mp3s for the purposes of my Neal CD for the car, and I often listen to the Keep Silent/Upon the Door mp3 on its own.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: dedSurroun on February 15, 2015, 03:41:20 PM
I'd like to see them live, or just see a live DVD/Blu-Ray, of this band. Some great music on this release, but personally think they could've put Agenda on the bonus disc instead.

I thought The Call was fresh for being a fairly standard Neal Morse-type song. In the Making Of..., Neal even says they were "throwing flags" down whenever they felt they were repeating themselves. So, efforts were made to not repeat formulas. They mostly succeeded, I think :)

Great album, really like it!

If they do end up putting out a live DVD, dear lord, have someone else mix it than whoever botched KaLIVEoscpe. The stereo mix on that DVD is unbelievably bad - the volume jumps and dips, the guitar/keyboard/bass/drums are LOUD one minute, only to drop off the map the next; inconsistent levels, instruments jump in levels, etc. I couldn't believe how awful it was first time I heard it, and I haven't put on the DVD ever since. It's an audio mix disaster.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: reneranucci on February 16, 2015, 09:33:38 AM
Some please take "Agenda" out of my head! that song it's not catchy, it's invasive!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 16, 2015, 07:29:04 PM


I thought The Call was fresh for being a fairly standard Neal Morse-type song. In the Making Of..., Neal even says they were "throwing flags" down whenever they felt they were repeating themselves. So, efforts were made to not repeat formulas. They mostly succeeded, I think :)

 

Interesting.  Like I said before, while this still sounds like a Neal record, it does sound pretty fresh. 

The bonus track New Jerusalem (Freedom Is Coming) is pretty outstanding.  That is one of the cooler drum patterns Mike Portnoy has laid down in some time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 17, 2015, 04:57:37 AM
Just finished my first listen of the main disc.  I really liked The Call, and Alive Again was outstanding.  Waterfall was gorgeous.

The Grand Experiment doesn't quite do it for me, it's not bad, but it's not that good either.  And Agenda can just get out right now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 17, 2015, 08:32:33 AM
Picked it up on Friday and still have not had a chance to really absorb it yet.  I like what I am hearing.  The Call is great, and the Grand Experiment and Agenda are fantastic.  Haven't listened to the second disk yet.  More later...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 17, 2015, 01:20:10 PM
I really liked the other two new songs on the bonus disc, too.  They were certainly better than Agenda, and probably better than The Grand Experiment as well.

MacArthur Park was pretty cool, too.

Haven't listened to the live songs yet.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on February 17, 2015, 03:09:22 PM
As always, the epic is fantastic. I love the Fly away section, especially the heavy bit afterwards, and the part with Bill singing is very different for a Neal Morse record, which is good. Agenda is extremely infectious. The title track is growing on me, even though I find the chorus slightly underwhelming. I'm also not too fond of the chorus in Waterfall.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 17, 2015, 03:51:05 PM
Waterfall is like Smoke and Mirrors for me in that they are both nice little acoustic numbers I enjoy, but aren't wowed by either. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on February 19, 2015, 09:50:58 AM
Hey, all. I've really loved listening to Neal's work in Transatlantic and decided it was about time to get into solo Neal Morse. For reference, I have and greatly enjoy all four Transatlantic albums. I also have The Light from Spock's Beard, which after a couple of listens I like but do not love, mostly because at times it's a little silly for my taste (all the weird Seor Valasco and Catfish Man stuff in the title track, for instance).

How do y'all recommend I approach Neal Morse's solo discography? Should I just start with Testimony and move chronologically, or is there a more advisable place to start?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 19, 2015, 09:58:55 AM
In things like this, you will get wildly varying answers from people that mostly have to do with which albums are their favorite.

Just go chronologically.  I think that will be your best bet.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 19, 2015, 10:29:24 AM
How do y'all recommend I approach Neal Morse's solo discography? Should I just start with Testimony and move chronologically, or is there a more advisable place to start?

As Hef said, opinions vary greatly.  But I will say this:  Testimony 1 can be hard to get into for those who are new to him because it is SO long and is a reprise festival.  One and ? are probably the two most closely universally loved albums of his.  I would say to start with those and then go chronologically after that.  (I personally don't really care for ?, but I think I am about the only one in the universe that feels that way.  Everyone else loves it, so...)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on February 19, 2015, 10:39:53 AM
That was kind of what I was wondering about with Testimony. I do love long stuff like The Whirlwind, but I've struggled with double albums in the past and wondered whether it would be a bit too much of a marathon. I think I might start with One, then, and go from there (and go back to get Testimony at some point). Thanks to both of you for the advice! :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 19, 2015, 10:46:26 AM
I would start with his self-titled debut and then move chronologically.  Skipping the first two albums is not the way to go.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 19, 2015, 10:50:06 AM
I would start with his self-titled debut and then move chronologically.  Skipping the first two albums is not the way to go.

Nobody even counts that as a Neal Morse album.  If he likes Transatlantic, I think One and ? are definitely the place to start.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 19, 2015, 10:51:43 AM
Yeah, it's crazy to consider a Neal Morse album a Neal Morse album. :lol :lol

I might agree with that second statement, but if someone is gonna go chronologically, it doesn't make sense to skip the first two albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on February 19, 2015, 10:56:22 AM
I'm not trying to strictly go chronologically. I only brought that up because that's often a good way to go with artists. Obviously I don't know these albums, but Wikipedia at least (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neal_Morse_discography#Solo) actually draws a distinction between his prog albums and non-prog albums. I'm mostly interested in Neal's prog albums, though I'm not entirely closed off from his other works.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 19, 2015, 02:40:17 PM
Well then there's the fact that Neal Morse is a prog album, and It's Not Too Late is more of a pop album.
I think there's a point in skipping Testimony at first, and diving into One. I really think One is a blueprint for how a prog album should be made, and as a matter of fact is maybe the most Transatlantic sounding album Neal has done in terms of compositions (maybe tied with Momentum)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 19, 2015, 04:46:29 PM
I'd probably agree with that, although I think Sola Scriptura is very TA-ish in composition (similar to Bridge Across Forever, in how all three long songs have nods to one of the others in them).  However, Sola Scriptura has a sound and mixing that is rather different for Neal. While his prog albums are usually pretty lush and organic-sounding, SS has more of a hard rock edge in the mixing; it's more in-your-face than most other Neal records.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 19, 2015, 05:08:18 PM
AND the fact that it is all epics (excluding Heaven In My Heart) can make it an exhausting experience for some.  It is still my second favorite Neal album (closely behind One), but I get why some do not care for it as much.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 19, 2015, 05:12:46 PM
Yep, it took years to really grow on me, mostly because the first two songs both being so long made it, like you said, exhausting to get through them.  Only when I broke The Door and The Conflict up into 3-4 separate mp3s each, to where I was able to then get into both songs piece by piece, did I really start to like it.  And even having said that, I still don't think either compares to Neal's best epics by himself (The Separated Man, Seeds of Gold, World Without End), with Transatlantic (pretty much all of them), or with Spock's (The Light, Flow, At the End of the Day).  Parts 3, 5 and 6 of The Door are all fabulous, but parts 1, 2 and 4 are all merely good, IMO.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 19, 2015, 05:15:16 PM
To me, it is really one of those albums where I do not even consider the separate songs up against any other separate Neal songs.  It is kind of an "all-or-nothing" listening experience for me where the songs themselves may not be as good, but whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on February 20, 2015, 02:34:22 AM
The Conflict is amazing in my opinion, it starts of really well with all the heaviness, the instrumental chaos that comes up is brilliant, and the flamenco section leads perfectly into the slower ending. The Door, on the other hand, doesn't take off right from the start. I mean, it is a great song overall, but the first truly fantastic part of it is the one that goes ''In the name of God, you must pay your penance.'' But from then onward, it's perfect.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 20, 2015, 06:27:30 AM
To me, it is really one of those albums where I do not even consider the separate songs up against any other separate Neal songs.  It is kind of an "all-or-nothing" listening experience for me where the songs themselves may not be as good, but whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
That's how I look at each of his albums.

But for me, the longer songs on Sola Scriptura are somewhat uneven.  I don't think that there is one that I like all the way through; each has sections that I'm not crazy about.  But the sections I like are some of my favorite pieces of music that Neal has produced.

It's still better than Testimony 2.  Just can't get into that one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 21, 2015, 05:59:57 AM
Looks like the tour begins tonight.  Should be interesting to see what they play. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 21, 2015, 01:18:51 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6f0jHC8pRYY

 :lol :lol :lol

That might be the cheesiest video I've ever seen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 22, 2015, 06:05:35 AM
I had to go to Portnoy's forum to find this, but this apparently was last night's set list in Nashville:

The Call
Leviathan
The Grand Experiment
Harm's Way (Spock's Beard)
Bill Solo Spot
The Creation
Chatauqua (Neal Solo Spot)
Waterfall (Bill on 12 string, Mike Front of stage singing)
Eric solo
In The Fire
Alive Again (extended middle jam with everyone switching instruments)

Encore 
Overture 3 (tape)
Rejoice
Oh Lord My God
Reunion (Without the Make Us One part)

They also, according to several, covered Jet by McCartney and Wings somewhere in there.

Overall, looks pretty darn good.  Awesome to see In the Fire played, and you gotta love them busting out Harm's Way, which is one of the best tunes he did with Spock's. 

Interesting that nothing was played from four of the five previous albums, and the only song played from those five was the mediocre Leviathan (with as many great song as Neal has, how has that been played on two of the last three tours now??). I didn't expect anything from Songs from November, and the Sola Scriptura stuff is hard to fit in unless they incorporate them in medley form, but nothing from either T2 or Momentum?  That's surprising.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 22, 2015, 09:03:56 AM
I had to go to Portnoy's forum to find this, but this apparently was last night's set list in Nashville:

The Call
Leviathan
The Grand Experiment
Harm's Way (Spock's Beard)
Bill Solo Spot
The Creation
Chatauqua (Neal Solo Spot)
Waterfall (Bill on 12 string, Mike Front of stage singing)
Eric solo
In The Fire
Alive Again (extended middle jam with everyone switching instruments)

Encore 
Overture 3 (tape)
Rejoice
Oh Lord My God
Reunion (Without the Make Us One part)

They also, according to several, covered Jet by McCartney and Wings somewhere in there.

Overall, looks pretty darn good.  Awesome to see In the Fire played, and you gotta love them busting out Harm's Way, which is one of the best tunes he did with Spock's. 

Interesting that nothing was played from four of the five previous albums, and the only song played from those five was the mediocre Leviathan (with as many great song as Neal has, how has that been played on two of the last three tours now??). I didn't expect anything from Songs from November, and the Sola Scriptura stuff is hard to fit in unless they incorporate them in medley form, but nothing from either T2 or Momentum?  That's surprising.

I gotta be honest, I only like HALF of this set. And yes, according to setlist.fm, "Jet" by Wings was played in the encore between "Oh Lord My God" and "Reunion", the latter of which surprises me as the encore-closer again. We had that during the T2 tour, right? I guess Neal and company really like the tune.

I, too, am also surprised by "Leviathan" when that spot could've been filled with another ? song, or another song from One or even a different song from Lifeline. Meh...I mean, I like it, but I hope it doesn't get repeated on another live set - "Reunion" I am ok with, especially if they do something fun and different with it, but "Levianthan"?

I am ok with no Momentum and Testimony 2 tracks since we got most of the former on the last live album (no "Smoke and Mirrors" and "Freak", which I'm ok with missing) and all of the latter on the live album before that. I have a feeling that if Neal and the band can do another MORSEfest this year, they'll pull out all of ? and Sola Scriptura, so hopefully THOSE concerts get released live (as well as last year's concerts too). I kind of wished they'd play one of the bonus disc tracks, though, especially "New Jerusalem (Freedom Is Coming)". I wonder what the odds are of "MacArthur Park" making the cut later on in the tour?? lol

Anyways, I'm ranting and rambling. Over-all, this is an OK set. I wouldn't mind seeing them swap some stuff out, but if this is the whole tour, it's not terrible. Seeing "Chatauqua" and "Harm's Way" is pretty cool, and I like that Neal gave Bill and Eric solos, so that'll be fun to hear! Looks like the songs would add up to about a 130-140 minutes of a concert, which feels a bit on the short side. If anyone here was there, how long as the actual concert?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 22, 2015, 09:05:56 AM
Cool setlist. I'm guessing T1 songs are better as standalone songs in Neal's eyes. He has been playing those since the original T1 tour. Harm's Way is very cool, I somehow hoped for A Whole Nother Trip, that would've been really awesome. But Harm's Way is a great tune too. To me he could've switched Leviathan for another rocking solo song, but that's nitpicking. I'll be seeing them next week!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 22, 2015, 09:13:28 AM
To me, the unaccompanied solo spots are almost always a total waste of time.  The songs themselves have enough solos in them already, especially at prog shows; do we really need to waste time letting them having solo spots by themselves?  That time could be spent playing another longer song or a few shorter songs.  But whatever.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on February 22, 2015, 09:27:04 AM
Dang, it must be hard to create a set when you have around ten albums and most of your songs are extremely long. It's impossible to cover all the albums. I wouldn't mind seeing this set, though. Surprised to see Leviathan, I didn't know Neal digs it that much. Interesting to see some Spock tunes in there, I thought he gave up on playing those long ago.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 22, 2015, 10:30:49 AM
I think he gave up playing The Light, and Beware of Darkness, and other songs Spock's often played. But Harm's Way, or Flow, are rare, and have been rare even in the Spock's Days. Will be extra interesting to hear Mike drum that song btw.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 22, 2015, 12:21:43 PM
Dang, it must be hard to create a set when you have around ten albums and most of your songs are extremely long. It's impossible to cover all the albums. I wouldn't mind seeing this set, though. Surprised to see Leviathan, I didn't know Neal digs it that much. Interesting to see some Spock tunes in there, I thought he gave up on playing those long ago.

True, but I guess I am just surprised the number of repeats from the last few tours - the Testimony stuff, Reunion and (ugh) Leviathan.  He has more than enough great songs where he could do consecutive tours and not repeat a single song. 

I think he gave up playing The Light, and Beware of Darkness, and other songs Spock's often played. But Harm's Way, or Flow, are rare, and have been rare even in the Spock's Days. Will be extra interesting to hear Mike drum that song btw.

I think it'd be cool if he did a Snow medley again.  Hell, just play the last four tracks from Disc 1 as your encore instead of the Testimony stuff and Reunion, and that'd be golden!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: reneranucci on February 22, 2015, 05:12:45 PM
To me, the unaccompanied solo spots are almost always a total waste of time.  The songs themselves have enough solos in them already, especially at prog shows; do we really need to waste time letting them having solo spots by themselves?  That time could be spent playing another longer song or a few shorter songs.  But whatever.
Bill's solo spot was very short and helped introduce The Creation very nicely. Neal's solo was longer but it was cool to see him having fun with the acoustic guitar. Eric's solo was also very short, I think at the beginning he played with some variations of Sola Scriptura riffs so I thought they were going to play The Conflict, but I was wrong. Overall, I would say 2 out of the 3 solo spots were very concise and just helped introduce the songs with some variations of the main melodies/riffs they were going to play.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: reneranucci on February 22, 2015, 05:23:27 PM
The Call: I knew they were going to start with this one. Great opener, lots of energy
Leviathan Didn't expect this one. I like the song, and it was good to see it live. Neal and Mike were having fund with some silly moves
The Grand Experiment Great song, I thought this was going to be their second on the setlist. They had some issues with the vocal harmonies section so they had to start over
Harm's Way (Spock's Beard) Didn't know this one. Definitely checking out Kindness of Strangers
Bill Solo Spot
The Creation It was great to see this one live. The playing was very tight, you could tell they have been playing this one for a while. Having Rick Altizer doing vocals was also great since it gave a feeling of the early solo Neal Morse era, and the sound became closer to the album original.
Chatauqua (Neal Solo Spot)
Waterfall (Bill on 12 string, Mike Front of stage singing) What a song! definitely one of my new favorites. They captured the atmosphere of the song perfectly, it was great seeing the 4 guys singing together, they have a great chemistry. I LOVE Eric's voice. Bill played a clarinet solo at the end but I think they had issues with the sound so only the second half was fully listeneable.
Eric solo
In The Fire To me, the highlight of the night. They were rocking the house with this one, the crowd went crazy. So much energy! They essentially extended all the solos and themes, I think it ended up being almost 12 minutes long.
Alive Again (extended middle jam with everyone switching instruments) I love this song. They nailed all the heavy riffs and the switching instruments part was great. Just a lot of fun for everybody. Eric played a cool lead keyboard solo and Bill played a guitar solo also. Bill played saxophone towards the end but they had sound issues again so I couldn't listen clearly

Encore  This was a surprise of an Encore. Rick was with the band again. It was good but I have heard these songs so many times that I would have preferred to have something else at the encore. At some point Neal walked into the crowd and started hugging ramdom people  :lol
Overture 3 (tape)
Rejoice
Oh Lord My God
Reunion (Without the Make Us One part)

Overall, it was a great experience. I bought VIP tickets so I could chat with the guys a little bit. They are very humble and nice, I just gave them props for the great work in the album. I also like seeing everybody having so much fun on stage.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on February 22, 2015, 08:28:59 PM
Still deciding if I'm going to the NYC show on Tuesday. If it was in NJ or Philly, definitely, but NYC on a work day just sucks.

Kinda surprised at the set. Pretty much assumed the new album would be getting played in full. My love of the Spock's tracks they are playing are mixed with my lukewarm reception of some of the older Neal tunes. And for practical reasons one of the best parts of the One album was taken out of the final song.

Decisions...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: reneranucci on February 22, 2015, 09:58:14 PM
Still deciding if I'm going to the NYC show on Tuesday. If it was in NJ or Philly, definitely, but NYC on a work day just sucks.

Kinda surprised at the set. Pretty much assumed the new album would be getting played in full. My love of the Spock's tracks they are playing are mixed with my lukewarm reception of some of the older Neal tunes. And for practical reasons one of the best parts of the One album was taken out of the final song.

Decisions...
I would recommend going. Listening to 4 out of 5 songs of the main album is still great. The live rendering of Leviathan, The Creation and On the Fire was great. The encore was a little bit weak but overall the show was very enjoyable.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 23, 2015, 03:56:31 PM
To me, the unaccompanied solo spots are almost always a total waste of time.  The songs themselves have enough solos in them already, especially at prog shows; do we really need to waste time letting them having solo spots by themselves?  That time could be spent playing another longer song or a few shorter songs.  But whatever.
Bill's solo spot was very short and helped introduce The Creation very nicely. Neal's solo was longer but it was cool to see him having fun with the acoustic guitar. Eric's solo was also very short, I think at the beginning he played with some variations of Sola Scriptura riffs so I thought they were going to play The Conflict, but I was wrong. Overall, I would say 2 out of the 3 solo spots were very concise and just helped introduce the songs with some variations of the main melodies/riffs they were going to play.

That's not so bad then. 

Still no excuse for Leviathan.  Neal has plenty of other rockers that they could have fun with live.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on February 23, 2015, 05:24:55 PM
Still deciding if I'm going to the NYC show on Tuesday. If it was in NJ or Philly, definitely, but NYC on a work day just sucks.

Kinda surprised at the set. Pretty much assumed the new album would be getting played in full. My love of the Spock's tracks they are playing are mixed with my lukewarm reception of some of the older Neal tunes. And for practical reasons one of the best parts of the One album was taken out of the final song.

Decisions...

Have fun if you go.  Rush killed (but in a good way) any chance of me showing up tomorrow night.

Set isn't bad.  I certainly don't mind Leviathan as much as some do here.

I still need to pick up the new album actually.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 28, 2015, 04:11:05 AM
After further listening this week, I am LOVING this album.  Simply fantastic.

I am liking the title track a lot more after repeated listening.  But still, the weak point for me is Agenda.  What the blue hell.

Not enough talk about this wonderful album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: reneranucci on February 28, 2015, 10:51:26 AM
After further listening this week, I am LOVING this album.  Simply fantastic.

I am liking the title track a lot more after repeated listening.  But still, the weak point for me is Agenda.  What the blue hell.

Not enough talk about this wonderful album.
Agreed! (Except for the part about Agenda, to me is a catchy, fun song).

I've been listening to the album non-stop since I got it, probably 10 times or more. A few comments:

- The album FLIES. There is no superfluous material, no sections that drag on, no unnecessary repetitions. It's impressive how they have made an album that feels so pointed a concise, even though it includes a 10-minute epic, a 26-minute super epic and an 8-minute acoustic song. The albums just screams great songwriting.

- The melodies are top-notch, beautiful, catchy, irresistible. Neal Morse has always written great melodies, but after SS they didn't feel so good and fresh as before. This albums has great melodies everywhere. I can't even point out my favorites since all of them are excellent.

- Eric Gillete's vocals are gorgeous. Bill's are not as strong, but good nonetheless. Together they add even more to the fresh feeling of the album.

- Regarding Randy and Mike,  I never felt they worked well as a rhythmic foundation in other NM albums, their individual parts were good but it didn't seem they were working together. This album is different, you can feel that the music has a very strong foundation. Randy was a little bit more adventurous this time and his parts are more noticeable, while Mike's drumming is so much fun. My favorite section of his is the snare-hihat pattern at the beginning of the second big section in Alive Again.

- Eric applied a lot of self-restraint to the guitar parts, he doesn't try to show off, he just wants to complement the rest of the music. I specially like how he's able to drive the heavy parts and at the same time make the melodies come alive.

I would give this album a 10/10 without any doubts.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 06, 2015, 07:32:23 AM
THEY'RE FILMING THE NEW DVD TONIGHT!

And I'll be there. Great news. Of the three prog shows with Neal I've seen, all three have been filmed. (Twice Transatlantic Tilburg, now this) I didn't expect this, this'll be a great night!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 06, 2015, 07:37:10 AM
That's exciting!

Further comment on Agenda: the only thing worse than the song is the video.

I don't know, man, I just don't get this one.

But everything else is golden, including the bonus disc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 07, 2015, 06:41:59 AM
Interview with Neal (https://www.uberrock.co.uk/interviews/53-february-interviews/13801-neal-morse-spocks-beard-transatlantic-flying-colors-the-neal-morse-band-uber-rock-interview-exclusive.html)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 07, 2015, 09:26:21 AM
So yeah the show.

The show itself was very awesome, I'll get into that later on.

Everything surrounding the show was not that great. I'm not sure if there are any Beardfish fans on this forum, but man, they're not my cup of tea. If the guys in my band woud make that much mistakes, I wouldn't go on tour. I'm sorry if any one of them reads this, but I hope it was the nervousness. The drummer kept missing cues, and wasn't hitting anything good at all. The new keyboard player wasn't audible most of the time, and when he was he wasn't sounding certain at all. The singer was off. The bass player way over the top. I just wanted to leave the entire time, but my spot was too good.

Then the show started. Right from the start you could see all sorts of technical problems. During the switch you could see the sound engineer having trouble with Randy's bass, and during the show Randy had multiple vivid contacts with that guy (or possible another, couldn't see) about something going wrong. Bill had some trouble with his sounds, and the mix wasn't that great, mainly background vocals being either too loud or too soft. But the biggest issue was Neal's wireless system. I'm sure that every song had a technical failure, the vocals would just cut off. Just after the second song I was thinking 'Well no DVD then I guess'.

Then the show itself. From the moment they started until the moment they stopped I was smiling. Everyone on stage was so powerful in their performance, and the setlist was that good that I couldn't see a single person in the audience unhappy. The Spock's Beard bit (not only Harm's Way, but the end of Go The Way You Go too!) was awesome, Leviathan actually quite cool, and the new stuff rocks! I wasn't that fond of Alive Again, but after yesterday night that could be one of my favorite Neal Morse epics.
The only slight remark I have on the show itself was the acoustic bit in the middle. Neal did There Is Nothing That God Can't Change, which is a sweet song, but it went on forever, and after that came Waterfall. So Waterfall wasn't as good as it could've been, I guess.

Anyway, looking forward to the DVD if it will be released, I want to relive all the fun those guys had on stage.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 07, 2015, 12:12:41 PM
That's a bummer that there were so many technical problems, but good to hear the band still had a good time regardless.

Thanks for the link, hef, although that was your run-of-the-mill Neal interview. :lol :lol  He seems, if nothing else, like a genuinely great guy, but he's never been the most interesting interviewee.  His enthusiasm for music is always apparent though, for sure. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: jammindude on March 07, 2015, 01:58:02 PM
Wow....is anyone else watching the Portnoy meltdown on FB?

I'm certainly willing to chalk it up to him just not feeling well right now.....but wow.   

I hope he's OK.   It doesn't sound like he's going to be able to play the show...but he's bashing the hospital ER for not bumping him to the front of the line because he had a show.     Not cool....

I'm sure he's just in a bad mood because he's obviously really sick.  I hope he's OK...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 07, 2015, 02:08:49 PM
While I don't get why he would post it to facebook, but I do get the wish for making way for him. When you're on tour there's no way you can stay in line for an hour or two. You're not in the same place for that long. I know of stories of sailors (I don't mean sailors, shipmen?) getting special treatment at the docters office because they had to get going again. I know that being famous doesn't mean that other people should die for whatever complaint you have, but something must be possible, I'd say.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on March 07, 2015, 02:28:04 PM
I'm sure musicians don't rank that highly in the "pecking order".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 07, 2015, 02:49:39 PM
Don't get me wrong, I don't think they should, but I guess that something can be done. Maybe a phonecall beforehand, or some emergency service, or even outside of a regular hospital maybe just paying a private doctor.
I don't know what my point is exactly, mainly because nobody knows what they already tried beforehand. I sure hope they tried everything.

Finally, I think at least that MP should've closed facebook after posting that, instead of angrily reacting to people who just say how things work in a hospital.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ich bin besser on March 07, 2015, 03:49:08 PM
The new keyboard player wasn't audible most of the time, and when he was he wasn't sounding certain at all.

New keyboard player???
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ariich on March 07, 2015, 03:55:24 PM
Whittington is a public hospital, and therefore is almost certainly very stretched (the whole NHS has been recently). If he's such an important musician he can go to a private hospital instead! As an American he'll presumably have to pay for it himself either way.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Phoenix87x on March 07, 2015, 04:03:37 PM
As someone that works in healthcare, I take some offense with what he's saying. As far as I'm concerned, he can get in line like everyone else. Its character traits like that why I don't respect him.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 07, 2015, 04:13:44 PM
The new keyboard player wasn't audible most of the time, and when he was he wasn't sounding certain at all.

New keyboard player???

Yeah, they announced the keyboard player as new. I've never seen the band before so that's all I know. There was a singer/key/guitar, a guitarist, a drummer, bass player and then the new one.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: rumborak on March 10, 2015, 04:41:24 PM
While I was on vaca in Germany my brother was pitching The Grand Experiment to me, so I listened to it several times on train and plane rides.
I dunno; I don't want to constantly diss Neal, he seems like a genuinely nice guy on a mission, but it's just, except a few tunes (e.g. Agenda), it all sounds so much the same to me. Maybe, if the lyrics explored more topics it could somehow offset that a bit, but by the time "the King of Angels will return" is sung, it's like a death knell for the album to me. I feel I heard the music a hundred times before, and I heard the lyrics a hundred times before.
Dunno. Really gave it a try.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ariich on March 10, 2015, 05:00:42 PM
Weird, I would say the music is fresher on this album than any of his "prog" solo releases have been for years.

Lyrically though, I'm with you, but I don't mind that too much because, as you say, he's on a genuine mission and even though the lyrics don't speak to me personally, they do come across as sincere and genuine.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Prog Snob on March 10, 2015, 08:05:11 PM
Weird, I would say the music is fresher on this album than any of his "prog" solo releases have been for years.

Lyrically though, I'm with you, but I don't mind that too much because, as you say, he's on a genuine mission and even though the lyrics don't speak to me personally, they do come across as sincere and genuine.

That's basically my take on the lyrics.  I'm not the most religious person but I really do love the positivity of the message.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on March 11, 2015, 11:12:05 AM
Hey guys, I'm trying to order a subscription to the Inner Circle, but every time i try to confirm the order it tells me the transaction can not be processed. I've tried different cards and different shirt sizes and it all comes back the same. I tried contacting radiant through their 'contact us' email and havent heard back (since yesterday). Is anyone else going through this/gone through this?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Big Hath on March 11, 2015, 11:51:30 AM
I blame Portnoy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 11, 2015, 06:16:09 PM
While I was on vaca in Germany my brother was pitching The Grand Experiment to me, so I listened to it several times on train and plane rides.
I dunno; I don't want to constantly diss Neal, he seems like a genuinely nice guy on a mission, but it's just, except a few tunes (e.g. Agenda), it all sounds so much the same to me. Maybe, if the lyrics explored more topics it could somehow offset that a bit, but by the time "the King of Angels will return" is sung, it's like a death knell for the album to me. I feel I heard the music a hundred times before, and I heard the lyrics a hundred times before.
Dunno. Really gave it a try.

I can't argue with you giving a try, but I totally disagree about this sounding like just another Neal album.  The presence of his new guitar player gives it a very different feel at times, especially since he is more John Petrucci in style than Roine Stolt or Alan Morse, so you don't really get that TA or SB vibe from his playing, so that "been there, done that" feel in the guitar playing really isn't there.  Hell, the first several minutes of Alive Again is far more guitar-driven than any extended intro for an epic on a Neal album to date. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: r0cken on March 15, 2015, 10:24:16 AM
I used to adore his music and I hate to admit how much all his output since "Lifeline" sounds the same to me.
I still enjoy it, mildly, and I still love the epics on each album, last one included, but the rest is forgettable.
So yeah, "Alive Again" is stunning, but I could totally live without "Agenda" or "The Grand Experiment".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 15, 2015, 05:49:22 PM
I used to adore his music and I hate to admit how much all his output since "Lifeline" sounds the same to me.
I still enjoy it, mildly, and I still love the epics on each album, last one included, but the rest is forgettable.
So yeah, "Alive Again" is stunning, but I could totally live without "Agenda" or "The Grand Experiment".

Songs from November sounds like all of his other work? ???
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: r0cken on March 16, 2015, 12:09:24 AM
KevShmev, I was referring to his prog output. But "Songs from November" actually does sound like his two early pop albums (which I love)... So yeah, it does also feel like I heard it all before.
Lots of artists get locked up in their own shticks, and even if it's top-notch shticks, it's get boring. That's why I like it when Neal collaborates with other artists - it dilutes his signature songwriting a bit, and the music gets fresher.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 16, 2015, 05:33:47 PM
That's what he did on the new album.  While the Neal blueprint is definitely still there, there is a lot of stuff on there that is kind of new and different for him.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 16, 2015, 06:55:15 PM
That's what he did on the new album.  While the Neal blueprint is definitely still there, there is a lot of stuff on there that is kind of new and different for him.

This, and aside from Songs From November, his last three albums have all been collaborative: Transatlantic's Kaleidoscope, Flying Color's Second Nature, and the aforementioned Neal Morse Band release, The Grand Experiment. Even on his previous solo prog album, both Mike and Neal had a lot mo're input than ever before, so it seems Neal has grown more comfortable with sharing the workload on his albums, and I think we can thank TA and FC a bit for that.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Prog Snob on March 18, 2015, 06:52:06 AM
I just got my CD from Inner Circle, More Songs From November. I'm really loving this disc.  I've listened to it twice already.  I don't know about any of you guys, but I can always here The Beatles influence in his shorter and simpler songs.  Anybody else?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 18, 2015, 07:52:01 AM
The Beatles influence is strong in Neal's work, whether short or long compositions.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Prog Snob on March 18, 2015, 09:15:34 AM
The Beatles influence is strong in Neal's work, whether short or long compositions.

Not saying it doesn't exist in the longer pieces but I hear it more in the shorter pieces as opposed to to something like At The End Of The Day or Alive Again. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 18, 2015, 10:02:19 AM
True.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Prog Snob on March 18, 2015, 10:07:19 AM
True.

Either way I love his sound and I love the positivity in his music.  He's partially inspired me to maybe read more about Jesus and what he said. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 18, 2015, 10:26:32 AM
True.

Either way I love his sound and I love the positivity in his music.  He's partially inspired me to maybe read more about Jesus and what he said.
Awesome.  Let me know if I can help in any way.

Or just start a thread in P/R and we'll see what happens lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Prog Snob on March 18, 2015, 10:36:22 AM
True.

Either way I love his sound and I love the positivity in his music.  He's partially inspired me to maybe read more about Jesus and what he said.
Awesome.  Let me know if I can help in any way.

Or just start a thread in P/R and we'll see what happens lol

 :lol

True.  I don't want to delve any deeper into it here.  I'll give it a thought and maybe open up a thread later on. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 18, 2015, 10:40:35 AM
Or just start a thread in P/R and we'll see what happens lol

:dangerwillrobinson: :itsatrap:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 18, 2015, 11:00:48 AM
 :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 03, 2015, 12:10:20 PM
Neal Morse announced Morsefest 2015, in September.  Albums to be performed are ? and Sola Scriptura.   :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on April 03, 2015, 12:12:11 PM
I would love to see ? performed live.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Prog Snob on April 03, 2015, 12:20:51 PM
I was going to say those are two of my favorites, but I say that about all his stuff.   :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on April 03, 2015, 07:26:02 PM
Any Neal albums played in their entirety is going to be awesome.  I don't think the first Morsefest can be topped, but the shorter albums will I'm sure be accentuated with lots of extras and nice guests.

I definitely won't be making it to this years fest.  Last year was really a once in a lifetime thing driving that far for a concert.  But to anyone who can make the trip and is a Neal fan....  It is truly an amazing experience.  More than any other concert I've been to, they REALLY went out of their way to make it a unique concert experience, or at least I thought so.

Man, oh man....  I would love to see Sola Scriptura performed live (yes I have the DVD lol but you know what I mean).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: reneranucci on April 03, 2015, 11:24:47 PM
The Grand Experiment is the best album I've heard in many years (probably since 2010). I haven't felt so overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of music probably since I discovered Rush, Dredg or The Flower Kings. I've been playing it non-stop since I bought it (the fact that my wife also likes it helps a lot, of course  :))

I went to the very first Morsefest night but didn't stay for the concert, which I'm probably going to regret for the rest of my life  :lol I'd like to go to this year's event but I will probably move to another country during the summer. At least I went to the first night of the Grand Experiment Tour.

That's what he did on the new album.  While the Neal blueprint is definitely still there, there is a lot of stuff on there that is kind of new and different for him.
Agreed. As much as I love Neal, I felt that he wasn't going in the right direction with Lifeline and specially Momentum. I didn't have issues with him repeating the formula, it was just that the result of the formula wasn't as good as before and that he needed to make changes and try to push forward. He has definitely made the right changes.

Does anybody know how he's doing in terms of reaching a bigger audience? I'm not talking about a massive breakthrough but just gaining more recognition and support from the prog rock world. The album had good reviews so I thought that would help but the tour seemed to be of small-scale, even for him.

I have to say it was very nice to see he has very dedicated fans. There were people at Morsefest that traveled from England and Mexico to Nashville just to see him. I chatted with other fans and heard stories about people driving 10 hours in the snow to attend the concert. That's always nice to hear, he's such a nice, dedicated and talented guy that I think he deserves that kind of unconditional support.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 04, 2015, 07:38:52 PM
Dang, it is a bummer that renaranucci's post there went unquote and undiscussed, but yeah, The Grand Experiment is pretty damn awesome. I've been listening to it a lot again recently, and I definitely think it is one of his best "solo" albums to date (I put "solo" in quote since I know it is technically by the Neal Morse Band).

The Call was one I wasn't sure about at first, but I've grown to love it.  That keyboard solo before the final vocal section is one of Neal's best to date. For as much as we talk about Neal's overall skills as a musician, I feel we sometimes overlook what a great player he is when it comes to the piano and keys.

I think the fact that this album is only 53 minutes is a big reason why it is so awesome.  It is not too long or overdone or anything.  Its length is perfect.  I'm definitely ready to put it in the mix with One, ? and T2 when it comes to Neal's best. :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 05, 2015, 07:19:31 AM
I agree, it is fantastic.  The only real blemish is Agenda, but the two new songs on the bonus disc make up for that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 05, 2015, 08:46:20 PM
See, I like Agenda, so to me, it's a credit to the album.  And hey, if you don't like it, it's only a little less than four minutes of the entire album, so there ya go. :biggrin:

Alive Again, to me, ranks among the best epics Neal has ever done...from any project.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 06, 2015, 02:53:34 AM
In other news, I can't wait for the deluxe box set of Morse Fest 1. I'm not too sure if I'll be buying every deluxe boxsets of coming Morse Fests (if he continues to do them), but Testimony 1 and One is just too good of a bundle.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: comment on May 06, 2015, 04:00:03 AM
This forum is awesome.  I didn't care for the new album, but I like Morse's tunes.  I skimmed through this thread and decided to give it another listen.  I can't believe I didn't like it the first time.  It's one of his best me thinks.  Thanks DTF.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 06, 2015, 06:05:45 AM
This forum is awesome.  I didn't care for the new album, but I like Morse's tunes.  I skimmed through this thread and decided to give it another listen.  I can't believe I didn't like it the first time.  It's one of his best me thinks.  Thanks DTF.

 :tup :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 06, 2015, 06:35:20 AM
See, I like Agenda, so to me, it's a credit to the album.  And hey, if you don't like it, it's only a little less than four minutes of the entire album, so there ya go. :biggrin:
Oh, I agree.  It's so short that it's no big deal, especially with all the rest of the awesome that is present on the album.

Alive Again, to me, ranks among the best epics Neal has ever done...from any project.
I agree.  So good.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 06, 2015, 04:06:26 PM
I think getting a full-time guitar player aided the overall feel of the album big time.  Granted, Neal's electric guitar playing skills over the years have greatly improved, but still, having a full-time player, who sounds like a cross between Roine Stolt and John Petrucci, just makes it sound that much better. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Moor on May 08, 2015, 06:16:38 AM
I think getting a full-time guitar player aided the overall feel of the album big time.  Granted, Neal's electric guitar playing skills over the years have greatly improved, but still, having a full-time player, who sounds like a cross between Roine Stolt and John Petrucci, just makes it sound that much better.

I could not agree more  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Lynxo on May 12, 2015, 06:49:27 AM
I haven't listened to a Neal Morse solo album in a long time, so I decided to give this a try.

...I'm loving it! The only tune I haven't listened to enough to form an opinion on is the closing track, but the rest are stellar! The opening epic especially is awesome!

Oh, and this is awesome too.  :lol

(https://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k256/Lynxo09/_3goNv_zps9y1niiej.gif)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on May 27, 2015, 02:27:15 PM
Signed up for IC recently. Has the May CD Shipped out yet? Anyone get theirs?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on May 27, 2015, 02:52:23 PM
Signed up for IC recently. Has the May CD Shipped out yet? Anyone get theirs?

Got mine the other day..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 27, 2015, 03:16:24 PM
Signed up for IC recently. Has the May CD Shipped out yet? Anyone get theirs?

Got mine the other day..

Sweet. Hoping I get mine in the mail this week! Been looking forward to this one.

Anyone else hyped up for the MorseFest 2014 live release?! It'll be nice to have the (near-)complete Ltd. Ed. version of One LIVE! With the full band! Also, not like I needed a THIRD live version of Testimony live, but at least it's a different line-up this time, and I'm sure the performance is still something special.

I wonder if Neal will do a MorseFest in 2016, featuring Lifeline and Testimony 2? I kind of doubt it since Lifeline was his first major solo prog release that doesn't really hang together as a unified concept, and T2 was just played and released live not too long ago, with most of the original Testimony Live band from the 2003/2004 tour. I can't really see him duplicating that album performance again, only 5 years later, unless the shows has some REALLY good special guests (like Paul Gilbert, who Neal wanted for THIS year's MorseFest, but scheduling obligations did not allow him to participate).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 28, 2015, 12:27:13 AM
Signed up for IC recently. Has the May CD Shipped out yet? Anyone get theirs?

Got mine the other day..

Sweet. Hoping I get mine in the mail this week! Been looking forward to this one.

Anyone else hyped up for the MorseFest 2014 live release?! It'll be nice to have the (near-)complete Ltd. Ed. version of One LIVE! With the full band! Also, not like I needed a THIRD live version of Testimony live, but at least it's a different line-up this time, and I'm sure the performance is still something special.

I wonder if Neal will do a MorseFest in 2016, featuring Lifeline and Testimony 2? I kind of doubt it since Lifeline was his first major solo prog release that doesn't really hang together as a unified concept, and T2 was just played and released live not too long ago, with most of the original Testimony Live band from the 2003/2004 tour. I can't really see him duplicating that album performance again, only 5 years later, unless the shows has some REALLY good special guests (like Paul Gilbert, who Neal wanted for THIS year's MorseFest, but scheduling obligations did not allow him to participate).

-Marc.

I don't think he'll be continuing the Morsefests for a couple of years. I'm guessing that after one or two other prog albums it's time for Lifeline and T2, although, I couldn't really care less about Lifeline. Well... maybe watching this band playing the entire album live could change that.

The new IC release is a live DVD right?

Oh and Marc, what's the other Testimony live version then? I can only think of the original live DVD.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 28, 2015, 07:29:03 AM
Signed up for IC recently. Has the May CD Shipped out yet? Anyone get theirs?

Got mine the other day..

Sweet. Hoping I get mine in the mail this week! Been looking forward to this one.

Anyone else hyped up for the MorseFest 2014 live release?! It'll be nice to have the (near-)complete Ltd. Ed. version of One LIVE! With the full band! Also, not like I needed a THIRD live version of Testimony live, but at least it's a different line-up this time, and I'm sure the performance is still something special.

I wonder if Neal will do a MorseFest in 2016, featuring Lifeline and Testimony 2? I kind of doubt it since Lifeline was his first major solo prog release that doesn't really hang together as a unified concept, and T2 was just played and released live not too long ago, with most of the original Testimony Live band from the 2003/2004 tour. I can't really see him duplicating that album performance again, only 5 years later, unless the shows has some REALLY good special guests (like Paul Gilbert, who Neal wanted for THIS year's MorseFest, but scheduling obligations did not allow him to participate).

-Marc.

I don't think he'll be continuing the Morsefests for a couple of years. I'm guessing that after one or two other prog albums it's time for Lifeline and T2, although, I couldn't really care less about Lifeline. Well... maybe watching this band playing the entire album live could change that.

The new IC release is a live DVD right?

Oh and Marc, what's the other Testimony live version then? I can only think of the original live DVD.

Good point. I'm not too fond of Lineline myself, but with The Neal Morse Band playing it, they could really breathe some life into the songs, and if they play the two bonus tracks as well (9 in total), it could make for a good concert event. "So Many Roads" might be worth it alone!

And yes, AFAIK, the new IC Release this month is a DVD from the Alive Again tour.

The OTHER live Testimony release was from the IC, a 3-disc set recorded at the Whittier Theater:
https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/373-inner-circle-cd-live-in-whittier-set-1-march-2011.aspx
https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/375-inner-circle-cd-live-in-whittier-set-2-3-may-2011.aspx

This concert is special in that the encore is SLIGHTLY different. Instead of "We All Need Some Light" and "The Light", Neal plays "June" with his brothers Alan and Richard. Otherwise, the rest is the same (all of T1 and "Stranger In Your Soul" at the end), just a different show and venue. So yes, there are officially two/soon-to-be-three full releases of Testimony performed live.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on May 28, 2015, 07:53:33 AM
And yes, AFAIK, the new IC Release this month is a DVD from the Alive Again tour.
-Marc.

Awesome. Caught the NYC show and it was so good. That'll be a great watch.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: BRGM on May 28, 2015, 08:35:24 AM
How good is the guality of these IC releases? Sonically and visually.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 28, 2015, 11:28:56 AM
It depends, I guess. There are demo releases which are far from perfect, and there are tour-docu's and making of's that just didn't make the album but look like they could've. The live releases that I've got always have a 'official bootleg' sorta vibe, at best. You could compare it to Transatlantic 'Official live bootleg' DVD.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on June 05, 2015, 07:11:32 PM
How good is the guality of these IC releases? Sonically and visually.

Basically, you're raiding the guy's vault. The releases vary a great deal. Sometimes work is put in to make them as good as possible and other times not.  The really old stuff, which he seems to not be concentrating on lately wasn't as good as the more recent music, (But that doesn't make it any less good  musically to me.) I guess these would be on the level of official bootlegs or demos.  Don't expect perfection, but there's really a lot to enjoy.  There's been a lot of live music released over the last year (which I like) and he released a bonus disc of songs that didn't make it on Songs From November not too long ago.

I wouldn't really suggest it unless you REALLY like his work.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 09, 2015, 11:53:35 PM
So it's been over 2 years since my last one, but would anyone here be interested in another Neal Morse Survivor? I did one just after Momentum came out in 2012 and since then, Neal has released just one more solo album with The Grand Experiment. It's been nearly half a year since my last survivor so I'm itching to start another soon.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on June 10, 2015, 04:13:19 AM
I'll pass the two albums before Testimony, but I will participate in all the other rounds. It would be really cool.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 10, 2015, 07:58:14 AM
So it's been over 2 years since my last one, but would anyone here be interested in another Neal Morse Survivor? I did one just after Momentum came out in 2012 and since then, Neal has released just one more solo album with The Grand Experiment. It's been nearly half a year since my last survivor so I'm itching to start another soon.

-Marc.
Sure, why not?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 10, 2015, 10:03:08 AM
I'll pass the two albums before Testimony, but I will participate in all the other rounds. It would be really cool.  :tup

Have you ever listened to them? The first one is pretty good, and the multi-part epic is just as good as any Neal-era SB stuff that Neal did, just not with the boys in SB... Either way, the first one is pretty good, the 2nd not so much, but it's got a few good pieces on it.

So it's been over 2 years since my last one, but would anyone here be interested in another Neal Morse Survivor? I did one just after Momentum came out in 2012 and since then, Neal has released just one more solo album with The Grand Experiment. It's been nearly half a year since my last survivor so I'm itching to start another soon.

-Marc.
Sure, why not?

 :tup

Well, I've got two on board. If I get a few more responses today, I'll put up the main survivor thread in the Polls/Survivors forum and get started on it this week!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on June 11, 2015, 03:10:58 AM
I actually haven't listened to them. Someone told me they're a bit like Songs from November, which was a nice little album, so it might be a good idea to check them out at some point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on June 11, 2015, 10:41:16 AM
I actually haven't listened to them. Someone told me they're a bit like Songs from November, which was a nice little album, so it might be a good idea to check them out at some point.

They aren't! Well, some of it is. Actually most of those albums are a bit like SfN, but the best part is A Whole Nother Trip. That song is just great. I'd really love to hear a live version of it once. Especially the final part is beautiful.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 13, 2015, 04:13:59 PM
Just a heads up, my Neal Morse Survivor is now up and running! The first round for Testimony is active, and it'll be up for three days! Hope to see many of you folks in this thread voting over there! :tup

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 03, 2015, 06:24:19 AM
Good interview with Neal:

https://entertainmentdrivethru.com/neal-morse/

It's about 40 minutes, but it's a little less vanilla than his usual interviews, as he is pretty open about his early days as a musician and how much trouble he had at first collaborating with others, like on the first TA record.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on July 03, 2015, 10:01:56 AM
The hosts were REALLY annoying.  Good questions, but they simply could not resist the urge to talk over Neal and constantly cut in.  I know interviewing is not as easy as it may appear, especially when you are trying to juggle listening and asking logical follow-up questions that may be off script so that it sounds conversational vs. making sure to stay on track because of time constraints.  And I know that interviewing on air is especially challenging because you don't want dead air.  But it got ridiculous at quite a few points.  There were times when Neal was trying to say more, and they were cutting in on him constantly.  For example, around 20 minutes when Neal is talking about variations on the Testimony theme, and the guy cuts in and changes the subject.  :facepalm:  What a shame.  There was a lot of good stuff coming out in that interview, but it could have been absolute gold.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 03, 2015, 10:38:30 AM
Heh, I thought that same thing early on.  The lady must have interrupted with, "Also...," like 10 times in the first half of the interview, and that is the problem with having two interviewers; not only do they have to let the interviewee talk, it's like the two interviewers are fighting for their own time.  And since the guy dominated the interview questions, the gal probably felt like she had to chime in whenever she felt a pause by either guy, so it struck me as more of a bad format than anything else.  One-on-one interviews are always better.  But yeah, there were definitely numerous times in this interview where I thought, "Shut up and let Neal answer the damn question!"
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: BRGM on July 23, 2015, 04:12:19 PM
Okay, so last night in Stockholm was pretty amazing, both Haken and The Neal Morse Band were on fire! Best show I've ever been to (fine, I've only seen DT thrice and Steve Vai once but they were all amazing shows as well). The energy Neal delivers on stage is just otherworldly, he even came down to the audience during Reunion and danced with us (he also handed me the mic for a line). An hour after the show me and my dad (who I went to the show with) was hanging out in the Hotel Lobby. I noticed a shadow moving by the elevators, I looked up to see Neal approaching us. I tapped my dads shoulder and mumbled in awe, "Well look who it is!", and Neal came towards us and said, "Hey guys!". Starstruck as hell, I stuttered "H...Hi guy..." And then we had an awesome chat with Neal and a couple of fans, Bill later approached us as well, super nice guy! And finally, we met Mike and got a picture with him.

Bottom line, best night of my life so far (and probably ever!!!) Cheers!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 24, 2015, 07:20:52 AM
That's awesome!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on July 24, 2015, 08:13:38 AM
That's awesome indeed.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on July 31, 2015, 04:05:12 PM
Okay, so last night in Stockholm was pretty amazing, both Haken and The Neal Morse Band were on fire! Best show I've ever been to (fine, I've only seen DT thrice and Steve Vai once but they were all amazing shows as well). The energy Neal delivers on stage is just otherworldly, he even came down to the audience during Reunion and danced with us (he also handed me the mic for a line). An hour after the show me and my dad (who I went to the show with) was hanging out in the Hotel Lobby. I noticed a shadow moving by the elevators, I looked up to see Neal approaching us. I tapped my dads shoulder and mumbled in awe, "Well look who it is!", and Neal came towards us and said, "Hey guys!". Starstruck as hell, I stuttered "H...Hi guy..." And then we had an awesome chat with Neal and a couple of fans, Bill later approached us as well, super nice guy! And finally, we met Mike and got a picture with him.

Bottom line, best night of my life so far (and probably ever!!!) Cheers!

Interview hasn't even started and I'm already annoyed by the beginning.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 18, 2015, 12:05:54 PM
Checked my shipping number for MORSEFEST 2014 and it looks like I should be getting it in on Thursday or Friday! :metal

Cannot wait to check this out on Saturday (when I thankfully have the day off!). It's gonna be epic!

Also, September's Inner Circle disc will be a Making Of Sola Scriptura DVD!!! Now, the only album without a Making Of Documentary will be Lifeline, since the last 3 albums all came with those on DVD for special editions.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on August 19, 2015, 10:02:40 AM
I've already seen people on Twitter getting their copies of Morsefest, and since I didn't preorder due to packaging mishaps the last time I preordered from RR, I'll check the stores tomorrow!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on August 19, 2015, 12:57:07 PM
Best Buy hasn't shipped my Morsefest discs yet. I had some points to use so I got them nearly free.

*edit: just got shipping notification.  yipee!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on August 19, 2015, 01:42:45 PM
Best Buy hasn't shipped my Morsefest discs yet. I had some points to use so I got them nearly free.

*edit: just got shipping notification.  yipee!

Yeah, Amazon hadn't shipped them and had an estimated arrival time as next Thursday-Saturday. I was all like FUNKDATNOIZE and called up and complained. They should be here by 8pm on Friday now.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on September 01, 2015, 01:35:14 PM
Watching the ending of the first Blu Ray right now. I can only express how much I adore Neal Morse as an artist and as a person. Usually when things get too churchy I can't take it, but with Neal it all looks so real to him, and I love that.
The music sounds as good as ever, most instrumentalists are the best he's ever had in his touring bands, and Neal really shines. Sure his falsetto makes key moments rather fall flat, and there are always a couple of people on stage not playing, as well as the crowd shots make you realize it's not really the Radio City Music Hall. But then Neal gets into shot, and you can't not smile when he smiles, and feel sad when he cries. It's his best concert video by far, I really think so. Even considering they just play music from 2 albums. (apart from the encores of course)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on September 02, 2015, 06:23:42 PM
So I haven't been listening to Neal much in quite some time (or much prog in general for that matter).  I finally ordered Morsefest just cause I was actually there.  It arrived in the mail today so I started watching with not much anticipation....

Oh my goodness....  I'm sure it's a combination of many things, but I got sucked in so quickly.  Eyes were welling up with tears already on the first overture.  Neal is a fantastic entertainer.   So full of emotion and so genuine.  And the Testimony album is like an old friend that when you revisit from being away a long time it's like you never left.  Those comments aside, this is a great live release!!!  I don't listen to live music like EVAR so I just got the blu ray. 

I know it's a long ways off but I'm sure to look forward to getting the next Morsefest Blu-ray also.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 03, 2015, 07:34:31 PM
Well, MORSEFEST 2015 is approaching. Anyone here going to attend? If so, YOU ARE SO VERY LUCKY!!! Especially since Nick D'Virgilio will be a special guest! Makes me wonder what SB songs they will play for the encores.

I also wonder how they will fill out the sets each night, considering both Testimony and One are pretty lengthy albums (120 and 90 minutes, respectively), while ? and Sola Scriptura are fairly shorter (60 and 75 minutes respectively). I guess the 2nd half of each night will likely be songs from The Grand Experiment or Momentum, with some SB classics while NDV is out there. Hopefully none of the non-Testimony/One tracks they played last time, but if Portnoy was anywhere near the song suggestions outside of the two albums, I'm sure we'll get something unique and special!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on September 04, 2015, 09:59:14 AM
How about a big Snow medley? There has never been a live release of that, so that would be really awesome. I mean, I wouldn't complain if they played The Great Nothing, or At The End of the Day, or Flow, or The Healing Colors of Sound, or... or... They really can't go wrong. (well, if you forget about All on a Sunday  ;) )
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on September 04, 2015, 10:04:11 AM
In reaction to what you said, Marc, I don't really think they'll play stuff off Momentum or The Grand Experiment. Isn't the plan now to continue this trend and work their way through every NM prog album? Next year would be Lifeline/T2, the year after that Momentum and The Grand Experiment. It would be mind boggling to have a beautiful live release of every solo album NM has done. Just one show each year will keep people coming too I think.

I think we won't see newer NM songs as encores. d'You know what? I'd love to see A Mind Beside Itself! Or what about more proggy songs from his worship albums? Songs like Cloudburst. Add in a couple of old SB tunes and I'd buy it all.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on September 04, 2015, 02:28:20 PM
just arrived at the hotel for morsefest. 
can't wait to hear my two favorite morse albums
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 04, 2015, 11:14:59 PM
The Call
The Grand Experiment
Go The Way You Go
Macarthur Park
A Whole Nother Trip
New Jerusalem
? Album

Looks like I was right! They played songs from their latest album to help fill out the set, four to be exact, and I'm pretty sure MacArthur Park and New Jerusalem are being played for the first time!

And last year, I had hoped they'd play "A Whole Nother Trip" and it looks like they've finally done it! I'm so glad Neal decided to bring out that hidden gem of an epic!

Looks like over two hours of amazing music was played tonight! Cannot wait to see what they do tomorrow night with Sola Scriptura!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 04, 2015, 11:21:50 PM
In reaction to what you said, Marc, I don't really think they'll play stuff off Momentum or The Grand Experiment. Isn't the plan now to continue this trend and work their way through every NM prog album? Next year would be Lifeline/T2, the year after that Momentum and The Grand Experiment. It would be mind boggling to have a beautiful live release of every solo album NM has done. Just one show each year will keep people coming too I think.

I think we won't see newer NM songs as encores. d'You know what? I'd love to see A Mind Beside Itself! Or what about more proggy songs from his worship albums? Songs like Cloudburst. Add in a couple of old SB tunes and I'd buy it all.

Why would Neal cover a Dream Theater song?! ???

Also, I doubt they'd do Testimony 2 since a fairly definitive live version, with Mike and Randy, was already released from that album's tour. Granted, it doesn't have the dozens of extra musicians Morsefest would offer, but it feels a BIT too soon to me. Testimony 2: Live in LA only came out 4 years ago after all.

Maybe they'll skip a year and Mike and Neal can do Transatlantic's first two albums for a weekend with Pete, Roine, Daniel and maybe Ted?

Or....now bear with me... How about SNOW? With Spock's Beard, all members past and present?

Either way, I wouldn't MIND another full live version of T2 so soon, especially if it meant definitive live versions of all the Lifeline songs with Mike, Randy and the rest (and I do mean all 9 songs, including the two bonus tracks). "So Many Roads" is a fun epic! Also, if they play T2 again, they'd have to pull out the two Disc 2 tracks they didn't play last time - Absolute Beginner and Supernatural.

- Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on September 05, 2015, 05:36:35 AM
The Call
The Grand Experiment
Go The Way You Go
Macarthur Park
A Whole Nother Trip
New Jerusalem
? Album

Looks like I was right! They played songs from their latest album to help fill out the set, four to be exact, and I'm pretty sure MacArthur Park and New Jerusalem are being played for the first time!

And last year, I had hoped they'd play "A Whole Nother Trip" and it looks like they've finally done it! I'm so glad Neal decided to bring out that hidden gem of an epic!

Looks like over two hours of amazing music was played tonight! Cannot wait to see what they do tomorrow night with Sola Scriptura!

-Marc.

Haha! I typed A Mind Beside Itself?! I totally meant A Whole Nother Trip! That has been a wish of mine for quite a couple of years now, I can't wait for the release of Morsefest 2015 now!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 05, 2015, 07:11:56 AM
Wow, A Whole Nother Trip??  That's pretty random, but pretty cool.  Now, if only Neal would play the best song from that album, Everything Is Wrong, which incidentally is one of the most gorgeous things he's ever written.  :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on September 05, 2015, 07:14:44 AM
Wow, A Whole Nother Trip??  That's pretty random, but pretty cool.  Now, if only Neal would play the best song from that album, Everything Is Wrong, which incidentally is one of the most gorgeous things he's ever written.  :coolio

I actually really like that album. A lot of diversity, but songs really have their own character on that album. Although I must disagree with you, It's Allright is the best thing on that album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 05, 2015, 07:20:27 AM
I have long defended that album, especially when people start that "Testimony was really his first solo album" non-factual nonsense.  Everything Is Wrong, Emma and The Man Who Would Be King are my favorites, but It's Alright is very nice as well.  Every song on that record is at least good, and the majority are pretty great.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on September 06, 2015, 06:20:35 PM
No set list yet from night two?!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 06, 2015, 07:42:17 PM
No set list yet from night two?!
The Door
The Conflict
Heaven in My Heart
The Conflict
Waterfall
At The End Of The Day (w/Nick D'Virgilio)
Wind At My Back (w/Nick D'Virgilio)
Encore:
The Whirlwind (Medley)  (w/Nick D'Virgilio)


Looks like another TGE track and two SB classics with NDV, plus some medley version of "The Whirlwind" (haven't heard which parts, exactly, but I imagine it was similar to the one Transatlantic played on their last tour). A poster on FB shared a pic of NDV singing "Rose Colored Glasses", which tells us he was in the encore and that at least RCG was played as part of the medley.

Not a bad set, and while I love "Wind At My Back", I feel like Neal plays it a LOT, more than "We All Need Some Light" or "June". Ah well...at least NDV made it special!

I'm glad we will finally have a full live version of SS considering the live versions have all been truncated or mashed up into medleys, and over the course of several tours.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on September 07, 2015, 02:23:21 AM
I really love At The End Of The Day. So it's great to have a good release of that one.

But isn't it a bit of a short setlist? Depends on how long the Whirlwind medley is I guess. Cool of Neal to pick The Whirlwind btw, not All Of The Above, which would've been awesome too, but has been released more often. I'm interested to see how The Whirlwind would sound when Roine's not playing. I still haven't seen the encores of Morsefest 2014, I'm dying to watch this band play Stranger.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: r0cken on September 23, 2015, 02:37:20 AM
The "I can see the light" vocal line is the guitarist Eric Gillette.  I really like his voice, and wish they would have utilized it more.  His vocals were also on Thoughts pt 5 off of Momentum.
This.
Don't remember on which song exactly I noticed the backing vocals, but I was very impressed.
I SO want to hear more of his singing. I know he had an album out in 2013, but if I'm not mistaken it's mostly instrumental.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on September 23, 2015, 02:51:08 AM
BTW I ordered both the Blu Ray and the CD set of Morsefest 2014 at my local record store. The blu ray got there a couple of days after the release day, but the CD/DVD set still isn't there. Anyone else have problems with that? I'd love to listen to Morsefest goodness in my car.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 19, 2016, 12:33:06 PM
MASSIVE BUMP BUT FOR GOOD REASON


Apparently Neal Morse's Morsefest this year features Snow! Got an email, a bit puzzle-y but it has to be Snow this year. It says 'expect the unexpected' so, will it be played by Spock's? Or the original Spock's? I'm massively excited!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 19, 2016, 03:04:30 PM
MASSIVE BUMP BUT FOR GOOD REASON


Apparently Neal Morse's Morsefest this year features Snow! Got an email, a bit puzzle-y but it has to be Snow this year. It says 'expect the unexpected' so, will it be played by Spock's? Or the original Spock's? I'm massively excited!

Called this last year, that the next MORSEFEST will feature SNOW in its entirety, hopefully with the whole current band, Neal, and Nick as well.

They can play all of Snow one night, then a reverse-chronological set the other night, ending with an epic performance of "The Light" (because you gotta), then an epic encore of "Falling For Forever" with all 7 band members on stage!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on February 19, 2016, 07:59:02 PM
I am ready to get tickets and plan a vacation in Nashville.  Even if it's not Snow (don't see how it could NOT be), my family was bummed I skipped this last Morsefest (they enjoyed traveling with me even if they didn't participate in the shows).  Looking forward to more details on Monday.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 19, 2016, 09:11:34 PM
I am ready to get tickets and plan a vacation in Nashville.  Even if it's not Snow (don't see how it could NOT be), my family was bummed I skipped this last Morsefest (they enjoyed traveling with me even if they didn't participate in the shows).  Looking forward to more details on Monday.

Ditto. As someone who makes enough to get by, I am planning to seriously consider saving up a TON of money to plan a trip to Nashville to see one of my favorite albums performed by one of my favorite musical groups/artists of all time. I don't normally go out to concerts or even take long vacation trips like this, but I am willing to make an exception.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 22, 2016, 07:47:09 AM
Morsefest will feature Snow performed in its entirety by all past and present members of Spock's Beard.

Might be a great opportunity for a one-time only performance of Falling To Forever, as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 22, 2016, 09:35:43 AM
I'd love to go. Snow is one of my favorite albums of all time, and I'd love to immerse myself in it in a live setting. But airplane tickets alone (yes I've checked) are 1200 euros, so that's over 1300 dollars. Then there's accommodation, the tickets themselves... Could turn out to be over 2000 euros for a week. That's too much. I'll buy the blu-ray next year  :-[
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 22, 2016, 10:48:32 AM
I would love to go as well, and it would be much more feasible for me theoretically (Tennessee is the next state over to the west), but my wife is currently unemployed, so there isn't much disposable income to go around.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on February 22, 2016, 06:20:47 PM
Dang, 2nd show will be an "unplugged" storytellers type show with Neal Morse, Nick DV, Casey McPherson, and Eric Gillette. 

My personal opinion is that the first Morsefest was the "ultimate" Morsefest, getting to see Testimony and One in entirety.  I was lukewarm on the idea of the Morsefest 2.  But this definitely seems to me like a SUPER idea.  I'm really hoping I go.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on February 27, 2016, 02:39:37 PM
Dang, 2nd show will be an "unplugged" storytellers type show with Neal Morse, Nick DV, Casey McPherson, and Eric Gillette. 

My personal opinion is that the first Morsefest was the "ultimate" Morsefest, getting to see Testimony and One in entirety.  I was lukewarm on the idea of the Morsefest 2.  But this definitely seems to me like a SUPER idea.  I'm really hoping I go.

I was tempted by the first two. That's not the case at all this time although the second show might be interesting...especially if they break out into Beatles songs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 27, 2016, 06:59:57 PM
I was tempted by the first two. That's not the case at all this time although the second show might be interesting...especially if they break out into Beatles songs.

Good point. Neal is an out-right Beatle-maniac, and I'm sure Nick, Casey and Eric are pretty familiar with them. Considering they are all multi-instrumentalists and singers, there's a chance for some amazing covers of Beatles songs, or even each other's songs!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 18, 2016, 02:38:51 PM
The new Neal Morse Band album, coming this fall (Sept or Oct), will be a DOUBLE CONCEPT ALBUM!!!

Quote
Mike Portnoy
2 hrs
NMB Album Update (and some bold words from yours truly...):

This selfie was snapped at the end of last night's session where we listened to playback of the entire new Neal Morse Band album from start to finish (only my drum tracks are finished so far)...
WOW! I am absolutely speechless....

As much as I initially fought against the idea (for very obvious reasons), it has grown into a double concept album....

I usually never say this about new albums I make, but I honestly feel this album is an absolute masterpiece...and probably in the top 3 of the most defining albums of my entire career (along with DT's Scenes From A Memory and TA's The Whirlwind)

I'll just say this: If you think you've heard the Prog Album of 2016, you ain't heard NUTHIN YET!!!! Wait til you get a load of this...😎
(the album is slated for release approx Sept/Oct...more news coming soon!!)

Looks like the year for double concept albums...Dream Theater, Tiles, and now Neal Morse. Who else is getting those out this year? lol

Looking forward to this. Neal hasn't done an original concept idea in awhile (not since Sola, and I know T2 came out after that, but it was a continuation of an existing idea, and Lifeline, Momentum, and the Grand Experiment weren't conceptual at all, so it's nice to see Neal return to his early solo album roots like Testimony and One, at least by design). Cannot wait to hear this doozy of an album!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 18, 2016, 02:47:55 PM
Quote from: Mike Portnoy
If you think you've heard the Prog Album of 2016, you ain't heard NUTHIN YET!!!!

I guess we'll see.  Yes, we shall see...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 18, 2016, 03:37:18 PM
I'd love to hear this! A big story, quite possibly religious, and a couple of long songs, big epic endings and a lot of heartfelt music. I'm loving the fact that they've got two discs worth of material. And like you said Mark, going back to a concept album is a good thing. He hasn't done one in a while. I was watching the Making of Sola Scriptura a couple of weeks back, and Mike really discusses the fact that Neal shouldn't do ANOTHER concept album. After Snow, Testimony, One and ?. It's a funny thing that since then T2 has been the only one.


And before the storm starts: Neal already said it could be a double album, even before Mike joined them in session. Just to not even get people started.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 18, 2016, 04:47:11 PM
Hmmm, I wonder what this album will be about... :lol :lol

Jokes aside, Neal has toned down the religious stuff a lot in the last few years, to where they sound more spiritual than overtly religious, and I hope that continues.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 18, 2016, 05:23:53 PM
We also have to think that Neal has probably been thinking about doing SNOW for Morsefest this year for a LONG time, especially to get the boys in SB and NDV as well to join in on it. A LOT of planning has gone into it, I'm sure, so maybe with that in mind, Neal has written something along those lines for the new NMB album?

Granted, unlike Snow, and anything else he's done before, a lot of this new music is also co-written by Bill, Eric, and Randy. I'm sure Mike has had his usual arrangements thrown in during his stay in the last couple of weeks whilst tracking his drum parts. With the drums done, all that's left is for the other four to lay down their final parts (which will probably take the next month or two), then Rich to mix them all (which will carry us through the summer), then off to master and press. September seems like an ideal release date. I suspect a fall tour to follow as Neal's plans after Morsefest haven't really been settled yet, and with no Transatlantic or Flying Colors studio dates set yet, I'm sure he'll be free to gear up for a MASSIVE NMB tour this fall to promote the new epic album!

At this point, I'm expecting anything. His concept albums have gone from huge chunks of smaller pieces, huge pieces with smaller movements, looooong single epics with longer sections within them, and just a bunch of epics. I'd like to see him mix it up a bit here, more like ONE, with a couple of 25-minute epics, a few shorter pieces under 8 minutes, and maybe a few 8-15 minute pieces here and there, ya know, to really stretch out their musical muscles.

There has been and will be SOOOO much good prog coming out there, and no shortage of double concept albums either (DT's Astonishing, Tiles' Pretending 2 Run, and now the new Neal Morse Band)!!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on March 18, 2016, 06:23:44 PM
Nice!  Strong words from MP.  I'm excited for sure.  I was personally underwhelmed with The Grand Experiment, but maybe was just progged out last year. Was not expecting to read about a new double concept album.  Excellent news!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 18, 2016, 08:46:44 PM
The Grand Experiment was great, and I suspect this will be, too. :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 18, 2016, 08:59:32 PM
I concur - The Grand Experiment was a HUGE step-up from Momentum, not that Momentum wasn't great. Actually, for the time, Momentum was pretty good, even if it was a bit "typical" of Neal. Momentum was, to me, his first successful non-concept album, even counting his first two, which weren't very proggy to begin with (aside from the closing 4-part epic on his debut), but compared to Lifeline, Momentum was something more akin to Spock's Beard or even Transatlantic. Less religious lyrics that were a bit more secular, or at least just ambiguously spiritual enough to differentiate itself from Lifeline, which was very obvious with its references to God, Jesus, and Christianity as a whole (not that there's anything wrong with that, but I think that turned people off from the album more so than his concept albums, whose Christian ideas could be more seen as part of the story and concept and less so as part of just another Christian Rock album with a prog twist).

If the next album is more in line with Momentum and The Grand Experiment in terms of music and lyrics, I am DEFINITELY very hyped up for it, especially if it draws inspiration from Snow. Hell, let's see it be a sequel to Snow (which was joked about in the liner notes for the album anyway, where the end of it says there's room for a sequel or something like that). I'd love to see a solid narrative from Neal, a true story and journey, but not about a single man who goes through hard times and comes back uplifted and spiritual, as he's done this with Snow and Testimony. Something with a bit more adventure this time, I think, using spiritual and Christian ideas to shape the story rather than make it BE about it. Write a story with good characters and plot set to interesting music and I'll be sold. I kind of hope that Neal, Eric, Bill, and even Mike, get to do vocals for specific characters in the story, actually, as that would be something he hasn't done before and now that he's got a band with 4 vocalists, it'd be a crying shame if he didn't utilize them in that way!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 19, 2016, 01:24:27 AM
I like your ideas. The multiple vocalists would be really cool! As far as a sequel to Snow goes... I don't think Neal would make a NMB sequel, to a SB album. But who know, maybe he proposed it to the guys in Spock's and they agreed as long as the next MorseFest would be Snow live.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Enigmachine on March 19, 2016, 04:19:04 AM
Never listened to Neal Morse before, yet I'm intrigued.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on March 19, 2016, 04:33:21 AM
Strong words indeed. The Grand Experiment turned out to be rather underwhelming, so fingers crossed this one will be more dramatic and prettier melodically.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on March 19, 2016, 11:32:54 AM
Why doesn't NM put his albums on Spotify? :(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 19, 2016, 11:43:18 AM
Why doesn't NM put his albums on Spotify? :(

He has stated that he thinks it's unfair to the artists. Which it is. But still, he should :D

No it's a shame that a lot of my favorite music isn't on there. Neal's solo albums, Transatlantic, his Spock's Beard albums, Flying Colors (right?)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 19, 2016, 01:36:37 PM
I'm watching the Morsefest blu ray right now. I really love Neal's music, but his attitude towards it too. He really seems like an extremely likable chap.
Funny thing is, he's playing less than an hours drive away from me in a couple of weeks, but it's a church service. I don't really feel good going to a church service, just because Neal's playing there. I'm far from a christian, I'm not really interested in becoming one, it feels wrong to just grab the opportunity to see Neal. What would you guys do?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Plasmastrike on March 19, 2016, 02:30:16 PM
Dude, just go see him if you want to see. Nothing wrong with that in my eyes
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on March 20, 2016, 04:36:26 AM
I'm not religious myself but that didn't stop me from using the opportunity to go to a church once and listen to my friend singing in a gospel choir. It was awesome. If I could pay respects to my friend and enjoy the music, you should definitely check out Neal when you have a chance.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on March 20, 2016, 05:54:57 PM
I'm watching the Morsefest blu ray right now. I really love Neal's music, but his attitude towards it too. He really seems like an extremely likable chap.
Funny thing is, he's playing less than an hours drive away from me in a couple of weeks, but it's a church service. I don't really feel good going to a church service, just because Neal's playing there. I'm far from a christian, I'm not really interested in becoming one, it feels wrong to just grab the opportunity to see Neal. What would you guys do?

I'm not Lutheran but I went to a Lutheran church with my girlfriend and saw a choir concert they had. It was nice, the atmosphere was friendly. I think you should do it man. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 21, 2016, 02:05:20 AM
Thanks guys, I definitely will now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 30, 2016, 03:34:05 PM
Just came back from the church service. And yeah, I'm glad I went, but it didn't do much for me. If anything, maybe it made Neal seem like a more flawed person than I thought he was. He, I believe a family friend on piano, and a random drummer played about 10-12 songs of which Sing It High was the least preachy, and the only song off of an official CD. Apart from that there were only 2 songs I even knew (Isiah 60 and Jailbreak), and I thought I knew most Neal had written. Judging by how loud people were singing along and how little people knew Neal's story (he asked for a show of hands) I think he played a couple of worship classics. I can't know for sure, but the melodies and progressions certainly didn't sound Neal-like.
There was a massive preach in the middle of the two short sets with first Neal telling us a bit about his life story (he played in a circus, and had a steady ragtime piano gig for a while, didn't know that) and joking around a bit and secondly his friend Todd giving the audience a sort of bible lecture.

I had hoped to speak to Neal, but while the audience was small, he took his time with each and everyone, mostly to talk about religion (which again is logical considering it being in a church) so I figured I was the wrong guy in the wrong place. I would've loved Neal to play some other songs, though. The man has such a vast amount of beautiful acoustic songs, why play only the worship ones?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on April 30, 2016, 04:25:06 AM
Just finished reading the Testimony book that I bought at the above mentioned service. Great stuff, a lot of things in there that I didn't know! I always wondered the part in Jesus Bring Me Home, where Neal is wanting to get off the road, to focus on a music career. I never understood the paradox. It appears that he was (even right before V was out) still touring with other bands to make ends meet.

That and his early rockstar life, which was a lot heavier than I thought it would be. Smoking pot at 12, almost getting into dealing drugs...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on May 03, 2016, 11:40:05 AM

That and his early rockstar life, which was a lot heavier than I thought it would be. Smoking pot at 12, almost getting into dealing drugs...

Aside from the smoking pot at 12.. almost every teen 'almost deals drugs' at some point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on May 03, 2016, 02:23:12 PM
 :lol I guess we come from different neighborhoods then.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on July 07, 2016, 07:51:12 PM
Wow, not a single post in a Neal Morse or Spock's Beard thread regarding the latest Morsefest....  Not sure what thread to throw it in but chose Neal Morse.

Anyone from here attend?  Did it live up to the hype?  I wanted to go but it ended up not being in the cards for me.  Don't really feel like I missed out because I went to the first Morsefest (Testimony/One) which is easily my favorite album lineup of the ones they've done.

Been quiet on the Neal Morse Band front.  I'm assuming once more news is released on the upcoming album there will be more discussion.  It was originally slated for a release relatively soon (https://bravewords.com/news/mike-portnoy-checks-in-from-the-neal-morse-band-recording-sessions-new-double-concept-album-an-absolute-masterpiece) but that seems unlikely.  It would be nice to get an update.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 07, 2016, 08:01:05 PM
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=44537.315

;)

I floated the idea of going to my older brother and a friend, both of whom are big Spock's fans, but neither like Snow that much, so there was zero interest from either in going.  Oh well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bobs23 on July 07, 2016, 08:16:43 PM
Been quiet on the Neal Morse Band front.  I'm assuming once more news is released on the upcoming album there will be more discussion.  It was originally slated for a release relatively soon (https://bravewords.com/news/mike-portnoy-checks-in-from-the-neal-morse-band-recording-sessions-new-double-concept-album-an-absolute-masterpiece) but that seems unlikely.  It would be nice to get an update.

It's really good, having Eric and Bill as primary contributors really makes it different.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on July 15, 2016, 07:05:40 PM
November 11 release date for new NMB album (per Neal's tweet) .  Tried to copy or link to the tweet but was unsuccessful.  But that's all it really said, no other details.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 15, 2016, 07:25:20 PM
Damn, not till then?  I had thought this summer was the original goal. :(

See, I don't get this.  It sounds like the album was all but done a month or so ago, and in this day and age, for the album to the not hit the stands till 4-6 months later is just madness.  Don't get me wrong, I am a patient guy and can wait, but for all of the hype behind it, to now know it's not coming for almost four more months is a bit of a letdown.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on July 15, 2016, 08:22:27 PM
I can never tell when an album is "done" unless they officially say it's been mixed and mastered.  When MP started hyping it up as one of the defining albums of his career, they lyrics weren't even there yet (not to say there weren't any, or any ideas, but months later Neal would tweet about writing lyrics for it). 

Not bashing MP's hype, just think it's an interesting perspective.  At that point in time, it was stated that the basic drum tracks were done.  There's been little updates since then that I've seen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on July 15, 2016, 08:31:40 PM
I didn't realize there was an album coming out this year, so this is a pleasant surprise and I especially enjoy Neal's music in the winter anyway. How do you guys get this information? Twitter?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MS394 on July 15, 2016, 08:49:42 PM
Sure looks like quite the double album. It will surely be interesting  ;D

Surfing around Youtube, found out Neal Morse (and Dave Meros) played with Eric Burdon (apparently it was a well-known fact). There are some videos, Neal always seemed he had a lot of fun  :lol

BTW, A quick question: I just made my first purchase ever at Radiant Records.
Can they give out a tracking number? Or, is there a way to know where the package is located, on its way to the desired location?
Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on July 16, 2016, 03:17:06 AM
As long as it comes out this year, I'll be happy.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 16, 2016, 09:29:09 PM
Personally, I am kind of relieved that it's coming out in November instead of September. This will give me time to let the new Marillion and Kansas albums sink in for a month and a half before diving into a double-disc concept album by Neal and the guys. Having all of those (potentially) great albums come out at once would've been tough for me, having to rotate them to try and get the most out of each of them.

Then again, I haven't really paid too much attention to the two double-disc concept albums that I bought earlier this year (DT's The Astonishing and Tiles' Pretending 2 Run), though I hope that won't be the case for the new NMB album when it comes out (especially as Neal is easily one of my favorite artists of all time).

This also gives me more time to save up for whatever special, super-duper limited edition will be coming out with a free signed freebie for the first X-number of pre-orders. I missed out on the signed setlists with Alive Again, but I've not been in too much of a hurry to get that live set quite yet (especially since so many other studio albums have come out this summer already).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on July 20, 2016, 08:33:58 PM
Pulled this from the official Neal Morse website, posted last week:

"Welcome to the new website for The Neal Morse Band! This is where we will bring together the many elements of the Neal Morse Band world as they occur!

 At present we are in the mixing phase of the new album. We are really pleased with the results. This is going to be a concept album which tells an epic tale presented on 2 CD's. The band dug in and brought to the surface a wealth of new ideas and musical symmetries! And what prog concept album would be complete without artwork by an artist known for some very well known prog album covers!

 It is with great excitement that we are bringing everything together along with the largest world tour we have ever done to date in a forthcoming press release! Stay tuned for details!"
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 20, 2016, 09:13:34 PM
Pulled this from the official Neal Morse website, posted last week:

"Welcome to the new website for The Neal Morse Band! This is where we will bring together the many elements of the Neal Morse Band world as they occur!

 At present we are in the mixing phase of the new album. We are really pleased with the results. This is going to be a concept album which tells an epic tale presented on 2 CD's. The band dug in and brought to the surface a wealth of new ideas and musical symmetries! And what prog concept album would be complete without artwork by an artist known for some very well known prog album covers!

 It is with great excitement that we are bringing everything together along with the largest world tour we have ever done to date in a forthcoming press release! Stay tuned for details!"

Gonna guess it'll be Hugh Syme, but I could be wrong!

So I'm gonna guess that Neal took longer than he had originally anticipated with the overdubs because, up until a month or two ago, I think he was still recording vocals, and I guess things just took a bit longer than he (and everyone else) had thought, moving the release date from September to November.

Then again, mixing a full-on 2-CD Concept album could take awhile, especially since this will be Neal's first one since Testimony. I'm not counting T2 simply because the concept part of the album was only the 1st disc, and the 2nd disc was relatively short anyways. It's interesting to see Neal finally return to a solo concept album, his first since T2, but if we're counting NEW ideas (as T2 is a sequel), it'll be his first new concept since 2007's Sola Scriptura (as Lifeline, Momentum, and The Grand Experiment were all non-conceptual collections of separate songs).

I can't wait to see what kind of format he'll go with, if it'll be more like Snow/Testimony (with long stretches of segued songs), or perhaps like ?/The Whirlwind (huge pieces, divided into smaller movements), or an odd mix of songs (like One, with several epics, as well as shorter pieces of varying styles). Given Neal's penchant for writing a 20-35 minute epic on pretty much every album (going backwards, we've had "Alive Again", "World Without End", "Seeds Of Gold", and "So Many Roads"), I wonder if he'll include one this time, despite being a part of a larger concept?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on July 21, 2016, 09:26:27 AM
Very much looking forward to this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on July 21, 2016, 11:18:05 AM
Not regarding the new album, but I just got a bundle of "Cover To Cover" and "Cover 2 Cover", and I have to say, I've already known him to be supremely talented, but I was blown away.  He sounded EXACTLY like David Bowie on "Rock 'n' Roll Suicide", and while he doesn't "sound like" Bono or Joe Jackson, he captured the perfect essence of both on "Where the Streets Have No Name" and "I'm The Man".   And I'm running off to figure out his take on the riff from "Pleasant Valley Sunday"...

I can see why Mike has invested so much of his professional time into Neal's music.

(Though by the way, Mike is a beast on that as well; he doesn't play anything like Larry Mullen, Jr., but he drives the shit out of that song, as well as "Feeling Stronger Every Day".)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HolidaysAnoraks on August 02, 2016, 10:00:20 PM
A little late posting this, but I went to the Saturday night (Snow) gig for Morsefest. Long story short, I loved it. I have always been on the fence about Neal's music, but this show sealed the deal for me. He seems like such a genuine guy in every aspect. I met him after the show and he took the time to ask me my name, talk to me, etc. I told him that I really enjoyed the animated videos on the screens behind the band and that I thought they would make a cool Inner Circle release. He seemed at least receptive to this idea, saying something about "yeah, that would be cool." I didn't want to take up too much of his time, but he seemed like a very open and approachable person.

I've started buying more of his solo records since the show and man, have I missed out. I bought Testimony 2 back when it came out and I honestly hated it. I thought that it was preachy, wankery, and, well, just not for me. I may have to revisit that one because I love the One album, ?, and Momentum after purchasing them since the Morsefest gig.

Sorry for the long post, but I can't remember having this big of a musical "a-ha!" moment since I first started getting into Marillion several years ago.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on August 03, 2016, 10:05:05 AM
Neal has to be one of the nicest guys in the rock music. Ever.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 03, 2016, 10:56:10 AM
I've started buying more of his solo records since the show and man, have I missed out. I bought Testimony 2 back when it came out and I honestly hated it. I thought that it was preachy, wankery, and, well, just not for me. I may have to revisit that one because I love the One album, ?, and Momentum after purchasing them since the Morsefest gig.
I am a long-time NM fan, but Testimony 2 is probably my least favorite of his albums (along with Momentum).  Just hard for me to connect with, for whatever reason.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on August 04, 2016, 11:16:17 AM
I've started buying more of his solo records since the show and man, have I missed out. I bought Testimony 2 back when it came out and I honestly hated it. I thought that it was preachy, wankery, and, well, just not for me. I may have to revisit that one because I love the One album, ?, and Momentum after purchasing them since the Morsefest gig.
I am a long-time NM fan, but Testimony 2 is probably my least favorite of his albums (along with Momentum).  Just hard for me to connect with, for whatever reason.

Interesting. Was going to comment the opposite. T2 is my favorite Neal solo album. (Although you're right on with Momentum. Big dull dud.) T2 is definitely worth a second listen. :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on August 04, 2016, 11:30:51 AM
I've started buying more of his solo records since the show and man, have I missed out. I bought Testimony 2 back when it came out and I honestly hated it. I thought that it was preachy, wankery, and, well, just not for me. I may have to revisit that one because I love the One album, ?, and Momentum after purchasing them since the Morsefest gig.
I am a long-time NM fan, but Testimony 2 is probably my least favorite of his albums (along with Momentum).  Just hard for me to connect with, for whatever reason.

Interesting. Was going to comment the opposite. T2 is my favorite Neal solo album. (Although you're right on with Momentum. Big dull dud.) T2 is definitely worth a second listen. :tup

I'm the opposite. Don't love T2 but really like Momentum.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 04, 2016, 06:26:17 PM
Even though I think T2 is up there One and ? as his best albums, almost all of his albums are so good that it is hard to argue with just about any order someone puts them in.  Well, except if they have Lifeline near the top. :biggrin:

Neal has to be one of the nicest guys in the rock music. Ever.

Amen to that. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on August 12, 2016, 07:42:43 AM
(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13882674_1305426292808343_1996270466344878256_n.jpg?oh=9776c3d5d5f6f81449a4b1bd4554d621&oe=585A90A3)

11/11 #TSOAD
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 12, 2016, 08:58:25 AM
TSOAD?

The _____ Of A _____?

November 11th, eh? Interesting cover. It doesn't look like Hugh Syme, though, but I might be surprised. Neal said the cover would be done by a very famous prog album cover artists, so my first thought was Syme, but this isn't his usual style, given the covers he's done for bands like DT, Neal Morse, and Flying Colors.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on August 12, 2016, 10:45:29 AM
I desperately need more information.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 28, 2016, 12:09:51 PM
Neal has posted pics on FB recently, alluding to some Radiant Records school sessions. Hopefully, he is teaching the people who run the day-to-day operations to do a better job. :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on August 28, 2016, 12:14:07 PM
Oh yea, it's a prog music summer camp he's doing. Actually seemed pretty cool.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on August 28, 2016, 02:03:23 PM
My guess: The Seeds of a Dream. Proggy, yes. But Morsey?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytsejam58 on August 28, 2016, 10:30:47 PM
Going from the original post, I heard of Neal Morse through Mike Portnoy. My first encounter from him was on the Flying Colors live in Europe album. The voice sounded familiar and I realized that he sung Dance on the Volcano on Jordan Rudess' cover album. From there I learned that neal morse was also in Transatlantic with Mike Portnoy and that he had a whole bunch of solo albums too! (I was most interested in the ones involving MP) I'm not a christian but I do appreciate the subtle hints to christianity in Transatlantic and the not-so-subtle nods in his solo albums. The most christian thing I have from him is the MorseFest 2014 CD DVD set. I can tell that he has been through a lot and he does give off that wise fatherly figure vibe. That makes Portnoy they crazy uncle XD.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: weirdo on August 29, 2016, 03:57:23 PM
https://www.radiantrecords.com/default.aspx

Radiant Records is doing another 3-day sale this monday-wednesday! If you order during the sale you also have a chance to get a suprise gift with your order.

I just bought Neal's Songs from November, Live Momentum (3CD/2DVD), Transatlantic's Kaleidoscope and Whirld Tour (3CD) for ~8 + 21 international shipping (that would be about $9 + $24). :metal The shipping costs probably a lot less if you ship to US. At the previous sale a couple months back I got KaLiveoscope (3CD/DVD), Transatlantic Live in Europe (2CD), So Many Roads (3CD), Testimony 2, Spock's Beard's Don't Try This At Home and Cover 2 Cover for <10 + 22 shipping. Must have been the best deal of my life (regarding music). Especially since Transatlantic and Neal Morse are probably two of my very favourite bands/artists atm.

But seriously, what's up with Radiant Records? I mean, the last sale they had the Live momentum for sale for something like $15 iirc (which is a bargain imo, considering its a 5-disc set), and now they have dropped that to $5. It's like they're desperately trying to get rid of stuff  :lol . And testimony 2 for $2? And kaleidoscope for $1???  :eek
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: weirdo on August 29, 2016, 04:12:02 PM
TSOAD? Hmmm......

*edit. I tried to add a pic, but apparently I didn't do it correctly because it doesn't show.. Was just trying to make some lame ass System of a Down reference ::)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 29, 2016, 04:16:47 PM
I'll throw my WAG (wild ass guess) out there.  TSOAD = The Source of All Dreams.

I know, I know, probably a weak attempt.  Can't wait to find out more information about this album!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: weirdo on August 29, 2016, 04:27:22 PM
I'll throw my WAG (wild ass guess) out there.  TSOAD = The Source of All Dreams.

I know, I know, probably a weak attempt.  Can't wait to find out more information about this album!

No, I think that would actually make an awesome album title! But it could be anything though. I'm not even gonna try
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 04, 2016, 09:43:21 PM
From Mike Portnoy's Facebook page just a bit ago:

Quote
OMG...I am BLOWN AWAY....

I know I've been posting teases for months throughout the making of this album, but I just spent the last 1hr & 50mins listening to the completely finished, final mastered new Neal Morse Band double concept album in its entirety and I am completely FLOORED...
By the time I was rounding the album's grand finale, the goosebumps were so overwhelming I actually uncontrollably wept like a baby!!! (I swear.....)

In my 30+ year career, I consider myself to have made 2 masterpiece concept albums: Dream Theater's Scenes From A Memory & Transatlantic's The Whirlwind...

Ladies & Gentlemen, In my opinion, we have ABSOLUTELY TOPPED them both! THIS is THE ALBUM of mine (& Neal's) careers...it's is so monumentally EPIC and perfect in every way....

I will be so bold as to put my balls on the table and say I think this album can even sit side by side with The Who's Tommy & Quadrophenia, Genesis' The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway and Pink Floyd's The Wall...

Yes, I said it!!! : )

Thank you to Neal Morse, Randy George, Eric Gillette & Bill Hubauer for the honor of writing and performing such incredible music with you and to Jerry Guidroz and Rich Mouser for making it sound so amazing...

The official Press Release with more info on this incredible album, as well as US & European Tour Dates, is COMING THIS WEEK!!! So stay tuned for more info....
WOW.....
11/11 #TSOAD

Lots of hype from him regarding this album, and knowing how much of a fan of music he is, these are big words, comparing this album to other great concept albums. He is certainly excited for this 110 minute album, though I'm trying not to raise my expectations higher for this one, but I'm sure it'll get more spins than DT's Astonishing has from me this year.

Either way, looking forward to the press release later this week!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nel on September 04, 2016, 10:21:20 PM
I could swear he's given similar hype speeches about other albums he's done. I know I've seen him say that "album of my career" thing before. :lol

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: LudwigVan on September 04, 2016, 10:27:50 PM
Well, he's got his balls on the table. So there's that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: pogoowner on September 04, 2016, 10:46:30 PM
Let's pump the brakes, Mike.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 04, 2016, 10:52:55 PM
I have no doubt that this will be great, but he definitely needs to simmer down with the hype. He's gonna make it to where expectations will be too high for a lot of fans. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on September 04, 2016, 11:34:56 PM
I at least appreciate his enthusiasm. But any fans who take his words with anything more than a grain of salt are delusional and its their own fault if they end up disappointed. Of course Portnoy is going to say it's his best work, it's the musician's job to say that about every album.

What I find more questionable is Portnoy mentioning The Whirlwind in the same breath as Scenes From a Memory. The Whirlwind was decent but it was far from a masterpiece IMO. I hope this upcoming album is at least a step above that.

Neal and Mike both have a knack for strong conceptual work and there were some glimmers of brilliance on The Grand Experiment that showed potential for Neal Morse to do something at the level of his pre-Testimony days. So if any album has the potential to be great, this is it. I'm not going to raise my expectations that much but I'm definitely more excited for this album than previous Morse related albums.


Edit: Some replies to comments on his facebook

Quote from: Mike Portnoy
Well, this is mine and Neal's 18th studio album together! Looks like you have ALOT of catching up to do... : )
That's pretty crazy, I had no idea.

Quote
Nope...the Neal Morse BAND is exactly that (a "band")...the contributions by EVERYBODY in the band (as well as Eric and Bills lead vocals) make this album different from any other previously Neal "solo" album...this is more in line with Transatlantic

This I can believe. One thing The Grand Experiment really had going for it was that it felt like there were more influences than just Neal. I'm sure it'll still be Morse dominated but hopefully has more of the other personalities mixed in.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on September 05, 2016, 02:32:04 AM
I was kind of underwhelmed by The Grand Experiment. A lot of it lacked the beauty and warmth of classic Neal Morse stuff. It makes me wonder if the involvement of other band members takes away from the experience more than it adds to it. Maybe the stuff Eric or Bill contributed wasn't as great as Neal's stuff. The new album might answer that question.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Enigmachine on September 05, 2016, 04:53:12 AM
Quote
Nope...the Neal Morse BAND is exactly that (a "band")...the contributions by EVERYBODY in the band (as well as Eric and Bills lead vocals) make this album different from any other previously Neal "solo" album...this is more in line with Transatlantic

This I can believe. One thing The Grand Experiment really had going for it was that it felt like there were more influences than just Neal. I'm sure it'll still be Morse dominated but hopefully has more of the other personalities mixed in.

I guess it's like James LaBrie's 'solo' project, where they act as a collaborative band and the name is just to attract attention. Also, I really need to listen to the Neal Morse solo stuff and band.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 05, 2016, 07:50:15 AM


Quote from: Mike Portnoy
Well, this is mine and Neal's 18th studio album together! Looks like you have ALOT of catching up to do... : )
That's pretty crazy, I had no idea.
 

I am probably just having a brain fart, but I am drawing a blank on the 18th one...

Transatlantic (4)
Flying Colors (2)
Neal Morse (11 - counting the new one and the Cover to Cover albums)

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 05, 2016, 08:22:46 AM


Quote from: Mike Portnoy
Well, this is mine and Neal's 18th studio album together! Looks like you have ALOT of catching up to do... : )
That's pretty crazy, I had no idea.
 

I am probably just having a brain fart, but I am drawing a blank on the 18th one...

Transatlantic (4)
Flying Colors (2)
Neal Morse (11 - counting the new one and the Cover to Cover albums)

Hmmm, no, I came up with 17 as well. I wonder if Mike just miscounted, or if he's counting something that we're not thinking of...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on September 05, 2016, 09:28:24 AM
Maybe he's counting Neal's cameo in SC? That's the only thing I can think of.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on September 05, 2016, 02:59:27 PM
From Mike on Facebook:

With Transatlantic:
2000 - SMPTe
2001 - Live In America
2001 - Bridge Across Forever
2003 - Live In Europe
2009 The Whirlwind
2010 An Evening With Transatlantic: Whirld Tour
2011 More Never Is Enough: Live in Manchester
2014 - Kaleidoscope
2014 - KaLIVEoscope: Live in Tilburg

With Neal Morse/ The Neal Morse Band:
2003 - Testimony
2004 - One
2005 - ?
2006 - Cover To Cover
2007 - Sola Scriptura
2008 Lifeline
2011 Testimony 2
2011 - Testimony 2: Live in Los Angeles
2012 - Cover 2 Cover
2012 - Momentum
2012 - The Prog World Orchestra: A Proggy Christmas
2013 - Live Momentum
2015 - The Grand Experiment
2015 - MorseFest 2014
2016 - Alive Again
2016 - TSOAD

With Flying Colors:
2012 - Flying Colors
2013 - Live In Europe
2014 - Second Nature
2015 - Second Flight: Live at the Z7

With Yellow Matter Custard:
2003 - One Night In New York City
2011 One More Night In New York City

I think he's counting the Prog World Orchestra album, along with the Cover albums. All of which I would not count as "studio albums," but whatever.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ben_Jamin on September 05, 2016, 03:47:07 PM
Well they actually were recorded in the studio.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on September 05, 2016, 03:58:51 PM
Updating my guess for album name...  Picture looks like a book, so I'm guessing it will be "The Story of..." I just can't figure what the last two words would be.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on September 05, 2016, 04:00:28 PM
BTW, The Neil Morse Band is playing RoSfest next May.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 05, 2016, 04:02:27 PM
Well they actually were recorded in the studio.

 :lol True, though the Cover albums were more so compilations than normal LPs, but still, all songs were recorded in the studio nonetheless.

And I completely forgot about the Prog World Orchestra's Proggy Christmas album! If this was November or December, I'd totally remember it, but outside of those two months of the year, I never play it, so it's "out of sight, out of mind" to me.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PROGdrummer on September 05, 2016, 08:32:48 PM
The Screams of The Damned?

Idunno, what if Neal decided it was time to try death metal?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on September 05, 2016, 08:54:51 PM
I dunno, that sounds kinda divisive and controversial.  But I LOVE it!  Part of me things Neal likes to use non-everyday words so I also wonder if the "O" is for Odyssey.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PROGdrummer on September 05, 2016, 10:18:35 PM
I'm also partial to "The Smell of Anal Droppings".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on September 06, 2016, 07:09:42 AM
The BIG announcement is coming!
PRE-ORDERS BEGIN FRIDAY, 9/9 at 9AM CDT.
"Boys, I think we just made the album of our careers." - Mike Portnoy
This epic album will be available in 3 formats. A Special Edition 3 Disc Digipack (2CDs and a "Making of" DVD), 2 CD standard version, and a 3 LP Vinyl with 2 CDs included!
***The first 200 pre-orders will receive a 5" x 7" exclusive framable photo of an actual lyric sheet from the album signed by Neal Morse! This rare collectors item is only available through Radiant Records.***
ALSO: Pre-order the Special Edition 2CD/DVD Digipack or the 3 LP Vinyl edition, and receive 2 free exclusive MP3 downloads from the album when you order!
ALBUM RELEASE DATE: November 11, 2016
NMB TOUR DATES 2017
(North American Dates)
Jan 15 Nashville - Venue TBA
Jan 17 Seattle - Triple Door: https://tickets.thetripledoor.net/eventperformances.asp
Jan 18 San Francisco - Regency Ballroom: https://axs.com/ev/313671/tony-levin-neal-morse-band-tickets
Jan 21 LA- Center Theater, Whittier: www.calprog.com
Jan 22 Phoenix - Nesbitt-Elliott Playhouse Theater
Jan 24 Denver - Oriental Theater
Jan 25 Dallas - Curtain Club: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1306357\
Jan 27 Chicago - Arcada Theater: https://tix.extremetix.com/webtix/928
Jan 28 Cleveland - Beachland Ballroom
Jan 29 Toronto - Mod Room
Jan 31 Montreal - Club Soda: https://www.clubsoda.ca
Feb 01 Quebec City - Salle Jean Paul Tardif: https://thepointofsale.com/tickets/jlc160826001/
Feb 02 NYC - Highline Ballroom: https://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail
Feb 03 Washington DC - State Theater: https://order.ticketalternative.com//ncomme/SEGetEventInfo
Feb 07 - 11 CTTE (Cruise To the Edge... leaving from Tampa FL)
(Europe Dates)
March 22 Barcelona - Apolo: https://www.ticktackticket.com/entradas/goto_list.do
March 23 Milan - Venue TBA
March 24 Zurich - Z7
March 25 Aschaffenburg - Colo-Saal
March 26 Berlin - Lido
March 28 Warsaw - Progresja Music Zone
March 29 Hamburg - Markthalle
March 30 Verviers - Spirit of 66
March 31 Cologne - Stollwerck
April 01 Malmo - KB: https://burl.nu/3vrk4s
April 02 Tilburg - O13: https://www.ticketmaster.nl/event/171647
April 04 Luxembourg - Rockhal - https://www.rockhal.lu//rock-p/show/detail/neal-morse-band/
April 05 Paris - Divan Du Monde: https://www.ticketmaster.fr//neal-morse-band/idmanif/382862
April 06 Birmingham - O2 Academy 2: https://www.academymusicgroup.com//855424/neal-morse-band-
April 07 Manchester - O2 ABC 1: https://www.livenation.co.uk//the-/manchester/2017-04-08/en
April 08 Glasgow - O2 Ritz: https://www.livenation.co.uk//the-nea/glasgow/2017-04-07/en
April 09 London - O2 Islington Academy: https://www.academymusicgroup.com//855613/neal-morse-band-
April 12 Tel Aviv - Bascula Club: https://rockstage.co.il/tickets/nmb.html
May 6th RosFest (Gettysburg PA) www.rosfest.com
MORE INFO TO COME...STAND BY....
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on September 06, 2016, 07:14:45 AM
Cool. I can walk to that theater from my house, maybe I'll check them out this time if the album is good.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 06, 2016, 07:22:26 AM
Psssst...

https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/634-the-neal-morse-band-alive-again-dvd2cd-set-and-blu-ray.aspx

(disregard the text in the link, just click it)

The Similitude of a Dream
Quote
  Up and over... now the BIG ONE! The first of its kind. The juggernaut flagship masterwork from The Neal Morse Band -- The Similitude of a Dream. This is the double concept album fans of progressive rock have been waiting for, whether they know it or not.

This is the second studio release from the collective minds of prog legends Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy with their resident cohort Randy George and relative newcomers Eric Gillette and Bill Hubauer.

Mike Portnoy says, "OMG...I am BLOWN AWAY.. I am completely FLOORED...By the time I was rounding the album's grand finale, the goosebumps were so overwhelming I actually uncontrollably wept like a baby!!! (I swear.....) In my 30+ year career, I consider myself to have made 2 masterpiece concept albums: Dream Theater's Scenes From A Memory & Transatlantic's The Whirlwind...

Ladies & Gentlemen, In my opinion, we have ABSOLUTELY TOPPED them both! THIS is THE ALBUM of mine (& Neal's) careers...it's so monumentally EPIC and perfect in every way...."

 

Clocking in at over 100 minutes on 2 CDs, this amazing piece of prog storytelling will leave you breathless, exhilarated, amused, and fulfilled in a way that only inspired music can.
TRACK LISTING:

Disc 1


1.    Long Day     
2.    Overture     
3.    The Dream   
4.    City Of Destruction     
5.    We Have Got To Go     
6.    Makes No Sense   
7.    Draw The Line     
8.    The Slough     
9.    Back To The City   
10.  The Ways Of A Fool     
11.   So Far Gone
12.   Breath Of Angels               

TOTAL TIME: 51:59

Disc 2

1.   Slave To Your Mind             
2.   Shortcut To Salvation           
3.   The Man In The Iron Cage         
4.   The Road Called Home               
5.   Sloth                                             
6.   Freedom Song                             
7.   I'm Running                                 
8.   The Mask                                     
9.   Confrontation                                 
10. The Battle                                     
11. Broken Sky/Long Day Reprise     
TOTAL TIME: 54:36

The Similitude of a Dream is available in 3 formats:
1. Special Edition 3 Disc Digipack (2CDs and "The Making of a Dream" DVD)
2.  LP Vinyl with 3 LPS & 2 CDs included in the package
3. 2 CD regular version.
(SE and Vinyl versions available also as a special low priced bundle with Alive Again 2CD/DVD. These bundles will also include the free MP3 downloads and be eligible for the signed graphic. Alive Again will ship with your order, not before)

-----------------------------------

And, as I have not yet ordered Alive Again, I think I shall order the new album with it in the specially priced bundle for $44.99 (not a bad deal for two 2CD/1DVD sets), which saves me a little under $10 over ordering both sets separately!

Interesting track list, and of course, the album ends with a reprise of the opening track! Typical Neal Morse, but there's some comfort in that, or maybe that's just me... Either way, 23 new tracks to dig into in about two months', though I'm not sure I can wait that long!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on September 06, 2016, 07:27:59 AM
That Alive Again bundle is a pretty good deal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Enigmachine on September 06, 2016, 08:09:30 AM
How does Neal Morse's solo career compare to Spock's Beard (and DT, considering MP is in it)?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on September 06, 2016, 09:00:53 AM
How does Neal Morse's solo career compare to Spock's Beard (and DT, considering MP is in it)?

I would actually like to know the opposite. I know some Spock's stuff, but I only have the compilation, which I like (Neal's stuff, mostly). But I really love his solo career. My favorites include Testimony 2 and Sola Scriptura. The Grand Experiment is another beast entirely and is phenomenal. Compared to DT, it's a little bit more proggy, and a lot less 'metal' (save for Sola, for the most part). MP is MP and plays great throughout his solo stuff. I would (obviously) compare Neal's stuff to Transatlantic, which is on equal footing I would say. Unless it's Bridge Across Forever; nothing can touch that album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on September 06, 2016, 09:05:40 AM
Neal Morse pretty much has one style he sticks to, so if you like his solo stuff I'm sure you'd like Spock's too. I'd say Spock's is even better because it sounds a lot more fresh. A bit less rehashing than on his solo albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 06, 2016, 09:20:08 AM
Psssst...

https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/634-the-neal-morse-band-alive-again-dvd2cd-set-and-blu-ray.aspx

(disregard the text in the link, just click it)

The Similitude of a Dream
Quote
  Up and over... now the BIG ONE! The first of its kind. The juggernaut flagship masterwork from The Neal Morse Band -- The Similitude of a Dream. This is the double concept album fans of progressive rock have been waiting for, whether they know it or not.

This is the second studio release from the collective minds of prog legends Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy with their resident cohort Randy George and relative newcomers Eric Gillette and Bill Hubauer.

Mike Portnoy says, "OMG...I am BLOWN AWAY.. I am completely FLOORED...By the time I was rounding the album's grand finale, the goosebumps were so overwhelming I actually uncontrollably wept like a baby!!! (I swear.....) In my 30+ year career, I consider myself to have made 2 masterpiece concept albums: Dream Theater's Scenes From A Memory & Transatlantic's The Whirlwind...

Ladies & Gentlemen, In my opinion, we have ABSOLUTELY TOPPED them both! THIS is THE ALBUM of mine (& Neal's) careers...it's so monumentally EPIC and perfect in every way...."

 

Clocking in at over 100 minutes on 2 CDs, this amazing piece of prog storytelling will leave you breathless, exhilarated, amused, and fulfilled in a way that only inspired music can.
TRACK LISTING:

Disc 1


1.    Long Day     
2.    Overture     
3.    The Dream   
4.    City Of Destruction     
5.    We Have Got To Go     
6.    Makes No Sense   
7.    Draw The Line     
8.    The Slough     
9.    Back To The City   
10.  The Ways Of A Fool     
11.   So Far Gone
12.   Breath Of Angels               

TOTAL TIME: 51:59

Disc 2

1.   Slave To Your Mind             
2.   Shortcut To Salvation           
3.   The Man In The Iron Cage         
4.   The Road Called Home               
5.   Sloth                                             
6.   Freedom Song                             
7.   I'm Running                                 
8.   The Mask                                     
9.   Confrontation                                 
10. The Battle                                     
11. Broken Sky/Long Day Reprise     
TOTAL TIME: 54:36

The Similitude of a Dream is available in 3 formats:
1. Special Edition 3 Disc Digipack (2CDs and "The Making of a Dream" DVD)
2.  LP Vinyl with 3 LPS & 2 CDs included in the package
3. 2 CD regular version.
(SE and Vinyl versions available also as a special low priced bundle with Alive Again 2CD/DVD. These bundles will also include the free MP3 downloads and be eligible for the signed graphic. Alive Again will ship with your order, not before)
WANT
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: LudwigVan on September 06, 2016, 09:49:02 AM
Neal Morse pretty much has one style he sticks to, so if you like his solo stuff I'm sure you'd like Spock's too. I'd say Spock's is even better because it sounds a lot more fresh. A bit less rehashing than on his solo albums.

Even though I prefer Neal Morse solo over Spocks, I can agree with this.   There is a spontaneity and rawness to the Spocks Beard albums.  The other side to the coin is that his solo stuff sounds a lot more polished and the musical ideas seem more complete or 'finished'.   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Enigmachine on September 06, 2016, 11:42:44 AM
There is a spontaneity and rawness to the Spocks Beard albums.  The other side to the coin is that his solo stuff sounds a lot more polished and the musical ideas seem more complete or 'finished'.   

Interesting, can you elaborate on that?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 06, 2016, 01:16:30 PM
There is a spontaneity and rawness to the Spocks Beard albums.  The other side to the coin is that his solo stuff sounds a lot more polished and the musical ideas seem more complete or 'finished'.   

Interesting, can you elaborate on that?

I think what he means is that the first 6 (especially the first 3) SB albums are pretty fresh, and for their time, were unlike any other prog band. Neal's sound was exploratory, not a lot of re-treading of ideas that he would grow comfortably into (things that made him a bit well-known, like multi-part epics with reprised themes, the occasional Spanish/Flamenco guitar section, and multi-part vocals), so a lot of the songs vary in theme, feel, sound, genre, and even among the first three albums, you hear a different sound from song to song but are all still identifiably (is that a word? lol) Neal's writing.

Even the debut is one of his strongest albums, especially having worked on it some years prior to recording and releasing it. The songs sound raw, but also polished, very complete and whole, but with that early 90's hard rock tinge that gives them a unique heaviness to them that isn't tied down to heavy metal or prog metal. To contrast that, though, there are some delicate moments. Listen to a song like "Go The Way You Go" or "Walking On The Wind", and you can understand how almost schizophrenic his music can be.

EDIT - It's kind of like diving back in time to a creator's early works. There's always that sort of "awe" and "magic" in hearing what they created before their works became more streamlined and polished. Neal's early work with SB is truly magnificent, and even within those 6 albums, he streamlined his writing, all the way up to V and Snow, two of his best albums with SB IMO.

If you've not checked out ANY of those 6 albums, I say definitely go in release order, just to get a sense of his chronology as a writer and performer. I doubt you'll be disappointed, especially if you already enjoy almost all of his post-SB solo albums, but do NOT forget his two solo albums released during his time with SB - the self-titled debut and It's Not Too Late, the former of which features a 20-minute, 4-part epic!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 06, 2016, 05:44:42 PM
How does Neal Morse's solo career compare to Spock's Beard (and DT, considering MP is in it)?

Quality-wise, I think DT gets the edge (3rd favorite band), but solo Neal and Spock's (both in the bottom half of my top 10) are not far behind.

As for as Neal vs Spock's stylistically, I think others have already summed it up pretty well, but I would submit that Spock's was quirkier and more fun, while Neal's solo stuff is more epic, in length and in scope, most of the time.  Neal's solo prog albums tend to all be pretty samey (symphonic prog rock to the max), but he does it so well that many of us simply do not care. His music is ear candy.

Can't wait to hear the new one.  :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on September 06, 2016, 06:21:46 PM
Those song titles have pulled me into their tractor beam.  This is officially the most anticipated album in quite some time for me (The Astonishing was also, can't say I would be able to really quantify my excitement for either but I usually like a Neal album more than a DT album).  Literally the best year ever for me for new music.  I swear like almost every band I really like has something out this year.  Two more to go, Theocracy and Neal Morse Band.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on September 06, 2016, 06:25:15 PM
The thing with Neal Morse is that he never really evolved past the first Spock's album. He found a winning formula and stuck pretty faithfully to it his whole career. To many people, The Light is the best thing he (or Spock's) ever did. So it's a double edged sword. On one hand, it can be pretty exhausting listening to a lot of his music at once, as it can get a bit same-y. On the other hand, he maintains a high level of consistency and, like I said, it was a winning formula to begin with so it's still all quality stuff. So there's a ton of enjoyable music out there from him. I'm still discovering albums with some real gems.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nel on September 06, 2016, 11:23:56 PM
So no bonus tracks on the 3-disc? Because That makes me happy. I hate paying so much more just because there's a DVD I'll never watch when I just want the five extra songs.  :lol 23 tracks is awesome enough!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 07, 2016, 04:12:50 PM
So I googled the album title, something I didn't think of doing a couple of days ago, and came upon this:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pilgrim%27s_Progress

Quote
The Pilgrim's Progress from This World to That Which Is to Come; Delivered under the Similitude of a Dream is a 1678 Christian allegory written by John Bunyan. It is regarded as one of the most significant works of religious English literature,[1][2][3][4] has been translated into more than 200 languages, and has never been out of print.[5][6]

I'm curious if the album is a direct adaptation of the allegory, or if it is simply inspired by it. It wouldn't be the first time Neal's been influenced by history (Sola Scriptura), or religious text/writings (?), so it'll be interesting to see what "The Pilgrim's Progress" has to do with this new album...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 07, 2016, 04:39:45 PM
I'm hoping the lyrics are more spiritual than religious, like his last few solo albums, but either way, it won't ruin how I view it.

Note: When I say "solo albums," I am including the Neal Morse Band under that banner, for the sake of simplicity.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 07, 2016, 04:43:16 PM
I'm hoping the lyrics are more spiritual than religious, like his last few solo albums, but either way, it won't ruin how I view it.

Note: When I say "solo albums," I am including the Neal Morse Band under that banner, for the sake of simplicity.

I am hoping that too, something more along the lines of Kaleidoscope or the last two albums, but given the nature of this album compared to his last two, I think the concept was probably all penned by Neal, with only the others input on the music, unlike TGE, which I think may have had lyrics by Eric and/or Bill.

Like you, though, I won't let an overtly religious concept ruin the album for me, especially since I *love* One and ?. If TSOAD is more like those two, I'll be happy, because while they're religious in nature, they're not preachy (like parts of Testimony), so I can deal with some "Jesus" and "God" in and among the lyrics if they're used as a part of the story.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on September 07, 2016, 04:44:12 PM
I noticed the "Pilgrim's Progress" thing too (well, I didn't but I sent my sister the song titles and she immediately thought of it).  I'm guessing (obviously only speculation) that it will be on a similar level lyrically in spiritual terms as Snow or maybe The Grand Experiment.  Time will tell... (roughly two months)

I am pretty confident the concept came from Neal.  I feel like when they first recorded basic tracks and Mike was already praising the album, it was some time after that where Neal was tweeting about working on lyrics.  Of course it could have just meant he was just tweaking them.  All speculation.

Agreed with Marc, I love the lyrics on the last two solo discs and Kaleidoscope.  Although I like Christian lyrics too.  Not sure I have a strong preference but I probably lean towards vague spiritual lyrics.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 08, 2016, 07:31:06 AM
So I googled the album title, something I didn't think of doing a couple of days ago, and came upon this:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pilgrim%27s_Progress

Quote
The Pilgrim's Progress from This World to That Which Is to Come; Delivered under the Similitude of a Dream is a 1678 Christian allegory written by John Bunyan. It is regarded as one of the most significant works of religious English literature,[1][2][3][4] has been translated into more than 200 languages, and has never been out of print.[5][6]

I'm curious if the album is a direct adaptation of the allegory, or if it is simply inspired by it. It wouldn't be the first time Neal's been influenced by history (Sola Scriptura), or religious text/writings (?), so it'll be interesting to see what "The Pilgrim's Progress" has to do with this new album...

-Marc.
I thought that title sounded familiar, but I couldn't place it, and I didn't bother to google it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 09, 2016, 08:09:57 AM
TODAY IS THE DAY! For the folks pre-ordering this morning, best of luck on those trying to get in the first 200 pre-orders for that exclusive signed Neal lyric sheet photograph (or whatever it is). I would try, but 1) I don't have the funds right now to place a pre-order, and 2) I'm ok with missing out on yet ANOTHER signed object by Neal Morse (I've got like a dozen signed things by Neal by now, I'm sure lol).

https://teamrock.com/news/2016-09-09/the-neal-morse-band-issue-long-day-overture-lyric-video

New article published about an hour ago where Neal talks a bit about the album's origins, the music, and more. Also included is a YouTube link to the first two tracks' lyric video! I'm gonna give it ONE LISTEN, then wait 2 months before hearing it again with the full album. Tempting to spin it more, but I want the album to be as fresh as possible when 11/11 rolls around.

EDIT - listened to the songs on YouTube....they're pretty good. Typical Morse, but that's typically good.

SPOILERS?! I GUESS....

 Lots of strong melodies strewn about the Overture, which I am sure will all be revisited in their full, proper songs later on in the album. There's one part near the end of the Overture that reminds me a lot of the end of "Stagnation" by Genesis, and then the 12-string guitars at the very end that fade into the next track that we don't get are kind of Genesis-y too. I wonder how much Genesis sound we'll get across this album or if this is it? Hmmm... this will be a long 2 months to wait for this album.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Skeever on September 09, 2016, 08:56:51 AM
Sounds exactly how I would expect a Neal Morse tune to sound, despite the Neal Morse Band rebranding.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on September 09, 2016, 09:06:29 AM
I like the album artwork better without the band name/album title.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: countoftuscany42 on September 09, 2016, 09:11:39 AM
vinyl version preordered  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Enigmachine on September 09, 2016, 05:17:59 PM
Intro sounds a little like SDoIT Overture. The whole song sounds like DT a lot actually (that may be largely due to MP, though). Really like it, I'll make sure to listen to more Neal Morse sometime.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bobs23 on September 09, 2016, 05:51:50 PM
Intro sounds a little like SDoIT Overture. The whole song sounds like DT a lot actually (that may be largely due to MP, though). Really like it, I'll make sure to listen to more Neal Morse sometime.

I can assure you that MP did not come up with the song structure.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 09, 2016, 10:24:38 PM
I'm sure I will love this album, but just once I would love for Neal to do not stick to his usual concept album format (overture following a short singing song at the beginning, the overture featuring the 144 melodies we will hear throughout the album, the last song being a giant reprise of a musical theme we've already heard).  Think about classic concept albums like The Lamb and The Wall, which had finales that didn't feel the need to beat us over the head with an over the top epic reprisal of a theme we've already heard.  Granted, Neal does it well, and I am sure I will love it, but something a little different would be nice for once...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Enigmachine on September 10, 2016, 04:52:17 AM
Intro sounds a little like SDoIT Overture. The whole song sounds like DT a lot actually (that may be largely due to MP, though). Really like it, I'll make sure to listen to more Neal Morse sometime.

I can assure you that MP did not come up with the song structure.

Nah, I meant the drumming.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on September 10, 2016, 06:00:06 PM
Love the new song!!!!  Can't really think of anything negative to say about it, and all my other thoughts have already been said (mainly it reminds me of Genesis in many parts).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MS394 on October 11, 2016, 09:19:42 PM
New video out today for "City of Destruction".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on October 12, 2016, 11:07:10 AM
I listened to it once and enjoyed it quite a bit.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on October 12, 2016, 02:04:35 PM
Yeah, City of Destruction was nice but it's no game changer so far (making reference to Portnoy's comments of this being THE album of his career). I know I'm gonna enjoy it (as I usually enjoy NM's albums), but I feel that the only way he can make something that will beat everything before it is to try a lot of new things, which he hasn't done in quite some years. Even MP, whose drumming I've always enjoyed thoroughly, feels like he's doing that same thing he's been doing with NM for 10+ years. I want something that surprises me, something unexpected, something fresh; we've had our fair share of prog epics, beautiful little songs and whatnot with NM; time for a change.

That's my take on the NM album. As I said, I know I'm gonna enjoy it, but I'm not getting my hopes so high.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 12, 2016, 07:16:57 PM
DarkLord_Lalinc, well said. 

I liked most of that song, but thought the chorus was a bit lacking; I am sure it will grow on me.  I thought the ending was very nice. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 13, 2016, 08:12:27 AM
I liked it a lot.  And I don't think "game changer" and an artist's subjective belief that an album is the "album of his career" are necessarily the same thing. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on October 13, 2016, 08:21:56 AM
I liked it a lot.  And I don't think "game changer" and an artist's subjective belief that an album is the "album of his career" are necessarily the same thing.
Agreed, but Portnoy has said that in his book this album surpasses both Scenes from a Memory and The Whirlwind (which he considered the best albums of his career before this one); so that sounds a little bit more serious than the 'my newest album is my best so far' judgement.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 13, 2016, 08:28:36 AM
I hear you.  But either way, I'm not fussed about it and will be more than satisfied if it ends up "only" being "very good."  And given that it's Neal Morse, I think the odds are in my favor on that one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: mikeyd23 on October 13, 2016, 02:01:27 PM
Yeah, City of Destruction was nice but it's no game changer so far (making reference to Portnoy's comments of this being THE album of his career). I know I'm gonna enjoy it (as I usually enjoy NM's albums), but I feel that the only way he can make something that will beat everything before it is to try a lot of new things, which he hasn't done in quite some years. Even MP, whose drumming I've always enjoyed thoroughly, feels like he's doing that same thing he's been doing with NM for 10+ years. I want something that surprises me, something unexpected, something fresh; we've had our fair share of prog epics, beautiful little songs and whatnot with NM; time for a change.

That's my take on the NM album. As I said, I know I'm gonna enjoy it, but I'm not getting my hopes so high.

Good post. I just listened to the song and wholeheartedly agree.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PROGdrummer on October 13, 2016, 03:50:14 PM
The only part I really enjoyed of this new track was that outro bit. :/
Granted, this isn't the only NM song that I think is a turd, and I LOVE Neal's stuff. With over (or just under?) 2 hours worth of music on this album, there's bound to be more than a few 3-5 minute stretches of music that dont do anything for everyone, but it'll probably be good.

Long Day/Overture was pretty cool, but again, not amazing.

But for every "Agenda", there's a "Waterfall" and an "Alive Again" and a "The Call", so no worries.
I do feel like MP probably hyped this album up a little too much, but it's way too early to judge, especially with songs out of context in a concept album no less.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 13, 2016, 04:58:51 PM
Being that this is a concept album, I'm really limiting myself to how many times I hear these preview tracks - once and once only, before the release.

If this was just another collection of individual songs with no connection to each other, I'd be ok with spinning them a few more times, but because the concept is a large part of the album, I want to hear the whole thing and judge it that way, not just one song at a time, which might taint my view of the whole thing later on.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 18, 2016, 09:44:28 AM
I thought the video for City of Destruction was well made.

But I didn't like the song very much at all.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on October 18, 2016, 03:04:18 PM
I liked it a lot.  And I don't think "game changer" and an artist's subjective belief that an album is the "album of his career" are necessarily the same thing.
Agreed, but Portnoy has said that in his book this album surpasses both Scenes from a Memory and The Whirlwind (which he considered the best albums of his career before this one); so that sounds a little bit more serious than the 'my newest album is my best so far' judgement.

Mike said that this album is the album of HIS career, that doesn't mean that it has to be MY/YOUR favorite of his career. He can feel whatever he wants about this album, what he says doesn't afect my appreciation for music. He said this is better than Whirlwind and SFAM, both albums are not MY favorites of his career.

People tend to forget that ART in this case music is subjective, for some The Astonishing is the best DT has put out and I disagree, so?

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 18, 2016, 03:17:00 PM
I don't think anyone has forgotten that art and music are (somewhat) subjective.  Not sure what your point is.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on October 18, 2016, 03:31:43 PM
I don't think anyone has forgotten that art and music are (somewhat) subjective.  Not sure what your point is.

Then you should reread what I said above again.

People is expecting this album to be the very best of NM and company, but that is the solely apreciation of one of the band members of the band.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 18, 2016, 03:49:13 PM
I did read it.  You are putting words in people's mouths and making assumptions. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on October 18, 2016, 04:42:07 PM
Relax dude, I am not putting word's in anyones mouth, at least it wasn't me who said one of the songs released are not game changer, again, art is subjective
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on October 18, 2016, 04:56:32 PM
You also tend to forgetc every album an artist just completes is a game changer. They are not subjective.

Now as a fan I can't wait to hear it and hope it is!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 18, 2016, 07:09:48 PM
Just found out that Neal Morse Band is coming here to St Louis in January!! Woohoo!!!!  After being a fan of his for over 16 years, I will finally see him live. :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on October 19, 2016, 09:25:50 AM
Just found out that Neal Morse Band is coming here to St Louis in January!! Woohoo!!!!  After being a fan of his for over 16 years, I will finally see him live. :hat

I saw that.....so cool!!! And, it's on my birthday.....January 26th. Great gift. We will have to make sure to meet up!!


The venue is announced as Delmar Hall.....Isn't that the Pageant?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on October 19, 2016, 10:21:20 AM
The traditional glowing first review:
https://progreport.com/neal-morse-band-similitude-dream-album-review/
By the way, I really loved the first 3 songs from the album, I think it has potencial to be my favourite Neal Morse album at least (and I like very much his solo discography).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 19, 2016, 07:58:56 PM
Just found out that Neal Morse Band is coming here to St Louis in January!! Woohoo!!!!  After being a fan of his for over 16 years, I will finally see him live. :hat

I saw that.....so cool!!! And, it's on my birthday.....January 26th. Great gift. We will have to make sure to meet up!!


The venue is announced as Delmar Hall.....Isn't that the Pageant?

Definitely!

Delmar Hall is next to the Pageant, I believe. A bit smaller.

And I wish we had had more time here. I just found about this last night and my brother got our tickets at the pre-sale today.  It would have been cool if we could have gotten tickets to sit together.  Did you get tickets yet? We got third row center. :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on October 20, 2016, 10:11:22 AM
Just found out that Neal Morse Band is coming here to St Louis in January!! Woohoo!!!!  After being a fan of his for over 16 years, I will finally see him live. :hat

I saw that.....so cool!!! And, it's on my birthday.....January 26th. Great gift. We will have to make sure to meet up!!


The venue is announced as Delmar Hall.....Isn't that the Pageant?

Definitely!

Delmar Hall is next to the Pageant, I believe. A bit smaller.

And I wish we had had more time here. I just found about this last night and my brother got our tickets at the pre-sale today.  It would have been cool if we could have gotten tickets to sit together.  Did you get tickets yet? We got third row center. :coolio

yeah...that happened fast!! but thanks to your heads up text I got 7th Row Center   :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 20, 2016, 03:46:11 PM
I know! :tup :tup

Are we all assuming on this tour that the whole new album will be played?  Since the album is just over 100 minutes supposedly, that would take the first two hours of the show (two sets, most likely), and then I guess we'd get a long encore or a short third set and a short encore.  Since they will be playing cities they have never played, hopefully they bust out some Neal tried and true classics from other projects (We All Need Some Light, Wind at My Back), as well as some killer stuff from Neal's career post-SB (The Call, one of the long epics like Seeds of Gold, Alive Again or The Separated Man).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on October 21, 2016, 09:50:06 AM
I know! :tup :tup

Are we all assuming on this tour that the whole new album will be played?  Since the album is just over 100 minutes supposedly, that would take the first two hours of the show (two sets, most likely), and then I guess we'd get a long encore or a short third set and a short encore.  Since they will be playing cities they have never played, hopefully they bust out some Neal tried and true classics from other projects (We All Need Some Light, Wind at My Back), as well as some killer stuff from Neal's career post-SB (The Call, one of the long epics like Seeds of Gold, Alive Again or The Separated Man).

I think you're assumption is a good one. I'd think it's the new album followed by some classics. Can't wait!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on October 21, 2016, 10:45:37 AM
I am surprised about the choice of venue for Denver. It is a run down theater in a run down neighborhood down the street from mine. I assumed the place  was out of business until the NM dates were announced.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 21, 2016, 05:05:19 PM
I know! :tup :tup

Are we all assuming on this tour that the whole new album will be played?  Since the album is just over 100 minutes supposedly, that would take the first two hours of the show (two sets, most likely), and then I guess we'd get a long encore or a short third set and a short encore.  Since they will be playing cities they have never played, hopefully they bust out some Neal tried and true classics from other projects (We All Need Some Light, Wind at My Back), as well as some killer stuff from Neal's career post-SB (The Call, one of the long epics like Seeds of Gold, Alive Again or The Separated Man).

I think you're assumption is a good one. I'd think it's the new album followed by some classics. Can't wait!!

Yep, that makes the most sense. I just hope we get more than a couple of songs not from the new album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SomeoneLikeHim on October 28, 2016, 08:33:49 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL5u8nCI8FY

New song from the new album, "So Far Gone".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 28, 2016, 02:59:16 PM
Wow, I quite like it.  The vocals were definitely a surprise.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 29, 2016, 08:03:21 AM
I am not saying I am concerned, since I am sure the best stuff will be the deeper cuts, but I haven't been wowed or overly impressed with any of the songs they've released thus far.  This latest one is another that strikes me as being just pretty good.  It's easy to say, avoid the hype and expectations, but considering how it's been talked up, it can be difficult.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Skeever on October 29, 2016, 01:14:18 PM
Neal Morse rocking the JP music man.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 29, 2016, 03:00:15 PM
Apparently, according to a post by Eric Gillette, we're getting another music video next Friday, and I think, the day of release on the follow Friday. Honestly, I've not watched the new one yet and probably won't watch the next one or two as we're so close to release date, I'm just going to wait until the whole thing is out and listen to it then.

I've also avoided reading the reviews that have started to trickle in that I keep seeing Mike, Neal, Randy, and Eric post about on Facebook. I see them, nod, and scroll along, hoping that by staying blind (or deaf?) to the hype that keeps building, I'll be more excited for the music when it comes out.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Moor on October 31, 2016, 12:51:29 AM
https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mike-portnoy-didnt-want-new-the-neal-morse-band-album-to-be-compared-to-dream-theater/

Interesting...so it is gonna be "The Similitude Of A Dream" vs. "The Astonishing" ??
And does the comparison stands just because both are double albums??
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Lynxo on October 31, 2016, 02:04:25 AM
https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mike-portnoy-didnt-want-new-the-neal-morse-band-album-to-be-compared-to-dream-theater/

Interesting...so it is gonna be "The Similitude Of A Dream" vs. "The Astonishing" ??
And does the comparison stands just because both are double albums??
Well, they're also both concept albums, not to mention progressive. Add also the fact that Eric Gilette is playing a JP Music Man and I think it's a perfectly valid concern.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Moor on October 31, 2016, 03:13:37 AM
Wait.. I just go it:

The Similitude of a Dream Theater Album
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 05, 2016, 07:05:55 AM
https://progreport.com/neal-morse-band-premiere-new-track-the-ways-of-the-fool-from-new-album/

Not sure about this one.  Hopefully, it will grow on me, but given the handful of songs that have been released thus far, my enthusiasm for this record has been severely dampened.  Nothing has wowed me yet.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PROGdrummer on November 05, 2016, 08:34:35 AM
Ways Of A Fool has been the only single so far that was an instant winner for me upon first listen. Very very cool song, Bill's vocal delivery is very good. It's like they put The Beatles, Queen, and early Genesis in a blender, but the solo section totally takes me to ELP-World for a minute.

So Far Gone has really grown on me a lot too and I was pretty lukewarm on that track. I managed to go from very wary of this record to very excited overnight  :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bobs23 on November 05, 2016, 08:45:08 AM
https://progreport.com/neal-morse-band-premiere-new-track-the-ways-of-the-fool-from-new-album/

Not sure about this one.  Hopefully, it will grow on me, but given the handful of songs that have been released thus far, my enthusiasm for this record has been severely dampened.  Nothing has wowed me yet.

I find it better when it's heard within the context of the album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on November 05, 2016, 11:12:07 AM
Wait.. I just go it:

The Similitude of a Dream Theater Album
   :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on November 05, 2016, 11:16:17 AM
I must see what the hype is about, I admit I'm intrigued!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on November 05, 2016, 11:36:55 AM
Except for a small snippet I got spoiled with listening to a recording of Trunk and Portnoy interview Rabin and Wakeman (which sounded ok to me I guess) I have yet to hear a note of this album before I get it.


I never thought to compare the two double albums but I guess some would make a connection. I think it's more of Neal being Neal than Mike trying to recreate Dream Theater.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 05, 2016, 04:13:16 PM
I have the album and I must say that TSOAD sounds NOTHING like DT. TSOAD is a great album, only two songs I wouldn't have included in the concept are I am Running and Freedom, both songs sounds to be part of the LIFELINE release. Other than that the album flows greatly and every other songs are REALLY great!

Also, don't expect to be better than SFAM or The Whirlwind, but I can say that it really is the best album NM has put out as a solo artist.

EDIT: in bold the edit I did on the post
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 06, 2016, 06:22:34 AM
That's a pretty bold statement, considering some of the awesome albums he has released (not even counting Spock's or Transatlantic).  If this is as good or better than ?, One or Testimony 2, the songs we haven't heard yet must be pretty awesome, because the songs I have heard thus far have not given me that vibe.  I would love to be proven wrong. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 06, 2016, 06:34:28 AM
Honestly, the first thing that came to my mind, when Portnoy said, they were going to do a double concept album, was Portnoy thinking "I can't let DT be the only ones to do this this year. I'll call Neal and we'll do a double concept album that will kick TA's balls". So his statement about being concerned about exactly that proved me completely wrong. Apparently he was the one who didn't want TSOAD to become a double album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on November 06, 2016, 07:44:57 AM
I adore Neal, but I will be extremely surprised if this ends up being even remotely close to albums such as The Light, V, Bridge across forever, Sola scriptura and Testimony 2.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 06, 2016, 08:02:20 AM
I adore Neal, but I will be extremely surprised if this ends up being even remotely close to albums such as The Light, V, Bridge across forever, Sola scriptura and Testimony 2.

I should have said: " it really is the best album NM has put out as a solo artist."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 06, 2016, 08:14:54 AM
Considering Neal Morse music ALWAYS sounds like him, no matter what band he is in, I think we're already splitting hairs. And if we're splitting hairs, I must say, this is not a solo release. It's an Neal Morse BAND release ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bobs23 on November 06, 2016, 09:31:22 AM
Considering Neal Morse music ALWAYS sounds like him, no matter what band he is in, I think we're already splitting hairs. And if we're splitting hairs, I must say, this is not a solo release. It's an Neal Morse BAND release ;)

I would put this album way up there in quality. There are the distinct "Nealisms" but with Bill and Eric now part of the writing process, there is a different flavor to it(in a good way). Until this album, it was Neal's concepts and all the musicians had a little input. It started with The Grand Experiment, now all the members know each other better and songs like Ways of The Fool exist.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 06, 2016, 09:36:45 AM
Considering Neal Morse music ALWAYS sounds like him, no matter what band he is in, I think we're already splitting hairs. And if we're splitting hairs, I must say, this is not a solo release. It's an Neal Morse BAND release ;)

The thing is, this is not thypical NM music (except for I am Running and Freedom songs as I mentioned before)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on November 06, 2016, 11:58:12 AM
I am not a massive NM fan or anything, I just happen to really, really like some of his releases. And to me the previous album is his best "solo" effort and I definitely think that album being a band effort helped a lot. I am looking forward to this one very much and thus far like each track released.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 06, 2016, 12:30:05 PM
Considering Neal Morse music ALWAYS sounds like him, no matter what band he is in, I think we're already splitting hairs. And if we're splitting hairs, I must say, this is not a solo release. It's an Neal Morse BAND release ;)

Technically, but it's still basically a Neal Morse album, just with more contributions than normal from his bandmates (according to every review).   To me, it's like differentiating between Devin Townsend and Devin Townsend Project; it's basically a Devin record, regardless of how much others contribute.  Same thing with Neal here. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 06, 2016, 03:20:39 PM
Considering Neal Morse music ALWAYS sounds like him, no matter what band he is in, I think we're already splitting hairs. And if we're splitting hairs, I must say, this is not a solo release. It's an Neal Morse BAND release ;)

Technically, but it's still basically a Neal Morse album, just with more contributions than normal from his bandmates (according to every review).   To me, it's like differentiating between Devin Townsend and Devin Townsend Project; it's basically a Devin record, regardless of how much others contribute.  Same thing with Neal here.

Same thing happened with Transatlantic and Flying Colors. MP even said, those three bands (NMB being the third) compose their music the same way.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 07, 2016, 08:04:27 AM
Good song.  I am officially excited about this album.  Everything I have heard so far has been really good.  Far too early to make any solid predictions about how it will stand up to Neal's discography as a whole.  But I am already hearing plenty to take it far above Lifeline and ?, so I am happy.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PROGdrummer on November 09, 2016, 06:37:56 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usaEiWDqIvw

ANOTHER new song. This one is really great. Quick and energetic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on November 09, 2016, 07:42:45 PM
The jazzy solo is really cool! The multiple vocals too :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 10, 2016, 09:54:52 AM
That is fantastic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Prog Snob on November 10, 2016, 11:36:41 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usaEiWDqIvw

ANOTHER new song. This one is really great. Quick and energetic.

Such a good song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PROGdrummer on November 10, 2016, 12:00:01 PM
Does anyone know if the album is going to be available in iTunes? I don't mind buying physical music but it seems weird that we're less than 24 hours from release and its still not on the iTunes store yet. I like to download new albums at midnight and burn myself a copy for the car since record stores around me rarely have anything I want in stock on day one.

If its there somewhere and I'm just looking in the wrong place then shoot me a link.  :mehlin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 10, 2016, 04:38:52 PM
That song did almost nothing for me.  Hopefully, it will grow on me.  And Portnoy's vocals didn't bother me at all; they were okay and not a detriment to the song at all. 

I will still get the album tomorrow when it's on sale, but my overall expectation are way down now after the handful of songs I've heard.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 10, 2016, 05:47:30 PM
Does anyone know if the album is going to be available in iTunes? I don't mind buying physical music but it seems weird that we're less than 24 hours from release and its still not on the iTunes store yet. I like to download new albums at midnight and burn myself a copy for the car since record stores around me rarely have anything I want in stock on day one.

If its there somewhere and I'm just looking in the wrong place then shoot me a link.  :mehlin

 I took this from MP's FB page

Interesting fact about The Similitude Of A Dream: we mastered 3 different versions!
The Vinyl version is split into 5 sides, the CD version is split into 2 discs, and the iTunes/digital version is 1 seamless listen.
And there are a few very subtle differences on all 3!! We are less than 24 hrs away... #TSOAD The Hype is Real!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PROGdrummer on November 10, 2016, 06:24:57 PM
Does anyone know if the album is going to be available in iTunes? I don't mind buying physical music but it seems weird that we're less than 24 hours from release and its still not on the iTunes store yet. I like to download new albums at midnight and burn myself a copy for the car since record stores around me rarely have anything I want in stock on day one.

If its there somewhere and I'm just looking in the wrong place then shoot me a link.  :mehlin

 I took this from MP's FB page

Interesting fact about The Similitude Of A Dream: we mastered 3 different versions!
The Vinyl version is split into 5 sides, the CD version is split into 2 discs, and the iTunes/digital version is 1 seamless listen.
And there are a few very subtle differences on all 3!! We are less than 24 hrs away... #TSOAD The Hype is Real!

Wow, that's pretty interesting. I assume it's mainly the transitions between songs that are different, longer fadeouts/alternate endings maybe. Nice to see they paid that much attention to the little details as opposed to just putting the raw tracks on a vinyl and calling it a day like most bands do, regardless of whether or not it sounds pretty when the needle reaches the end of the track  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 10, 2016, 06:37:29 PM
Imagine concept albums with no real stops on 8-track back in the day. :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PROGdrummer on November 10, 2016, 09:34:39 PM
Imagine concept albums with no real stops on 8-track back in the day. :lol :lol

What a spoiled millennial I am  :rollin

I can't believe how excited I am for this album. This week I ended up listening to The Light, The Whirlwind, Kaleidoscope, The Grand Experiment, Momentum, and Sola Scriptura in their entirety over about 3 days just out of sheer hype, and I've never had that strong of an urge to marathon Neal's stuff before.  I started out completely lukewarm to TSOAD when it was announced but now I just can't wait to dive in.  I remember the first time I listened to Scenes when I first got into Dream Theater and I'm having a similar level of excitement here. Damn you, Mike! 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nel on November 10, 2016, 09:40:33 PM
And, as usual, record store had it a day early. Picked up the standard edition jewelcase. Will listen tomorrow on my day off, hopefully.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: arkdtmp on November 10, 2016, 11:28:33 PM
Just heard the full thing and two songs in particular stand our from the rest: The Battle and The Confrontation. Y'all are gonna love it!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Lynxo on November 11, 2016, 01:30:22 AM
Just went into iTunes to buy the album but it says "Partial Album" instead of the usual "Buy" button. What does that mean, is it being uploaded right now? :O
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 11, 2016, 05:56:15 AM
Just went into iTunes to buy the album but it says "Partial Album" instead of the usual "Buy" button. What does that mean, is it being uploaded right now? :O

I noticed that, too.  You can buy each song individually, for 99 cents each, but you cannot buy it as a whole.  And amazon doesn't have it for sale digitally.  Splendid.  And I was looking forward to buying it first thing this morning and spinning it throughout the day at work when I had time. :censored
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 11, 2016, 06:05:09 AM
Just went into iTunes to buy the album but it says "Partial Album" instead of the usual "Buy" button. What does that mean, is it being uploaded right now? :O

I noticed that, too.  You can buy each song individually, for 99 cents each, but you cannot buy it as a whole.  And amazon doesn't have it for sale digitally.  Splendid.  And I was looking forward to buying it first thing this morning and spinning it throughout the day at work when I had time. :censored

You can get the album on MP3 or WAV over Radiant Records
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 11, 2016, 06:07:08 AM
https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/634-the-neal-morse-band-the-similitude-of-a-dream.aspx
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Lynxo on November 11, 2016, 06:20:11 AM
Just went into iTunes to buy the album but it says "Partial Album" instead of the usual "Buy" button. What does that mean, is it being uploaded right now? :O

I noticed that, too.  You can buy each song individually, for 99 cents each, but you cannot buy it as a whole.  And amazon doesn't have it for sale digitally.  Splendid.  And I was looking forward to buying it first thing this morning and spinning it throughout the day at work when I had time. :censored
Neal Morse said this on his Facebook page:

Quote
Hi folks - there is an issue with iTunes, whereby it lists the album as "partial". This is an error on iTunes's partall the songs are there. Because of the error, they must simply be purchased individually, though this is no different from buying the album as a wholeit just takes longer because of the extra clicks. We apologize for the inconvenience, and have been working with Apple since this morning to rectify the issue ASAP.
Please note the iTunes version is a special version of the album that is completely continuous. The same digital version will be available, later today, directly from Radiant Records in MP3 and uncompressed WAV files, both of which are compatible with iTunes and iOS. Thank you for your support.

I'm going to wait a little while until it is resolved, I want to buy the whole package at once.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: mikeyd23 on November 11, 2016, 06:33:01 AM
Went to check it out on Spotify this morning and quickly remembered none of Neal's stuff is on there...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on November 11, 2016, 08:17:12 AM
ANOTHER song:

https://www.rockhard.de/news/newsarchiv/newsansicht/45705-the-neal-morse-band-the-man-in-the-iron-cage-videopremiere.html
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PROGdrummer on November 11, 2016, 03:43:41 PM
Initial thoughts so far, though I'm only on track 18 of 23

Disc 1 is alright..  Not really sure about it yet but its not horrible. Just has to grow on me I guess.

Disc 2 is SO STRONG. Every song so far has been killer. Better flow and dynamics than the first disc I would say. Still have a few songs left but honestly I think disc 2 is already a 9/10 on first listen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 11, 2016, 05:15:19 PM
I REALLY hope I get this in the mail tomorrow.  The only reason I ordered from Radiant was b/c I thought I might get it a day or so early.  Now I'm in panic mode b/c I'm irrational and afraid the mail lost it!!!  Ok, I'm just irrational b/c I'm impatient!!!  But, if it doesn't arrive soon I will truly regret not just downloading from radiant or iTunes.  I need this album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 11, 2016, 05:42:08 PM
Looks like the iTunes issue is still not resolved. Bummer.

I REALLY hope I get this in the mail tomorrow.  The only reason I ordered from Radiant was b/c I thought I might get it a day or so early.  Now I'm in panic mode b/c I'm irrational and afraid the mail lost it!!!  Ok, I'm just irrational b/c I'm impatient!!!  But, if it doesn't arrive soon I will truly regret not just downloading from radiant or iTunes.  I need this album.

I was burned by them several times back in the day in this regard, which is why I never order there anymore.  I've said it before, and it's worth repeating: it's a shame that a good and classy guy like Neal Morse has such a poorly-run online store.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 11, 2016, 06:20:58 PM
Looks like the iTunes issue is still not resolved. Bummer.

I REALLY hope I get this in the mail tomorrow.  The only reason I ordered from Radiant was b/c I thought I might get it a day or so early.  Now I'm in panic mode b/c I'm irrational and afraid the mail lost it!!!  Ok, I'm just irrational b/c I'm impatient!!!  But, if it doesn't arrive soon I will truly regret not just downloading from radiant or iTunes.  I need this album.

I was burned by them several times back in the day in this regard, which is why I never order there anymore.  I've said it before, and it's worth repeating: it's a shame that a good and classy guy like Neal Morse has such a poorly-run online store.


You can get the MP3s or WAV file on Radiant Record site WAY cheaper than on iTunes

https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/634-the-neal-morse-band-the-similitude-of-a-dream.aspx
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Milzinga on November 11, 2016, 07:31:37 PM
I REALLY hope I get this in the mail tomorrow.  The only reason I ordered from Radiant was b/c I thought I might get it a day or so early.  Now I'm in panic mode b/c I'm irrational and afraid the mail lost it!!!  Ok, I'm just irrational b/c I'm impatient!!!  But, if it doesn't arrive soon I will truly regret not just downloading from radiant or iTunes.  I need this album.

Me too, I was pretty disappointed I didn't receive it today. Neal really needs to step it up and ship them out a few days prior, especially considering today is a holiday in the US and mail isn't even delivered.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 12, 2016, 07:12:11 AM
  I was pretty disappointed I didn't receive it today. Neal really needs to step it up and ship them out a few days prior, especially considering today is a holiday in the US and mail isn't even delivered.

I'm pretty surprised that they wouldn't set it up where anyone who buys a physical copy from Radiant can automatically get them as mp3 files as well.  Should be a no-brainer to make that an option for fans like yourself who are still waiting on the USPS.

You can get the MP3s or WAV file on Radiant Record site WAY cheaper than on iTunes

https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/634-the-neal-morse-band-the-similitude-of-a-dream.aspx

I ended up just buying them all individually on iTunes last night.

First listen, it sounded like a solid album. 

On my second listen, it is sounding a little better.

This will definitely take a handful or so of listens to really grasp it all.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 12, 2016, 10:48:18 AM
Reddit live chat:

https://www.reddit.com/r/progrockmusic/comments/5cl22y/welcome_to_the_neal_morse_band_ama/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 12, 2016, 11:28:17 AM
This is gonna stake some time for me to grasp it all, but highlights so far:

-Makes No Sense - that melody will be stuck in my head all weekend.
-The Ways of a Fool - I kind of glossed over it when it was released online last week or whenever, but this is really good.  Major Genesis vibe, and when the guitar reprises the verse melody later in the song, that is killer.
-So Far Gone - the reprise of the "Makes No Sense" melody near the end is very cool.
-The Man in the Iron Mask - good rocking tune.
-Freedom Song - this foot-stomping tune with a country vibe is going to bring down the house live.

Time will tell how this stacks up to Neal's other solo/NMB records, but I am liking it a lot so far.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ravenfoul on November 12, 2016, 01:43:25 PM
I honestly wasn't too jazzed about TGE. TSOAD is leaps and bounds better, though. Right now I can't honestly say that it has grabbed me more than The Whirlwind, which I thought was a phenomenal morse offering. I'd say it IS one of the best albums of their careers, and certainly the best of this particular line-up, but just a TOUCH oversold; and that's not bad, because I expected it to be massively, massively overhyped by Portnoy. I actually don't blame him for the way that he hyped it, as it is a phenomenal album. In some ways, it suffered, to me, a few of the same pitfalls that Astonishing (if we're going to make comparisons) experienced.

I do like disc 2 more than 1. The Battle was a huge piece of work and had me enthralled. So yeah, if you haven't went out and listened to this - you need to get on it. I think this will grow on me, and I wish that Portnoy would focus as much as possible on this particular band, because there's a lot of magic between these 5.

Edit: Also I'd just like to say that, in the way that Astonishing had LaBrie do those peculiar fast rap vocals for The Path That Divides (??) I really liked how the band did back and forth vocals on Confrontation. Bill/Eric really did add in a lot of color to the collective palette.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PROGdrummer on November 12, 2016, 06:05:01 PM
Just realized that the Freedom Song chorus is a reprise from the end of Ways of a Fool!   :)

Slave To Your Mind gave me chills. What a sick song. Almost sounds like an unused track from "The Lamb" by Genesis. Bill's vocals really sound like Peter Gabriel.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 12, 2016, 06:46:35 PM
I honestly wasn't too jazzed about TGE. TSOAD is leaps and bounds better, though. 

That will be a pretty tall order for me, considering TGE has three of my favorite Neal Morse solo/Band songs (The Call, Waterfall and Alive Again), and they take up about 44 1/2 minutes of the 55 total.

  I expected it to be massively, massively overhyped by Portnoy. I actually don't blame him for the way that he hyped it, as it is a phenomenal album.

I can see that.  It is sounding pretty great to me so far, so they hype appears to be pretty legit, even if calling the best album of their careers is way over the top. 

I think the best things to compare this to are Neal's other double disc records, Snow and Testimony, since the formats are pretty similar.  I can already tell I will like this more than Testimony overall; Snow will be more difficult to top.

  I wish that Portnoy would focus as much as possible on this particular band, because there's a lot of magic between these 5.
 

The fact that they are touring more than usual on this album next year tells me you might get your wish.  They really hit the jackpot with Eric Gillette, who is a phenomenal guitar player and a really good singer, too.  That is not taking anything from the other newer addition, since Bill Hubauer appears to be a good fit, too, but Gillette is the real find.

Just realized that the Freedom Song chorus is a reprise from the end of Ways of a Fool!   :)

Slave To Your Mind gave me chills. What a sick song. Almost sounds like an unused track from "The Lamb" by Genesis. Bill's vocals really sound like Peter Gabriel.

Hubauer sounds like a more nasally Peter Gabriel, to my ears.

Even though it's a very atypical song for him, Freedom Song should have been one of the early songs released from this. That is a rare Neal song I could see having some success with the mainstream, if released and pushed properly (which it won't be).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on November 12, 2016, 07:37:16 PM
TSOAD is simply INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!! :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ravenfoul on November 12, 2016, 10:51:49 PM
Just to add on what Kev said, I do agree, Eric Gilette is nuts man. You can tell the kid has so much drive, did you see how he talked about how when he saw Vai/Satch/Petrucci at G3 his whole musical world opened up? He even seems to play keys well enough to make interesting ideas.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 13, 2016, 12:14:50 AM
Just to add on what Kev said, I do agree, Eric Gilette is nuts man. You can tell the kid has so much drive, did you see how he talked about how when he saw Vai/Satch/Petrucci at G3 his whole musical world opened up? He even seems to play keys well enough to make interesting ideas.

Eric Gillette is a multi-instrumentalist power-house. Have you seen him play drums, too? He's not beginner, and considering how good he is at guitar and even keyboard, he's pretty good at drumming too (maybe even better than Neal! lol).

If you've not heard either of his solo albums, Afterthought and The Great Unknown, definitely check them out. After hearing him on The Grand Experiment, I had to get his first solo album and I loved it, and eagerly awaited this year's TGU, which has a tight band on it!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 13, 2016, 06:56:04 AM
Just to add on what Kev said, I do agree, Eric Gilette is nuts man. You can tell the kid has so much drive, did you see how he talked about how when he saw Vai/Satch/Petrucci at G3 his whole musical world opened up? He even seems to play keys well enough to make interesting ideas.

I wasn't surprised to see him list those guys as favorites/influences; you can definitely hear a lot of Petrucci in his playing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 13, 2016, 09:20:18 PM
Heard it for the 5th time.
The album is indeed Portnoy's greatest outside DT, for me at least.

But I do think he fucking exaggerated with certain tracks. Calling The Battle "up there with The Dance of Eternity" is too fucking over the top, for me it's a fairly straightforward instrumental that could have been an awesome instrumental section in a song, rather than a track of its own. But in context, it works. Yet I don't understand why so many people acclaim it as a "huge piece of music", what? it's anything but huge, it isn't even 3 minutes long.

Some parts I swear I heard them in Disney's Tarzan.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 14, 2016, 09:39:00 AM
There is just SO much to take in and it is difficult time find the time to really focus on the album, but I am really liking what I have heard so far.  I just got it last night, so I can't say I have even begun to digest individual songs.  But after kinda going off in a direction I didn't care for with Lifeline and having T2 be a hit-and-miss album, I really felt that Neal came back huge with Momentum.  TGE and this album appear to continue that upward trend. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on November 14, 2016, 10:16:01 AM
I listened to the first disc on my way to work this morning and the second one during the ride back. I fairly enjoyed it, some of it even made my day actually.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on November 14, 2016, 02:16:17 PM
Just to add on what Kev said, I do agree, Eric Gilette is nuts man. You can tell the kid has so much drive, did you see how he talked about how when he saw Vai/Satch/Petrucci at G3 his whole musical world opened up? He even seems to play keys well enough to make interesting ideas.

Gilette is a fantastic musician. Last tour they switched instruments during the performance of Alive Again and the kid pretty much nailed everything he played (haven't seen their latest live dvd but I assume they performed it on that as well). And his vocals are great too. Went to the concert for Neal and Mike, came back being especially wowed by Eric.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PROGdrummer on November 14, 2016, 03:33:31 PM
Listened to disc one again on my way to work (thanks to heavy traffic I got to listen all the way to Breath of Angels :angel:)

Definitely better the second time around! Repeated listens are always the deciding factor in whether or not an album is going to be a favorite or a flunk. "Back To The City" especially clicked for me this time. That vocal-tradeoff with Bill taking the chorus is stuck in my head. And that awesome jazzy guitar solo in "The Slough" ..... SO GOOD. Breath of Angels has a part  in it ("the river overflows...) that really sticks out as a highlight for me. Almost "Great Gig in The Sky" vibe with the choir. Awesome stuff. This album is actually pretty mind-blowing with the amount of good ideas present. Very refreshing to hear from a Neal album!

Can't wait to dive into the second disc later tonight and hear Sloth again!

I still think "World Without End" is Neal's magnum opus piece (imo) but the album could easily top it....
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 14, 2016, 04:00:56 PM
Haven't received the new album yet but i agree on the awesomeness of World Without End. Love it when I see others that do also.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on November 14, 2016, 04:29:54 PM
From Radiant Facebook:

"The Similitude of a Dream" is officially the HIGHEST selling album in the history of Radiant Records since the label's inception in the 1990's! "

Radiant is a small label, but pretty impressive anyway, because that was fast! Congratulations for the boys, it's a wonderful album that deserves all sucess!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 14, 2016, 06:25:00 PM


But I do think he fucking exaggerated with certain tracks. Calling The Battle "up there with The Dance of Eternity" is too fucking over the top, for me it's a fairly straightforward instrumental that could have been an awesome instrumental section in a song, rather than a track of its own. But in context, it works. Yet I don't understand why so many people acclaim it as a "huge piece of music", what? it's anything but huge, it isn't even 3 minutes long.

 

I totally agree. I am liking most of the album a lot, but The Battle seems like a throwaway "Hey, let's write something where he can show off our skills" song; very un-Neal Morse like, but I am guessing that is the Portnoy and Gillette influence.   I can already tell that will be a song I don't listen to a lot.



I still think "World Without End" is Neal's magnum opus piece (imo)

It's definitely in the conversation; that song is all kinds of awesome.

Back to the new album, there are still a quite a few tracks I feel like I am merely glossing over right now, because it's hard to get into everything at once, but there is much to like here.  :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 14, 2016, 10:25:32 PM
Having had the album for a couple days, I have no had a chance to REALLY listen to it, just opting to play it as I went to bed, hoping to absorb some of it through my dreams. Tonight, however, having had the day off work ,I've given the album a full listen front-to-back, and I've got to say, this is pretty fantastic.

It's quite a dense album, with a lot of songs and moments and motifs and themes, which will take weeks and months, if not years, for me to really digest and absorb and pick apart. I could listen to an album like The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, or The Wall, or even Snow and just pick out moments of songs and be like "Oh, this theme is lifted from this other song, and that motif is reprised later on in that other song", but this one is still so very fresh and sprawling that it will take awhile for me to get everything.

It'll also take me a few more hard listens to really pick out any stand-out tracks. I haven't really picked any out yet as the whole thing just runs together so well that it feels like a huge cohesive piece, and with the few breaks that are present in-between songs, it really does feel like a giant piece. Musically speaking, this album is on par with anything Neal has ever put out IMO, there's a lot of variety in terms of his musical influences being shown here, from the most complex of prog to straight rock to heavier, borderline metal, all performed excellently by the whole band.

And speaking of the band, it's great to hear Mike, Bill, and Eric do vocals throughout the album. It's really beginning to sound like Neal put together a new SB of his own in terms of sharing vocals and what not (though the Gentle Giant-esque SB vocal trade-offs are missed). All in all, this band has been elevated to a whole new level. I knew The Grand Experiment was pretty great and it would stand the test of time, but it might slowly get over-shadowed by this album. Only time will tell. At least there aren't any other major albums for me to get into until next year, and thankfully so, because it'll take awhile for me to digest this whole thing!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Lynxo on November 15, 2016, 05:15:07 AM
Half-way through my first listen to CD 1. (Damn, there's much music on here.  :lol ) And I gotta say, what I've heard so far is awesome! :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on November 15, 2016, 11:11:16 AM
I've been enjoying most of the album so far, but it will certainly take a while to absorb all of it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: theanalogkid7 on November 15, 2016, 04:54:13 PM
Man, this album is just incredible.  Breath of Angels is breathtaking, and The Ways of the Fool is a song that you can't help but be happy to while listening.  Holy cow.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 15, 2016, 06:27:07 PM
I love that little acoustic bit at the beginning and end of Breath of Angels.  Great tune.

The instrumental section in Slave to Your Mind is standing out to me as a highlight of the record thus far.  Love the dark vibe there.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: arkdtmp on November 15, 2016, 06:34:18 PM
The Battle's music was actually written almost entirely by Neal as a crazy piano piece on which MP began tracking drums over as well as orchestrating and adding stuff. He (MP) did a live video commentary over the full album a few hours ago.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 15, 2016, 06:37:10 PM
I stand corrected, then.  I'm sure it will be a fun tune live, but similar to The Dance of Eternity on Scenes, it seems kind of shoehorned in there for the sake of having a technically proficient instrumental on a prog record. 

Really so far, that song is my only "complaint," if you want to call it that.  The rest is sounding pretty great. :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 15, 2016, 06:52:48 PM
Well excuse me, it isn't even that crazy.
It's actually one of the weaker instrumentals in Portnoy's career. While not entirely bad, it's almost as if someone ripped Outcry's instrumental and made it a track for the sake of having a short instrumental.

Keyboard-wise it's a lot easier than TDOE from what I've been hearing/doing.

The only way I see it being good, is melodically, it was some really nice melodies going on.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 15, 2016, 06:55:08 PM
That's fine. I'd rather focus on the good, of which there is much, so I will digress.  :biggrin:

The Mask has a really awesome, and different, vibe.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 15, 2016, 06:58:44 PM
That's fine. I'd rather focus on the good, of which there is much, so I will digress.  :biggrin:

The Mask has a really awesome, and different, vibe.

The Mask is easily one of the strongest songs on the album, it's just so fucking awesome.
Also being an electronic music fan, the vibe made me eyaculate so much.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 15, 2016, 07:11:22 PM
Those weird ass keyboards at the end were so unexpected, yet so cool.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 15, 2016, 08:46:53 PM
Just watched the Portnoy thing on FB.  I have to admit, that was pretty awesome. Seeing this live is gonna be bananas. :coolio :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 16, 2016, 03:58:43 AM
I have heard the album for about ten times now, not counting the live stream yesterday. I love the album, I think it could be Morses best indeed, although I am a huge Snow-Fan. I was impressed by Portnoy last night and how touched he was at the end. He really loves this one and I think the tour is going to be awesome!!!
I agree with him, the last chunk, starting from The Mask is simply amazing. Eric's "come on" and the following theme give me goosebumps. What's to say.. Neal Morse just knows how to compose a concept album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 16, 2016, 06:00:06 AM
Haven't picked this up yet. I've grown a bit tired of NM's style lately but you got me excited again for this.

Is this more in line with Snow and Testimony or more like ? or something completely different? Can you compare it?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 16, 2016, 08:40:21 AM
I haven't even come close to being able to really comment on this album at all other than to say that I like it.  SO much going on.  I did watch the bonus documentary last night, and there was some good stuff there. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: red barchetta on November 16, 2016, 09:24:32 AM
I listened to all the song samples (about 1 min. per song) on ITunes. I really loved many of them right from the start.  The backing vocals are really good.  The songs are selling quite a lot as far as I can see and for sure I'm going to buy it.  They are coming in Montreal in January and I'll probably go to the show even though I'm not crazy about the place they will be playing in.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: dtvoices94 on November 16, 2016, 09:53:36 AM
I've listened to this non stop since Friday and it is all coming together for me.  This may very well be Mike's masterpiece.  Everything is top notch...the music, the lyrics, the pacing.  This may very well be album of the year for me (look out DT and Tedeschi Trucks Band).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 16, 2016, 02:59:22 PM
I've given up on it showing up in the mail, and am not getting a response from Radiant records.  At this point, I just want a refund. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 16, 2016, 06:00:54 PM
I have heard the album for about ten times now, not counting the live stream yesterday. I love the album, I think it could be Morses best indeed, although I am a huge Snow-Fan. I was impressed by Portnoy last night and how touched he was at the end. He really loves this one and I think the tour is going to be awesome!!!
I agree with him, the last chunk, starting from The Mask is simply amazing. Eric's "come on" and the following theme give me goosebumps. What's to say.. Neal Morse just knows how to compose a concept album.

I agree with all of this.

Not sure it if it son or sun (probably son) on Eric's last line (before the "come on!"), but the way he delivers that line ("The sun's/son's coming hoooooooooooooooooooome!")and holds it for a good 6-7 seconds is incredible.  Major goosebumps moment there.

The Mask is quickly becoming a favorite of mine.

And I agree about Portnoy.  As someone who has been a vocal critic of him over the years, it was very cool to see how much he loves the album and talk about it.  Something about Neal and being around his music really does bring out the best in him. :coolio

Is this more in line with Snow and Testimony or more like ? or something completely different? Can you compare it?

Hard to say.  It sounds very Neal Morse-ish a lot of the time, but the addition of Bill Huber and Eric Gillette really add a lot new elements to the music.  Gillette is the awesome guitar player Neal has never had in his solo work.  I have long said that the lack of a regular great guitar was the one thing I thought his music was missing, and Gillette now fits the bill to a 't.'  If you're a fan of Neal Morse, you will love this, plain and simple. :hat

I've listened to this non stop since Friday and it is all coming together for me.  This may very well be Mike's masterpiece.  Everything is top notch...the music, the lyrics, the pacing. 

It's hard to top I&W, Awake, Scenes and the first three Transatlantic albums, but I could see this emerging as my favorite Neal album post-Spock's.  It is that good. :tup :tup

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 17, 2016, 03:08:45 AM
I also felt that Neal Morse needed a strong guitar player in addition to Portnoy.

I think Roine Stolt is a VERY overrated guitarist and can't keep up with the others in Transatlantic, sorry (just in terms of playing, I still think he is a great composer). Dare I say, I would like Gildenlw or even Leonard in the band instead?

I wasn't a big fan of Paul Bielatowicz (hope I spelled that right), although he is an insane player. His playing is very technical, not as melodic as Erics.

Then finally Flying Colors happened and the unbelievable Steve Morse joined Neal. I think, Steve made a lot of songs way better just by his playing (Love Is What I'm Waiting For, Mask Machine).

Now, Neal has a guitarist, that is on a very high level technically, but has no need to show off, and instead plays very melodic and adds a lot to the overall sound of the band.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 17, 2016, 06:20:36 PM
Eh, I disagree with that totally, regarding Stolt; he is a perfect fit for Transatlantic.  For one, he can keep up with the others when it comes to playing (especially Neal, who isn't a flashy player either), and for two, even if he couldn't, does it matter?  It's music, not a mathematical exercise to see who can outplay the other.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 17, 2016, 10:28:40 PM
I also felt that Neal Morse needed a strong guitar player in addition to Portnoy.

I think Roine Stolt is a VERY overrated guitarist and can't keep up with the others in Transatlantic, sorry (just in terms of playing, I still think he is a great composer). Dare I say, I would like Gildenlw or even Leonard in the band instead?

I wasn't a big fan of Paul Bielatowicz (hope I spelled that right), although he is an insane player. His playing is very technical, not as melodic as Erics.

Then finally Flying Colors happened and the unbelievable Steve Morse joined Neal. I think, Steve made a lot of songs way better just by his playing (Love Is What I'm Waiting For, Mask Machine).

Now, Neal has a guitarist, that is on a very high level technically, but has no need to show off, and instead plays very melodic and adds a lot to the overall sound of the band.

I just can't see where do you get all this.
He's pretty much nailing every solo in the Whirlwind dvd at London.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 18, 2016, 09:06:24 AM
This was a great album, but bored with it by now.  When's the next one?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on November 18, 2016, 10:23:47 AM
Some of my early favorites are City of destruction, Draw the line, The Ways of a fool (Jellyfish and The Beach Boys vibe seals the deal for me), Slave to your mind, Confrontation and The Battle. This album should do it for a Neal Morse fan for quite a while.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on November 18, 2016, 10:24:52 AM
Loving this album! Only song I don't dig is Running Free.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PROGdrummer on November 18, 2016, 10:42:11 AM
This was a great album, but bored with it by now.  When's the next one?

 :lol Really?

Though honestly when I woke up this morning I decided I wasn't going to listen to it at all today. Knew I shouldn't have "overplayed" this one  :lol  I'll come back to it next week.

One tiny little MP moment that I absolutely love on this album, is the little "whoa oh whoa oh oh oh" he does right before the sax solo in Shortcut to Salvation. It's PERFECT. Sometimes its just the little things that add so much character to a song and make it that much more special.

Maybe I'll just listen to the 68 minute abridged version I made instead today.... The temptation is too great.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on November 18, 2016, 11:22:57 AM
This was a great album, but bored with it by now.  When's the next one?

I know, right? If Metallica's releasing a double album, Neal should be cranking out at least a triple album.


Definitely need a bunch more listens before I have a good handle on TSOAD but So Far Gone and then The Mask through the end of the album are early standouts (especially The Mask, love the vibe in that song).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on November 18, 2016, 11:35:56 AM
The melody in Shortcut Salvation is just insanely good.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jester on November 18, 2016, 11:44:51 AM
Not much to add other than I've checked out the YouTube releases from the new release and I really, really like it.  Probably on the same level of instant love as when the DT community turned me on to Spock's Beard in the late 90s.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 18, 2016, 12:56:10 PM
After a couple more casual listens at home and in the car, I've picked up on a LOT of Morse-ish moments that remind me of other Neal Morse solo songs, particularly earlier today, listening to the opening of Disc 2, it reminds me a lot of "Sweet Elation" from ?, and other times I'm even reminded of other songs that aren't even Neal's but songs he as covered in the past before.

This is a very influence-heavy album, not that there's anything wrong with that, but there's a lot of times where the music just reminds me of other music. More listens will be required for me to really let this stand as its own piece of work.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 18, 2016, 02:06:32 PM
I also felt that Neal Morse needed a strong guitar player in addition to Portnoy.

I think Roine Stolt is a VERY overrated guitarist and can't keep up with the others in Transatlantic, sorry (just in terms of playing, I still think he is a great composer). Dare I say, I would like Gildenlw or even Leonard in the band instead?

I wasn't a big fan of Paul Bielatowicz (hope I spelled that right), although he is an insane player. His playing is very technical, not as melodic as Erics.

Then finally Flying Colors happened and the unbelievable Steve Morse joined Neal. I think, Steve made a lot of songs way better just by his playing (Love Is What I'm Waiting For, Mask Machine).

Now, Neal has a guitarist, that is on a very high level technically, but has no need to show off, and instead plays very melodic and adds a lot to the overall sound of the band.

I just can't see where do you get all this.
He's pretty much nailing every solo in the Whirlwind dvd at London.

The two times I saw him with Transatlantic, he was pretty sloppy. Portnoy sometimes even looked pretty (I hope that is the right word) admonishingly/ almost a little angry at him. He was the only one having an iPad with lyrics or what ever in front of him (which is fine, but ads up to the impression that he.. you know.. just didn't practice enough).
Also I think his solos aren't very good, they have no structure and no good sound. When you compare that to, say, Steve Morse, Steve Hackett, Petrucci or Gillette, you can hear the difference. Their solos are very well thought through. I'm sorry to all Stolt-fans, I just don't like his playing :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PROGdrummer on November 18, 2016, 03:37:21 PM
So, I got in my car, and was deciding between the newest Dillinger Escape Plan album, the new Devin Townsend Project, Bjork's Vespertine, or a Fear Before The March of Flames album.... and then I thought about hearing the run of songs between "The Slough" and "Breath of Angels" again, and decided to just pop in disc 1 of TSOAD again.

Guess I'm not as bored of the new record as I was thinking I was  :laugh:


On Roine; he's only human. Neal's forgotten the lyrics to a few Transatlantic songs before as well according to YouTube footage I've seen. The Anderson/Stolt  album from earlier this year proves his composing abilities, and I like his singing and his riffs. He's just not a great shredder.   Then there's people like Tosin Abasi ,who can play amazingly  and have mind blowing technique but more than half of the really awesome riffs and melodies on an AAL album were actually written by Misha Mansoor or Javier Reyes. Not everyone's perfect.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 18, 2016, 04:07:09 PM
Regarding the familiar melodies, I sorta caught the Sweet Elation one as well, and there is one that is somewhat similar to the one in Father of Forgiveness.

Funny that Portnoy said that I'm Running was him channeling his inner Keith Moon, because the intro fill sounds just like the one in The Who's Bell Boy.  But hey, like he said, he doesn't hide his influences. :lol :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 18, 2016, 05:23:45 PM
w00t!  Got my copy last night, and listened to it a few times today.  First impression - GREAT album, not sure if it will surpass One, Testimony, and Snow as an all time best, but it just quite might.  I wasn't a huge fan of The Grand Experiment, and this one does not disappoint at any level.  Love the band as a whole.

Initial standout songs for me are The Mask, Freedom Song, So Far Gone...  Although I could list more, literally no weak songs.  I also heard lots of influences from previous Neal work.  Some slower songs even reminded me of stuff from It's Not Too Late or Songs From November.  The last song towards the beginning felt a bit like the last song on the Whirlwind at a couple spots.  All in all, I don't mind the influences at all.  And it feels fresh overall anyway.

I didn't love Ways of a Fool when I heard the single, but it sounds so great in the context of the album.  I love the song now.  I listened to the overture single many many times before release.  Glad I did, it was cool to recognize stuff from it scattered throughout the album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 18, 2016, 07:40:38 PM
Still way too early to know if it can equal or top Testimony 2, ?, The Grand Experiment or One, for me as far as Neal solo/NMB albums go, but I think I can safely say it will fit in the top 5 with those others.

I think they did a solid job with the Overture here, but I think that track will be similar to the overtures on T2, Whirlwind, Snow, etc., in that I will almost never listen to its own, only when listening to the album from start to finish, which will be hard to do often because of its length.  As much as I love Neal's music, I think I am just over his need to always give us that overture where all of the main themes are force fed to us at once.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 19, 2016, 07:25:38 AM
Fun game:

Watch this gif while listening to the beginning of The Way of a Fool:

(https://media.giphy.com/media/O9Ptx06bziXug/giphy.gif)

 :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 19, 2016, 02:50:44 PM
Fun game:

Watch this gif while listening to the beginning of The Way of a Fool:

(https://media.giphy.com/media/O9Ptx06bziXug/giphy.gif)

 :lol :lol

Didn't he actually say, "I think this will be a gif or somethin"? :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on November 19, 2016, 02:53:55 PM
Alright, done with my first listen. It's a great album, but it's nowhere as life-changing as Scenes from a Memory or The Whirlwind to me :lol . I mean, it's a standard Neal Morse album with all the elements you've come to expect from him in all their glory. The songs that stuck the most to me, funnily enough (being something that doesn't happen so often), were the slow songs like Breath of Angels or Sloth More.

Maybe a bit overlong, but which NM album isn't?  :lol There are some incredible melodies throughout, and some very memorable moments. MP did nice as always, but he sounds just the same as he does in every NM album. I literally could hear all the fills and rhythms in my head before they happened, and I hate that; but that doesn't take away from the performance which was flawless as it usually is. I LOVE when the other singers get their shining moments, even MP. Their voces make such a nice contrast with NM's, and that's a breath of fresh air that is always welcome.

It was really nice, but I don't have the urge of going through the entire thing any time soon.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 19, 2016, 04:09:06 PM
Alright, done with my first listen. It's a great album, but it's nowhere as life-changing as Scenes from a Memory or The Whirlwind to me :lol . I mean, it's a standard Neal Morse album with all the elements you've come to expect from him in all their glory. The songs that stuck the most to me, funnily enough (being something that doesn't happen so often), were the slow songs like Breath of Angels or Sloth More.

Maybe a bit overlong, but which NM album isn't?  :lol There are some incredible melodies throughout, and some very memorable moments. MP did nice as always, but he sounds just the same as he does in every NM album. I literally could hear all the fills and rhythms in my head before they happened, and I hate that; but that doesn't take away from the performance which was flawless as it usually is. I LOVE when the other singers get their shining moments, even MP. Their voces make such a nice contrast with NM's, and that's a breath of fresh air that is always welcome.

It was really nice, but I don't have the urge of going through the entire thing any time soon.

I know what you mean.  Despite the new sounds and elements, thanks to the two newer members, it still sounds very much like a Neal Morse album, which can be both good and bad.  Good in that his sound and style is great; bad in that his sound and style is very samey, meaning a lot of has that "yeah, I've heard this before" feel to it. 

For example, the final song certainly is the signature Neal Morse "ending an album with an overly dramatic/epic written song featuring the main themes again" song, ala Crossing Over/Mercy Street Reprise (ending Disc 1 anyway) or Made Alive Again/Wind at My Back Reprise, but the major contributions by Gillette, with his playing and singing, does give it a new twist that makes it pretty unique.  And let's face it, the song itself is just phenomenal.

Ultimately, Neal could write a melody and sing the phone book, and I'd love it. :biggrin:



Didn't he actually say, "I think this will be a gif or somethin"? :D

Haha, yep.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 19, 2016, 05:57:38 PM
Maybe a bit overlong, but which NM album isn't?  :lol

?, and maybe Momentum. Short, concise (especially on the latter's part), and two of my favorites by Neal. One isn't too bad either, even with the 3 bonus tracks thrown in to the mix (which I think is still my favorite Neal solo album of all time, to be honest).

It'll be awhile before I can place where this album lands, but I like it more than Lifeline at least, and it's slowly crawling up the rankings for me, side-by-side with Sola Scriptura and The Grand Experiment, but just below Testimony 2 and Momentum, both of which win me over because of their closing epics!

Having been awhile since Neal's released a full double-disc concept album, I can tell that this one will take a looooong time to settle into my soul. Heck, as much as I love his previous 2 albums, they're still "fresh" to me, as I enjoy them a lot, but sometimes new things will pop out to me, or I won't remember some rhythms or melodies, but with older albums like his first three solo albums post-Snow, I feel like I recall a LOT more of those than I do his more recent releases. Then again, I must have spun those albums hundreds of times, even within the first year of owning them.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 20, 2016, 07:23:10 AM
Songs for November is pretty short - only 48 minutes - but, oh yeah, we always ignore the non-prog albums when talking about Neal.  :biggrin: :lol

I'd be curious if there is any Neal fan who thinks Lifeline isn't his least best prog album (post-Spock's).  I mean, it's not a bad record, but it really stands out as not nearly as good as all of the others.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 20, 2016, 07:59:20 AM
Yes.  I fall into that category. I just don't love "?". Lifeline is definately better than that. And I'd also put it above the grand experiment. I mean, I like the song Lifeline better than the Call and So Many Roads better than Alive Again. The rest are mostly "meh".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on November 20, 2016, 08:37:14 AM
Yep, Lifeline is clearly my least favorite as well. Slightly higher ranked are Testimony, The Grand experiment and One. I think TSOAD will end up at number 5, but it's still early to tell.

I started liking Freedom song. It sounded like an ordinary Neal Morse songs, but something about the twangy, country-esque slide guitar gives it a fresh touch.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on November 20, 2016, 11:09:38 AM
Maybe a bit overlong, but which NM album isn't?  :lol

?, and maybe Momentum. Short, concise (especially on the latter's part), and two of my favorites by Neal. One isn't too bad either, even with the 3 bonus tracks thrown in to the mix (which I think is still my favorite Neal solo album of all time, to be honest).

It'll be awhile before I can place where this album lands, but I like it more than Lifeline at least, and it's slowly crawling up the rankings for me, side-by-side with Sola Scriptura and The Grand Experiment, but just below Testimony 2 and Momentum, both of which win me over because of their closing epics!

Having been awhile since Neal's released a full double-disc concept album, I can tell that this one will take a looooong time to settle into my soul. Heck, as much as I love his previous 2 albums, they're still "fresh" to me, as I enjoy them a lot, but sometimes new things will pop out to me, or I won't remember some rhythms or melodies, but with older albums like his first three solo albums post-Snow, I feel like I recall a LOT more of those than I do his more recent releases. Then again, I must have spun those albums hundreds of times, even within the first year of owning them.

-Marc.

I know what you mean, but I don't entirely agree because even though I love dearly most of his material I feel most of his albums are a tad overlong. That being said, I think he has done a couple of albums which feel great length-wise like Testimony 2 (talking about the first CD) to me . It's just that I get the feeling that he sometimes fills up his albums with songs and moments which aren't precisely necessary just for the sake of making it long. Songs like World Without End could've been 10 or 15 minutes shorter and they would be much more concise and better. I know Neal is a man of A WEALTH of musical ideas, but part of the beauty of composing, arranging and producing is knowing when to stop.

I rarely listen to full NM albums from beginning to end, and when I'm in my NM frenzy stage I usually put some different tunes from all of his albums until my thirst is quenched. The only two albums I LOVE listening in their original format are ? and Testimony 2.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 20, 2016, 03:00:23 PM
Yes.  I fall into that category. I just don't love "?". Lifeline is definately better than that. And I'd also put it above the grand experiment. I mean, I like the song Lifeline better than the Call and So Many Roads better than Alive Again. The rest are mostly "meh".

 :omg: :omg: :omg: Woah.

I started liking Freedom song. It sounded like an ordinary Neal Morse songs, but something about the twangy, country-esque slide guitar gives it a fresh touch.

I like the song, but it sounds very out of place, like it didn't belong on there.  The sound of it doesn't help, nor does the fact that it's isolated from the tracks before and after it.  It reminds me of Looking for Answers from Snow, which also had that "just thrown in there in the middle of the record" feel to it, and of course that also stood out as about the only track that didn't have fade in from or to another song.

I rarely listen to full NM albums from beginning to end, and when I'm in my NM frenzy stage I usually put some different tunes from all of his albums until my thirst is quenched. The only two albums I LOVE listening in their original format are ? and Testimony 2.

I'm generally that way, too, largely because it's so hard to have the time to listen to full albums, especially ones as long as Neal's often are.  ? stills stands out to me as the best when it comes to flow and having that "once you start it, you can't stop till it's over" vibe.  :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 21, 2016, 02:04:44 PM
Regarding the familiar melodies, I sorta caught the Sweet Elation one as well, and there is one that is somewhat similar to the one in Father of Forgiveness.

Totally!  I love that one, but it is SO derivative.  Can't help but wonder whether it was intentional or subconscious.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Skeever on November 21, 2016, 02:52:00 PM
Seems like a tough CD to get. Usually, I can get the bigger Mike releases at Best Buy (where I bought all TA albums, all Flying Colors albums, Winery Dogs, and others). But I head to BB at lunch today, and nothing. Checked the site, and nary an album to be found in 250 miles. Seems this is always the case with Neal and Radiant Records. You either buy through his store, or you buy through Amazon. This one is on iTunes, but $24.99 for an MP3 album seems pretty steep to me. Seems odd to see a double album priced at the price point of two albums, since in my experience double albums are usually the same price as single albums, or maybe just a few dollars more. Is it really worth that much? What do you guys think?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 21, 2016, 03:09:48 PM
Seems like a tough CD to get. Usually, I can get the bigger Mike releases at Best Buy (where I bought all TA albums, all Flying Colors albums, Winery Dogs, and others). But I head to BB at lunch today, and nothing. Checked the site, and nary an album to be found in 250 miles. Seems this is always the case with Neal and Radiant Records. You either buy through his store, or you buy through Amazon. This one is on iTunes, but $24.99 for an MP3 album seems pretty steep to me. Seems odd to see a double album priced at the price point of two albums, since in my experience double albums are usually the same price as single albums, or maybe just a few dollars more. Is it really worth that much? What do you guys think?

I think that I-tunes is overpriced.  If downloading, I would get from Radiant for $13.99 (mp3 320kbps).  Or there's a higher definition download for I think $15.99.  Definitely worth it.

Yes.  I fall into that category. I just don't love "?". Lifeline is definately better than that. And I'd also put it above the grand experiment. I mean, I like the song Lifeline better than the Call and So Many Roads better than Alive Again. The rest are mostly "meh".

 :omg: :omg: :omg: Woah.


Don't get me wrong, The Call and Alive Again are both excellent.  But I always though Lifeline had its two gems as well, even if it was an unpopular record.

And man, loving this album so much.  I got misty eyed on my way home from work today when the Long Day (reprise) came on.  Cool decision to have Eric sing the last couple parts of that song.  Goose bump city.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 21, 2016, 06:40:17 PM
Regarding the familiar melodies, I sorta caught the Sweet Elation one as well, and there is one that is somewhat similar to the one in Father of Forgiveness.

Totally!  I love that one, but it is SO derivative.  Can't help but wonder whether it was intentional or subconscious.

I doubt it was intentional; Portnoy probably would have mentioned it during his listen last week.  I think that Neal writes so much music, that certain melodies are bound to be a bit similar.

And man, loving this album so much.  I got misty eyed on my way home from work today when the Long Day (reprise) came on.  Cool decision to have Eric sing the last couple parts of that song.  Goose bump city.

Yep, it was totally the right decision to have Gillette sing those sections in the final song; it knocked it out of the park.

Regarding the cost, I do wish I would have bought the physical CDs.  I think where some of the tracks are indexed could have been done a lot better - where So Far Gone turns into Breath of Angles is terrible; should have been a few second later - and it's hard to fix that with the mp3s since you get little blips where you connect the songs on Audacity when trying to fix the indexing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 22, 2016, 06:11:32 PM
It's hard to stop talking about this album. Just have to say that the song Shortcut to Salvation is fabulous. Works perfectly in the album and has that feel good singer- songwriter feel. Catching on to more of the lyrics and making the connections. Oh and i love that solo in Shortcut. Sax or whatever it is. Brilliant.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on November 22, 2016, 06:21:00 PM
First spin tomorrow at work. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 22, 2016, 06:44:27 PM
First spin tomorrow at work.

 :tup :tup

It's hard to stop talking about this album. Just have to say that the song Shortcut to Salvation is fabulous. Works perfectly in the album and has that feel good singer- songwriter feel. Catching on to more of the lyrics and making the connections. Oh and i love that solo in Shortcut. Sax or whatever it is. Brilliant.

Yep, very fun song. And like always, it's the little things that make songs like that great.  That little bass drum thing Portnoy does before the 2nd chorus is so great.  So simple, yet so effective.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 22, 2016, 07:06:44 PM
What songs do you think they will play on the tour next year besides the new album?  I figure the new album will take about two hours, counting the intermission between discs 1 and 2, and then we'll likely get an encore of three songs.  My guess would be a super long one to close the show, an acoustic song second, and then a rocker first.  I could see:

The Call
We All Need Some Light
Seeds of Gold

Alive Again seems like a natural again, given that it gives them the chance to all change instruments in the middle again, a for sure great live moment, but Neal/Portnoy tend to shy away from playing the super long ones on consecutive tours (not counting Transatlantic tours), so I think it's likely that they go back to Seeds of Gold, rather than playing Alive Again for the second tour in a row, especially since I am sure Portnoy will have a large hand in deciding and he was on the record as thinking Seeds of Gold was an all-time Neal song (he hyped that as an individual song more than I can remember him ever hyping any one song before an album's release).

I figure they have to play something again from The Grand Experiment, since it was the first album as the Neal Morse band, and The Call would slay.  Then again, you never know.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 22, 2016, 11:30:34 PM
What songs do you think they will play on the tour next year besides the new album?  I figure the new album will take about two hours, counting the intermission between discs 1 and 2, and then we'll likely get an encore of three songs.  My guess would be a super long one to close the show, an acoustic song second, and then a rocker first.  I could see:

The Call
We All Need Some Light
Seeds of Gold

Alive Again seems like a natural again, given that it gives them the chance to all change instruments in the middle again, a for sure great live moment, but Neal/Portnoy tend to shy away from playing the super long ones on consecutive tours (not counting Transatlantic tours), so I think it's likely that they go back to Seeds of Gold, rather than playing Alive Again for the second tour in a row, especially since I am sure Portnoy will have a large hand in deciding and he was on the record as thinking Seeds of Gold was an all-time Neal song (he hyped that as an individual song more than I can remember him ever hyping any one song before an album's release).

I figure they have to play something again from The Grand Experiment, since it was the first album as the Neal Morse band, and The Call would slay.  Then again, you never know.

Good call on "The Call", but I think it'd be fun if they played "MacArthur Park", especially since it's a great arrangement by Bill and it'd be nice to hear them play it live (AFAIK, they haven't yet, right?).

I'd like to hear them play "So Many Roads", with the new band, I bet this already good song could be taken to higher levels. It would also be good practice if they plan on playing all of the Lifeline songs for Morsefest 2017...if it happens. Honestly, either that or "Seeds Of Gold" would be pretty amazing.

EDIT - https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/neal-morse-3d695bb.html?song=So+Many+Roads
Looking at this link, it looks like "So Many Roads" was only ever played live TWICE!!! And one of those performances was released on the live album named after that song, so in comparison to the 13 times "Seeds Of Gold" has been played live, I think it'd be nice to see SMR get its chance in the sun.

And almost assuredly, they'll either play WANSL, "King Jesus", "Reunion" or "Sing It High", though I would love to be proven wrong and they not play ANY of those three (or "Wind At My Back" or "June"). I'd love to hear this band cover other songs that they haven't played yet, like other SB songs that Neal has probably not played in awhile, like "Thoughts" (either parts 1 or 2), or maybe something like "Waste Away" or "Gibberish" or "Goodbye To Yesterday", something rarely played or obscure, just to throw everyone off.

OR...they could just play a medley of random Neal Morse tunes, like pick a song from several albums, string them together as a sort of musical-history of Neal's solo works? Who knows... Neal (and Mike) can come up with basically anything and the encore will be fantastic!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 23, 2016, 05:29:06 AM
As much as I like So Many Roads, I'd much rather see one of the long songs from the three previous albums (Seeds, World or Alive Again), but that's me.

I think it was Randy or Bill who said on that reddit chat thing two weeks ago that they are unlikely to play any Spock's this time around.

And no covers, please.  Considering this is a bigger tour than normal, where they are going to cities where they have never played or rarely play, bring the heavyweights, not covers.  Neal has hours and hours and hours of great original material to choose from, after all.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on November 23, 2016, 11:01:22 AM
They might as well drop Transatlantic and SB stuff completely.

I'm guessing The Grand experiment, Sing it high and Seeds of gold.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 23, 2016, 11:53:42 PM
As much as I like So Many Roads, I'd much rather see one of the long songs from the three previous albums (Seeds, World or Alive Again), but that's me.

I think it was Randy or Bill who said on that reddit chat thing two weeks ago that they are unlikely to play any Spock's this time around.

And no covers, please.  Considering this is a bigger tour than normal, where they are going to cities where they have never played or rarely play, bring the heavyweights, not covers.  Neal has hours and hours and hours of great original material to choose from, after all.

"Seeds Of Gold" would be great, because as far as I know, even though it was played over 20 times on the T2 Tour, it wasn't with the band Neal put together on the following tour, which would eventually become the Neal Morse Band (sans Adson). So it would be nice to hear this band play "Seeds Of Gold" - I'd love to hear Eric play Steve Morse's guitar solo in the latter half of the song.

As for SB/TA Covers, I'd be fine with them never playing them again, even if they were more obscure songs. I do agree, with 9 major solo prog albums, Neal's got a LOT to pull from, though I hope the songs in the encore are a little more varied than "King Jesus", "Sing It High", "Reunion", or any part of "Testimony Part 5". We've gotten plenty of those on official and Inner Circle releases, so I'd like some deeper cuts, though I understand the purpose of encores is to typically play some more popular tunes, so I doubt I'll get my wish there. An epic would be great, though.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 24, 2016, 04:16:48 AM
I'm hoping for The Call. I hope they don't play TGE (the song), I dunno what everyone likes about that tune :D
I believe the options of Longtracks are Alive Again, World Without End, Seeds Of Gold, So Many Roads or maybe The Creation. But the latter has been done the last tour(s). I agree, they really should separate solo stuff from SB and Tr.

BTW They're not going to do an intermission between the discs. They flow into each other. Portnoy said that after Shortcut to Salvation might be the first time anyone "says" anything.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 24, 2016, 07:50:12 AM
I hadn't thought of that.  That would be quite the endurance feat if they played the whole thing with no intermission. 

I'd be surprised to see Sing It High get played.  Freedom Song is a similar type of song, and I think Neal is smart enough to know that one country-esque song is more than enough for most prog fans. :biggrin: :lol

Honestly, I could see them doing a medley of parts from various epics; that seems like a very Portnoy thing to do. :P :lol  I wouldn't want to see an entire 30 minutes spent on The Door, but I'd love to see them play the last two sections, especially since Neal now has a full time guitar player who could play that Paul Gilbert solo. :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 25, 2016, 09:05:38 PM
Can anyone tell me which is the best song Neal Morse has ever written?
SOmeone a few paged back, or maybe in another thread said that certain song (most likely an epic) was "perfect" in every way, I can't recall which one and I wanna hear it, someone please tell me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on November 26, 2016, 02:22:05 AM
World without end.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 26, 2016, 08:34:25 AM
Can anyone tell me which is the best song Neal Morse has ever written?
SOmeone a few paged back, or maybe in another thread said that certain song (most likely an epic) was "perfect" in every way, I can't recall which one and I wanna hear it, someone please tell me.

It's impossible to narrow it down to just one, and opinions will obviously vary from person to person, but when I saw your post, the songs that popped into my head were Alive Again (Neal Morse Band), All of the Above (Transatlantic) and The Light (Spock's Beard).  Take 75 minutes, listen to those three songs, and then report back.  :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on November 26, 2016, 09:46:36 AM
Fun game:

Watch this gif while listening to the beginning of The Way of a Fool:

(https://media.giphy.com/media/O9Ptx06bziXug/giphy.gif)

 :lol :lol

Nasty sharp teeth....
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on November 26, 2016, 09:56:50 AM
It's a grower.  I can easily see why Mike thinks it's the best thing he's ever been involved with do to the fusion of styles and his experience in the studio, but I'm not quite there yet.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: me7 on November 26, 2016, 11:51:28 AM
Mike Portnoy praised the last album by his son's band as better than early DT.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on November 26, 2016, 02:11:33 PM
Ok, I just bought the album yesterday. The music and song writing is great. I'm sure this album will grow on me, however,  I've never been impressed with NM vocals which is part of the reason I could never get into SB. He is a great musician that needs a better singer. The saving grace for Similitude is the great drumming, guitars, and keys and insane musicianship and the vocal harmonies are nice. Even Mike Portnoy took lead vocals on parts which is cool!
 It's refreshing to hear the guys singing including MP on this as well.
I'm not dissing on NM as a musician at all, I just think his singing is.....average.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 26, 2016, 04:16:46 PM
It's a grower.  I can easily see why Mike thinks it's the best thing he's ever been involved with do to the fusion of styles and his experience in the studio, but I'm not quite there yet.

I don't think I'll get there.  There's no way I'll ever put this ahead of I&W, Awake, Scenes, SMPTe, Bridge Across Forever, The Whirlwind, maybe both LTE records and a couple of the albums he has already done with Neal (under the Neal Morse or Neal Morse Band names), but I'm okay with that. It's still a damn fine album, no matter how you slice it.

Mike Portnoy praised the last album by his son's band as better than early DT.

LOL-worthy hyperbole aside, he's a dad talking up his kid's music; hard to fault him for that.  That's what a dad should do.

Ok, I just bought the album yesterday. The music and song writing is great. I'm sure this album will grow on me, however,  I've never been impressed with NM vocals which is part of the reason I could never get into SB. He is a great musician that needs a better singer. The saving grace for Similitude is the great drumming, guitars, and keys and insane musicianship and the vocal harmonies are nice. Even Mike Portnoy took lead vocals on parts which is cool!
 It's refreshing to hear the guys singing including MP on this as well.
I'm not dissing on NM as a musician at all, I just think his singing is.....average.

From a technical standpoint, sure, Neal is a pretty average singer, but he has a very warm quality to his voice, which is very charming, and, while it might sound like a cliche, he sings with tons of heart.  I might concede that he writes such outstanding vocal melodies that they would sound great with a lot of people singing them, meaning a guy like Neal, with his somewhat limited range, can slay them.  Not to compare him to the Beatles, but the Beatles music is so easy to cover because just about anybody in the industry can sing the melodies and it sounds pretty good because their vocal melodies were so off the charts awesome that you have to be a shitty singer to not sound good singing melodies that Lennon and McCartney wrote.  To a lesser degree, that's Neal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PROGdrummer on November 26, 2016, 06:48:17 PM
Can anyone tell me which is the best song Neal Morse has ever written?
SOmeone a few paged back, or maybe in another thread said that certain song (most likely an epic) was "perfect" in every way, I can't recall which one and I wanna hear it, someone please tell me.
World without end.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on November 26, 2016, 07:42:35 PM


From a technical standpoint, sure, Neal is a pretty average singer, but he has a very warm quality to his voice, which is very charming, and, while it might sound like a cliche, he sings with tons of heart.  I might concede that he writes such outstanding vocal melodies that they would sound great with a lot of people singing them, meaning a guy like Neal, with his somewhat limited range, can slay them.  Not to compare him to the Beatles, but the Beatles music is so easy to cover because just about anybody in the industry can sing the melodies and it sounds pretty good because their vocal melodies were so off the charts awesome that you have to be a shitty singer to not sound good singing melodies that Lennon and McCartney wrote.  To a lesser degree, that's Neal.


Good call, I actually agree with all you said. I listened the album a 2nd time and liking it more and more!
I can't help but notice the re-occuring theme throughout the album that is reminiscent of DT's " The Best of Times" off of BCSL. Especially the guitar solo in Breath of Angels, which isn't a bad thing.  :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 26, 2016, 08:41:59 PM
I forgot to mention here that I finally got the Alive Again Blu-ray last week, and was able to watch it at a friend's last night.  Testimony Live from back in '04 was the only one I had bought before now, and I have to admit I was a little hesitant to get another one after seeing the Testimony 2: Live in Los Angeles DVD (which has really bad camera angles and bad lighting), but I checked out the live performance of Alive Again from it a few weeks ago...and I was sold.

The Blu-ray is mostly awesome.  A few sound issues (when it's really rocking, you almost hear a bit of distortion around the edges), but it was shot wonderfully and the performances are top notch.  And a stellar set list - four of the five tracks from Grand Experiment, In the Fire/Solid as the Sun, The Creation, Harm's Way (Spock's), etc.  A must get for any Neal fan. :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 28, 2016, 03:14:55 AM
Beatles music is NOT easy to cover.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 28, 2016, 03:52:03 AM
Finally got TSOAD and I've listened to it once. I liked what I heard but need many more listens to seriously appreciate and rank this.

It's typical Neal Morse for me, in that regard he's a a bit like the AC/DC of retro-prog. It's instantly recognizable from the first few notes that it's him and the music doesn't really stray that much from the core sound.

As of now it's nice but I wouldn't really call this career-defining. We'll see if my impression changes over time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 28, 2016, 06:16:22 PM
Beatles music is NOT easy to cover.

Who said it was? ???

Finally got TSOAD and I've listened to it once. I liked what I heard but need many more listens to seriously appreciate and rank this.

It's typical Neal Morse for me, in that regard he's a a bit like the AC/DC of retro-prog. It's instantly recognizable from the first few notes that it's him and the music doesn't really stray that much from the core sound.

As of now it's nice but I wouldn't really call this career-defining. We'll see if my impression changes over time.

I am seeing this type of opinion in a lot of places (when I get a new album I really like, I will always search the 'net for opinions and reviews of it), and it's hard to disagree with it, as I have said already.  Great album, yes, but ground-breaking or a masterpiece?  I can't go that far.  But so what, right?  I have already gotten tons of mileage out of it, and I will get plenty more. :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 28, 2016, 06:38:23 PM
Yeah, I feel the same way.  Back in the day I'd listen to One or Sola Scriptura over and over day after day and never tire of it.  I don't have that strong an addiction for TSOAD.  That said, it still may be my favorite release of the year.  Although... I listened to the new Redemption A LOT, so I don't know if I can compare that with this as they're too different.  #1 and #2 for the year (in a year where almost every band I really like had a release).

And hey, it may still end up being my favorite Neal Morse album someday, but I'm not betting on it.  But it's still very, very good! I may consider buying the live version assuming they make a dvd/blu ray of this down the road.  It's been a while since I've bought a live album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 29, 2016, 12:34:24 AM
It's no problem for me that it's not ground-breaking, I wasn't expecting it to be and I wasn't expecting it to sound very different from the other Neal Morse records. I can live with that as long as the final product is good. I have now listened for a second time and it's definitely growing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 30, 2016, 07:41:21 AM
Beatles music is NOT easy to cover.

Who said it was? ???


Erm, you did? Or did I get that totally wrong?

Quote
Not to compare him to the Beatles, but the Beatles music is so easy to cover because just about anybody in the industry can sing the melodies and it sounds pretty good because their vocal melodies were so off the charts awesome that you have to be a shitty singer to not sound good singing melodies that Lennon and McCartney wrote.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on November 30, 2016, 08:20:34 AM
Beatles music is NOT easy to cover.

Because anyone who attempts it is met with an angry squadron of extractor fans* who cry sacrilege.

(Extractor fans - A brilliant term to describe the type of fan who think they're more of a fan than anyone else, who suck the joy out of music.)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 30, 2016, 10:01:24 AM
Steering this thread back on topic to Neal himself, I've been wondering if he'll be announcing Morsefest 2017 anytime soon, seeing as December begins tomorrow, and 2017 is just around the corner.

If he DOES announce it, what do you all hope he'll do? With the Snow performance earlier this year, it's now not out of the realm of possibility that Neal could do a non-solo work for the Morsefest weekend, so I offer up some options:

1 - Neal's solo band will perform the next two solo albums in sequence, Lifeline and Testimony 2, and here's some good reasons why this would be great:
While Lifeline is typically regarded as Neal's weakest solo effort since he left SB, it's still got some great songs on it, like the title track and the epic, which has only been performed TWICE, and I think some of the songs haven't even been performed at all before! Play the whole album in sequence, and add the two original bonus tracks "Set The Kingdom" and "Sometimes He Waits", and it would be the definitive recordings of these songs, especially "So Many Roads", which was only performed with Neal's European band.
And for Testimony 2, it would be great to hear the new band play this album, and it's been 5-6 years since it was last played, so I think it's been long enough for it to make a come back. Throw in all 3 songs from the second disc into the second set of the night, and you've got a winning concert!

2 - Neal performs the first two Transatlantic albums live, with Roine, Pete and Mike. This would be a great warm-up for the band to go into the studio for their fifth album next year, if they plan on it. Let them play the two albums that started it all with them live, and have them get charged up by it, get their creative and performing mojo flowing, and make an amazing album after playing together for a week. It would also mean their first live performance of "In Held ('Twas) In I", and they could possibly do other covers as well. It would be an interesting and fun weekend, I'm sure!

3 - Neal performs the first two Flying Colors albums with Flying Colors. I know, the first album is only 4 years old, and the second just about 2 years old, but since the band is recording next month and possibly releasing their third album next year, and eventually touring on it, a Morsefest weekend with the band could make sense. Perform the first two albums in their entirety, then fill the rest of each concert night with new songs!

4 - Neal performs with Spock's Beard...again. This is probably VERY unlikely, as it seems that the Snow performance with SB would be a one-off for Morsefest, it's still a possibility. And if not with ALL of SB, then maybe just with Nick or Al (again). They could do two SB albums, or random songs. Who knows... I'd be less excited for this option to be honest.

5 - Neal doesn't do Morsefest 2017 at all and takes a year off. This is pretty possible too, since no announcement has been made so far, and Neal seems like he'll be busy with touring with the NMB early next year, then possibly touring with FC later next year, so who knows if he'll even have time to put together another Morsefest.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on November 30, 2016, 11:19:14 AM
1 - Neal's solo band will perform the next two solo albums in sequence, Lifeline and Testimony 2, and here's some good reasons why this would be great:
While Lifeline is typically regarded as Neal's weakest solo effort since he left SB, it's still got some great songs on it, like the title track and the epic, which has only been performed TWICE, and I think some of the songs haven't even been performed at all before! Play the whole album in sequence, and add the two original bonus tracks "Set The Kingdom" and "Sometimes He Waits", and it would be the definitive recordings of these songs, especially "So Many Roads", which was only performed with Neal's European band.
And for Testimony 2, it would be great to hear the new band play this album, and it's been 5-6 years since it was last played, so I think it's been long enough for it to make a come back. Throw in all 3 songs from the second disc into the second set of the night, and you've got a winning concert!

This would be my vote, as these are my two favorite Neal albums (no kidding). Lifeline is SEVERELY underrated IMO, and I think T2 is some of the best music I've ever heard (especially disc two). I would only hope to be able to make it to the show if this one happens, which is unlikely next year. Maybe he pushes it off and does this in 2018 and I could be all over it!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 30, 2016, 12:44:06 PM
Beatles music is NOT easy to cover.

Because anyone who attempts it is met with an angry squadron of extractor fans* who cry sacrilege.

(Extractor fans - A brilliant term to describe the type of fan who think they're more of a fan than anyone else, who suck the joy out of music.)

Sorry for the off topic, I'd just like to respond to this.
I think that is one part of it. The other would be that most of the Beatles covers done by other people aren't very good. I admit that I might be one of those Beatles fanboys who let no one say anything against The Beatles (a friend of mine told me a few weeks ago that he thinks they are overrated, you should have seen my face :D ).
BUT: I think there are some great covers or interpretations. Joe Cocker comes to mind first, he did more than just the great With A Little Help. Toto did a great cover of While My Guitar. Transatlantic (ha, back to topic! :D ) covered the Abbey Road Suite and mixed it with their own Suite Charlotte Pike. Great idea. Deep Purple played Help at almost half speed. Yes played Every Little Thing. Ozzy Osbourne covered In My Life, also almost half speed.
All those songs weren't just covered by the artist, they were interpreted in their own way (hope you get what I want to say). That makes most of them hard to compare to the original. Whenever it comes to the song is ONLY being covered, as in, play the thing note by note, I think I have never heard a version of any Beatles song that was better than the original. How often have I seen blues bands in bars that were GOOD and did good blues covers, good Hendrix covers (yes!) and then they tried Come Together or While My Guitar.. and I thought "oh no you don't wanna touch that one.." - and sure enough, it wasn't very good.

Again, sry for the off topic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 30, 2016, 12:52:13 PM
Eh, I've done Taxman and Back in the USSR in my band, and I think we sound fine.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 30, 2016, 12:58:14 PM
I think I should stop here before I incur the bosses wrath  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 30, 2016, 02:59:50 PM
We did All You Need Is Love, and we killed it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 30, 2016, 07:26:52 PM
Beatles music is NOT easy to cover.

Who said it was? ???


Erm, you did? Or did I get that totally wrong?

Quote
Not to compare him to the Beatles, but the Beatles music is so easy to cover because just about anybody in the industry can sing the melodies and it sounds pretty good because their vocal melodies were so off the charts awesome that you have to be a shitty singer to not sound good singing melodies that Lennon and McCartney wrote.

I meant covering their vocals, if you read everything I wrote, but to be fair, I could have worded that better and been more clear.

Steering this thread back on topic to Neal himself, I've been wondering if he'll be announcing Morsefest 2017 anytime soon, seeing as December begins tomorrow, and 2017 is just around the corner.

If he DOES announce it, what do you all hope he'll do? 

I'd love to see him play all of his first solo album.  That album is too good to never see the light of day again.

Also, did he not release the 2015 Morsefest stuff on DVD or Bly-ray?  That was all of ? and Sola Scriptura, right?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: rumborak on November 30, 2016, 07:51:23 PM
Neal Morse has been outside my radar for quite some time now, but today somebody mentioned the Similitude album to me (mostly because of MP's rant on his forum).

Bummer really, considering how I was the world's biggest fan of his early output, there's just nothing that grabs me about his music anymore. By about song 4 or so I was starting to get actively annoyed by it and switched to something else. I guess people still hear new things in his output, but it just sounds so self-derivative to me. The whole "it's not Neal, it's the band" thing is also silly. Of course it's 90% Neal, the music, the lyrics etc are obviously his.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 30, 2016, 08:47:55 PM
Steering this thread back on topic to Neal himself, I've been wondering if he'll be announcing Morsefest 2017 anytime soon, seeing as December begins tomorrow, and 2017 is just around the corner.

If he DOES announce it, what do you all hope he'll do? 

I'd love to see him play all of his first solo album.  That album is too good to never see the light of day again.

Also, did he not release the 2015 Morsefest stuff on DVD or Bly-ray?  That was all of ? and Sola Scriptura, right?

His first solo album is pretty good, and while he might never play the whole thing, at least he played "A Whole 'Nother Trip" at Morsefest 2015!

And speaking of that, no, Neal and Radiant have NOT yet released the Morsefest 2015 stuff yet. He and his crew have been busy all year with other things, leading up to the release of TSOAD, as well as getting Morsefest 2016 ready, much earlier in the year than the previous two were. In the most recent Inner Circle Fanclub Newsletter, he announces that the finishing touches on Morsefest 2015 were being done:

Quote
Rich is almost done with the audio, the video is about complete and we are trying to get this baby into manufacturing so we can release it in March before the Europe tour. That is my goal... But as I said the creative process is always a little bit unpredictable. So... Don't hold me to it. No angry emails please! :-)

So, look for it in March. Hopefully this means we get Morsefest 2016 before 2017 ends. Rich will be busy next year, though, with Morsefest 2016 to do, then the inevitable TSOAD live tour CD/DVD/BD set that will come out late 2017, then the eventual Flying Colors third album and it's inevitable tour's live album.

Also, where the heck are the Transatlantic shows from the Prog Nation cruise?! I want to hear Kaleidoscope live, plus the Yes covers with Jon Anderson!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on December 01, 2016, 09:15:34 AM
Neal Morse has been outside my radar for quite some time now, but today somebody mentioned the Similitude album to me (mostly because of MP's rant on his forum).

Bummer really, considering how I was the world's biggest fan of his early output, there's just nothing that grabs me about his music anymore. By about song 4 or so I was starting to get actively annoyed by it and switched to something else. I guess people still hear new things in his output, but it just sounds so self-derivative to me. The whole "it's not Neal, it's the band" thing is also silly. Of course it's 90% Neal, the music, the lyrics etc are obviously his.

Oh lawd, what's he ranting about now?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PROGdrummer on December 01, 2016, 09:44:38 AM
Neal Morse has been outside my radar for quite some time now, but today somebody mentioned the Similitude album to me (mostly because of MP's rant on his forum).

Bummer really, considering how I was the world's biggest fan of his early output, there's just nothing that grabs me about his music anymore. By about song 4 or so I was starting to get actively annoyed by it and switched to something else. I guess people still hear new things in his output, but it just sounds so self-derivative to me. The whole "it's not Neal, it's the band" thing is also silly. Of course it's 90% Neal, the music, the lyrics etc are obviously his.

To be fair, the album really picks up around the middle of disc 1 and doesnt really lose momentum from there. The first few tracks are a bit of an uphill climb on the first few listens when you're expecting something different.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 01, 2016, 06:34:31 PM


Also, did he not release the 2015 Morsefest stuff on DVD or Bly-ray?  That was all of ? and Sola Scriptura, right?

His first solo album is pretty good, and while he might never play the whole thing, at least he played "A Whole 'Nother Trip" at Morsefest 2015!

And speaking of that, no, Neal and Radiant have NOT yet released the Morsefest 2015 stuff yet. He and his crew have been busy all year with other things, leading up to the release of TSOAD, as well as getting Morsefest 2016 ready, much earlier in the year than the previous two were. In the most recent Inner Circle Fanclub Newsletter, he announces that the finishing touches on Morsefest 2015 were being done:

Quote
Rich is almost done with the audio, the video is about complete and we are trying to get this baby into manufacturing so we can release it in March before the Europe tour. That is my goal... But as I said the creative process is always a little bit unpredictable. So... Don't hold me to it. No angry emails please! :-)

So, look for it in March.

Sweet.  I'd get that just to get the performance of ? in full.  Getting A Whole Nother Trip would be an added bonus.

To be fair, the album really picks up around the middle of disc 1 and doesnt really lose momentum from there. The first few tracks are a bit of an uphill climb on the first few listens when you're expecting something different.

Agreed.  Long Day is similar to the beginning of Snow or Testimony, with Neal singing a main theme over a simple arrangement, and then the Overture is your run of the mill Neal "let's pack all of the main themes into one song" overture.  City of Destruction is where the album really picks up and takes off.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: rumborak on December 01, 2016, 07:16:29 PM
Neal Morse has been outside my radar for quite some time now, but today somebody mentioned the Similitude album to me (mostly because of MP's rant on his forum).

Bummer really, considering how I was the world's biggest fan of his early output, there's just nothing that grabs me about his music anymore. By about song 4 or so I was starting to get actively annoyed by it and switched to something else. I guess people still hear new things in his output, but it just sounds so self-derivative to me. The whole "it's not Neal, it's the band" thing is also silly. Of course it's 90% Neal, the music, the lyrics etc are obviously his.

Oh lawd, what's he ranting about now?

I think he was dismayed at the poor pickup of the album, complaining that nobody outside his inner fan circle knows about it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: rumborak on December 01, 2016, 07:19:02 PM
Neal Morse has been outside my radar for quite some time now, but today somebody mentioned the Similitude album to me (mostly because of MP's rant on his forum).

Bummer really, considering how I was the world's biggest fan of his early output, there's just nothing that grabs me about his music anymore. By about song 4 or so I was starting to get actively annoyed by it and switched to something else. I guess people still hear new things in his output, but it just sounds so self-derivative to me. The whole "it's not Neal, it's the band" thing is also silly. Of course it's 90% Neal, the music, the lyrics etc are obviously his.

To be fair, the album really picks up around the middle of disc 1 and doesnt really lose momentum from there. The first few tracks are a bit of an uphill climb on the first few listens when you're expecting something different.

FWIW, I probably wasn't listening in order. Those were YouTube videos, so I assume they were being played to me in order of popularity.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 01, 2016, 07:36:38 PM


I think he was dismayed at the poor pickup of the album, complaining that nobody outside his inner fan circle knows about it.

I think people know about it, but just aren't a fan of Neal's, a fact Portnoy seems unwilling to grasp.  As big a fan as I am of Neal's, I get why many are not. 

I will repeat a story I told elsewhere last week:

At my office, our operations room where we all work is a big room and we are allowed to listen to Pandora all day in the background. One speaker on each side of the room. Basically, anyone can pick a station to put on, and then we always keep it on shuffle, so we get stuff from stations for classic rock, 80s, Pink Floyd, Lady Gaga, country (gross), Muse, Doobies Brothers, Zeppelin, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Phil Collins, Tears for Fears, Rush, Michael Jackson, etc., and of course I've managed to sneak Porcupine Tree, Dream Theater and Neal Morse in there. Whenever Dream Theater plays, no one ever protests or says anything bad (and even something as long as In the Name of God is one of the songs it manages to pick pretty often), and they aren't exactly the most accessible band because of their over the top playing at times and song lengths. Our group of 15 is pretty good about rolling with whatever is playing, since it's a shuffle and we all know that everyone is going to get to hear what they want at some point, but more often than not, when something by Neal Morse plays, I get the occasional, "What is this we are listening to?" And it's not because of the occasional Jesus lyrics; his sound just isn't appealing to the masses. You almost have to be a major prog head to enjoy his music. If it's a shorter song, I will let it go, but if it's a longer song, I will usually tell the customer service lady who has the Pandora account on her phone, "This song is 34 minutes; you might want to skip over it." (which I did once for World Without End) :lol

Now, I am going off of the small sample size of people at work (almost all of whom are in the 30-45 age range, with a couple exceptions), but whenever his more simple songs play (Emma, June, Wind at My Back) play, I never hear any negative feedback, but when the super proggy stuff comes on, that is when the occasional "What are we listening to?" remarks pop up.

I think Portnoy did a great job with that simulisten, and I even came away liking him more as a person (or maybe disliking him less, LOL), but he seemed a bit miffed that some people are still turned off by the g-word, and I thought, he can't be that obtuse. By and large, I am not bothered by the overtly spiritual lyrics he wrote from 2003-2011 (he really has toned it way down on the last three prog albums), but I can totally see why some are. Not everyone wants to hear about God and Jesus and redemption on every album, and let's face it, Neal loves to sing about redemption.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HolidaysAnoraks on December 02, 2016, 02:18:58 AM
As far as Morsefest 2017 goes, do you guys think he could end up doing a themed night? I'd be down with a night of the epics!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Moor on December 02, 2016, 03:59:45 AM
Mike Portnoy praised the last album by his son's band as better than early DT.

Portnoy on the upcoming BC&SL, "Imagine a DREAM THEATER album with 'A Change Of Seasons', 'Octavarium', 'Learning To Live', 'Pull Me Under' and 'The Glass Prison'... all on one album... COULD YOU HANDLE IT?? Excited? I sure am!!!!"
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 02, 2016, 08:32:47 AM
Neal Morse has been outside my radar for quite some time now, but today somebody mentioned the Similitude album to me (mostly because of MP's rant on his forum).

Bummer really, considering how I was the world's biggest fan of his early output, there's just nothing that grabs me about his music anymore. By about song 4 or so I was starting to get actively annoyed by it and switched to something else. I guess people still hear new things in his output, but it just sounds so self-derivative to me. The whole "it's not Neal, it's the band" thing is also silly. Of course it's 90% Neal, the music, the lyrics etc are obviously his.

Oh lawd, what's he ranting about now?

I think he was dismayed at the poor pickup of the album, complaining that nobody outside his inner fan circle knows about it.
Really? lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: rumborak on December 02, 2016, 08:35:17 AM
I think Portnoy did a great job with that simulisten, and I even came away liking him more as a person (or maybe disliking him less, LOL), but he seemed a bit miffed that some people are still turned off by the g-word, and I thought, he can't be that obtuse. By and large, I am not bothered by the overtly spiritual lyrics he wrote from 2003-2011 (he really has toned it way down on the last three prog albums), but I can totally see why some are. Not everyone wants to hear about God and Jesus and redemption on every album, and let's face it, Neal loves to sing about redemption.

At this point, I would almost say he should just continue going all out on God. I mean, at this point his circle of fans is what it is, and even if he tones it down on a release, the vast body of existing spiritual lyrics will likely cause the needle to not move much. It's a bit like Amy Grant in that sense.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 02, 2016, 08:43:46 AM
I think Portnoy did a great job with that simulisten, and I even came away liking him more as a person (or maybe disliking him less, LOL), but he seemed a bit miffed that some people are still turned off by the g-word, and I thought, he can't be that obtuse. By and large, I am not bothered by the overtly spiritual lyrics he wrote from 2003-2011 (he really has toned it way down on the last three prog albums), but I can totally see why some are. Not everyone wants to hear about God and Jesus and redemption on every album, and let's face it, Neal loves to sing about redemption.

At this point, I would almost say he should just continue going all out on God. I mean, at this point his circle of fans is what it is, and even if he tones it down on a release, the vast body of existing spiritual lyrics will likely cause the needle to not move much. It's a bit like Amy Grant in that sense.
Agreed. Neal has put himself into a corner lyrically-wise.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 02, 2016, 04:26:11 PM
I think Portnoy did a great job with that simulisten, and I even came away liking him more as a person (or maybe disliking him less, LOL), but he seemed a bit miffed that some people are still turned off by the g-word, and I thought, he can't be that obtuse. By and large, I am not bothered by the overtly spiritual lyrics he wrote from 2003-2011 (he really has toned it way down on the last three prog albums), but I can totally see why some are. Not everyone wants to hear about God and Jesus and redemption on every album, and let's face it, Neal loves to sing about redemption.

At this point, I would almost say he should just continue going all out on God. I mean, at this point his circle of fans is what it is, and even if he tones it down on a release, the vast body of existing spiritual lyrics will likely cause the needle to not move much. It's a bit like Amy Grant in that sense.

I agree, in the sense that it won't make him a lot of newer fans, but I think toning down the spiritual stuff could definitely bring back older fans who haven't been as keen on his solo work because of the lyrics being more overtly spiritual than they were with Spock's pre-Snow or the first two TA albums.  Case in point, a longtime friend, who is as big on Spock's and TA as I am, has largely shied away from Neal's solo work because of the lyrics, but The Grand Experiment kind of peaked his interest again, and he is liking the new album quite a bit, too.  And it's no secret that, while still spiritual in nature, the lyrics on the last two are a lot less in your face than the ones on Testimony, One, Sola Scriptura or Lifeline.  That friend is now going with me to the show here next month, which wouldn't have happen two years ago. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 02, 2016, 07:51:49 PM
I think Portnoy did a great job with that simulisten, and I even came away liking him more as a person (or maybe disliking him less, LOL), but he seemed a bit miffed that some people are still turned off by the g-word, and I thought, he can't be that obtuse. By and large, I am not bothered by the overtly spiritual lyrics he wrote from 2003-2011 (he really has toned it way down on the last three prog albums), but I can totally see why some are. Not everyone wants to hear about God and Jesus and redemption on every album, and let's face it, Neal loves to sing about redemption.

At this point, I would almost say he should just continue going all out on God. I mean, at this point his circle of fans is what it is, and even if he tones it down on a release, the vast body of existing spiritual lyrics will likely cause the needle to not move much. It's a bit like Amy Grant in that sense.

I agree, in the sense that it won't make him a lot of newer fans, but I think toning down the spiritual stuff could definitely bring back older fans who haven't been as keen on his solo work because of the lyrics being more overtly spiritual than they were with Spock's pre-Snow or the first two TA albums.  Case in point, a longtime friend, who is as big on Spock's and TA as I am, has largely shied away from Neal's solo work because of the lyrics, but The Grand Experiment kind of peaked his interest again, and he is liking the new album quite a bit, too.  And it's no secret that, while still spiritual in nature, the lyrics on the last two are a lot less in your face than the ones on Testimony, One, Sola Scriptura or Lifeline.  That friend is now going with me to the show here next month, which wouldn't have happen two years ago.

Since "Seeds Of Gold" (and I guess all of disc 2 of T2), Neal's lyrics have been less overtly Christian and a bit more spiritual in the vein of early SB and early TA, especially with Momentum and TGE, where the lyrics are either very obtuse or just not as in-your-face as they used to be with Neal.

With TSOAD, I think it's a fair balance. There's definitely a bit more of the Lord/God/Jesus in the lyrics, but it's not beaten over your head at all, and it's spread out over long stretches of other lyrics topics. The thing I don't like much about Lifeline is that it isn't a concept album like the four that came before it. There, the Christian-nature of the lyrics was a bit more conceptual and story-like, so I could understand the use of those lyrics in the concept-album sense, like they were part of the story he was telling, and less of a worship album of Neal just preaching his faith, which is what some of Lifeline sounds like to me. I've grown to appreciate Lifeline more over the years, but it's more direct lyrics were a huge turn off for me at the time.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Skeever on December 02, 2016, 09:19:15 PM
I don't really feel like Morse's lyrics have become less spiritual. People say that all the time, but the seem to have stayed about the same to me. Maybe they've become less "heavy" - less Neal trying to make points out Dogma or philosophy as he seems to have done on albums such as ? and SS.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on December 02, 2016, 09:42:09 PM
Neal's lyrics have always been spiritual, even before he became a big Christian. His recent lyrics have gone back to the broader spirituality of (for example) Stranger In Your Soul and further away from something blatant like the content of Testimony.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 03, 2016, 06:42:14 AM
If someone who was completely unfamiliar with Neal Morse listened to One, Testimony or Sola Scriptura, they would have no doubt as to where his spirituality stood.

If this same person first listened to The Grand Experiment or Momentum, I doubt they'd come away thinking, "Man, that guy sure loves religion."  Like you said, Mosh, the lyrics are back to mostly being presented on a broader scale, similar to the first two TA albums and the first five Spock's albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 03, 2016, 10:09:01 PM
The Similitude of a Dream is now on a small list of albums I have bought more than once (not counting buying albums twice because of a remaster or anything like that).  I had bought the digital version on the day of its release, but I wanted the real CDs and the Making Of DVD, so I ordered that last week from Radiant, and it arrived yesterday.  The Making Of was pretty cool.  :tup :tup

Other albums I have bought more than once include:

Porcupine Tree - Deadwing (I bought three copies at the time, one for me and both of my brothers)
Dream Theater - Scenes from a Memory (the girl I was dating at the time liked it, so I let her have my copy and bought another for myself)

Oh, and I had also ordered the Momentum live set. I remember being annoyed at the time of its release, because it was only offered with the live CDs, of which I have no use for, but it was only $14.99 last week, so I couldn't resist.  It was worth it just for World Without End and the set of ? songs. :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on December 04, 2016, 03:50:24 AM
That's one fine live DVD, I must say. World without end and ? suite are tremendous, but the real highlights are The Conflict and the Testimony part.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 04, 2016, 08:46:58 AM
Yep, The Conflict is good, especially the Two Down, One to Go section.

I have to admit, though, that the Testimony album doesn't do it that much for me anymore.  There are still some songs on it I am a big fan of, but as a whole, it's just lacking compared to every other prog album he has done since, except for Lifeline.  The newer stuff have toned down lyrics really makes the ones on Testimony stand out as being a bit too much.  Don't get me wrong, I still like the album, but he has so much material that it rarely gets any time anymore in my CD player or iTunes.

And while I thought T2 was arguably his best work right after it came out, I think I've come around to not thinking that anymore.  I'd still put it near the top, but not at the top or even top 3 anymore. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 06, 2016, 05:30:13 PM
TSOAD is moving up the list...

CANNOT

STOP

LISTENING

 :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 06, 2016, 07:15:25 PM
I KNOW!

EDIT:  Have any of you read The Pilgrim's Progress?  I never did.  For those that may have, I am wondering how much it will help the album "click."  Not that it isn't clicking already--I am really digging it.  But if reading it will likely lead to a deeper appreciation, I may have to do that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 06, 2016, 08:55:12 PM
No, and I have honestly have no urge to.  I prefer to leave the lyrics as they are, instead of finding what is obviously a deeper religious meaning.  I like when his lyrics are spiritual in a more general way, and even if they aren't that way this time around, on the surface they mostly appear to be, so I'd prefer to leave it that way.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: NoseofNicko on December 07, 2016, 12:21:48 AM
4th listen to TSOAD and it finally clicked. Good album. I expect it to keep growing on me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 07, 2016, 02:09:54 AM
I don't really have a clue what TSOAD is about and frankly I don't care, so I won't read the book. The ones where I understand the concept are sometimes a little too preachy for my liking (i.e. Testimony), the ones where I don't know what it's about are the ones I like best (i.e. "?" my favorite NM record).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jester on December 07, 2016, 02:19:30 AM
I KNOW!

EDIT:  Have any of you read The Pilgrim's Progress?  I never did.  For those that may have, I am wondering how much it will help the album "click."  Not that it isn't clicking already--I am really digging it.  But if reading it will likely lead to a deeper appreciation, I may have to do that.

Rarely pay attention to lyrics (unless they eventually stand out as amazing or horrible/cheesy/cringe-worth).  I usually pay attention to the lyrics when the song and melody are so strong that I can't help it.

I really was not paying attention to Neal Morse as of late.  Well, the Neal Morse band, but I've been enjoying Flying Colors.  Didn't hear any of Portnoy's salesmanship on the album.  Just on a music site and clicked on the City of Destruction link and immediately knew I had to hear more.

I'm an absolute sucker for lush vocals mixed with guitars.  The fact that they can all pretty much hold their own on lead vocals (except Portnoy) is all kinds of awesome.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jester on December 07, 2016, 02:24:04 AM
On a tangent, did Neal write everything on the album?

I ask because it has become pretty clear to me that if the vocalist can compose, they usually make the best songwriters.  Even if they are thought of more as a bassist, guitarist, insert instrument, but at least can sing a bit.  Melody is king.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 07, 2016, 12:44:06 PM
On a tangent, did Neal write everything on the album?

Not this time.  Or on the last album either.  I mean, he was involved in the final writing of all the songs if I recall.  But the others brought in a lot of ideas.  This current version of the band that has been on the last two albums is active as a band in writing.  Beyond that, I wasn't paying attention to specifically who contributed what.  I know Marc and perhaps others can probably comment in more detail on that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 07, 2016, 02:39:50 PM
Have any of you read The Pilgrim's Progress? 
Yes.

I never did.
You are more fortunate than I.

For those that may have, I am wondering how much it will help the album "click."  Not that it isn't clicking already--I am really digging it.  But if reading it will likely lead to a deeper appreciation, I may have to do that.
It will lead to a deeper appreciation of not reading anything.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: NoseofNicko on December 07, 2016, 06:29:20 PM
For those who have the deluxe edition of TSOAD, are the designs on the cover embossed?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 07, 2016, 07:00:53 PM
On a tangent, did Neal write everything on the album?

I ask because it has become pretty clear to me that if the vocalist can compose, they usually make the best songwriters.  Even if they are thought of more as a bassist, guitarist, insert instrument, but at least can sing a bit.  Melody is king.

Even after watching the "Making Of," it's not clear how much everyone wrote, although I think it's a safe guess that Neal wrote the most.

-Bill Hubauer wrote most of The Ways of a Fool; Neal wrote the lyrics and the part near the end he sings, but Bill wrote the rest.
-The band minus Portnoy wrote what appear to be the main ideas for most of Disc 1 back in January when they were jamming and getting ideas.
-Portnoy wrote the vocal melodies for the verses in Draw the Line; the making of showed Neal listening to Portnoy's demo of humming the melody over the music, and then Neal wrote lyrics to fit Portnoy's melody.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PROGdrummer on December 07, 2016, 10:36:50 PM
I KNOW!

EDIT:  Have any of you read The Pilgrim's Progress?  I never did.  For those that may have, I am wondering how much it will help the album "click."  Not that it isn't clicking already--I am really digging it.  But if reading it will likely lead to a deeper appreciation, I may have to do that.

I imagine it would be like attempting to read through Dante's Inferno to get a deeper appreciation for Symphony X's Underworld.   :lol

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 08, 2016, 03:50:28 AM
For those that may have, I am wondering how much it will help the album "click."  Not that it isn't clicking already--I am really digging it.  But if reading it will likely lead to a deeper appreciation, I may have to do that.
It will lead to a deeper appreciation of not reading anything.

Sounds like a killer book  ;D

But isn't this supposed to be one of the most important books in christian religion?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 08, 2016, 07:26:48 AM
For those that may have, I am wondering how much it will help the album "click."  Not that it isn't clicking already--I am really digging it.  But if reading it will likely lead to a deeper appreciation, I may have to do that.
It will lead to a deeper appreciation of not reading anything.

Sounds like a killer book  ;D

But isn't this supposed to be one of the most important books in christian religion?
No.  It's a book by a Christian, full of Christian allegory, but it isn't "in" the religion, any more than any of Neal's solo albums.  The only book "in" the religion is the Bible.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 08, 2016, 07:36:07 AM
I should have worded it different, I know it's not "in" the religion.

But according to wikipedia it is "one of the most significant works of religious English literature". And I just made fun of the fact that you found it pretty unreadable.

Anyway back to topic: This is shaping up to be one of the better Neal Morse releases, I quite like it, although I doubt it will top my favorites (One, "?") by him.

And even if this a band effort in writing it still sounds like 99% Neal Morse.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 08, 2016, 08:06:51 AM
I should have worded it different, I know it's not "in" the religion.

But according to wikipedia it is "one of the most significant works of religious English literature". And I just made fun of the fact that you found it pretty unreadable.
I should say that I am a Christian, and I know many other Christians who have found it to be a meaningful book.  But I am not one of those people, and I would never ever recommend it to anyone.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 08, 2016, 08:42:04 AM
I KNOW!

EDIT:  Have any of you read The Pilgrim's Progress?  I never did.  For those that may have, I am wondering how much it will help the album "click."  Not that it isn't clicking already--I am really digging it.  But if reading it will likely lead to a deeper appreciation, I may have to do that.

I imagine it would be like attempting to read through Dante's Inferno to get a deeper appreciation for Symphony X's Underworld.   :lol

Eh, not really.  Underworld isn't a story, and it isn't strictly based on Inferno.  Having a hodgepodge of different songs that are loosely inspired thematically by a book is not the same as telling a story based on a book.  Underworld is fantastic.  Probably my 2015 album of the year.  But it doesn't leave much to the imagination, and there isn't much going on in any of the songs that is difficult to understand.  TSOAD is a different animal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 08, 2016, 10:32:00 AM
The Similitude of a Dream is a tough one to handle, both lyrically and musically. There's a loadcrap of things going on. It grew on me immensely, but I still think it's kinda overlong. The lack of 10+ minute songs is quite refreshing, tho. I've been listening to this album mostly by parts, and it's helping me get a big grasp of it and really digest it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 08, 2016, 05:30:41 PM
As far as Morsefest 2017 goes, do you guys think he could end up doing a themed night? I'd be down with a night of the epics!

Here is an idea:

Two nights
Skip Lifeline, since that is clearly the weak link of his 9 solo/NMB prog albums, and then each album can take up half a set, with encores from SB or TA.

Night 1:
Set 1: songs from Testimony and One
Set 2: songs from ? and Sola Scriptura
Encore: SB/TA songs

Night 2:
Set 1: songs from T2 and Momentum
Set 2: songs from The Grand Experiment and TSOAD
Encore: SB/TA songs

Night 1
Set 1:
The Land of Beginning Again
California Nights
Break of Day
In the Middle
Storm Before the Calm
Oh, to Feel Him
God's Theme
Author of Confusion
The Separated Man
King Jesus

Set 2:
The Outsider
Sweet Elation
In the Fire
Solid As the Sun
Inside His Presence
The Temple of the Living God
The Door

Encore:
We All Need Some Light
The Light
Solitary Soul
Wind at My Back

Night 2
Set 1:
Mercy Street
Time Changer
The Truth Will Set You Free
It's For You
Supernatural
World Without End

Set 2:
The Call
New Jerusalem
Waterfall
City of Destruction
The Ways of a Fool
So Far Gone
The Main in the Iron Cage
I'm Running
The Mask
Confrontation

Encore:
The Doorway
Stranger in Your Soul

How awesome would that be?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 08, 2016, 05:57:09 PM
I wanted to address this, too...



And even if this a band effort in writing it still sounds like 99% Neal Morse.

I don't mean you here, Kwyjibo, but it seems like some often use that line implying that Neal Morse sounding like Neal Morse is a bad thing, when it's a good thing!  I get that some get aggravated because his prog style is a bit samey, and even I at times wish he would mix up a little more, but, by and large, Neal's style that he has perfected is pretty damn awesome.  :coolio :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 09, 2016, 01:17:25 AM
I didn't mean it in a negative way.

Neal has developed his style and he sticks to it and you know what you get, and what you get is mostly good to great.

What I meant was, that he obviously has a great influence on how this music sounds, no surprise there because it's the NEAL MORSE band. But I think TSOAD could have been written solely by him and it wouldn't sound that much different from what we got now where all band members contributed to the writing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 09, 2016, 05:35:07 PM
Perhaps, but the presence of the two newer members adds a lot to their overall sound musically, even if you eliminate songwriting from the equation for a minute here.

I think the "usual" Neal stuff is heard in the overture, the finale (the first half of which is very similar in vibe to Crossing Over from T2 or Dancing with Eternal Glory from The Whirlwind) and stuff like Breath of Angels. On the flip side, a song like The Man in the Iron Cage is pretty different for Neal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 10, 2016, 07:55:23 AM
This has probably more to do with the distorted voice effects but that song (Man In The Iron Cage) reminds me of the One Man part in The Light.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 10, 2016, 11:37:34 AM
I think it does, because those two songs are really nothing alike.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on December 12, 2016, 11:18:35 PM
Has anyone noticed how much the guitar player seems to be very influenced by JP on this new album? He even plays a JP music man model guitar. Not that that's a bad thing, the guy has some monster chops and great sense of melody in his solos..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: NoseofNicko on December 13, 2016, 12:29:29 AM
Yes he really sounds like JP on the album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 13, 2016, 02:44:03 AM
I think he sounds nothing like John Petrucci on that album. He has some fast playing and some good solos but nothing reminds me of JP.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Moor on December 13, 2016, 07:03:54 AM
Yes he really sounds like JP on the album.

One of the melodies reminds of the Ministry of Lost Souls' outro! I can't remember which one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 13, 2016, 04:54:04 PM
Has anyone noticed how much the guitar player seems to be very influenced by JP on this new album? He even plays a JP music man model guitar. Not that that's a bad thing, the guy has some monster chops and great sense of melody in his solos..

Yep, it's pretty obvious.  The guitar solo in The Man in the Iron Cage is right out of the JP playbook, especially the way it starts.  And like JP, he does a great job of combining chops with melody. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cyclopssss on December 14, 2016, 02:36:12 AM
Man, that's a great album..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Moor on December 14, 2016, 04:40:34 AM
Man, that's a great album..

Absolutely!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on December 14, 2016, 06:00:46 AM
Has anyone noticed how much the guitar player seems to be very influenced by JP on this new album? He even plays a JP music man model guitar. Not that that's a bad thing, the guy has some monster chops and great sense of melody in his solos..

Yep, it's pretty obvious.  The guitar solo in The Man in the Iron Cage is right out of the JP playbook, especially the way it starts.  And like JP, he does a great job of combining chops with melody. :tup :tup

I guess JP influences are more evident on his guitar solos, but not much in his rhythm guitar. Anyway, IMO Eric is a great musician. Listen to The Great Unknown (his last solo album and a very good one) and it's pretty evident that he is influenced a lot by Neal Morse in his compositions (and I'm not meaning to say only by Neal).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: BRGM on December 15, 2016, 02:14:51 PM
Finally  :heart

(https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15590006_1470894829594821_5800842166364677316_n.jpg?oh=06a5094bf7aed7f08f6f48c88bb02f9d&oe=58EE31EE)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 15, 2016, 09:00:15 PM
Where'd you see that??
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on December 16, 2016, 05:08:05 AM
Apparently, according to MP forum, it was posted by him in Facebook.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 16, 2016, 09:23:25 AM
I can confirm, MP posted it on Facebook yesterday and said to look out for it early next year, which corroborates Neal's timeline for its release.

Honestly, I am more excited for this than I was Morsefest 2014 because we're finally getting full versions of these songs with Randy and Mike. And yeah, I know, we've gotten good chunks of ? and most of SS over the last few tours, but hearing the WHOLE band together, playing these albums front to back will be a treat to finally hear, especially with the additions of Bill and Eric, as well as a choir, brass and winds, and so much more!

Also, the 2nd sets and encores from each night are amazing in their own right!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on December 16, 2016, 09:37:42 AM
I cannot wait to see The Neal Morse Band at RoSfest this year.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 16, 2016, 06:21:41 PM
I cannot wait to see The Neal Morse Band at RoSfest this year.

And yet you are going to have to. :biggrin:

I can confirm, MP posted it on Facebook yesterday and said to look out for it early next year, which corroborates Neal's timeline for its release.

 

Sweet.  I will definitely grab that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: NoseofNicko on December 16, 2016, 06:37:46 PM
Yes he really sounds like JP on the album.

One of the melodies reminds of the Ministry of Lost Souls' outro! I can't remember which one.

Yeah I know what you're talking about. The first 30 seconds of the album right? I think that part is repeated on guitar later on the album and it sounds even more like it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 21, 2016, 07:07:57 AM
The more I hear TSOAD the more I like it, a really quality release fron Neal and the band. This could become my second favorite after the mighty "?". My only critcism is that "The Ways Of A Fool" and "Freedom Song" don't match that well with the rest of the album. For me they feel a little bit tacked on and hinder the flow of an otherwise great album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Moor on December 21, 2016, 07:20:56 AM
The more I hear TSOAD the more I like it, a really quality release fron Neal and the band. This could become my second favorite after the mighty "?". My only critcism is that "The Ways Of A Fool" and "Freedom Song" don't match that well with the rest of the album. For me they feel a little bit tacked on and hinder the flow of an otherwise great album.

I fully agree that "The Ways Of A Fool" and "Freedom Song" are different from the rest of the album, but for me they represent a very proggy breather, and they perfectly fit.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 24, 2016, 06:14:35 PM
Some sad news regarding the release of Morsefest 2015, from the recent Inner Circle Newsletter -

Quote
This one is taking a bit longer... We are still in production and making changes. We had hoped to be done by now and to release this in March as well, but it looks like it's going to be delayed as we are trying to incorporate more of the cool video that Christian Rios created into the DVD and it is taking time. Rich has done a wonderful job on the audio and it's going to be a wonderful package for your listening and viewing pleasure, but will probably not be coming out until later in the spring.

Well, we've waited this long, so at this point, I don't mind waiting until late-spring for this one, just as long as the complete package is an amazing one.

In GOOD news, it looks like we'll be getting Testimony on vinyl in March, and hopefully this will be the start of his albums getting re-released on vinyl. This has me wondering about the vinyl for One, and whether or not they'll re-insert the 3 B-Sides that were originally part of the running order. If that happens, the vinyl would probably look like something like this (as I have imagined it might):
Neal Morse - One (Special Edition) (3 LP) - 113:50

LP 1 - 38:37
Side 1 - 18:22
1.   "The Creation"           18:22
        "I. One Mind"          6:51
        "II. In A Perfect Light"       4:52
        "III. Where Are You?"       4:18
        "IV. Reaching From The Heart"    2:21
Side 2 - 20:15
2.   "Back To The Garden"             4:26
3.   "The Man's Gone"             2:50
4.   "Nothing To Believe"             3:29
5.   "Author Of Confusion"           9:30

LP 2 - 34:06
Side 3 - 17:58
6.   "The Separated Man"           17:58
        "I. I'm In A Cage"          4:04
        "II. I Am The Man"          5:30
        "III. The Man's Gone (Reprise)"    6:04
        "IV. Something Within Me Remembers" 2:20
Side 4 - 16:08
7.   "Cradle To The Grave"             4:55
8.   "Help Me/The Spirit And The Flesh"     11:13

LP 3 - 41:07
Side 5 - 19:45
9.   "King Jesus"                4:48
10.   "Father Of Forgiveness"         5:46
11.   "Reunion"                9:11
        "I. No Separation"          3:20
        "II. Grand Finale"          1:29
        "III. Make Us One"          4:22
Side 6 - 21:22 (Covers)
11.    "What Is Life?" (George Harrison)    4:28
12.   "Where The Streets Have No Name" (U2)    5:46
13.   "Day After Day" (Badfinger)       3:25
14.   "Chris Carmichael's Aria"       1:07
15.   "I'm Free/Sparks" (The Who)       6:36

It works out fairly evenly to be on 3 LPs, which isn't impossible for Neal (all of the Transatlantic albums were 3LPs). This way, all of the sides are under 22 minutes long and not risking the quality of the music to cram everything into four sides of vinyl.

Either way, I guess I better save up if I want to collect these solo Morse vinyls!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on December 24, 2016, 08:38:47 PM
I recently got V on vinyl and was pleased with it. I'm not a huge fan of Testimony but I also haven't really given it a fair chance, maybe having it on vinyl would inspire more listening.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 25, 2016, 07:09:26 AM
Just when I give Radiant Records another chance... :facepalm:

Ordered the Alive Again DVD for my brother two weeks ago (amazon only had the Blu-ray, and he doesn't have the capability to watch a Blu-ray, hence me getting him the DVD), and how nice of Radiant to put nothing on there site about them all being out of the country, meaning it wasn't shipped until the other day. Suffice it to say, it won't arrive till sometime next week. >:( :censored

I hope the Morsefest DVDs will be available for sell elsewhere, because Radiant is never getting another penny from me. They suck.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 08, 2017, 08:35:39 AM
Less than a week to the first show in Nashville!! :coolio

My breakdown of the songs from TSOAD:

The absolute best songs
The Mask
Confrontation
The Ways of a Fool
The Man in the Iron Cage
So Far Gone
The Slough

Great songs that are just a notch below the above
City of Destruction
Slave to Your Mind
Broken Sky / Long Day (Reprise)
Makes No Sense

Really good songs
Draw the Line
Shortcut to Salvation
Sloth
I'm Running
Breath of Angels
Back to the City

Good tunes
The Dream
Freedom Song

Solid tunes that I don't go out of my way for, but enjoy within the context of the record
Long Day/Overture
The Battle
We Have Got to Go
The Road Back Home

So yeah, with 16 of the 23 songs being at worst really good, and most of those great, I would say they really did hit it out of the park with this one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on January 08, 2017, 10:46:51 AM
Have spun this enough times to be really familiar with it, and I have to say this is a masterpiece.  The Mask-The Battle section is my favorite part of the album. I also love the Overture, City of Destruction and Ways of a Fool. Tremendous musicianship and great vocal performances (I'm partial to Bill's voice).

This was my first Neal Morse album. I have most of Transatlantic's discography and really only gave this a chance due to Mike Portnoy's hype job. I'm glad I did, and perhaps, I'll visit more of Mr. Morse's works. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PROGdrummer on January 08, 2017, 02:17:39 PM
Have spun this enough times to be really familiar with it, and I have to say this is a masterpiece.  The Mask-The Battle section is my favorite part of the album. I also love the Overture, City of Destruction and Ways of a Fool. Tremendous musicianship and great vocal performances (I'm partial to Bill's voice).

This was my first Neal Morse album. I have most of Transatlantic's discography and really only gave this a chance due to Mike Portnoy's hype job. I'm glad I did, and perhaps, I'll visit more of Mr. Morse's works.

Might as well work your way backwards. The Grand Experiment and Momentum are some of his best probably.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 08, 2017, 03:12:13 PM
Have spun this enough times to be really familiar with it, and I have to say this is a masterpiece.  The Mask-The Battle section is my favorite part of the album. I also love the Overture, City of Destruction and Ways of a Fool. Tremendous musicianship and great vocal performances (I'm partial to Bill's voice).

This was my first Neal Morse album. I have most of Transatlantic's discography and really only gave this a chance due to Mike Portnoy's hype job. I'm glad I did, and perhaps, I'll visit more of Mr. Morse's works.

Might as well work your way backwards. The Grand Experiment and Momentum are some of his best probably.

I'll echo those sentiments - TSOAD, TGE and Momentum form a very unique trilogy of albums that sees Neal becoming less of "just a solo artist" and slowly incorporating more of his growing band into the albums. Momentum saw some guest spots from members who WOULD become his eventual band, while also beginning to introduce more ideas from Mike and Randy. The Grand Experiment came along after the band had formed and toured on Momentum, and formed a good relationship with each other, which saw additional input from Eric and Bill, not only musically but vocally as well (as both are very talented multi-instrumentalists too). TSOAD brings everything together, with solid writing from everyone involved, and tight musicianship from every player. It'll be amazing to see where this band goes next with the next album!

As for going back and listening to Neal's other solo works, you could work your way backwards, but I would say start with Testimony and Testimony 2. If you liked TSOAD, you may enjoy the motif-filled Testimony albums, and between the two, there are A LOT of beautiful themes and motifs spread throughout them. After that, I'd say listen to One, ? and Sola Scriptura, in any order really. All three are equally good to me, and most fans seem to rank them all fairly high. The only album that many fans consider to be a dud would be Lifeline, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't one of them, but there's still some good stuff on it - it's just not as stellar of an album as his prior and later works that surround it.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on January 09, 2017, 07:11:46 AM
Have spun this enough times to be really familiar with it, and I have to say this is a masterpiece.  The Mask-The Battle section is my favorite part of the album. I also love the Overture, City of Destruction and Ways of a Fool. Tremendous musicianship and great vocal performances (I'm partial to Bill's voice).

This was my first Neal Morse album. I have most of Transatlantic's discography and really only gave this a chance due to Mike Portnoy's hype job. I'm glad I did, and perhaps, I'll visit more of Mr. Morse's works.

Might as well work your way backwards. The Grand Experiment and Momentum are some of his best probably.

I'll echo those sentiments - TSOAD, TGE and Momentum form a very unique trilogy of albums that sees Neal becoming less of "just a solo artist" and slowly incorporating more of his growing band into the albums. Momentum saw some guest spots from members who WOULD become his eventual band, while also beginning to introduce more ideas from Mike and Randy. The Grand Experiment came along after the band had formed and toured on Momentum, and formed a good relationship with each other, which saw additional input from Eric and Bill, not only musically but vocally as well (as both are very talented multi-instrumentalists too). TSOAD brings everything together, with solid writing from everyone involved, and tight musicianship from every player. It'll be amazing to see where this band goes next with the next album!

As for going back and listening to Neal's other solo works, you could work your way backwards, but I would say start with Testimony and Testimony 2. If you liked TSOAD, you may enjoy the motif-filled Testimony albums, and between the two, there are A LOT of beautiful themes and motifs spread throughout them. After that, I'd say listen to One, ? and Sola Scriptura, in any order really. All three are equally good to me, and most fans seem to rank them all fairly high. The only album that many fans consider to be a dud would be Lifeline, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't one of them, but there's still some good stuff on it - it's just not as stellar of an album as his prior and later works that surround it.

-Marc.

Thanks for that. I'll report back if and when I start exploring the earlier works.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 09, 2017, 02:55:29 PM
So pumped for the concert for this.....this month on the 26th Which ALSO happens to be my Birthday!!  :metal 

The wife and I take turns each month picking a 'date night' so she's heading to the show with me as this month is my choice  :biggrin: 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 09, 2017, 07:47:37 PM
So pumped for the concert for this.....this month on the 26th Which ALSO happens to be my Birthday!!  :metal 

The wife and I take turns each month picking a 'date night' so she's heading to the show with me as this month is my choice  :biggrin:

Ha, nice!

I better seeing you wearing a Happy Birthday sash at the concert!! :metal

DOC, like Marc said, you really can't go wrong with almost any of his prog albums, Lifeline being the exception (not a bad album, just not up to the level of the others).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 10, 2017, 10:17:21 AM
I better seeing you wearing a Happy Birthday sash at the concert!! :metal

Probably not  :lol     But I am contemplating spending the $85 for the meet and greet. But that'd mean I'd leave my wife on her own for a bit, plus....I'm trying to gauge the value of it all. It'd be a neat experience....but, is it $85 neat?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PROGdrummer on January 10, 2017, 01:00:54 PM
I better seeing you wearing a Happy Birthday sash at the concert!! :metal

Probably not  :lol     But I am contemplating spending the $85 for the meet and greet. But that'd mean I'd leave my wife on her own for a bit, plus....I'm trying to gauge the value of it all. It'd be a neat experience....but, is it $85 neat?

Meet and greets are almost never worth it,  imo.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 10, 2017, 01:56:14 PM
I better seeing you wearing a Happy Birthday sash at the concert!! :metal

Probably not  :lol     But I am contemplating spending the $85 for the meet and greet. But that'd mean I'd leave my wife on her own for a bit, plus....I'm trying to gauge the value of it all. It'd be a neat experience....but, is it $85 neat?

Meet and greets are almost never worth it,  imo.

This is why I'm so leery about doing it. I think I have an expectation of how it should/would go and then there's actually how it 'will' go.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 10, 2017, 07:18:50 PM
I'd save your money.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 11, 2017, 08:17:19 AM
I'd save your money.

I'm going to, in a way. I'll just choose to spend it on some tour merch. At least I'll have full control over that...    :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 14, 2017, 12:58:49 PM
Tour kicks out today
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 14, 2017, 06:15:52 PM
My brother had tickets to go to the opening show tonight in Nashville, but the nasty weather storm that was predicted for much of the midwest forced him to stay home.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: CrimsonSunrise on January 14, 2017, 06:38:46 PM
So my Brother  burned me a copy of the new concept album.  WOW..what an awesome piece of work!  Still really digesting it all.  I happened to also see that wouldn't you know it...they play here in LA next Saturday!  The stars are aligned!  Wait one...sold out?  WHAT!!!  GAH!!! What a frikken tease!!!!  Can't even find resale seats!!!!   :sadpanda:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 14, 2017, 07:25:20 PM
So my Brother  burned me a copy of the new concept album.  WOW..what an awesome piece of work!  Still really digesting it all.  I happened to also see that wouldn't you know it...they play here in LA next Saturday!  The stars are aligned!  Wait one...sold out?  WHAT!!!  GAH!!! What a frikken tease!!!!  Can't even find resale seats!!!!   :sadpanda:

I do believe that the LA show has been sold out for a couple weeks or so. Sorry for your luck! The new album has proved to be very popular, and I think the band has tweeted that a lot of the shows are getting a lot of sales, which is very good for them - they deserve to sell out their shows!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 14, 2017, 07:55:33 PM
Hopefully, someone will post the set list online somewhere after the show tonight, so we can see what non-new songs they are playing.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 14, 2017, 09:58:34 PM
Hopefully, someone will post the set list online somewhere after the show tonight, so we can see what non-new songs they are playing.  :tup :tup

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-neal-morse-band/2017/rocketown-nashville-tn-5bf8a788.html

I keep refreshing, hoping to see an update here or there.

I suspect that while all of TSOAD will be played, I'm sure Mike or Neal will sneak in some extended jam time, or a tiny cover snippet (as they typically like to do every now and then).

As for the encore, I think we may see at least ONE song from TGE, then probably one oldie, either from One or Testimony (though hopefully NOT the usual suspects - Sing It High, Reunion, King Jesus, Testimony Part 5). He's got enough material that he can pull out other, new encores by this point, and hopefully  not have to rely on those tried-and-true, yet kind of over-played classics, or anything from SB or TA at this point.

Honestly, if they just played "Seeds of Gold" as the encore, I'd be happy with that. That'd be a killer encore, and I'd love to hear this band cover it (since it was only played with the Testimony 2 live band).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on January 14, 2017, 10:58:42 PM
Yep...dying to see what "other" songs were played too! :justjen
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 15, 2017, 03:49:55 AM
Bring on the reviews... will not see them until the 1st of April but am eager to see the reviews
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 15, 2017, 06:55:03 AM
SPOILER ALERT ENCORE BELOW:
























1. Momentum (Extended Version)
2. Agenda
3. The Call

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 15, 2017, 07:36:11 AM
So how was the concert?
How did they present TSOAD?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 15, 2017, 08:50:30 AM
SPOILER ALERT ENCORE BELOW:

1. Momentum (Extended Version)
2. Agenda
3. The Call

I can live with that.  Two rocking tunes that are both good and one of his best songs ever (The Call).  :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 15, 2017, 10:19:30 AM
The Neal Morse Band - The Sloth LIVE - The Road Called Home Tour 2017

Note: Not my videos I just uploaded them to youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pHD570Y01g


Ways of a Fool

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pwEydGirlE

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 15, 2017, 11:09:17 AM
SPOILER ALERT ENCORE BELOW:

1. Momentum (Extended Version)
2. Agenda
3. The Call

I can live with that.  Two rocking tunes that are both good and one of his best songs ever (The Call).  :coolio

Well, I was right about them doing at least ONE tune from TGE, and they picked one song they didn't do last tour, and one of the better ones to close with, but to open the encore with Momentum? Interesting choice, though I like that it's an extended version! I wonder if it's based on the original demo that Neal made (which had this whole middle section that they cut out), or if it was just an extended jam?

This might be a new record for Neal, playing only songs from his 3 most recent albums / from the last 5 years. It's a good choice, though, considering his band had a hand in all of those albums, so it makes sense to play songs they've recorded. With the first performance of "Agenda", all 5 tracks from TGE have now been performed live, as well as 1 bonus track ("MacArthur Park was done at Morsefest). Doing only newer tunes makes me wonder if Neal purposely avoided older stuff because he may do them at Morsefest this year, although he hasn't announced a Morsefest for 2017 yet, so who knows...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 15, 2017, 03:13:02 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uxi6QQHphJI
Freedom Song in HD.

Great to see that they took this sloth thing seriously ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on January 15, 2017, 05:43:41 PM
Did anybody here do the VIP thing? At what time did they tell you to be there? I'm thinking about it but I have to drive from Austin.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: jammindude on January 15, 2017, 09:34:35 PM
I have to say that I ordered it....hoping it wouldn't be as preachy....I listened to disc 1 and was fairly disappointed.   It was OK, but not this ***OMG AMAZEBALLS*** that I've been hearing about.    Old Spock's Beard was better.

I'll still check out disc 2 at some point.   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 15, 2017, 09:45:50 PM
Scanning the 'net for reviews or comments, I see one of Portnoy's mods on his forum said the three encore songs may change.  I am assuming he heard that straight from the horse's mouth, the horse being the drummer. :P  As long as The Call remains, I am good.  :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 15, 2017, 10:16:58 PM
Scanning the 'net for reviews or comments, I see one of Portnoy's mods on his forum said the three encore songs may change.  I am assuming he heard that straight from the horse's mouth, the horse being the drummer. :P  As long as The Call remains, I am good.  :hat

I was wondering if the encore would change. It wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility - this is Neal and Mike we are talking about - but I would think, being the longest song of the three, that "The Call" would remain, especially since it was the last of the three. It would be a shame of "Agenda" was swapped about considering this is its first time being played, but it's also the shortest song of the three, so it could be swapped easily with something else just as short. As for "Momentum", I would not mind seeing it replaced considering we've already gotten it on the Momentum tour, so for a live recording, they may change that song out (maybe for "Absolutely Beginner" or "Supernatural" from disc 2 of Testimony 2? Or perhaps another track from TGE?).

I guess we'll have to wait a couple days to find out! Has anyone in the band announced when they're recording a show for a live release? I'm curious as to which show they'll pick, though I'm willing to bet it'll be later in the tour. I mean, why would they EVER record so early in a tour?! *Looks at Transatlantic's Live In Europe*...oh wait...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on January 16, 2017, 06:57:53 AM
Scanning the 'net for reviews or comments, I see one of Portnoy's mods on his forum said the three encore songs may change.  I am assuming he heard that straight from the horse's mouth, the horse being the drummer. :P  As long as The Call remains, I am good.  :hat

I was wondering if the encore would change. It wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility - this is Neal and Mike we are talking about - but I would think, being the longest song of the three, that "The Call" would remain, especially since it was the last of the three. It would be a shame of "Agenda" was swapped about considering this is its first time being played, but it's also the shortest song of the three, so it could be swapped easily with something else just as short. As for "Momentum", I would not mind seeing it replaced considering we've already gotten it on the Momentum tour, so for a live recording, they may change that song out (maybe for "Absolutely Beginner" or "Supernatural" from disc 2 of Testimony 2? Or perhaps another track from TGE?).

I guess we'll have to wait a couple days to find out! Has anyone in the band announced when they're recording a show for a live release? I'm curious as to which show they'll pick, though I'm willing to bet it'll be later in the tour. I mean, why would they EVER record so early in a tour?! *Looks at Transatlantic's Live In Europe*...oh wait...

-Marc.

I would bet it would be recorded in the European leg as the crowds are bigger over there than in the States.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 17, 2017, 05:50:09 PM
Scanning the 'net for reviews or comments, I see one of Portnoy's mods on his forum said the three encore songs may change.  I am assuming he heard that straight from the horse's mouth, the horse being the drummer. :P  As long as The Call remains, I am good.  :hat

I was wondering if the encore would change. It wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility - this is Neal and Mike we are talking about - but I would think, being the longest song of the three, that "The Call" would remain, especially since it was the last of the three. It would be a shame of "Agenda" was swapped about considering this is its first time being played, but it's also the shortest song of the three, so it could be swapped easily with something else just as short. As for "Momentum", I would not mind seeing it replaced considering we've already gotten it on the Momentum tour, so for a live recording, they may change that song out (maybe for "Absolutely Beginner" or "Supernatural" from disc 2 of Testimony 2? Or perhaps another track from TGE?).


I think Agenda is the most likely of the three to get swapped out.  I can see them wanting to play it, since it was the one song from TGE that didn't get played the last tour. but if the live reaction from crowds is as lukewarm as the online reaction was to it, I could see it not lasting long.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 17, 2017, 06:40:47 PM
I HOPE they kick out Agenda. Not that it's a bad song, but in Morses repertoire, it's definitely in the lower 10% for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on January 17, 2017, 07:09:16 PM
So I've had the new album album quite a while and I think after the dust has settled my favorite song may be "Breath of Angels".  Great song.   The guitar solo is really what makes it so great.  So happy Neal has Eric Gillette in the band.  And this is coming from someone who loves Neal's solos.  I have his first solo album, I probably should pick up his latest as some point. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 17, 2017, 07:39:14 PM
Broken Sky

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuLc1KbWQuU
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 17, 2017, 08:33:25 PM
I HOPE they kick out Agenda. Not that it's a bad song, but in Morses repertoire, it's definitely in the lower 10% for me.

totally this. I'm stoked for the concert and am sure it's gonna have many great moments....but I could do without hearing AGENDA live.

So I've had the new album album quite a while and I think after the dust has settled my favorite song may be "Breath of Angels".  Great song.   The guitar solo is really what makes it so great.  So happy Neal has Eric Gillette in the band.  And this is coming from someone who loves Neal's solos.  I have his first solo album, I probably should pick up his latest as some point. 


While I enjoy the album greatly I think that the Grand Experiment is a better overall album, with more captivating songs. Take this with a grain of salt as TSOAD is pretty incredible....but between the two Neal Morse Band albums I'd side with Grand Experiment....and if I included his entire solo output TSOAD probably wouldn't crack top 5 for me.

But that doesn't mean I'm not pumped to see them all next Thursday!!!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 17, 2017, 08:43:00 PM

While I enjoy the album greatly I think that the Grand Experiment is a better overall album, with more captivating songs. 

I think it's pretty close.  I would say that no individual song on the new album is as awesome as The Call or Alive Again, but it's still nearly two hours of non-stop greatness.  The Great Experiment has the added bonus of another top 20 Neal song, IMO (Waterfall), two good rockers and two really good bonus tracks.

I HOPE they kick out Agenda. Not that it's a bad song, but in Morses repertoire, it's definitely in the lower 10% for me.

It's not one of his better songs, but I think I like it more than most.  It's a fun, playful little rocker, and let's face it, Neal doesn't do a lot of those.

So I've had the new album album quite a while and I think after the dust has settled my favorite song may be "Breath of Angels".  Great song.   The guitar solo is really what makes it so great.  So happy Neal has Eric Gillette in the band.  And this is coming from someone who loves Neal's solos.  I have his first solo album, I probably should pick up his latest as some point.

Breath of Angels is not one of my go-to songs from the album (which I rarely listen to all the way through, because who has time to do that on a regular basis :lol), but it definitely kicks my ass every time I listen to it.  :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 19, 2017, 10:15:34 PM
New thought: the synth solo in The Road Back Home is very Styx-ish.  That is totally the tone I would say was Dennis DeYoung's favorite during Styx's prime.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 20, 2017, 05:11:32 PM
The Man in the Iron Cage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yudzEYbJuTM&feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 20, 2017, 05:55:24 PM
The Mask Confrontation The Battle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TXTJAd2GKM&feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 21, 2017, 08:07:37 AM
I'm gonna try to avoid too many live clips, since I'm seeing them next Thursday.  Five days to go! :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 21, 2017, 09:55:28 AM
I just noticed, when listening to some of Neal's live albums the other night, that his live CD sets (and shows, I suppose) have been getting shorter in the last couple of years. For both Testimony 2 and Momentum, the following live albums were both over 3 hours long, while Alive Again is just barely 2 hours and 20 minutes.

It looks like this current tour's show is also just over 2 hours, with TSOAD being about 106 minutes long, The Call/Agenda being about 14 minutes, and Momentum being around 7 or 8 minutes long. You could even fit the encore on Disc 2 after the end of TSOAD, so I'm sure the eventual Road Called Home live album will only be 2 discs (just like Alive Again was).

Has there been any stated reason as to why the recent tours have been shorter than before? Is Neal getting to the point in his life where doing 3 hour prog shows is a lot? I think even the Flying Colors shows were both under 3 hours long.

I hope in the future, at least in the case of Transatlantic, that Neal is able to do longer shows again, especially considering how LONG Transatlantic's songs are. I wonder if doing an album of shorter songs for TA5 (say, about 5 or 6 songs in the 8-15 minute range) would be more favorable in terms of doing them in a live context? Hmmm...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 21, 2017, 10:48:03 AM
The Man in the Iron Cage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yudzEYbJuTM&feature=youtu.be
Two things:

1.  Vocals sounded OUTSTANDING.  Wish it was the whole song. 

2.  The crowd need to wake the F up!  If you can't get up and show some energy for that song, I can only imagine how sterile the crowd reaction must have been the rest of the night.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bobs23 on January 21, 2017, 12:02:54 PM
If anyone is in LA that wants to go to the show tonight. I have an extra ticket, no charge.
PM me if you want it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: countoftuscany42 on January 21, 2017, 04:52:10 PM
Whittier tonight!!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: yeshaberto on January 22, 2017, 01:36:41 AM
Whittier tonight!!  :metal

Such a rewarding night!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 22, 2017, 09:12:16 AM
....
Has there been any stated reason as to why the recent tours have been shorter than before? Is Neal getting to the point in his life where doing 3 hour prog shows is a lot?
...

I am guessing age has something to do with it.  Neal is 56 now, and those super long shows have to be hard to to at any age, much less when you are older, especially for Neal, who is so active when performing (singing, constantly changing and playing instruments, and moving around being the front man).

The Man in the Iron Cage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yudzEYbJuTM&feature=youtu.be
Two things:

1.  Vocals sounded OUTSTANDING.  Wish it was the whole song. 

2.  The crowd need to wake the F up!  If you can't get up and show some energy for that song, I can only imagine how sterile the crowd reaction must have been the rest of the night.

Agreed. If that song doesn't get you on your feet and rocking out, then stay the hell home. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 22, 2017, 10:31:12 AM
Overture/The Dream/City of Destruction

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h08ZEWQD50M

end of City of Destruction/We Have Got to Go/Makes No Sense/Draw the Line/The Slough

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFGUBl4tpAA

Back to the City/The Ways of a Fool/So Far Gone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eiz6nsdBzc8

Breath of Angels

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67eVhEMGzNk

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 24, 2017, 04:21:48 PM
Any other St. Louis forumers going to Thursday nights show at Delmar Hall besides me and KevShmev?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 26, 2017, 06:02:47 PM
Good news everyone! Neal just sent out his January IC Newsletter and has updated us about the release of Morsefest 2015 - apparently it's off to manufacturing and is slated for a March release!

I'm willing to be pre-orders will start in the next week or two.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 26, 2017, 10:30:24 PM
So, Neal Morse in St. Louis tonight...

I've seen a lot of things in my life, but that...was awesome!! :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 26, 2017, 10:38:47 PM
So, Neal Morse in St. Louis tonight...

I've seen a lot of things in my life, but that...was awesome!! :hefdaddy :hefdaddy

Yeah.....pretty incredible show. Like i was saying to you there, it's one thing to hear it on a CD or download but to see that in person. Wow! Such amazing talents.

I knew Eric Gillette was good and all but man....that dude is unreal and can sing his a$$ off! Was just blown away by the whole thing.

My wife, who is a casual PROG fan....was super into it. She talked about the show the whole drive home and just how amazing she thought It was.

I hope Neal makes St. Louis a permanent stop.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 27, 2017, 07:29:20 AM


Yeah.....pretty incredible show. Like i was saying to you there, it's one thing to hear it on a CD or download but to see that in person. Wow! Such amazing talents.

For sure.  What a shame that such amazing talents play to such small crowds these days, though.  That's such BS.


I knew Eric Gillette was good and all but man....that dude is unreal and can sing his a$$ off! Was just blown away by the whole thing.


Yep, he is a beast of a player.  And Bill Hubauer is pretty unreal, too.  He pretty much nailed the piano intro to The Mask, which was damn impressive.


My wife, who is a casual PROG fan....was super into it. She talked about the show the whole drive home and just how amazing she thought It was.

Yes! A new fan. :hat


I hope Neal makes St. Louis a permanent stop.

I'd be surprised, given the crowd size - maybe, what, 250-300? - but I hope he was right when Portnoy said this won't be the last time Neal comes to St. Louis.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 27, 2017, 09:23:13 AM
More thoughts:

-Eric Gillette had a nasty cold last night. You never would have known it watching him sing and play the guitar.
-The friend I went with met four of the five members after show (my brother and I bailed after a bit, and naturally the band came out to their tour bus right after that :lol). He said they were all friendly, with Bill being the most chatty.
-Remembering bosk1's post about The Man in the Iron Cage, I was like, I am standing up during this song no matter what.  I did for the first 30 seconds or so, but then the scattered people around me who had been standing then sit down, and I wasn't about to be the one jerk standing and blocking everyone's view, so I sat. Damn it, I tried. :lol :lol
-I commented that Neal was channeling his inner Peter Gabriel with some of those robes, masks, etc.  A bit hokey, but that's rock and roll, right?
-I think I did a pretty good job of watching all five members a lot, but it was not to be drawn back to watching Neal up there.  He really was born to perform on stage.
-The end of The Call was one of the most absurdly awesome endings to a concert I've ever witnessed.  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 27, 2017, 09:38:42 AM
-Remembering bosk1's post about The Man in the Iron Cage, I was like, I am standing up during this song no matter what.  I did for the first 30 seconds or so, but then the scattered people around me who had been standing then sit down, and I wasn't about to be the one jerk standing and blocking everyone's view, so I sat. Damn it, I tried. :lol :lol

Go with my blessings.  :lol

I would have done the same thing.  It's a shame for the band and not having the crowd show any energy, but it is what it is, and they get that.  They know the fans are enjoying the music even if they may not be showing it outwardly.  And people are entitled to enjoy a concert the way they see fit.  But it is a lot more fun when people are somewhat outwardly demonstrative of that enjoyment. 

To take an extreme example, going back to when I saw DT in Reno, for those that may not have seen my posts on the subject, the casino theater they played in had an orchestra pit in front of the stage.  They had cleared the pit and were letting fans go down there and stand if they didn't want to stay in the seated area.  There was a guy right up in front a couple of feet from me that was saying he knew what the encore songs were, and that he was going to start a mosh pit for the last song.  ...and when Pull Me Under kicked in, he did just that.  So during the band's final song, you had everybody down in front moshing for the entire thing, and we were all smiling and laughing out loud and just the fun of being so over-the-top demonstrative for what you normally see at a DT show.  That's a bit much, and I wouldn't remotely expect that to catch on and be a thing at a prog band's shows.  But the point is, we just went for it, and the fans who participated had a great time, and so did the band seeing us do that.  You don't have to just stand like a statue with your arms folded just because it's prog.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 27, 2017, 09:48:03 AM
Haha, that's great.

I tend to pick my spots now to stand at concerts.  My upper back has been a bit achy since Tuesday, and my thought all week was...just hold up long enough for the concert... :lol :lol  And it did.  Now, by the time I got home, I did feel like someone had taken a sledgehammer and bashed me with it - even though I didn't stand a lot, I was still pretty active in my seat with moving to the music, air drumming, etc. - but I'll be fine.  I am working a 1/2 day this afternoon and then my physical therapist will dig into me tonight and I'll be all good again.

Also, I forgot to mention: we got just the one encore last night.  With them doing five nights in a row this week, it looks like they have been doing just one encore a night this week, instead of three like they did at the first show.  I was okay with that.  Considering how awesome the new album was and then The Call, I could not have asked for any more.  :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Big Hath on January 27, 2017, 10:10:09 AM
saw them Wednesday night at a REALLY small club in Dallas (first time Neal has been to Dallas).  The place was absolutely packed, and there was pretty good energy from the crowd.  The place having no seats helped.

Anyway, this band is really good.  Couldn't get over how good they sounded vocally.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 27, 2017, 12:20:30 PM
PM me, if you need to, because I don't want to spoil it for anyone else, but did/do they play "Supernatural"?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 27, 2017, 07:38:35 PM
saw them Wednesday night at a REALLY small club in Dallas (first time Neal has been to Dallas).  The place was absolutely packed, and there was pretty good energy from the crowd.  The place having no seats helped.

Anyway, this band is really good.  Couldn't get over how good they sounded vocally.

Very nice.

That is one thing I will say about our crowd last night: even though I wish it would have been livelier during the songs, every time they had to give the band an applause, it was pretty loud.  Neal even uttered a "wow" at the end when taking their bow and the crowd was cheering (I was close enough to read his lips).  That was neat.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 27, 2017, 09:16:30 PM
From last night:

(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/kevshmev/16252507_10211755939845081_3276694012153874886_o_zpsrsjz5cth.jpg)
(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/kevshmev/16252409_10211755939805080_6918123296488898375_o_zpscd3fwj6f.jpg)
(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/kevshmev/16300039_10211755939965084_4396776797032808353_o_zpsefv43qbb.jpg)
(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/kevshmev/16252021_10211755939885082_3275246968532844419_o_zps6bzhyz9d.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 27, 2017, 11:42:16 PM
saw them Wednesday night at a REALLY small club in Dallas (first time Neal has been to Dallas).  The place was absolutely packed, and there was pretty good energy from the crowd.  The place having no seats helped.

Anyway, this band is really good.  Couldn't get over how good they sounded vocally.

Very nice.

That is one thing I will say about our crowd last night: even though I wish it would have been livelier during the songs, every time they had to give the band an applause, it was pretty loud.  Neal even uttered a "wow" at the end when taking their bow and the crowd was cheering (I was close enough to read his lips).  That was neat.

I agree. I think the band was happy with the St. Louis gif. Neal tweeted that he loved the venue and he loved the crowd, and despite the crowd sitting and standing off and on....there were a lot of loud applause moments throughout the night.

I can't get over what an awesome live show that was. I will travel for the Neal Morse band gigs from this point forward....i must see more!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 28, 2017, 06:22:01 AM
Wow, Bill must be a tremendous asset to the band. Keyboards, vocals, saxophones, violins and... is this a mandolin now? Such an amazing musician.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 28, 2017, 08:04:30 AM
I can't get over what an awesome live show that was. I will travel for the Neal Morse band gigs from this point forward....i must see more!

I hear that! My brother who was with me is already saying he wants to go to Morsefest now every year.

Wow, Bill must be a tremendous asset to the band. Keyboards, vocals, saxophones, violins and... is this a mandolin now? Such an amazing musician.

Damn right.  You watch that guy and can't help but think, where was this guy before??  How was someone that talented under the radar for so long?  It boggles the mind.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 28, 2017, 09:13:07 AM
Wow, Bill must be a tremendous asset to the band. Keyboards, vocals, saxophones, violins and... is this a mandolin now? Such an amazing musician.

Yep. His voice is very powerful, it's really something. And then there's the whole virtuoso musicianship thing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 28, 2017, 10:05:01 AM
Bill was for a looong time the keyboard player from a Christian parody band called Apologetix.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 28, 2017, 12:58:37 PM
I think I have now reached the point where I can say The Grand Experiment and The Similitude of a Dream are the two best albums of Neal's solo/NMB career. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 28, 2017, 03:09:01 PM
They are definitely up there.  But it's hard for me to put them above One, Sola, and Testimony.

I would probably put them just behind those three, but it is SO close.  And then I would put Momentum just behind those. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 28, 2017, 08:39:30 PM
I touched on this in the other thread just now, but my rankings of Neal's solo/NMB albums right now would probably look like this:

Top tier
The Grand Experiment
The Similitude of a Dream

Second tier (just a hair below the top)
One
?
Testimony 2

Third tier
Momentum
Neal Morse (debut)
Sola Scriptura

Last tier
Testimony
Songs from November
It's Not Too Late
Lifeline
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 28, 2017, 09:58:12 PM
Mine probably goes:

Top tier
One
Sola Scriptura
Testimony

Second tier (just a hair below the top)
The Similitude of a Dream
The Grand Experiment

Third tier
Momentum
Testimony 2

Fourth tier
?
Lifeline


I haven't heard the unofficial collections, so no comment on those.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 28, 2017, 10:10:36 PM
I didn't count the worship CDs either.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 28, 2017, 10:38:25 PM
Oh, I thought that's what Songs from November, It's Not Too Late, and Neal Morse were.  I didn't realize there were others as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on January 28, 2017, 10:40:33 PM
No those are more singer/songwriter styled solo albums. The worship CDs are totally different and there are quite a few of them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 28, 2017, 10:43:35 PM
Don't mind bosk1.  He is just doing his usual silliness about the non-prog albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on January 28, 2017, 10:51:56 PM
 :facepalm:

I'm slowly wading through Neal's solo work. Haven't heard the new one yet, I want to be in the right mood for my first listen. I did check out One though and I have to say this was the first time I was particularly impressed with a Morse solo album. The other ones I've heard so far (both Testimonies, Grand Experiment, Sola Scriptura, and Momentum) all have their moments but weren't consistently amazing, but One really floored me. Maybe the other albums are growers, but I've found that my favorite Neal Morse related songs/albums are the ones that grab me right away.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 28, 2017, 11:03:59 PM
Apart from "A Whole 'Nother Trip", Neal's first two solo albums, and Songs From November, are decidedly NOT very prog, but are still very Neal. There's some good songs among them, especially ones line "Emma", "The Wind And The Rain", and a few others, but those two stick out in my mind the most, as well as the title track from "It's Not Too Late".

I cannot wait to get Morsefest 2015 because of the live debut of "A Whole 'Nother Trip", which I've wanted Neal to play live for AGES now, and I'm glad he finally got around to playing that early epic of his (which has some early Neal trademarks, like the latin section, and the heavy-guitar riff section, and more!).

My rankings might change on a day-to-day basis, but here's how they rest right now:

Top Tier - One, ?, The Grand Experiment
Second Tier - The Similitude Of A Dream, Testimony 1 & 2
Third Tier - Sola Scriptura, Momentum
Fourth Tier - Lifeline

For me, One (especially the 11-track correct order) is pretty much a masterpiece, and I really enjoy ? as well, as it was the newest album Neal had released just around the time I discovered SB/TA/Neal music, so it got a LOT of attention. And as for TGE, it's an amazing balance of long and short songs, a really great re-interpretation/cover, and an astounding epic - it's a really well-rounded album by a very talented band!

My second tier, oddly enough, make up the longer concept albums, and I love them all just the same as the top tier, but they can take a lot of time to get through, and I can only truly appreciate the albums as wholes, which mean there are some weaker parts here and there when taken as tracks or chunks of tracks. These three are really greater than the sum of their parts.

Third tier are just the remaining two albums above what I (and many others) still consider his weakest effort among his solo/NMB prog works, and I think even Neal feels that way. Since that album came out, he's only regularly played two tracks ("Lifeline" and "Leviathan"), and only occasionally played one or two of the other shorter songs. The epic "So Many Roads" has only ever been played twice, and never by Randy or Mike. I think it would be great if Neal did the whole thing, bonus tracks and all (and perhaps "Starless" as well) in the next Morsefest. Play Lifeline and Testimony 2, give us definitive live versions of "So Many Roads" with Randy and Mike (and Eric and Bill, of course, which would be awesome considering the clarinet solo in there), as well as another version of "Seeds Of Gold", just so I can hear Eric play Steve Morse's guitar solo! Make it happen, Neal! Morsefest 2017...or 2018 - Lifeline & Testimony 2 Live!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 28, 2017, 11:20:48 PM
It's hard to gauge which albums Neal likes the most based off live plays, considering whatever new album he is touring on dominates the set list, and then it seems like he all but avoids the 2nd most recent album except for maybe one or two tracks, so its then a matter of songs eventually making it back.  I mean, has anything from T2 been played live since the tour for that album?  Then you have monster epics like Alive Again, Seeds of Gold and World Without End, all of which were played on the tours from the albums they are from, yet not since. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 28, 2017, 11:48:49 PM
Even so, with all of that in mind, even on the Lifeline tour, he didn't play "God's Love" or "Children of the Chosen" (and still hasn't to this day). "So Many Roads" got 2 performances, and both "Fly High" and "The Way Home" have been played 6x each, made more interesting by the fact that they've played "Crazy Horses" 9x. The two L-songs have been played the most.

As for T2 songs since the T2 tour, Neal played some for the Testimony encore at MorseFest 2014, but I think that's about it, aside from a stray "Jayda" here or there. I think playing both Lifeline and T2 would be perfect for the next MorseFest for all of these reasons, because the songs have all been underplayed, so getting them with a big performance complete with wind, brass, choir, and more would be a great a great way to document them the way Testimony, One, ?, and Sola Scriptura have been so far.

Hard to believe Testimony 2 will be 6 years old this May, and Lifeline will be 9 years old this October.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 29, 2017, 08:08:38 AM
I'd hate to see one of the Morsefest nights wasted on Lifeline, but, then again, I am sure Neal and the band knows that album isn't highly regarded, so the rest of the set list for that night would probably be insane to make up for it.

Personally, I think it'd be cool if they did The Grand Experiment one night (bonus tracks and all) and TSOAD the other night this year.  It's easy to say, "Well, they'll get to those eventually," but you never know if the band will be the same in two or three years.  Might as well get recorded versions of those entire albums at Morsefest while the iron is hot (although I am sure they already have a show in Europe picked out to record TSOAD for its own release).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 29, 2017, 06:26:03 PM
I'd have to go with something like this....

Top tier
One
The Grand Experiment
Testimony

smack between top two tiers is:

The Similitude of a Dream

Second tier (just a hair below the top)
Sola Scriptura
Testimony 2

Third tier
Momentum
?
Lifeline



Speaking to the talk about 'One'....and I hadn't spun that album in an easy two years being that I've been listening to so many other things. I threw that in last week when road tripping for a meeting I had a few hours away and man...I had forgotten just how incredible that album is. First off...it was such a neat feeling to kind of 'rediscover it'. I'd probably listened to that album 100 times but like I said it'd been a while since the last time and man it was just so refreshing and soothing to the spirit.


Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 29, 2017, 09:53:34 PM
Yep, One is pretty special.  I still am not overly wild about the Spirit and the Flesh reprise being tacked on to Help Me (I made my own mp3 of Help Me that fades out at just the right time), but otherwise it is a perfect record.  And while I love two of the three bonus tracks, I think it made sense to not include them on the real album.  It would have been too long that way.  King Jesus and Back to the Garden are great, but better as bonus tracks.

Also, I tried listening to a bit of Lifeline earlier, but it's just so blah.  God's Love and Children of the Chosen might be the most blah back-to-back combo Neal has ever done.  So Many Roads is really the only song worth taking the time to listen to, and even that one takes dedication given its length.  The title track could have been a great 6 or 7 minute song, but instead is a bloated 13-minute mess.  But hey, Neal has so much great stuff, that I will forgive him for the occasional hiccup.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 30, 2017, 10:12:59 AM
Don't mind bosk1.  He is just doing his usual silliness about the non-prog albums.
How is it silliness to just point out that I haven't listened to them and, therefore, don't really know anything about them?

Also, I tried listening to a bit of Lifeline earlier, but it's just so blah.  God's Love and Children of the Chosen might be the most blah back-to-back combo Neal has ever done.  So Many Roads is really the only song worth taking the time to listen to, and even that one takes dedication given its length.  The title track could have been a great 6 or 7 minute song, but instead is a bloated 13-minute mess.  But hey, Neal has so much great stuff, that I will forgive him for the occasional hiccup.
Agreed on pretty much all counts.  I don't even like Leviathan, and don't understand the affinity Neal seems to have for it that he thinks justifies playing it so frequently.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 30, 2017, 03:06:40 PM
I'd hate to see one of the Morsefest nights wasted on Lifeline, but, then again, I am sure Neal and the band knows that album isn't highly regarded, so the rest of the set list for that night would probably be insane to make up for it.

Personally, I think it'd be cool if they did The Grand Experiment one night (bonus tracks and all) and TSOAD the other night this year.  It's easy to say, "Well, they'll get to those eventually," but you never know if the band will be the same in two or three years.  Might as well get recorded versions of those entire albums at Morsefest while the iron is hot (although I am sure they already have a show in Europe picked out to record TSOAD for its own release).

I'm not so sure we'd get TGE at the next Morsefest, mostly because 4 of the 5 album's songs were already released on Alive Again, and those were the 4 played on that tour. The fifth song is now being played, and it'll likely go on the eventual The Road Called Home live album (or whatever it'll be called). As for the 3 bonus tracks, 2 of those songs were played at Morsefest 2015 - the one NOT played was "Doomsday Destiny", and who knows, they could pulled that out this tour. So in reality, of the 8 songs released on TGE, 7 have been played live, and have been, are about to be, and will be released on official live albums.

As for Lifeline, while I do agree it is a bit mediocre, I think playing it all just ONCE at Morsefest would give fans (at least those who like some or most of the album) a chance to have a definitive version of the album played live, especially since only 4 of those 7 tracks (9 if you count the 2 bonus songs) have been released. Like you, I think if they did Lifeline as the 1st set on a Friday night concert, they could do the 2 bonus tracks, maybe "Starless" and a couple of other classic or epic Neal tunes to "make up for it".

I'll be honest, I only like 4 of the 7 songs on Lifeline myself, that being the title track, "Leviathan", "Children Of The Chosen" and "So Many Roads", but I'd still love to hear the whole band play these tunes at some point, so rather than dedicate a song-slots on a whole tour to any of them, one night at Morsefest would be a bit more ideal, especially if it meant that he'd play them "one last time" and never bring them out again (which I'm sure a lot of fans might be happy about :lol ).

On the upside, doing Testimony 2 on Saturday night, with the second disc as part of the 2nd set, would be AMAZING, especially since Neal's only ever played "Supernatural" once (which might have been a solo acoustic performance, too).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 30, 2017, 06:30:02 PM
The good thing is that Neal usually announces what will be played at Morsefest, so if Lifeline actually is a part of it, my brother and I will know ahead of time to avoid that night. :lol  I can't imagine we'd go for both nights anyway, although it's always a possibility if both nights feature something really awesome.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on January 30, 2017, 08:20:35 PM
God Tier
?
One

Great Tier
The Similitude of a Dream
Testimony 2

Really Good Tier
Momentum
The Grand Experiment

Good Tier
Lifeline
Sola Scriptura

Cut out the half that is filler and we'd have something really good tier
Testimony
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 30, 2017, 09:24:38 PM
God Tier
?
One
YAY! Someone else who really likes the Question Mark album! It's packed full of great musicians and performances - I love Roine's work all over the album, and that Steve Hackett solo in "12" is to die for. The whole suite is so concise and flows very well.


Great Tier
The Similitude of a Dream
Testimony 2
Both are very great albums, glad to see them up here!


Really Good Tier
Momentum
The Grand Experiment
Not too bad, both are a bit similar in that they're collections of songs with a closing epic, very SB-like and not as blatantly religious as his concept albums have been, but because of that, the material isn't as strong overall, so I can see why you'd put both of them here.

Good Tier
Lifeline
Sola Scriptura
Now...Lifeline I understand being here, but putting it on the same level as SS?!...Eeeh, I guesssss, especially if you don't enjoy the heaviness, or the concept/story. But those Paul Gilbert solos are fantastic, and Randy really shines on this album.

Cut out the half that is filler and we'd have something really good tier
Testimony

Okay, now those are fightin' words right there!!! :lol But seriously, I see a lot of fans are really divided over this one. They either hate it or love it, and I think a lot of it has to do with the concept, and possibly even when fans became acquainted with Neal's work. I wasn't a fan until 2004/2005, so Testimony was already old news to me, but I can imagine some SB fans who were hyped to hear a 2-disc concept from Neal, just a year after Snow, and then be suddenly disappointed when it turned out to be a fairly preachy (especially near the end) and blatantly religious album. For me, though, I went into it knowing full-well what to expect from Neal, having read up on his leaving SB and TA at the time, and what he had been up do, so I was prepared.

This brings up a good point of discussion here - who here was a fan of Neal's BEFORE he left SB, and if you are, how did you feel about Testimony back then? How do you feel about it now? I'm curious to see if anyone's opinions have changed on that album since it came out nearly 14 years ago.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 30, 2017, 09:50:40 PM
Hey now, I've always been a monster fan of the Question Mark album, even if it's not my favorite anymore.

As a fan of Neal since 2000, my opinion on Testimony has stayed pretty consistent: I think it's really good, albeit way too long.  It has some songs I really love, but I have always been bothered my the lack of balance in the instrumentation. There isn't a lot of notable guitar work, outside of a few solos here and there.  Basically, Neal did almost all of the bass and electric guitar playing himself (outside of Livgren's solo), and his playing on those instruments in 2003 didn't match his skills on the keys or acoustic, so the quality of playing is unbalanced (great drums, keys and acoustic; average bass playing; not much electric guitar in general).  But, despite its flaws, I still like it a lot, and yhe fact that I rank it around 9th, out of 12, on my list is more about how much better music he has done since then than it is an indictment of that record itself.

Also, I have to think that most Neal fans who were on board prior to 2003 knew what to expect when he left SB and posted his letter online as to why.  Sure, maybe some didn't expect his lyrics to be that religious, but he made no secret of why he left the Beard and what lyrical direction he was headed with his music in the future.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on January 30, 2017, 10:11:41 PM
I actually had a discussion recently with a friend about Sola, and re-listened to it, which actually ended up with my bumping it up a tier. I may grow to like it more as time moves on. My major issue is that I *love* ?, and I felt SS was a pretty big departure from that when it came out and ended up not liking it nearly as much. I realize I might have let my expectations hinder my enjoyment of the music. I still think he certainly has done better, but do enjoy the general vibe of the album now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 31, 2017, 06:25:20 PM
I like Sola a lot, but it's not my favorite sounding Neal record.  While his albums usually sound pretty warm and organic, Sola is more aggressive and cold; kind of like The Kindness of Strangers, as far as Neal-era SB albums go.  Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I just think Neal's music is at his best and most enjoyable when it sounds warm.  I don't think having back-to-back 25 minute plus songs did it any favors either, from an album flow standpoint.  And then having Heaven in My Heart, which comes across as "I love Jesus" song that has little to do with the other songs, in what is supposed to be a concept album, just seems odd.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 31, 2017, 08:19:07 PM
I like Sola a lot, but it's not my favorite sounding Neal record.  While his albums usually sound pretty warm and organic, Sola is more aggressive and cold; kind of like The Kindness of Strangers, as far as Neal-era SB albums go.  Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I just think Neal's music is at his best and most enjoyable when it sounds warm.  I don't think having back-to-back 25 minute plus songs did it any favors either, from an album flow standpoint.  And then having Heaven in My Heart, which comes across as "I love Jesus" song that has little to do with the other songs, in what is supposed to be a concept album, just seems odd.

Part of me wonders if Sola Scriptura was Neal's way of doing what he wanted to do with Bridge Across Forever. Initially, IIRC, Neal wanted to open BAF with the two epics, then the title track, then close with SCP, which oddly mirrors what he did with Sola. Then again, Neal has always kind of repeated himself in terms of album formats and track orders (based on style or length). There's the "Open and Close with long songs, throw short ones in the middle" camp of The Kindness of Strangers, V, (almost) Lifeline (if it weren't for "Fly High"), Momentum, Kaleidoscope, and The Grand Experiment, the pair of "It's one long song cut into 12 parts" camp with ? and The Whirlwind, and of course, the "super long concept albums with many tracks" camp of Snow, Testimony 1 & 2, and TSOAD.

I remember when The Whirlwind came out and it was said to be considered as one long piece, but indexed into 12 tracks, all I could think of was the Question Mark album. Maybe Neal's music just lends itself to familiar settings, and he's just used to producing music in these formats and orders...or maybe I Just read into things WAY too much. :rollin

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on February 01, 2017, 06:47:51 AM
I only listen to Track 1 on Sola, The Door. Not that the others are 'bad' per say......but The Door is the only song on the album I like.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 01, 2017, 09:51:57 AM
I like Sola, but my liking of it comes from liking individual parts of each of the long songs; none of the long songs in their entirety are really among my favorites.

But I LOVE this piece of this song, and this piece of that song, etc.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on February 02, 2017, 06:03:14 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6ILbBpVJnw
For those who didn't know the extended version of Momentum. Very cool I must say!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 02, 2017, 11:48:36 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6ILbBpVJnw
For those who didn't know the extended version of Momentum. Very cool I must say!

Ahh, okay, so it's what I thought. They re-inserted the original middle part that was cut from the final album version. Anyone with Neal's original Demo of the song should find this part familiar. Funnily enough, it was cut because the band felt like the song lost all its momentum (har har) by having that full stop and following slow section, and I agree, but for an encore piece, it works well here. As an opener on that tour, I think it would've killed the song to have that middle section, but here, it makes the song feel like a very classic SB tune, especially that build-up into the guitar solo before the last chorus! Good stuff, thanks for posting that!

EDIT - I listened to Neal's original demo for "Momentum", and it looks like this new live version is a bit different. In the original demo, after the second chorus, before the slow middle section, the guitar solo is present, but in this live version, the guitar solo is after that slow middle section, so it's a bit of a mash-up of the album and demo versions of the song, creating a wholly unique version of it, different from the demo, the album, and even the one played on the Momentum tour. The demo also had another verse before the last chorus, which isn't present on this live version. Cool stuff!  :tup

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 02, 2017, 08:17:47 PM
I only listen to Track 1 on Sola, The Door. Not that the others are 'bad' per say......but The Door is the only song on the album I like.

I still slightly prefer The Conflict, largely because that song is more consistent.  The Door really doesn't get good for me until the "All I Ask For" section. The first two sections aren't bad, but the "Introduction" is easily the least impressive extended intro to a long epic Neal has ever done.   The end of that song is amazing, though.  Overall, my favorite section of the entire Sola album is probably the "Two Down, One to Go" one from The Conflict.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on February 03, 2017, 07:55:12 AM
I only listen to Track 1 on Sola, The Door. Not that the others are 'bad' per say......but The Door is the only song on the album I like.

I still slightly prefer The Conflict, largely because that song is more consistent.  The Door really doesn't get good for me until the "All I Ask For" section. The first two sections aren't bad, but the "Introduction" is easily the least impressive extended intro to a long epic Neal has ever done.   The end of that song is amazing, though.  Overall, my favorite section of the entire Sola album is probably the "Two Down, One to Go" one from The Conflict.

I guess i should admit I really only listen to that song to hear that utterly incredible Paul Gilbert solo. It's such a beautiful solo....
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 03, 2017, 08:21:57 AM
I only listen to Track 1 on Sola, The Door. Not that the others are 'bad' per say......but The Door is the only song on the album I like.

I still slightly prefer The Conflict, largely because that song is more consistent.  The Door really doesn't get good for me until the "All I Ask For" section. The first two sections aren't bad, but the "Introduction" is easily the least impressive extended intro to a long epic Neal has ever done.   The end of that song is amazing, though.  Overall, my favorite section of the entire Sola album is probably the "Two Down, One to Go" one from The Conflict.
I like that as well.  But to this day, I have no idea what the titular lyric in that section refers to.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on February 03, 2017, 10:27:43 AM
The Conflict is amazing from start to finish. The Door is a song that you realize it's great by the time it gets to the end, but I start to really enjoy it only when the "mercy, mercy" section rolls in. It's very good up to that, don't get me wrong, but from that point it truly becomes awesome.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Big Hath on February 03, 2017, 11:32:24 AM
Overall, my favorite section of the entire Sola album is probably the "Two Down, One to Go" one from The Conflict.
I like that as well.  But to this day, I have no idea what the titular lyric in that section refers to.

ditto.  Anyone have any idea what he is referring to?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 03, 2017, 01:58:57 PM
Overall, my favorite section of the entire Sola album is probably the "Two Down, One to Go" one from The Conflict.
I like that as well.  But to this day, I have no idea what the titular lyric in that section refers to.

ditto.  Anyone have any idea what he is referring to?

This might help? https://www.reddit.com/r/progrockmusic/comments/3jctwv/what_does_neal_mean_by_two_down_one_to_go_on_the/

https://nealmorse.yuku.com/topic/3042/Re-Two-down-one-to-go?page=-1


-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 03, 2017, 02:02:22 PM
Thanks, Marc.  But that's pretty much no help whatsoever.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: LPMX on February 03, 2017, 02:42:11 PM
Great video of the first 25 minutes of the Quebec City show with bonus performance of We All Need Some Light and Shine by Neal while the PA was down 10 minutes into the show : ;D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuEgnFgqvdQ
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 03, 2017, 05:33:26 PM
The Conflict is amazing from start to finish. 

Pretty much.

I only listen to Track 1 on Sola, The Door. Not that the others are 'bad' per say......but The Door is the only song on the album I like.

I still slightly prefer The Conflict, largely because that song is more consistent.  The Door really doesn't get good for me until the "All I Ask For" section. The first two sections aren't bad, but the "Introduction" is easily the least impressive extended intro to a long epic Neal has ever done.   The end of that song is amazing, though.  Overall, my favorite section of the entire Sola album is probably the "Two Down, One to Go" one from The Conflict.

I guess i should admit I really only listen to that song to hear that utterly incredible Paul Gilbert solo. It's such a beautiful solo....

Yep, it's awesome, but when it comes to guest solos on a Neal Morse album, the winner is still Steve Hackett's solo in 12.   :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 03, 2017, 08:48:41 PM
Thanks, Marc.  But that's pretty much no help whatsoever.  :lol

I tried... :D :lol

Yep, it's awesome, but when it comes to guest solos on a Neal Morse album, the winner is still Steve Hackett's solo in 12.   :coolio

That solo is pretty awesome, but I'd also throw in Steve Morse's solo in "Seeds Of Gold" as well. Actually, any solo by a guy named Steve. Let's get Steve Howe on the next Neal Morse album! (LOL Yeah right)

Also, regarding the current tour, has anyone read if Neal is planning to record a specific show for video/audio release later on? I haven't happened to stumble upon any such blurb from Neal or anyone else in the band with regards to a specific recording for a future release. I only ask this because "Agenda" has been not played or swapped out with another song during the encore in the last few shows, and while the song is a bit divisive among fans, it'd be a real shame if they didn't put it on the next live album, just for completion's sake (as the other four TGE tracks have been released).

One more thing I've noticed on this tour from videos and pictures is Mike's set. It looks like he's gone back to a double-bass for Neal's shows, and as such, his tom and cymbal lay-out have also changed. As a drummer, his set ups always fascinate me, and the fact that Mike only has 2 tom-toms directly in front of him looks WEIRD to me (though I think his Winery Dogs and Metal Allegiance kits do that, too, but I don't follow those bands much, if at all). Any kit associated with Neal, be it his solo band, Flying Colors, or Transatlantic, has always had three rack toms in front, above one bass drum, so this new kit is pretty interesting! He also has what look like concert toms on his left, past the hi-hat, so he can still do higher tom fills and what not.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on February 04, 2017, 04:52:49 AM
I've always considered Martin Luther to be a very interesting, influential and industrious historical figure, not only in spiritual ways. So I appreciate some of that album's lyrics.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 04, 2017, 11:36:17 AM


Yep, it's awesome, but when it comes to guest solos on a Neal Morse album, the winner is still Steve Hackett's solo in 12.   :coolio

That solo is pretty awesome, but I'd also throw in Steve Morse's solo in "Seeds Of Gold" as well. Actually, any solo by a guy named Steve. Let's get Steve Howe on the next Neal Morse album! (LOL Yeah right)
 

The solo by Kerry Livgren in Long Story is pretty great, as well.

I've always considered Martin Luther to be a very interesting, influential and industrious historical figure, not only in spiritual ways. So I appreciate some of that album's lyrics.

I wasn't a fan of the lyrics and subject matter on Sola at first, but I've come around a bit on them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on February 06, 2017, 09:23:09 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6ILbBpVJnw
For those who didn't know the extended version of Momentum. Very cool I must say!

Spoilers dude  :sad:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on February 06, 2017, 12:56:12 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6ILbBpVJnw
For those who didn't know the extended version of Momentum. Very cool I must say!

Spoilers dude  :sad:
This was already very known and commented in this thread, but, anyway, sorry.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PROGdrummer on February 09, 2017, 10:26:12 PM
Eric nailed that solo pretty much note for note. Holy smokes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 13, 2017, 02:53:47 PM
Without warning, about 2 hours ago, pre-orders for Morsefest 2015 and Testimony on vinyl went up. Of course, the first 100 got their copies signed, no matter what they ordered (Morsefest on 2DVD/4CD, on 2BD, with or without Testimony on vinyl), so I probably missed that boat. Oh well.

Anyways, I just pre-ordered the 2DVD/4CD set. I'm not sure if I love Testimony enough to own it on vinyl (though I do own SB's 2nd-5th albums of vinyl...do I own Snow on vinyl to? I can't remember at the moment...all my vinyl is still boxed up as I don't own a place to display it properly yet).

Did anyone here think they got their orders in under the first 100? I didn't even see my email about it until half an hour ago, and before that, I saw the news first on Facebook before my email, so I promptly headed to Radiant to order. A shame I probably won't get it signed like my Morsefest 2014 set. Ah well...I've got like 20 signatures from Neal just from various pre-orders and poster bonuses alone, and I've never even met or seen him in person before! Weird...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on February 13, 2017, 03:00:06 PM
Without warning, about 2 hours ago, pre-orders for Morsefest 2015 and Testimony on vinyl went up. Of course, the first 100 got their copies signed, no matter what they ordered (Morsefest on 2DVD/4CD, on 2BD, with or without Testimony on vinyl), so I probably missed that boat. Oh well.

Anyways, I just pre-ordered the 2DVD/4CD set. I'm not sure if I love Testimony enough to own it on vinyl (though I do own SB's 2nd-5th albums of vinyl...do I own Snow on vinyl to? I can't remember at the moment...all my vinyl is still boxed up as I don't own a place to display it properly yet).

Did anyone here think they got their orders in under the first 100? I didn't even see my email about it until half an hour ago, and before that, I saw the news first on Facebook before my email, so I promptly headed to Radiant to order. A shame I probably won't get it signed like my Morsefest 2014 set. Ah well...I've got like 20 signatures from Neal just from various pre-orders and poster bonuses alone, and I've never even met or seen him in person before! Weird...

-Marc.

Yeah I got the email almost an HOUR after the preorders popped up. I ordered anyway and got a 990xx order and confirmed with the NM Forum on FB that I missed out on the 100 (based on the lowest number I found posted) so I'm canceling my Radiant order.

I then ordered the 4CD/2DVD set from Best Buy for $33.99.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 13, 2017, 03:04:25 PM
Without warning, about 2 hours ago, pre-orders for Morsefest 2015 and Testimony on vinyl went up. Of course, the first 100 got their copies signed, no matter what they ordered (Morsefest on 2DVD/4CD, on 2BD, with or without Testimony on vinyl), so I probably missed that boat. Oh well.

Anyways, I just pre-ordered the 2DVD/4CD set. I'm not sure if I love Testimony enough to own it on vinyl (though I do own SB's 2nd-5th albums of vinyl...do I own Snow on vinyl to? I can't remember at the moment...all my vinyl is still boxed up as I don't own a place to display it properly yet).

Did anyone here think they got their orders in under the first 100? I didn't even see my email about it until half an hour ago, and before that, I saw the news first on Facebook before my email, so I promptly headed to Radiant to order. A shame I probably won't get it signed like my Morsefest 2014 set. Ah well...I've got like 20 signatures from Neal just from various pre-orders and poster bonuses alone, and I've never even met or seen him in person before! Weird...

-Marc.

Yeah I got the email almost an HOUR after the preorders popped up. I ordered anyway and got a 990xx order and confirmed with the NM Forum on FB that I missed out on the 100 (based on the lowest number I found posted) so I'm canceling my Radiant order.

I then ordered the 4CD/2DVD set from Best Buy for $33.99.

Holy crap that's cheap!!! How do you cancel your order with Radiant? I don't see a "Cancel Order" button...or maybe I am blind...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on February 13, 2017, 03:05:23 PM

Holy crap that's cheap!!! How do you cancel your order with Radiant? I don't see a "Cancel Order" button...or maybe I am blind...

-Marc.


I emailed them. No response yet, but plenty of time for them to cancel.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 13, 2017, 03:07:45 PM

Holy crap that's cheap!!! How do you cancel your order with Radiant? I don't see a "Cancel Order" button...or maybe I am blind...

-Marc.


I emailed them. No response yet, but plenty of time for them to cancel.

Okay. I just replied to my order email and hopefully that'll do it. It's weird that Radiant's website doesn't have a "Cancel Order"  button, but it has a "Re-Order" button. :facepalm:

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on February 13, 2017, 03:09:34 PM
Okay. I just replied to my order email and hopefully that'll do it. It's weird that Radiant's website doesn't have a "Cancel Order"  button, but it has a "Re-Order" button. :facepalm:

-Marc.

Yeah I figured why pay full boat + shipping from Radiant if I'm not getting the signed stuff....
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 13, 2017, 03:13:26 PM
Yeah I figured why pay full boat + shipping from Radiant if I'm not getting the signed stuff....

Good point, and I saved $5.58 off of Radiant's price. Even Amazon isn't much cheaper.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on February 13, 2017, 03:21:17 PM
Yeah I figured why pay full boat + shipping from Radiant if I'm not getting the signed stuff....

Good point, and I saved $5.58 off of Radiant's price. Even Amazon isn't much cheaper.

-Marc.

Yep.  :)

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on February 13, 2017, 05:16:27 PM
Without warning, about 2 hours ago, pre-orders for Morsefest 2015 and Testimony on vinyl went up. Of course, the first 100 got their copies signed, no matter what they ordered (Morsefest on 2DVD/4CD, on 2BD, with or without Testimony on vinyl), so I probably missed that boat. Oh well.

Anyways, I just pre-ordered the 2DVD/4CD set. I'm not sure if I love Testimony enough to own it on vinyl (though I do own SB's 2nd-5th albums of vinyl...do I own Snow on vinyl to? I can't remember at the moment...all my vinyl is still boxed up as I don't own a place to display it properly yet).

Did anyone here think they got their orders in under the first 100? I didn't even see my email about it until half an hour ago, and before that, I saw the news first on Facebook before my email, so I promptly headed to Radiant to order. A shame I probably won't get it signed like my Morsefest 2014 set. Ah well...I've got like 20 signatures from Neal just from various pre-orders and poster bonuses alone, and I've never even met or seen him in person before! Weird...

-Marc.

Yeah I got the email almost an HOUR after the preorders popped up. I ordered anyway and got a 990xx order and confirmed with the NM Forum on FB that I missed out on the 100 (based on the lowest number I found posted) so I'm canceling my Radiant order.

I then ordered the 4CD/2DVD set from Best Buy for $33.99.

What's the lowest number you found? My order number is: 98948. If I'm not getting the signed stuff, I might cancel my Radiant order.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 13, 2017, 06:48:58 PM
It's weird that Radiant's website doesn't have a "Cancel Order"  button, but it has a "Re-Order" button. :facepalm:


It's only weird if you have forgotten that Radiant sucks monkey balls. 

Getting this is a no-brainer, but I will get it through amazon.  Radiant will never get my money again.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on February 13, 2017, 06:54:44 PM
So Kev, you're telling me you've seen monkey balls being suked?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 13, 2017, 06:56:11 PM
So Kev, you're telling me you've seen monkey balls being suked?

If that wasn't a monkey, then what the hell were your lips wrapped around?? :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on February 13, 2017, 07:05:52 PM
If you we were friends on Facebook, you could have seen what Patriots video Mason (DTVT) sent to me and you'd have your answer. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 13, 2017, 07:10:54 PM
I shudder to think.. :biggrin: :lol

That aside, this Morsefest compilation is gonna be great. Already ordered it from amazon just now. :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on February 13, 2017, 07:13:58 PM
1st half harassment from DTF. :lol

I can't wait to see the band at RoSfest.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 15, 2017, 08:00:35 PM
I'm excited to see A Whole Nother Trip.  My car CDs are usually condensed a bit, so for a while, The Man Who Would Be King was the only song from it that I listened to regularly, but I upgraded my car CDs recently, and rediscovered how great Bomb That Can't Explode is.  You can tell that came out the same year as Day for Night, as it has that quirky "Healing Colors" vibe to it.  Great tune.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on February 16, 2017, 09:04:44 AM
I have to say, seeing TSOAD live has really helped the album click for me. There were already a few tracks liked beforehand, but last night I went to just play a few tracks for the end of my evening commute and had a hard time bringing myself to skip over most of them :lol

I really like how much vocal time Eric and Bill get on the album as well. Bill's lines just over a minute into Confrontation is my favorite bit of singing on the album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 16, 2017, 10:07:13 PM
Hopefully, that similar type balance of lead vocals continues on the next album.  As much as I love Neal's voice, using the other two a lot to sing lead really helped elevate TSOAD a ton.  When you have three singers that good, might as well use them. And their harmonies are aces. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on February 21, 2017, 06:57:54 AM
Late to the party, but I gave Similitude a thorough listen this weekend and I'm really loving it. Can't get The Ways Of A Fool and Freedom Song out of my head, for instance.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on February 21, 2017, 07:35:48 AM
Hopefully, that similar type balance of lead vocals continues on the next album.  As much as I love Neal's voice, using the other two a lot to sing lead really helped elevate TSOAD a ton.  When you have three singers that good, might as well use them. And their harmonies are aces. :tup :tup

Overall, for me at least, TSOAD has been a bit of a disappointment but the addition of Bill's voice really added to the album quite a bit.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on February 21, 2017, 08:00:40 AM
Late to the party, but I gave Similitude a thorough listen this weekend and I'm really loving it. Can't get The Ways Of A Fool and Freedom Song out of my head, for instance.
Good picks, my two favorites on the album. I like the entire album, but I overplayed those tracks like crazy,
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 21, 2017, 02:54:30 PM
Late to the party, but I gave Similitude a thorough listen this weekend and I'm really loving it. Can't get The Ways Of A Fool and Freedom Song out of my head, for instance.
Good picks, my two favorites on the album. I like the entire album, but I overplayed those tracks like crazy,

"The Ways Of A Fool" is easily one of the stand-out tracks of the whole album for me. It's so different but at the same time, it works so very well. I was surprised to learn that it was a Bill-penned track that never got used on TGE, but was brought back up and had its lyrics changed to fit the album. I'm glad they used it because it's some of the most fun on the whole album, and I love the influences from Queen to the Beach Boys and the Beatles, to so many other things in-between. Even "Freedom Song" has a bit of Queen in it, with, I think Mike or Neal, referencing the Queen song "'39".

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 21, 2017, 08:17:38 PM
It's still hard to narrow it down to one or two favorites, but as time goes on, if I am on a short drive, like to or from work, The Man in the Iron Cage is my go-to song from it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on February 22, 2017, 12:16:08 AM
Even "Freedom Song" has a bit of Queen in it, with, I think Mike or Neal, referencing the Queen song "'39".

Oh definitely, the first time I heard Freedom Song I instantly thought of '39 :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 22, 2017, 07:28:19 AM
I've been on a huge Neal Morse kick lately. Just purchased Morsefest 2014 and have been hooked on Testimony.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 22, 2017, 11:00:21 AM
I haven't listened to much prog lately, much less Neal Morse, but I always keep a few things on my iPod if the mood strikes. I've thrown on some random Flower Kings tracks recently, and the opening song to "?" came on shuffle the other day, it was a gorgeous day out, so I said, "fuck it", and played the whole thing. Whoa, it was like listening to it for the first time, (and "? was the first NM solo album I checked out) but I remembered most of the parts, and with fresh ears it was just a great listen, and now I'm going through his stuff. I've listened to ? , listened to the new album The Simltude of a Dream, and finishing Sola Scriptura now, always a favorite of mine, this is the most I've enjoyed The Conclusion. I forgot how much I like SS. Thinking about going big and listening to Testimony -> Testimony 2 next, then back to the new album.

About the new album, I enjoyed it on first listen yesterday. I can't say the same for The Grand Experiment, which I heard once when it came out and never listened again, but I wasn't really feeling this kind of prog back then so we'll see how the next listen goes. I definitely enjoyed it on first listen than I did with The Astonishing, which I haven't listened to since like April. I'll have to listen to TSoaD again before I comment further on it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 22, 2017, 06:55:25 PM
That's great to hear!  :tup :tup

I went through a spell in the late 00s where I was off prog for a while, so I know what you mean.

Also, Morsefest has been announced for September 1st and 2nd.  Details will be forthcoming.  :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on February 22, 2017, 07:22:30 PM
Man, poor Eric Gillette. He's doing Shattered Fortress on Sep. 9 and 12th, will have to keep those songs practiced and sharp, and who knows how much material he'll have to learn or relearn for Morsefest.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 23, 2017, 07:03:06 AM
Was there a Morsefest last year?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 23, 2017, 07:41:17 AM
Nevermind. Forgot that they did Snow last year. Looking forward to that release. Depending on the plan for 2017 I'm going to try and go.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 23, 2017, 09:58:42 AM
That's great to hear!  :tup :tup

I went through a spell in the late 00s where I was off prog for a while, so I know what you mean.


Thanks. I put Momentum on, because I want to go back and listen to some long albums, like TSoaD again, The Astonishing, T&T2, Snow, but I can't commit the time today lol. First world problems.

Momentum is kicking my ass, I'm enjoying this more than ever. Momentum came out right before I moved away from prog, so roughly early Fall 2012. This isn't to say I haven't thrown an occasional prog album on, whether old school or modern stuff, but that was usually the extent to it, and there's a bunch of albums I haven't listened to in a good 4-5 years now, like Momentum, which I'm currently doing air drums in between typing this. Might be this early-Spring-like weather. I first focused on more avant-garde and experimental stuff, but then I went too deep, so I transitioned to jam bands (mostly Phish), jazz, funk, and world music. Lately, though, the prog/rock/metal itch has been coming back, and I find it best to just go with the flow and not worry about what music I'm feeling like listening to at the moment. I missed listening to a lot of stuff, but I would put it on and at some point realize I'm just not feeling it, and hope that maybe some day I will again.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 23, 2017, 10:00:22 AM
Announced today (or last night?), MorseFest 2017, September 1st and 2nd! No further details outside of it being held at the same place as usual.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 23, 2017, 03:33:37 PM
Reading The Astonishing thread on the DT side reminded me I've never heard Neal's first two albums (self titled, It's Not Too Late) as well as Songs From November. I'll have to remedy that. Doesn't the s/t album have some prog stuff?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 23, 2017, 05:35:09 PM
Reading The Astonishing thread on the DT side reminded me I've never heard Neal's first two albums (self titled, It's Not Too Late) as well as Songs From November. I'll have to remedy that. Doesn't the s/t album have some prog stuff?

Mostly the closing epic, a 4-part piece that, up until Morsefest 2015, had never been played live! Well, as far as I know, the WHOLE thing had never been played live. Other than that, the rest of the album is pretty straight forward singer-songwriter kind of pop-ish rock that is a bit more like the less-proggy stuff that Neal did with SB, just without the rest of SB behind him, though I think Nick D'Virgilio did some drums on that album.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on February 23, 2017, 06:23:16 PM
I haven't seen speculation as to what would be played at Morsefest 17 (maybe it's been done prior to announcement in this thread?) but I'll guess Testimony 2 one night and The Whirlwind the other night (with Roine and Pete not just the Neal Morse Band).  Just for the sake of guessing.  Doubt I'll go, it's quite the trek, but it would be cool to go to another Morsefest (I went to the first one only).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 23, 2017, 07:20:13 PM
Reading The Astonishing thread on the DT side reminded me I've never heard Neal's first two albums (self titled, It's Not Too Late) as well as Songs From November. I'll have to remedy that. Doesn't the s/t album have some prog stuff?

Just the 4-part suite that Marc alluded to, but even that is more or less four different songs that all kind of run together.

That aside, that self-titled record is fantastic. I highly recommend it.

Announced today (or last night?), MorseFest 2017, September 1st and 2nd! No further details outside of it being held at the same place as usual.

-Marc.

ORLY??



Also, Morsefest has been announced for September 1st and 2nd.  Details will be forthcoming.  :hat

 :lol :biggrin:

Nevermind. Forgot that they did Snow last year. Looking forward to that release. Depending on the plan for 2017 I'm going to try and go.

I can't say I am excited about the Snow eventual release.  I read too many reviews that said there were a lot of mistakes throughout the show.  That is what happens, I guess, when you have never played a CD that old for the first time ever live, plus Spock's rarely tours anymore, so that could explain their live "rust."

Momentum is kicking my ass...

Not one of my favorites, but still a great record.  :coolio

I haven't seen speculation as to what would be played at Morsefest 17 (maybe it's been done prior to announcement in this thread?) but I'll guess Testimony 2 one night and The Whirlwind the other night (with Roine and Pete not just the Neal Morse Band).  Just for the sake of guessing.  Doubt I'll go, it's quite the trek, but it would be cool to go to another Morsefest (I went to the first one only).

Not sure what the point would be of The Whirlwind again.  It's already performed in full on TWO live DVDs.   

Neal has more than enough great solo/NMB stuff that rarely or never gets played, without having to dedicate a huge chunk of time to stuff from other projects, IMO.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 23, 2017, 07:23:16 PM
Speaking of Morsefest, I checked my Amazon cart and noticed the price first MorseFest 2015 had dropped to 29.99!!! Order soon before it goes back up to 39.99.


As for MorseFest 2017, I'm fairly confident Neal will play Lifeline and Testimony 2 live, considering that material wasn't toured by any of the current band members in any great capacity. Some songs from each album have been played, but the majority of those songs have yet to be performed by the Neal Morse Band.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on February 24, 2017, 08:47:54 AM
Will Morsefest 2015 be available on iTunes? I don't see it listed on there yet. I'll order the CDs from Amazon if need be, but I'd rather not bother with physical copies if I don't have to.


I've been listening to a lot of Neal's stuff ever since seeing NMB kill it on Cruise to the Edge a few weeks ago. Right now I have Similitude of a Dream (love), Sola Scriptura (really like), ? (solid and growing on me), and Lifeline (hasn't made much of an impression yet). Any recommendations for what I should pick up next? I'm thinking The Grand Experiment since it's the same lineup as TSOAD.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 24, 2017, 08:52:41 AM
Reading The Astonishing thread on the DT side reminded me I've never heard Neal's first two albums (self titled, It's Not Too Late) as well as Songs From November. I'll have to remedy that. Doesn't the s/t album have some prog stuff?
I wouldn't worry about not having heard them.  Neal doesn't even really consider them official albums, but more just separate little projects while he was figuring out what he wanted to do, so I've never bothered either.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 24, 2017, 09:31:01 AM
I have his 3 non-prog solo albums.

Self-Titled is good
It's Not to Late did not do much for me
Songs for November is really good. This one came out a year or 2 ago and is definitely worth a purchase. If you get this one you can skip the first two.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 24, 2017, 11:40:39 AM
Also, just popped on Lifeline. This and One took the longest for me to get into but with each listen they get better and better.

What do people think of Leviathan?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 24, 2017, 11:48:46 AM
Hate it.  Probably worst song on the album and one of the worst Neal has ever done.  No idea why he keeps playing it live.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 24, 2017, 11:54:39 AM
Hate it.  Probably worst song on the album and one of the worst Neal has ever done.  No idea why he keeps playing it live.

I was thinking the same thing. Lyrically it's bad and musically it just doesn't fit with the album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 24, 2017, 12:40:00 PM
Don't care about the lyrics, but musically it's the best song on Lifeline, maybe that's why he likes to play it live?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 24, 2017, 12:40:12 PM
Also, just popped on Lifeline. This and One took the longest for me to get into but with each listen they get better and better.

What do people think of Leviathan?

Pass.  I can't say I hate it, but it's not good.  Like bosk1 said, why he has played that song on multiple tours, when he has so many songs, is a major mystery.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on February 24, 2017, 12:51:48 PM
Also, just popped on Lifeline. This and One took the longest for me to get into but with each listen they get better and better.

What do people think of Leviathan?

Easily my least favorite song on the album. It was a major disappointment when he played it second on the Alive Again tour (the only time I've seen NM). The rest of the show made up for it, but I wish he'd play a different track from Lifeline.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on February 24, 2017, 01:56:55 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDdcax-SD2E

4K Flying Colors /  Transatlantic from CTTE.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 24, 2017, 03:05:09 PM
Haven't heard Lifeline in a long time, I don't even remember anything about So Many Roads. Title track is of course a classic. Inspired by this thread, I might listen to that one next.

I jumped over to Spock's and put on Beware of Darkness on my way to work, this one was never that great to me, but hearing it for the first time in a good few years and the fact that it's a gorgeous day today, everything just sounded great and it's definitely a grower, and I don't even think it's one Neal's best work, but it's still solid.

Also, blasting Thoughts Pt 5 while driving with the windows down is awesome.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 24, 2017, 05:32:53 PM
Announced today (or last night?), MorseFest 2017, September 1st and 2nd! No further details outside of it being held at the same place as usual.

-Marc.

ORLY??



Also, Morsefest has been announced for September 1st and 2nd.  Details will be forthcoming.  :hat

 :lol :biggrin:

 :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:

Whoops. At least I added that it'll be held in the same place in TN that he usually does. Initial posts by Neal on Twitter and Facebook had not noted that, so there were a ton of comments on Facebook asking where it would be, but the Inner Circle newsletter points out that it'll be in the same place.

Either way, back on the topic of Lifeline - I don't HATE "Leviathan", but I don't LOVE it (not as much as Neal and/or Mike apparently do, but they have a lot of fun performing it, so who am I to stop them!). It's a silly rocker with weird and silly vocals and lyrics, and that's ok. Neal has to do one of those every now and then. It's still in my Top half of the album, though. I'd much rather listen to "Leviathan" than "The Way Home" or "God's Love" or "Children Of The Chosen" (though I've grown to like that one a bit more over the years). It's a shame that Lifeline is such a mixed bag.

What's funny is that it's the only post-SB prog album that Neal has done that has not had it's Making-Of/Sessions released yet. With the release of Testimony 2, every studio album Neal has done solo/with the NMB has had a special edition released containing the Making-Of DVD (T2, Momentum, TGE, TSOAD, and even both Transatlantic albums as well). Then with the Inner Circle, T1, One, ? and SS have all had their sessions released on DVD. Maybe he just hasn't gotten around to it yet, and it's in the pipeline, or perhaps he just doesn't feel strongly enough about the album to WANT to release those behind-the-scenes look. I remember watching some YouTube clips of Mike and Randy talking about the then-upcoming follow-up to SS, and how excited they were, but when it actually came out, a lot of the hype died down for me, and it seemed like no one really talked about it much since then.

This is why I kind of hope that Neal plays the album for Morsefest this year (plus the bonus tracks), just to "lay them to rest" once and for all, and let the whole Neal Morse Band put their spin on them since most of those tracks were only played by Neal's European band at the time, especially the epic "So Many Roads". Do them all ONE LAST TIME, then retire the songs (cuz let's face it - we don't need "Leviathan" on another live album ever again).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 24, 2017, 05:46:10 PM
I jumped over to Spock's and put on Beware of Darkness on my way to work, this one was never that great to me, but hearing it for the first time in a good few years and the fact that it's a gorgeous day today, everything just sounded great and it's definitely a grower, and I don't even think it's one Neal's best work, but it's still solid.

Honestly, I have a tough time ranking the Neal-era Spock's stuff.  Beware of Darkness is probably the most consistent, I will say that.

Also, blasting Thoughts Pt 5 while driving with the windows down is awesome.

 :metal

This is why I kind of hope that Neal plays the album for Morsefest this year (plus the bonus tracks), just to "lay them to rest" once and for all, and let the whole Neal Morse Band put their spin on them since most of those tracks were only played by Neal's European band at the time, especially the epic "So Many Roads". Do them all ONE LAST TIME, then retire the songs (cuz let's face it - we don't need "Leviathan" on another live album ever again).

Eh, to me, that album isn't good enough or popular enough to warrant getting the full album treatment at Morsefest.  My brother and I are talking about going this year to both nights, but I won't wanna go the first night if all of Lifeline is getting played.  He has too much great stuff to waste over an hour playing what almost everyone agrees is his worst and most (only) forgettable album. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 24, 2017, 09:51:59 PM
I went back to Lifeline, and the title track is still the best. Great tune. Portnoy is crazy, great bass work from Randy George. So Many Roads was cool, but that one still hasn't sunk in. I'll have to listen to it separate from the album. Leviathan is OK but I could see getting tired of it quickly. The rest is whatever, but I didn't mind The Way Home, I think it's one of Neal's better ballads.



Honestly, I have a tough time ranking the Neal-era Spock's stuff.  Beware of Darkness is probably the most consistent, I will say that.


For me it goes like this

V
The Light
Beware of Darkness
The Kindness of Strangers
Day For Night
Snow

I've only listened to DFN and Snow once, so I need to go back and see if my list changes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 25, 2017, 08:12:26 AM
V, to me, is one of those "the parts are greater than the sum" albums, which is the opposite of how Neal albums usually go.  To explain, the epics are two of my favorite SB songs (At the End of the Day might be top 5, while The Great Nothing is probably just outside of the top 10), and I like the other four songs all quite a bit to varying degrees, but as a whole, the album isn't as great to listen to from start to finish as many of their other albums, in large part because it comes off like a bunch of songs on a record, instead of a well-flowing record, which Neal usually excels at.  Plus, Alan Morse was really hit or miss with his guitar tone during pretty much all of Neal's tenure, and it is at its worst on this record.  His heavy tone when he is playing power chords or something is atrocious, which is easy to overlook when focusing on just one song at a time, but when listening to the album from start to finish, where you get hit with it over and over and over, it gets a little annoying.  Does that make sense to anyone?

On the flip side, Snow is the opposite. There isn't a single song on that record that would make my top 10 from the Neal era, but as a whole, it is pretty outstanding (although disc 2 gets rather ponderous for a while with reprises..should have gone from I'm Dying right into I Will Go).  TSOAD is almost his modern day Snow, except TSOAD is more concise and never has that "this is going on for too long" feeling.  And Similitude... has higher highs, except the Snow final track is better than the TSOAD final track, IMO.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 25, 2017, 08:37:25 AM
For me V is definitely the best, can't really share your complaints. The flow of songs is good and Alan's tone never bothered me. There are some strange sounding distorted guitars but I think they're done on purpose and fit in nicely.

Never could connect with Snow. Mediocre songs, imo, and much too long.

TSoaD does everything right what Snow made wrong. The songs are much better, and it flows nicely.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on February 25, 2017, 08:38:55 AM
Kev, I agree on V. I listened to that one last week for the first time in a long time and after the incredible "At The End Of The Day" I was basically just biding my time listening to the other tunes, as OK as they are, for the big finale, "The Great Nothing". I find most of SB's Neal era albums to be like that, there are some classic things and some filler stuff. But the classic stuff is just amazing, The Light, Go The Way You Go, The Doorway, The Water, etc.

I would really love to see Neal breaking out of the box. He is so entrenched in his "formula" with MP and Randy George and to my ears as talented as he is, he is using the same "tricks" over and over again. I would love for him to work with an outside producer and bandmates who would push Neal to go outside his comfort zone and create something (I hope) wonderful. Not sure if we will get to see it though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 25, 2017, 01:05:50 PM
For me V is definitely the best, can't really share your complaints. The flow of songs is good and Alan's tone never bothered me. There are some strange sounding distorted guitars but I think they're done on purpose and fit in nicely.

The heavy tone he uses around the 11-minute mark in At the End of the Day, when they come out of the mellow middle section and start rocking, literally makes me wince every time.  It's such a painfully bad tone.  And don't even get me started on his heavy tone at the beginning of Freak Day from Snow. :censored

Never could connect with Snow. Mediocre songs, imo, and much too long.

TSoaD does everything right what Snow made wrong. The songs are much better, and it flows nicely.

Snow does feel like work to get through, but if you take the best 50-60 minutes of it and condense it down for a listen, it's pretty awesome.

Kev, I agree on V. I listened to that one last week for the first time in a long time and after the incredible "At The End Of The Day" I was basically just biding my time listening to the other tunes, as OK as they are, for the big finale, "The Great Nothing".

Right, it does feel like work to get through the whole record, but if I listen to those songs randomly amongst others, I like them all.

I would really love to see Neal breaking out of the box. He is so entrenched in his "formula" with MP and Randy George and to my ears as talented as he is, he is using the same "tricks" over and over again. I would love for him to work with an outside producer and bandmates who would push Neal to go outside his comfort zone and create something (I hope) wonderful. Not sure if we will get to see it though.

I wouldn't hold your breath. :lol :lol

For my money, while a lot of TSOAD was very Neal-ish, quite a lot of it is also pretty fresh, and there are some new sounds and styles in there, thanks to the addition of Eric and Bill.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 25, 2017, 05:34:08 PM
Randy George is taking questions on Neal's FB page until tomorrow, so ask away!

I asked him earlier what his five favorite Neal solo/NMB songs were, not counting anything from TSOAD, and his reply was:

The Separated Man
Reunion
In the Fire/Solid as the Sun
Thoughts Part 5
The Call

Great choices.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 26, 2017, 09:42:48 AM
It's official, via Neal on FB, for Morsefest 2017:

Night 1: Testimony 2 and Rare Epics
Night 2: The Similitude of a Dream Live DVD Recording
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 26, 2017, 09:49:37 AM
It's official, via Neal on FB, for Morsefest 2017:

Night 1: Testimony 2 and Rare Epics
Night 2: The Similitude of a Dream Live DVD Recording

Wow, it's been a while since I posted, been busy I guess. Wanted to check in to ask if anyone has a clue what those 'Rare Epics' could be. I guess he means Seeds of Gold, but since he's played A Whole Nother Trip last Morsefest, what could the others Epics be? So Many Roads? Are there more?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 26, 2017, 09:54:45 AM
I could see So Many Roads being one of them, so they get that in there, since Lifeline is being skipped over (thankfully).  I could see him slipping in a Spock's epic, too, like having some of the Spock's guys show up and playing The Great Nothing, or maybe even The Healing Colors... suite.

T2 itself is nearly two hours long, so maybe a shorter epic like Flow.  That would be awesome.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 26, 2017, 10:00:44 AM
It might be a safe bet that SMR gets played since he is skipping all of Lifeline. Add the fact that it's only been played two times makes it one of the rarest epics in his live performance history. He could bring back "The Water" but I'm not sure how he feels about the FU section these days.

The "Healing Colors" suite would be interesting, but I feel like he'd be more into "The Great Nothing" (of his 3 20+ minute SB epics).

As for Testimony 2, I hope they do all of disc 2, as I don't think he's played "Absolute Beginner" or "Supernatural" more than a handful of times.

Also, making this performance of TSOAD the official live one is a great idea. The whole stage production will totally enhance the concept, and they'll have plenty of rehearsal time to get it just right without a lot of outside variables affecting the show. Neal can also do a lot more with the production of it all, so I expect a top notch show!

I guess by doing T2 and TSOAD, I wonder if he'll ever do Momentum or TGE?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 26, 2017, 10:02:47 AM
I could see So Many Roads being one of them, so they get that in there, since Lifeline is being skipped over (thankfully).  I could see him slipping in a Spock's epic, too, like having some of the Spock's guys show up and playing The Great Nothing, or maybe even The Healing Colors... suite.

T2 itself is nearly two hours long, so maybe a shorter epic like Flow.  That would be awesome.

Ah yeah Spock's epics, hadn't thought of that. And yeah playing both T2 discs and So Many Roads would be quite an evening in itself.

And getting way ahead, but the release will probably be different from the Blu Ray r CD/DVD combination, since I think Radiant would want to release the Similitude live version separate from the rest.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 26, 2017, 10:06:46 AM
The Doorway is always a possibility, no?  Has Neal ever played The Doorway since leaving Spock's?  It has to be pretty rare, in either case.

Marc, T2 is being advertised, and Disc 2 is part of T2, so I think it is safe to assume all of it will be played.  I can't imagine them advertising that they will play the album and then skipping select songs from it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 26, 2017, 10:12:53 AM
I don't think TGE and Momentum will get the Morsefest treatment honestly. Both have fairly recent good live releases with a top notch band. I do see a TA Morsefest happening though, SMPT:E and Bridge with a cover-set added, or with a couple of newer songs in a second set.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on February 26, 2017, 01:58:18 PM
The Doorway is always a possibility, no?  Has Neal ever played The Doorway since leaving Spock's?  It has to be pretty rare, in either case.

Marc, T2 is being advertised, and Disc 2 is part of T2, so I think it is safe to assume all of it will be played.  I can't imagine them advertising that they will play the album and then skipping select songs from it.

I wouldn't assume anything; the first Morsefest advertised One COMPLETE with Bonus Tracks, and they still skipped "Back to the Garden"

Put me in the very small pile of disappointed people who wanted to see Lifeline. Even if it doesn't ever get the full Morsefest treatment, I hope Neal starts playing some more of those songs in his sets. T2 is great, but TSOAD has STILL yet to grab me. The wife said we could go this year, so I'll see how much it is and see if it's worth it to me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 26, 2017, 02:25:29 PM
I could see So Many Roads being one of them, so they get that in there, since Lifeline is being skipped over (thankfully).  I could see him slipping in a Spock's epic, too, like having some of the Spock's guys show up and playing The Great Nothing, or maybe even The Healing Colors... suite.

T2 itself is nearly two hours long, so maybe a shorter epic like Flow.  That would be awesome.

Ah yeah Spock's epics, hadn't thought of that. And yeah playing both T2 discs and So Many Roads would be quite an evening in itself.

And getting way ahead, but the release will probably be different from the Blu Ray r CD/DVD combination, since I think Radiant would want to release the Similitude live version separate from the rest.

I would think that they would release the FULL set for anyone who wants it, that is the (so far) typical 4CD/2DVD set of both nights, and a separate Blu-Ray set of both nights. However, they would be smart to also just sell a 2CD/DVD or 2CD/BD set of JUST the TSOAD show, which will probably be the same as he's been touring it, though the encore could be drastically different, considering that on the first leg of the tour alone, he's rotated 4 different songs and done a few variations on the encore set (sometimes only playing ONE song, sometimes three).

I don't think TGE and Momentum will get the Morsefest treatment honestly. Both have fairly recent good live releases with a top notch band. I do see a TA Morsefest happening though, SMPT:E and Bridge with a cover-set added, or with a couple of newer songs in a second set.

In the case of TGE, that's pretty true. Between Alive Again and Morsefest 2015, 6 of the 8 songs released on TGE Special Edition have been played live and released on live formats. The other two are "Doomsday Destiny" and "Agenda", the latter of which has been played as part of the encore (sometimes) on the current tour, so a live release of that is possible for Morsefest 2017. In the case of Momentum, only "Smoke And Mirrors" and "Freak" have yet to be performed live (as far as I am aware), and there's always the chance they could play those at Morsefest this year.

After this upcoming Morsefest, there won't be many songs by post-SB Neal that the Neal Morse Band haven't played live and released, with the large exception being Lifeline, which is a big part of why I'm kind of sad that they're skipping it, but I'd be happy for just the title track and/or "So Many Roads".

The Doorway is always a possibility, no?  Has Neal ever played The Doorway since leaving Spock's?  It has to be pretty rare, in either case.

Marc, T2 is being advertised, and Disc 2 is part of T2, so I think it is safe to assume all of it will be played.  I can't imagine them advertising that they will play the album and then skipping select songs from it.

I wouldn't assume anything; the first Morsefest advertised One COMPLETE with Bonus Tracks, and they still skipped "Back to the Garden"

Put me in the very small pile of disappointed people who wanted to see Lifeline. Even if it doesn't ever get the full Morsefest treatment, I hope Neal starts playing some more of those songs in his sets. T2 is great, but TSOAD has STILL yet to grab me. The wife said we could go this year, so I'll see how much it is and see if it's worth it to me.

This is true - they did skip "Back To The Garden" and it's rattled my brain why they did. It's not like it's an overly complex song, either, and it wouldn't have taken much to learn it. Maybe Neal just didn't feel strongly enough about it to play it? Perhaps that is his feeling about Lifeline, too.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 26, 2017, 06:42:53 PM
Hmmm, I wasn't aware that Back to the Garden was skipped at the One show.

And in true "they still suck ass" fashion, Radiant is advertising on FB that tickets go on sale on their site tomorrow, but when you go to their site, nothing shows up.  I hate to keep beating this drum, but it really is sad how awful Radiant Records is. They suck.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 26, 2017, 07:12:41 PM
Hmmm, I wasn't aware that Back to the Garden was skipped at the One show.

And in true "they still suck ass" fashion, Radiant is advertising on FB that tickets go on sale on their site tomorrow, but when you go to their site, nothing shows up.  I hate to keep beating this drum, but it really is sad how awful Radiant Records is. They suck.

I've been feeling that way more and more lately, and unless I know when a pre-order is going to go live (like, exact day and time, with a lot of advanced notice), I won't be pre-ordering from them anymore. Case in point - Morsefest 2015's pre-orders went live just hours after an email and Facebook post, or maybe less than a day after an email - I'm not sure, I just know it slipped by me in the previous day - and I missed out on the whole "First 100" thing that they usually do. I waited a few weeks to order it, but when I did, I got it from Amazon.com and it was down to 29.99, and with free Prime shipping, that's not bad for a 4CD/2DVD set. I think I have enough things signed by Neal anyway, I can probably let other fans get their signed albums from here on out.

But yes, for one reason or another, "Back To The Garden" was omitted from the One show at the first Morsefest, and I don't think an explanation was ever given as to why, which is a shame, because they went through the trouble of doing the other 10 songs. Hopefully they play both shorter songs of Disc 2 from T2, though, as I do really enjoyable. They're nice breathers after the immense T2  and before the epic "Seeds Of Gold".

Ideally, Night 1 of Morsefest 2017 would look like this:
Set 1 - All of Testimony 2 (fits perfectly on 1 CD)
Set 2 - Absolute Beginner, Supernatural, Seeds Of Gold, Lifeline, So Many Roads (adds up to just over 79 minutes, perfect for a 2nd disc)
Encore - The Water (maybe?) - Looking back at Morsefest 2014 and 2015, they played "The Light" and "Go The Way You Go" respectively, so what's next?...

Of course, Night 2 would be TSOAD in its entirety, so we already know what sets 1 and 2 would be like, but the encore will likely contain at least "Agenda" and probably "The Call", though I wouldn't mind them tossing out "Doomsday Destiny" as well, just to get the last TGE song out there.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 26, 2017, 09:54:43 PM
My guess is that Radiant will send out an email tomorrow saying the tickets are on sale in like an hour and I will miss out on it, since I have no clue what the ticket prices are right now, and it is going to be a busy day at work tomorrow, so I won't have time to mess with it.  I'll see if my brother (who wants to go, too) can mess with it, but he is an appraiser and usually on the road in the mornings, so it's highly doubtful.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on February 27, 2017, 06:36:24 AM
I'm intrigued by the "rare epics" portion they are talking about, but I think it's more likely that Seeds Of Gold or So Many Roads will get played over the SB epics. Even though I am not going to Nashville, I would love to see The Great Nothing, but IMO MP doesn't really like playing SB era stuff. We did get Harms Way/Go The Way You Go on the TGE tour (loved that!) but for the most part he only likes playing the stuff he was on.

And I don't think there is ANY WAY Neal is going to do The Water with that FU part! I saw Nick era SB do The Water/Go The Way You Go a few years back, omitting the FU part.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 27, 2017, 06:47:30 AM
I really want to go but it would cost be around close to a grand for the flight and it's about an 11 hour drive from Omaha. Going to have to wait until it's released I guess. So are they not filming night 1?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on February 27, 2017, 09:05:13 AM
Just checked and flights really aren't bad for me between Newark and Nashville. I'll have to check out Testimony 2 and see how much I like it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 27, 2017, 09:18:46 AM
That's the other thing, Testimony 2 may be my least favorite of Neal's solo work. It's still good but if I was going to drop the money on Morsefest I should have went to the ?/Sola Scriptura show.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on February 27, 2017, 11:29:25 AM
Although T2 is one of my favourites, (and Similitude keeps climbing towards the top spot) and I'd love to visit the US once, I just can't see myself at Morsefest. I'd love to be there, but I can't stay longer since it's not in my holiday period, flight tickets are close to 1.000 USD, and it's a 27-32 hour journey each way. (Keeping in mind that next to accommodation the weekend itself with meet and greet is still 330 euro's. They should compensate for people spending a lot on travel  :biggrin: )
Maybe once, if they do a Transatlantic one, and I can stay longer I'll consider it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on February 27, 2017, 04:44:31 PM
Welp! The wife said it was okay, so I've booked my tickets to Morsefest 2017! I'm pretty pumped about it. We're going to be driving Thursday night from Massachusetts down to Nashville (17 hours, whew!). Got the hotel ready for us and everything.

T2 is my absolute favorite album by Neal, so I'm looking forward to that night the most. I really hope they decide to NOT leave out Absolute Beginner and Supernatural, but it'll still be a killer show either way. TSOAD is a good album, too, and I'm excited to see it since I couldn't make it to the tour earlier this year. My wife will most likely be lost in the noise, but she'll have a good time. And we're gonna go to the Inner Circle concert, too, so she'll probably like that more since it's most likely a little more subdued and acoustic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 27, 2017, 06:14:45 PM
Radiant still blows :lol. but my brother and I got tickets for both nights, so we will be there.  It's only about 300+ miles from St Louis to Nashville, so the drive is manageable. No worse than going to Chicago and back.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 28, 2017, 09:01:34 AM
I really want to go but it would cost be around close to a grand for the flight and it's about an 11 hour drive from Omaha. Going to have to wait until it's released I guess. So are they not filming night 1?

They're are most certainly filming both nights, as has been the norm for the last 3 Morsefests. The note about TSOAD being filmed means that THAT performance will be the official tour release of the album (like we had Alive Again for the TGE Tour, Live Momentum for the Momentum Tour, Testimony 2 Live In LA for the Testimony 2 tour, etc.). Morsefest 2017's second night will be the documentation of the TSOAD/Road Called Home Tour, and if they're smart, they'll sell that set separately, but also in addition to the first night for a complete Morsefest 2017 live package (4CD/2DVD).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 28, 2017, 09:09:26 AM
The note about TSOAD being filmed means that THAT performance will be the official tour release of the album (like we had Alive Again for the TGE Tour, Live Momentum for the Momentum Tour, Testimony 2 Live In LA for the Testimony 2 tour, etc.).

Which is fine because, as much as I love Neal's music, and as much as I generally ascribe to the "more is better" theory, I am starting to feel oversaturated by Neal Morse live releases and don't need to be overwhelmed with 2 per album cycle.  It's hard for me to even keep track of which release is which anymore.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 28, 2017, 09:14:40 AM
The note about TSOAD being filmed means that THAT performance will be the official tour release of the album (like we had Alive Again for the TGE Tour, Live Momentum for the Momentum Tour, Testimony 2 Live In LA for the Testimony 2 tour, etc.).

Which is fine because, as much as I love Neal's music, and as much as I generally ascribe to the "more is better" theory, I am starting to feel oversaturated by Neal Morse live releases and don't need to be overwhelmed with 2 per album cycle.  It's hard for me to even keep track of which release is which anymore.

I started to feel that way with Dream Theater's live albums after awhile. Like, did we need another live version of Metropolis, or Pull Me Under, or more recently, Breaking All Illusions. At least with The Astonishing (assuming they'll release a live version of it), there won't be any live-song re-hashes since the whole album was played live each night on that tour.

At least with Neal, when he tours on a new album, you can bet that he'll play nearly all of it, if not most of it on that tour, so the live set varies a bit. I was a bit bummed when, from the T2 tour on, they did snippets of One and Sola Scriptura, only to end up doing (almost, in the case of One) the whole thing for each at Morsefests later on. Not like anyone would've known, but I won't complain, since we've got full live versions of those songs and albums now.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 28, 2017, 05:13:53 PM
I may have missed it if it was posted, but here is their set from Cruise To The Edge:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWZtzJZ64A0

Man, Neal is such a great performer, and this band is REALLY starting to gel.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 28, 2017, 05:34:06 PM
The note about TSOAD being filmed means that THAT performance will be the official tour release of the album (like we had Alive Again for the TGE Tour, Live Momentum for the Momentum Tour, Testimony 2 Live In LA for the Testimony 2 tour, etc.).

Which is fine because, as much as I love Neal's music, and as much as I generally ascribe to the "more is better" theory, I am starting to feel oversaturated by Neal Morse live releases and don't need to be overwhelmed with 2 per album cycle.  It's hard for me to even keep track of which release is which anymore.

I get what you mean, but he has so many songs, from his various bands, that he does a great job at not repeating many of them.  I suspect much of the non-T2 and non-TSOAD songs at Morsefest this year will be songs never seen on any of his live DVDs prior.  And he always has Spock's stuff he can play towards that end, like Harm's Way/Go the Way You Go on the Alive Again live recording.  The advantage of being so obscure and unknown is Neal really doesn't have any "must play" songs, so he'll never have a Tom Sawyer, ya know, one of those songs that appears on all or most live DVDs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 28, 2017, 05:55:01 PM
Yeah, I hear you.  And believe me, I'm not complaining that he is so prolific.  It's great for us!  Just saying that I am perfectly okay with him dialing it back just a bit.  ...although after your post, I think his next live release MUST conclude with an encore of them covering Tom Sawyer.  :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 28, 2017, 05:58:38 PM
Heh, I don't see that happening.  I am not even sure Neal is a big Rush fan; has he ever covered them?  Neal has never struck me as a big fan of classic hard rock/metal.  We know Portnoy loves Rush, Maiden, Sabbath, etc., but not sure they are high on Neal's list of classic favorites.  And that is okay.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 02, 2017, 12:01:45 PM
Listened to TSoaD for the second time. Still need to digest it more, but I'm definitely finding a lot of cool moments, and overall, I think this is way better than The Grand Experiment, and might be the best Neal Morse album since ? and Sola Scriptura; but we'll see. I personally enjoy all the Dream Theater-esque moments, and though it's totally still a Neal Morse album, I'm enjoying it way more than I did The Astonishing on second listen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 02, 2017, 06:44:12 PM
I think they are pretty close in quality for much of the way, but TA loses its way for a while on Disc 2, while TSOAD is stellar throughout, so I give it the nod.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on March 03, 2017, 01:12:59 AM
TSOAD wipes the floor with TA.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on March 03, 2017, 02:28:02 AM
TSOAD is really good but has a couple of spots that bring it down. Cut a few songs and it would be great. Storywise I can't get into it even if I try to take it as fantasy...

The Astonishing is composed as a whole much better than TSOAD and I never find that I want to skip songs. Storywise I can get into it even if I have some issues with the story. It is told so emotionally great that I can forgive a few flaws.

Overall TA takes the lead over TSOAD... still exited as hell to see TSOAD live on the 1st of April.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on March 03, 2017, 03:14:31 AM
I listened to it yesterday. It's still really good.  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Big Hath on March 03, 2017, 08:19:29 AM
TSOAD wipes the floor with TA.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 03, 2017, 10:12:38 AM
I forgot how heavy One is. Overall, SS is Neal's heaviest album, and actually I think TSoaD is pretty heavy too, but the heaviness that happens on One is crazy. It sounds so big.

About TSoaD vs The Astonishing, I have to go back to TA, but I haven't felt like listening to it for months, and I wasn't big on the self titled album either, but it's grown on me, though still low on my list of DT albums I like. I think Neal's work just made a better first impression, but I'll come back to this.

What's the consensus on Testimony vs Testimony 2 since T2 has been out for over 5 years now? For me, T1 has grown on me immensely, but I still find T2 is the better album, partially because of the length of T1, as it's a little long-winded; but more because I think T2 sounds amazing, as good as The Whirlwind, and having Randy on bass makes it even better.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 03, 2017, 10:56:02 AM
T2 never really struck a chord with me, so I have Testimony ranked WAY higher.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 03, 2017, 10:59:56 AM
Same here.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 03, 2017, 11:14:19 AM
Although T1 has a special place in my heart, it's long, sounds pretty out of date (and it lacks extra instrumentalists), and (while that's normally not the case) some parts are too praise-y for me. T2 is really good, has some weaker parts in terms of songwriting, but everything's enjoyable, and the end is close to being the most emotional ending of a NM piece, in my opinion.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on March 03, 2017, 11:27:50 AM
T2 is my favorite solo album by Neal. It flows magnificently well, it works as a concept album but the songs are also great to listen to when taken out of context. The Truth will set you free, It's for you, Nighttime collector, Mercy street, Time changer... So many great songs. And then there's Seeds of gold, one of his two or three best songs. Even the two average short songs on disc 2 can't drag the album down.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on March 03, 2017, 12:03:53 PM
T2 is my favorite solo album by Neal. It flows magnificently well, it works as a concept album but the songs are also great to listen to when taken out of context. The Truth will set you free, It's for you, Nighttime collector, Mercy street, Time changer... So many great songs. And then there's Seeds of gold, one of his two or three best songs. Even the two average short songs on disc 2 can't drag the album down.

There are only two short songs on Disk 2, and one is the greatest song ever - Supernatural - so I'm not sure what disk you mean? 

:)  :)   I'm kidding with you (though I LOVE "Supernatural"). 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 03, 2017, 05:49:28 PM

What's the consensus on Testimony vs Testimony 2 since T2 has been out for over 5 years now? For me, T1 has grown on me immensely, but I still find T2 is the better album, partially because of the length of T1, as it's a little long-winded; but more because I think T2 sounds amazing, as good as The Whirlwind, and having Randy on bass makes it even better.

Although T1 has a special place in my heart, it's long, sounds pretty out of date (and it lacks extra instrumentalists), and (while that's normally not the case) some parts are too praise-y for me. T2 is really good, has some weaker parts in terms of songwriting, but everything's enjoyable, and the end is close to being the most emotional ending of a NM piece, in my opinion.

Overall, I can get on board with this sentiment.  T1 has some great stuff, but the lack of a regular guitar player and bass player really hurts the overall sound, and it is waaaay too long.  While Neal's conceptual albums are always full of reprises, T1 goes nuts with them, almost to the point of absurdity.  Don't get me wrong, I like the album a lot, but its flaws are more than obvious.

I find T2 to be much better.  The flow is wonderful and there are no weak spots. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 03, 2017, 06:02:27 PM
I'll also echo some of the sentiment regarding Testimony, in that yes, it can be a BIT to preachy/praise-y at times, and it can drag on for a bit (but I've gotten used to long albums at this point in my prog-listening life - TFK's Unfold The Future is a breeze to me, and that's a MONSTER album), and there are a lot of repeated themes, but they're all still enjoyable to an extent. It's not his BEST album, but far from his worst. Paired with the sequel, the two make for a killer journey of Neal's life told through music, though I will agree, Testimony 2 stands above it, though I wish the ending hadn't been a fade-out, but I understand the sentiment behind it in context of the album.

Because I came in to enjoying Neal Morse around the time the ? album came out, his only post-SB solo albums were those first three - Testimony, One, and ?, and so all three got a LOT of spins and listens from me back in those days. At first, I shied away from Testimony BECAUSE of how preachy/praise-y it got, but enjoyed One and ? more because of the concept-album slant to it - sure, they're religious in nature, but when taken from a "this is a story set to music, and can be seen as a work of fiction like any great rock opera" mindset, I was able to enjoy them more, even with all the God and Jesus in there, but Testimony still took me awhile to break in to. I'd say around the time Sola Scriptura came out, I liked it more, but since then, especially since Testimony 2, I've grown to see more of it's slight flaws and weaknesses compared to later albums.

And yes, I definitely agree - the lack of a non-Neal guitarist and bassist do hurt the album a bit, but the two live performances (well, 3 if you count BOTH Testimony Tour shows from 2003 that were released, plus Morsefest 2014) REALLY amplify how good the music is with a huge band of 8 or 9 players, including a dedicated guitarist and bassist.

As an MP fan, when Testimony 2 was announced, I was REALLY excited to see what the first Post-DT album would be like for him, and I'd have to say, I really enjoyed his playing on that one. There's a lot of good grooves on T2, and the whole band seems to feel very tight on that one as well. Neal's been hitting them out of the park every since then, giving us four straight albums of amazing music! It'll be fun to see what the Neal Morse band will do next (though that probably won't come out until 2019...).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on March 04, 2017, 03:15:37 AM
T2 is my favorite solo album by Neal. It flows magnificently well, it works as a concept album but the songs are also great to listen to when taken out of context. The Truth will set you free, It's for you, Nighttime collector, Mercy street, Time changer... So many great songs. And then there's Seeds of gold, one of his two or three best songs. Even the two average short songs on disc 2 can't drag the album down.

There are only two short songs on Disk 2, and one is the greatest song ever - Supernatural - so I'm not sure what disk you mean? 

:)  :)   I'm kidding with you (though I LOVE "Supernatural").
Kudos to you, man, no irony. I wish I loved it as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on March 04, 2017, 02:37:49 PM
Just a point to the two "Testimony" albums; it IS one of his more preachy works - I don't personally have a problem with that, but I understand why some might - but that's the point of a "testimony".  It's not named that for shits and giggles; it's a thing.  Some people believe that part of being "born again" requires you to "testify", that is, speak - some say "preach" - of your conversion.  That is a "testimony".    You sort of can't have one without the other. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 05, 2017, 12:51:30 PM
Just a point to the two "Testimony" albums; it IS one of his more preachy works - I don't personally have a problem with that, but I understand why some might - but that's the point of a "testimony".  It's not named that for shits and giggles; it's a thing.  Some people believe that part of being "born again" requires you to "testify", that is, speak - some say "preach" - of your conversion.  That is a "testimony".    You sort of can't have one without the other.

I understand that completely. The difference between 1 and 2 though is songs like Sing it High, Rejoice or Oh Lord My God. I feel that on T2 the message of those songs is more absorbed into songs about life in general. Although it has to be said that on T2 the feeling of rejoice is not really a part of the story, like it ends after part 4 on T1, chronologically.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 05, 2017, 08:38:26 PM
When asked about The Great Nothing on the FB thing yesterday, Eric Gillette admitted to never having heard that song, and seemed a bit clueless about it in general, so unless he was displaying a major poker face, we can probably rule that out as being something they'll play at Morsefest this year.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 06, 2017, 03:40:06 PM
Is The Light the best Neal piece ever? Every time I listen to it, I think he hit it right out of the park with Spock's Beard's first song on their first album. I feel this way with All Of The Above. Naysayers always point out they don't like Neal's voice but he has a lot of character, same with Roine Stolt, and James LaBrie, and that matters more to me overall.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 06, 2017, 03:51:39 PM
When asked about The Great Nothing on the FB thing yesterday, Eric Gillette admitted to never having heard that song, and seemed a bit clueless about it in general, so unless he was displaying a major poker face, we can probably rule that out as being something they'll play at Morsefest this year.

It's always possible that Neal could get Al to come back as he played at Morsefest 2014, so that's a possibility in terms of covering "The Great Nothing". I still say that "The Water" would be hilarious in that he's done "The Light" and "Go The Way You Go" already, so "The Water" would be next, just to cover the whole first album (well, and "On The Edge", too). Maybe MP can sing the FU section?  :lol

As far rare epics, Neal has been dishing them out at Morsefest, especially last year with the TGE B-sides and "A Whole 'Nother Trip". Actually, now that I think about it, a performance of "Starless" would be pretty fitting, as both a call-back to the Lifeline sessions (when it was recorded, tho not released), and as a tribute to John. Neal's played a few of the Morse/Portnoy/George covers over the years, but "Starless" would be a huge treat. I know, I know, a lot of fans will say "But Neal has SO MUCH of his own material to play!", but that didn't stop them from doing "MacArthur Park" in 2015, so it's a possibility.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 06, 2017, 06:53:47 PM
I think you need to give up, regarding Lifeline. :lol :lol  The album isn't that good, which is obviously why Neal skipped over it.  Expecting them to nonetheless play a bunch of tracks from it to acknowledge it is totally unrealistic. :P

Is The Light the best Neal piece ever? Every time I listen to it, I think he hit it right out of the park with Spock's Beard's first song on their first album. I feel this way with All Of The Above. Naysayers always point out they don't like Neal's voice but he has a lot of character, same with Roine Stolt, and James LaBrie, and that matters more to me overall.

I think The Light and All of the Above are two of Neal's best epics ever, without a doubt.  It'd hard to compare his long epics to the shorter songs, but as far as long epics go, those are two of the best.

And I totally agree, re: Neal's voice.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 06, 2017, 09:26:34 PM
I think you need to give up, regarding Lifeline. :lol :lol  The album isn't that good, which is obviously why Neal skipped over it.  Expecting them to nonetheless play a bunch of tracks from it to acknowledge it is totally unrealistic. :P

I haaaaave, kind of, because Neal's obviously given up on it for Morsefest, though I still maintain that he will play, at the very least, "So Many Roads". Hearing anything else would be interesting, though as I was saying, if they DID play anything else, I'd at least wouldn't mind "Starless", both as a "hey, sorry we skipped our most mediocre album, so here's a cover" and as a "here's our tribute to John Wetton". It would certainly also fit the bill as being a rarely played song (because he's NEVER played it live before!).

Is The Light the best Neal piece ever? Every time I listen to it, I think he hit it right out of the park with Spock's Beard's first song on their first album. I feel this way with All Of The Above. Naysayers always point out they don't like Neal's voice but he has a lot of character, same with Roine Stolt, and James LaBrie, and that matters more to me overall.

I'm so glad you listed Roine Stolt here. Next to Neal, Roine feels like the Swedish flagship progger of the 90's "Come back" prog band surge. I also put him and Neal together as two voices that are both so full of heart and emotion, but can also be hard to get into. On top of all that, they're both VERY prolific (well, Roine WAS, but he's slowed down a lot in the last ten years), fantastic multi-instrumentalists, and as you say, great vocalists as well. All of that makes Transatlantic one of my favorite bands of all time because their work together, both in the writing and performing aspects, is truly inspiring. I truly hope they all find the time to do at least one more Transatlantic album, then we can have a SOLID five-album-run from a tremendous band!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 10, 2017, 06:32:41 AM
Going back to The Grand Experiment recently, I realized I just don't like the album as much as other NM albums. The Call is a great song, but middle songs are just not doing it for me, from silly, corny melodies, to plain boring music; and I'm feeling Neal's music right now. The epic Alive Again is cool, I still need to digest more (I only listened to the TGE twice when it came out) but I don't know if it's even top 15 Neal Morse related epic, we'll see. Overall TGE is down there with Lifeline for me right now as an album, I have mixed feelings about the other singers, particularly one, I'm not sure which one, though, but he sings most of the lead vocals on TSoaD besides Neal, and I find them better on that album than TGE.

I'm so glad you listed Roine Stolt here. Next to Neal, Roine feels like the Swedish flagship progger of the 90's "Come back" prog band surge. I also put him and Neal together as two voices that are both so full of heart and emotion, but can also be hard to get into. On top of all that, they're both VERY prolific (well, Roine WAS, but he's slowed down a lot in the last ten years), fantastic multi-instrumentalists, and as you say, great vocalists as well. All of that makes Transatlantic one of my favorite bands of all time because their work together, both in the writing and performing aspects, is truly inspiring. I truly hope they all find the time to do at least one more Transatlantic album, then we can have a SOLID five-album-run from a tremendous band!

-Marc.

Roine is great, and I started up Transatlantic's discography yesterday with SMPT:e and Bridge Across Forever right now. Neal dominates the vocals on the first two TA albums, but when Roine is singing lead, it adds much more color to the music, like on My New World, or Duel With The Devil. Roine and Neal split vocal duties more equally on the later two TA albums, with more input from Mike and Pete (admittedly I've only listened to Kaleidoscope twice, both back in 2014! so I'm excited to hear it again with fresh ears so my memory of the music might be hazy.)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 10, 2017, 09:52:22 AM
Watching this right now for review

(https://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah58/jorge_pozo1/51571AF8-13D7-4D27-AEF6-6AF08D8BAD93_zpsjrjegxsw.png) (https://s1377.photobucket.com/user/jorge_pozo1/media/51571AF8-13D7-4D27-AEF6-6AF08D8BAD93_zpsjrjegxsw.png.html)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 10, 2017, 11:25:19 AM
Cool! Can you post your thoughts on here afterwards? Really looking forward to this set. (Possibly even more so to the Snow Live Morsefest 2016 set, but that might take a while. Although that ball is possibly in SB's court, instead of Neal putting it on his agenda)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on March 10, 2017, 11:41:58 AM
Cool! Can you post your thoughts on here afterwards? Really looking forward to this set. (Possibly even more so to the Snow Live Morsefest 2016 set, but that might take a while. Although that ball is possibly in SB's court, instead of Neal putting it on his AGENDA!)

Fixed for Neal.

Also, my uneducated guess (read: hope) is that Morsefest 16 will be available to buy first at Morsefest this year, and then come out for real later that month (September). Total speculation, though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 10, 2017, 03:45:53 PM
Cool! Can you post your thoughts on here afterwards? Really looking forward to this set. (Possibly even more so to the Snow Live Morsefest 2016 set, but that might take a while. Although that ball is possibly in SB's court, instead of Neal putting it on his AGENDA!)

Fixed for Neal.

Also, my uneducated guess (read: hope) is that Morsefest 16 will be available to buy first at Morsefest this year, and then come out for real later that month (September). Total speculation, though.

That would be awesome, but they'd have the start working on MorseFest 2016 stuff soon since Neal and others would have to review the footage and audio over a few months, but Neal will be recording FC3 in the next couple months, then preparing for the summer TSOAD shows and MorseFest 2017, so...we can hope and pray that there's time for it!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 10, 2017, 04:50:21 PM
Cool! Can you post your thoughts on here afterwards? Really looking forward to this set. (Possibly even more so to the Snow Live Morsefest 2016 set, but that might take a while. Although that ball is possibly in SB's court, instead of Neal putting it on his agenda)

Sure, I will post them here.

I finished watching the two videos. I am downloading the documentary right mow
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 14, 2017, 06:48:27 AM
Just wanted to comment and say "Snow" does nothing for me. I listened to it again, and couldn't wait for it to be over. Not one track makes me want to go back. It's so bland to my ears.

On the other hand, I also went through the first 3 Transatlantic albums, hanging on every note. The Whirlwind might just be the crowning achievement of the 4 members of TA; well maybe Mike was part of Scenes but it's not a perfect recording, and Images is dated. Actually, Octavarium might be a better epic than The Whirlwind, but only by a little bit. Neal, Roine, and Pete have been part of, and created, some magical music over the years, but they just did something 'more' with The Whirlwind, just seems like everything came together perfectly. The sound of the recording, the production, the energy, and the actual music itself sounds so inspired, there is no let down, no slow moments, no boring parts. Albums like The Whirlwind only come around once in a while, though 2009 was a good year for prog rock.

Listening to Kaleidoscope now, and I wasn't into it when it came out since I was not listening to prog at the time, and I only listened twice, but I recalled a few cool moments. Well now that I'm listening with fresh ears and having gone through just about all of Neal Morse-related albums now, I'm really digging this one. I won't say it's better than The Whirlwind, but it's on par with the first 2 albums, maybe not as good, but this still needs to sink in. It's definitely better than Snow! and I'm enjoying it a lot more than The Grand Experiment or the last Flower Kings album from a few years ago. The opening epic Into The Blue is a interesting epic, it gets pretty heavy for TA, but has a cool, laid back middle section. The part with Daniel singing is nice, and the ending is climatic, I'll definitely need to revisit this one. The two ballads are fine, Shine is nice enough. Black As The Sky is like the 3rd non-epic, non-ballad tune fro Transatlantic, am I right??? Well it's a cool tune. I wouldn't mind seeing a TA album with a few 5-10 minute songs, maybe one ballad, and then a big 30+ minute epic, just to mix it up. OK the title track for Kaleidoscope has started, here we go!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 14, 2017, 03:11:28 PM
What live albums are good to get? I don't have any, and have only heard the live Transatlantic album, Whirld Tour 2010.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 14, 2017, 03:39:02 PM
What live albums are good to get? I don't have any, and have only heard the live Transatlantic album, Whirld Tour 2010.

Neal Morse (solo): I think his latest band is the best one. So if you like his latest work you'd want to get Alive Again
Transatlantic: Sure KaLiveoscope is way better recorded than older releases, but Live In Europe remains my favourite live record of TA, possibly because it got released just before I got into the band. The Beatles medley is great, and it has Stranger, All of the Above, My New World and Duel.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 14, 2017, 05:55:02 PM
What live albums are good to get? I don't have any, and have only heard the live Transatlantic album, Whirld Tour 2010.

Neal Morse (solo): I think his latest band is the best one. So if you like his latest work you'd want to get Alive Again
Transatlantic: Sure KaLiveoscope is way better recorded than older releases, but Live In Europe remains my favourite live record of TA, possibly because it got released just before I got into the band. The Beatles medley is great, and it has Stranger, All of the Above, My New World and Duel.

What Nihil said, but for solo Morse stuff, I also have to put Testimony 2 Live In LA out there as well, especially if you love the T2 album. The live rendition of "Seeds Of Gold" is amazing, as well as songs from all of his previous post-SB solo albums except ?.

The Live Momentum album also has a pretty decent mix of material old and then-new.

Honestly, it just depends on what you like the most from Neal's music. Just look at the tracklists, and get which ever live album has the most songs you like. Recording quality is pretty good from all of them, though the newer ones DO sound a bit better because of just how much better technology has gotten.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 15, 2017, 12:54:57 AM
Welllll, and the NMB is technically a lot better than previous bands. The T1 band was ok, the SS band sub par, after that it starts building up. I agree that the Live Momentum band is good too, but in my memory (I haven't watched that in ages) the T2 band wasn't that tight either.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on March 20, 2017, 01:15:44 PM
Those looking at Morsefest 2015:

Amazon has the 2 DVD, 4 CD pack for 29.99 now (previous best was Best Buy at 32.99).
Blu Ray edition is also 17.05 right now.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 20, 2017, 01:17:16 PM
I preordered the Blu-ray from Amazon.  I forgot the price (it was with a larger order), but it had to be around $17.00 or so.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 20, 2017, 03:46:26 PM
Wow. So that's 47 dollars in total for you guys. It's over 80 dollars at my local store.
I'll buy it at the show btw. Could be just as expensive, but it's nice to know the money gets where it belongs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 22, 2017, 10:22:34 AM
The move to Raleigh has me way behind in some areas, so I rectified that with an Amazon order.

The Neal Morse Band - Similitudes of a Dream

Blu-rays:

The Neal Morse Band - Alive Again
Neal Morse -  Morsefest 2014
Neal Morse - Morsefest 2015 (preorder - should have it this week sometime)

So far I have watched Alive Again and it was fantastic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 22, 2017, 05:32:46 PM
That's an excellent haul. :tup :tup

I haven't listened to Neal lately, so I had forgotten that the Morsefest Blu-Ray was coming out so soon until I get an email from amazon the DVD about it delivering this week. Woohoo.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 22, 2017, 08:11:09 PM
Yeah, I too have taken a break from Morse music lately (because Genesis has been dominating my listening everywhere I go - at home, in the car, at work), but getting the Morsefest 2015 DVDs this weekend will be a good treat, especially since I'll have off on Saturday and Sunday! I cannot wait to watch them! :metal

BTW - I read the IC Newsletter the other day and Neal had said he's been writing new stuff on his break between legs of the Road Called Home tour, some of which was proggy, and others in the singer-songwriter style, but he doesn't know where this material will go. I *really* hope the proggy stuff eventually finds a home in Transatlantic's fifth album. I kind of hope that maybe, JUST MAYBE, Morsefest 2017 will feature a TA reunion on one of the nights, which could lead into a writing session with Pete and Roine because I think Mike is off to do more Shattered Fortress shows not long after Morsefest. I'd love to see TA reconvene after Morsefest just to get  Neal in that super-proggy mood, and have him up to full performance standards of playing, which could positively affect his writing. Ah well... I can dream...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on March 23, 2017, 01:35:10 AM
I don't think they'll start a writing session in TA without MP, honestly. After all *HE* started the band, it's *HIS* band and none of the things *YOU* said are *CONFIRMED* (sorry, couldn't resist)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 24, 2017, 04:30:42 PM
I came home from work to find Morsefest 2015 waiting for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 24, 2017, 06:07:45 PM
I came home from work to find Morsefest 2015 waiting for me.

(https://cdn.meme.am/instances/500x/57630982/patrick-swayze-ghost-ditto.jpg)

 :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 24, 2017, 07:48:55 PM
I actually held it, today, at my local record store. I promised myself to wait two weeks to get it at the show though. Difficult decision for someone who's bought most of NM's latest stuff on release day. Can't wait to see it!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 24, 2017, 08:18:42 PM
I am still working my way through the bluray of Morsefest 2014, which I just got as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on March 25, 2017, 03:36:21 AM
That's a lot of Morse goodness  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 25, 2017, 08:04:31 AM
Those who have received and watched their MF15 copies (DVD and or BR) what do you think about the graphics (visual effects) added to Sola Scriptura. They are very well done, thumps up to Christian Rios. I just think that they add nothing to the visual experience of the DVD/BR watcher, and I found them distracting. I am sure it was a totally different experience to those who watched them at the show live. What are your thoughts?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 25, 2017, 11:36:03 PM
So I've spent the better part of my night watching Neal Morse - Morsefest 2015 (both DVDs) and currently watching the new Inner Circle DVD, Commentary On A Dream Part 2.

Morsefest 2015 - WOW, another stellar production, it'd be hard to pick which set was more impressive - ? or SS - but overall, I think this whole set is just as good as Morsefest 2014 was.

One question tho - the packaging says the Behind The Scenes should be on DVD 1 and the "Prog Jeopardy" on DVD 2, but my discs have the BTS documentary on DVD 2, and no "Prog Jeopardy". Is this a production flaw, or am I missing something?

As for the Commentary On A Dream Part 2 - it's great to hear the second half of Neal's thoughts on the album, his feelings about his "battle" with Mike, 11th-Hour changes to the album just as Rich was finishing the mix, and other random tidbits that really reveal a lot about the album!

Back to Morsefest - I really hope that Morsefest 2016 comes out before the end of the year as I have been craving to see the Snow performance (though the European performance of it on YouTube, in its entirety, is pretty spectacular).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on March 27, 2017, 07:27:17 AM
The move to Raleigh has me way behind in some areas, so I rectified that with an Amazon order.

The Neal Morse Band - Similitudes of a Dream

Blu-rays:

The Neal Morse Band - Alive Again
Neal Morse -  Morsefest 2014
Neal Morse - Morsefest 2015 (preorder - should have it this week sometime)

So far I have watched Alive Again and it was fantastic.

How was Alive Again? Morsefest 2014 was amazing and I haven't had a chance to watch 15 yet. Looks like most of the songs from the Grand Experiment are on MF 2015 except Alive Again.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 27, 2017, 03:47:02 PM
The move to Raleigh has me way behind in some areas, so I rectified that with an Amazon order.

The Neal Morse Band - Similitudes of a Dream

Blu-rays:

The Neal Morse Band - Alive Again
Neal Morse -  Morsefest 2014
Neal Morse - Morsefest 2015 (preorder - should have it this week sometime)

So far I have watched Alive Again and it was fantastic.

How was Alive Again? Morsefest 2014 was amazing and I haven't had a chance to watch 15 yet. Looks like most of the songs from the Grand Experiment are on MF 2015 except Alive Again.

Well on Morsefest 2015, they played 2 B-sides ("MacArthur Park" and "New Jerusalem"), as well as three of the four album tracks, so there's a good amount of music from TGE to hear! If you really want to hear just "Alive Again", maybe you can buy just an mp3 of it from Alive Again? Or just cave and buy both sets - I believe Alive Again doesn't go for much since it's just a 2CD/1DVD set anyway.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 27, 2017, 09:04:11 PM
Those who have received and watched their MF15 copies (DVD and or BR) what do you think about the graphics (visual effects) added to Sola Scriptura. They are very well done, thumps up to Christian Rios. I just think that they add nothing to the visual experience of the DVD/BR watcher, and I found them distracting. I am sure it was a totally different experience to those who watched them at the show live. What are your thoughts?

I only watched a little of The Conflict thus far (I hope to give the full Blu-rays a watch in the next week or so), but I thought those effects were...odd.  I don't need all of the lyrics on the screen like that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 28, 2017, 01:27:57 AM
Those who have received and watched their MF15 copies (DVD and or BR) what do you think about the graphics (visual effects) added to Sola Scriptura. They are very well done, thumps up to Christian Rios. I just think that they add nothing to the visual experience of the DVD/BR watcher, and I found them distracting. I am sure it was a totally different experience to those who watched them at the show live. What are your thoughts?

I only watched a little of The Conflict thus far (I hope to give the full Blu-rays a watch in the next week or so), but I thought those effects were...odd.  I don't need all of the lyrics on the screen like that.

I'm a little indifferent to them. It's a bit cheesy, if you ask me, but it looked like Neal had the lyrics up on the screen behind Mike for most of the songs on both nights, I guess so those in attendance could sing along? *shrug*

As for putting them on screen for the home video release, it's a bit of an odd decision, but I can understand why they'd include that from a certain artistic point of view. The album, both musically and even lyrically, are very in-your-face and very bold, heavy, and hard, so having the words right up front could be seen as powerful and demanding of attention, which seems to fit the album of Sola Scriptura pretty well.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 28, 2017, 05:12:45 AM
Those who have received and watched their MF15 copies (DVD and or BR) what do you think about the graphics (visual effects) added to Sola Scriptura. They are very well done, thumps up to Christian Rios. I just think that they add nothing to the visual experience of the DVD/BR watcher, and I found them distracting. I am sure it was a totally different experience to those who watched them at the show live. What are your thoughts?

I only watched a little of The Conflict thus far (I hope to give the full Blu-rays a watch in the next week or so), but I thought those effects were...odd.  I don't need all of the lyrics on the screen like that.

I'm a little indifferent to them. It's a bit cheesy, if you ask me, but it looked like Neal had the lyrics up on the screen behind Mike for most of the songs on both nights, I guess so those in attendance could sing along? *shrug*

As for putting them on screen for the home video release, it's a bit of an odd decision, but I can understand why they'd include that from a certain artistic point of view. The album, both musically and even lyrically, are very in-your-face and very bold, heavy, and hard, so having the words right up front could be seen as powerful and demanding of attention, which seems to fit the album of Sola Scriptura pretty well.

-Marc.

I think it was a good idea to have the lyrics and the animations LIVE during the concert at the time it was filmed. But they choose to include them at the beginning of the concert and then some bolt and lightnings coming from their chest that was totally unnecessary IMO
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 28, 2017, 08:39:06 AM
The move to Raleigh has me way behind in some areas, so I rectified that with an Amazon order.

The Neal Morse Band - Similitudes of a Dream

Blu-rays:

The Neal Morse Band - Alive Again
Neal Morse -  Morsefest 2014
Neal Morse - Morsefest 2015 (preorder - should have it this week sometime)

So far I have watched Alive Again and it was fantastic.

How was Alive Again? Morsefest 2014 was amazing and I haven't had a chance to watch 15 yet. Looks like most of the songs from the Grand Experiment are on MF 2015 except Alive Again.
Alive Again was a really great watch.  Fantastic.

In the middle of the title track, the band does a Nightmare Cinema-type switching of instruments.  Those are some outstanding musicians, they can all play anything (except Portnoy, who stuck to drums & bass).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on March 28, 2017, 09:36:40 AM
Grabbed Morsefest 2015 on iTunes, enjoying it so far :tup. Interesting to hear some of the other NMB guys contribute vocals in the Whirlwind medley.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on April 02, 2017, 02:20:16 AM

Saw the show in Malm yesterday and KB was packed. Great response from the audience.
The band was on fire....
It was soo great! The album is good but seeing it live takes it to another level.
Was about 6 meters back from the stage but got good views of all members of the band and really rocked out.
Had a great moment in I'm running when for quite a while Neal and I jumped like maniacs locking eyes and smiling at each other. Good times...
Seemed like the band really enjoyed the show and the audience too... everyone I talked to afterwards was really exited.
Would see the show again if I could...

One of the best shows I have seen.... do not miss this if you have a chance to see it!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on April 02, 2017, 02:47:55 AM
Seeing them tonight!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on April 02, 2017, 06:09:32 AM
Seeing them tonight!

Have a great time tonight!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: the keyboard wizard on April 02, 2017, 03:42:48 PM
For those living near Luxemburg (French, Luxemburgers, Germans, Belgians or Dutch), the French and the Benelux chapters of Dream Theater official fan club are doing a contest to win two tickets for the Neal Morse Band concert at the Rockhal (Esch sur Alzette, Luxemburg) on April the 4th:
https://www.facebook.com/DreamTheaterBenelux/posts/912934152142372
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on April 02, 2017, 04:53:21 PM
That was awesome! Go check this show out cause it's the best Neal Morse show I've been to. The album shines live, the stage looks cool (the lighting guy did a great job!), and the encores work well. Tilburg was amazing. A lot of cameras surrounding the stage too btw. Could be a future Inner Circle release. Looking forward to that, the band outdid themselves.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 03, 2017, 09:08:52 AM
Just finished the Morsefest 2014 Bluray over the weekend.  Just tremendous.  Now on to the 2015 edition.

Really looking forward to seeing them at ROSFest in May.  I assume they will be doing Similitude of a Dream in its entirety?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on April 03, 2017, 11:04:54 AM
Finished disk 1 of Morsefest 2015. While it was good it was easily my least favorite of the Morsefest releases. 2014 was just so powerful. Will try to get to disk 2 of 2015 over the next couple of weeks.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 03, 2017, 07:05:52 PM
That was awesome! Go check this show out cause it's the best Neal Morse show I've been to. The album shines live, the stage looks cool (the lighting guy did a great job!), and the encores work well. Tilburg was amazing. A lot of cameras surrounding the stage too btw. Could be a future Inner Circle release. Looking forward to that, the band outdid themselves.

Oooh, I'd love to get that Tilburg show on DVD through the Inner Circle! Looking at the setlist on setlist.fm, it looks like you guys got the extra-special LONG encore, with all 4 songs that have been rotated throughout this tour. Mike and Neal certainly know how to treat the Tilburg crowd! A lot of shows have only been getting 2 of the encore songs, 3 if they're lucky, but you got all four, so consider yourself super special! That alone would make a pending IC release even better!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 03, 2017, 07:08:49 PM
Yeah, give all of the encores to the town that gets to see them all the time, while those who rarely or never do get a shorter one.  That makes sense.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on April 03, 2017, 09:45:03 PM
Yeah, give all of the encores to the town that gets to see them all the time, while those who rarely or never do get a shorter one.  That makes sense.

To be fair. The show we saw in StL had what....300 people there? Yeah the venue was sold out essentially but it was a small venue. Just saw pics of the Tilburg crowd and I'd say there was easily 2500 people there. I'd say that's a (4) encore worthy crowd cuz I'm sure if that many folks are showing up they are making some noise.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on April 04, 2017, 12:55:16 AM
Yeah, the venue seats 3100, the balcony was closed, but apart from that there wasn't a lot of room left, so 2500 would be a safe estimate. Giving such a crowd the 4 songs that have been rotating anyway doesn't seem like a lot of effort. The crowd loved it too.

I was standing right next to Rich btw, great stuff to see that man work.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nachtmerrie on April 04, 2017, 12:00:58 PM
Fantastic evening in Tilburg.

Best concert I've ever seen. I absolutely love the album from day 1 but the live show (with light and visuals) took it to the next level.
I'm deeply impressed by the intensity of their performance both the music and the vocals.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 04, 2017, 05:50:09 PM
Yeah, give all of the encores to the town that gets to see them all the time, while those who rarely or never do get a shorter one.  That makes sense.

To be fair. The show we saw in StL had what....300 people there? Yeah the venue was sold out essentially but it was a small venue. Just saw pics of the Tilburg crowd and I'd say there was easily 2500 people there. I'd say that's a (4) encore worthy crowd cuz I'm sure if that many folks are showing up they are making some noise.

To be fair, the show we saw was magnificent and I couldn't have been any happier. 

I just hate this idea that certain cities almost always get the extra stuff.  Not that I think our crappy little town in the Midwest deserves more :lol, but why not do a little extra for the cities you are visiting for the first time ever or in a while, rather than giving more to a city that sees you every tour.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on April 05, 2017, 12:49:28 AM
Been digging into a lot of live Neal Morse stuff lately, the Morsefest 2015 bluray so far has been excellent and still have a long way to go to finish it. Already placed my order for Morsefest 2014 and hope to catch up with 2015 before that arrives. I'm seriously thinking of making the trip to Morsefest 2017 this year in Sept, fingers crossed I'm able to make it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on April 05, 2017, 12:26:30 PM
Yeah, give all of the encores to the town that gets to see them all the time, while those who rarely or never do get a shorter one.  That makes sense.

To be fair. The show we saw in StL had what....300 people there? Yeah the venue was sold out essentially but it was a small venue. Just saw pics of the Tilburg crowd and I'd say there was easily 2500 people there. I'd say that's a (4) encore worthy crowd cuz I'm sure if that many folks are showing up they are making some noise.

To be fair, the show we saw was magnificent and I couldn't have been any happier. 

I just hate this idea that certain cities almost always get the extra stuff.  Not that I think our crappy little town in the Midwest deserves more :lol, but why not do a little extra for the cities you are visiting for the first time ever or in a while, rather than giving more to a city that sees you every tour.

Yeah, you do have a point, I know. I'm just too lucky to have the 013 nd the Boerderij, Zoetermeer within a 2 hour drive. Both are great prog podia. And even my local venue (Hedon, Zwolle) is supporting prog every now and then.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on April 06, 2017, 10:38:58 AM
Hi Everybody.

I'm Mick!

I have lurked in the shadows of this forum and particularly this thread for months.  I am of course a DT fan.  but......i am a bigger Neal Morse fan.

Back story I got into Neal via Transatlantic.  i had heard Portnoy had a side bad/supergroup.  so this is a weird thing.  instead of buying an album.  i strangely opted for the Whirlwind tour DVD.

i Immediately clicked with the band but Neal in particular.  there something so charismatic about this guy.  i found i just wanted the Camera on him, lol

Soooooo......off to google i went.  found he was first in Spock's beard.  Youtubed some songs.  loved them bought The Light.

Was completely blown away.  Sparing the details of each i bought each neal era album loved them all......mostly.  snow....not so much love.

i delved into solo Neal.  Full Disclosure being an atheist.  took me a while to get my footing with it.

Does not bother me now.

I could go on but i've rambled enough.


My top 10 Neal Albums/projects involving Neal

1. Similtude of a Dream
2. Sola Scriptura
3. ?
4. The Light
5. Testimony 2
6. V
7. The Kindness of Strangers
8. Bridge Across Forever
9. The Whirlwind
10. Momentum

So sorry for rambling but i love Neal. :heart  top 5 artist.

Mick
 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on April 06, 2017, 11:32:58 AM
Welcome Mick! Neal has solidified a spot in my top 5 as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 06, 2017, 12:03:12 PM
Welcome, Mick!

That's a great top 10, although mine would be a bit different.  Neal has so much great stuff, though, so that is splitting hairs.

Post away!!! :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on April 06, 2017, 12:04:06 PM
I'll repost what I wrote on the mp.com forum
Thanks to the Morsefest 2015 release, I've gone on a NM listening binge and realized that Momentum and The Grand Experiment are fantastic albums. I used to not care for Sola Scriptura but really love it now. I think honestly after following the first 3-4 releases (Testimony to Sola Scriptura) I got a little fatigued with the enormous amount of NM solo releases and gave more time other albums (TA, FC) It's great to be able to get back to this material.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on April 06, 2017, 01:07:53 PM
Thanks For the welcome guys!!

This thread has been pulling me closer to posting for weeks now.

I also have to say i've loved Morsefest 2015.  it helps that it's two of my fav albums as well.

not to say i didn't enjoy 2014.  but one and Testimony are lower tier albums for me.  both a tad bloated and not as musically interesting.  to me anyway.

Mick
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on April 06, 2017, 02:32:44 PM
Welcome aboard, Mick. Great top 10, very brave to place the new album at number one.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on April 06, 2017, 02:39:37 PM
Welcome aboard, Mick. Great top 10, very brave to place the new album at number one.  :tup

it took a while to get there.

but wow is it phenomenal!!

i'm constantly amazed at the consistency of Neal's work.  and to me he outdid himself here.

it's also great that the new album is a band feel.  with more of Eric Bill and Mike being involved.

Mick
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on April 06, 2017, 11:39:57 PM
Speaking of that, I think we should really give a hand to the tremendous Bill Hubauer. What a fantastic asset to the band! Vocalist, keyboardist, violinist, saxophonist and even a guitarist when needed. I'm impressed. :clap:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on April 06, 2017, 11:42:23 PM
Welcome Mick. Do you know what, your quote on Neal being a top 5 artist, made me think what mine would be. And I think Neal and Zappa are my two favourite artists. Both very, very different, for different moods and times, but both with an amazing output of mostly consistent material. Both really hit the spot for me. Never thought about it that way. Thanks for making me :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on April 07, 2017, 08:46:53 AM
Welcome Mick. Do you know what, your quote on Neal being a top 5 artist, made me think what mine would be. And I think Neal and Zappa are my two favourite artists. Both very, very different, for different moods and times, but both with an amazing output of mostly consistent material. Both really hit the spot for me. Never thought about it that way. Thanks for making me :)

Zappa another biggie.

slightly off topic i think my top 5 aetists may be

1. Tom Waits
2. Zappa
3. Captain Beefheart
4. Neal Morse
5. Billy Joel (Long Island boy here, lol

but yea Neal hitd a spot in me that's just right.  it's the melodies.  the arrangements.  even the lyrics even though he and are are onopposite sides belief wise.

Mick
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on April 07, 2017, 10:39:43 AM
Kudos for having Captain Beefheart so high, I'm an enormous fan of his art. And probably one of the very few on this board.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 07, 2017, 05:59:42 PM

but yea Neal hitd a spot in me that's just right.  it's the melodies.  the arrangements.  even the lyrics even though he and are are onopposite sides belief wise.


It's always nice to see a fan who doesn't get hung up on lyrics that they don't agree with.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 08, 2017, 06:46:32 AM
Just finished disc 1 of the Morsefest 2015 bluray.

Holy crap.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on April 08, 2017, 08:18:34 AM
Yeah I'm still not done with the first disc but it's been amazing so far. I think I have another hour left on the first disc. Those 3 tracks that were never played live before are fantastic to watch and listen. The sound on this bluray is excellent. I just got done with watching the entire Kaliveoscope start to finish along with the bonus tracks which is 3 hours.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on April 08, 2017, 09:17:20 AM
I LOVE morsefest 2015.

A bunch more than 2014.  not that 2014 was bad.  not at all.   it just showcased 2 lower tier albums to me.

Sola and ? are numbers 2 and 3 for me.  and hearing them in full was a dream come true for.  particularly the sola night.

i men wow. and the ENCORES on the sola night.

but actually the biggest impact this set had was making me finally click with A Whole Nother trip.  I knew it.  but it just got lost in the crowd of Neal epics.  man it may be top 10 now.

Mick
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 09, 2017, 07:35:12 AM
It's splitting hairs, but I tend to think of A Whole Nother Trip as a more of a suite, a collection of songs, rather than an epic, similar to The Healing Colors of Sound in that regard.  To me, Neal's 10 best epics from any of his bands are (not counting ? and The Whirlwind, which are obviously concept albums with many songs, not single songs):

The Light
The Doorway
Flow
At the End of the Day
All of the Above
Duel with the Devil
Stranger in Your Soul
The Separated Man
World Without End
Alive Again

I did not include My New World from the first TA album, since that was more of a Roine epic than a Neal one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on April 09, 2017, 08:10:33 AM
Seeds of gold, The Conflict and The Water need to be up there for me.  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on April 09, 2017, 09:29:45 AM
This is tough so many awesome ones

but let me think.

1. The Light
2. The Door
3. Stranger in your Soul (Transatlantic but it's still has Neal as one of the writers)
4. Seeds of Gold
5. Alive Again
6. At The End of the Day
7. The Conflict
8. The Water
9. World Without End
10. The Whirlwind. (a whole album but it counts, lol)

Mick

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on April 09, 2017, 12:43:13 PM
I'm not even trying to rank Neal's epics, I could never do that, I think.

Just wanted to say I just watched A Whole Nother Trip for the first time. I've been waiting for years to see that track being performed, especially It's Allright, that song always seemed like an awesome way to end an epic. Much in the same way as Soon at the end of The Gates Of Delirium by Yes, or even the end of The Flower Kings' I Am The Sun. An introvert way to end an epic. It did not disappoint. That couple of minutes alone is worth the entire MorseFest set. (Even with the backing vocals getting the lyrics wrong :lol )
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on April 09, 2017, 12:52:47 PM
I'm not even trying to rank Neal's epics, I could never do that, I think.

Just wanted to say I just watched A Whole Nother Trip for the first time. I've been waiting for years to see that track being performed, especially It's Allright, that song always seemed like an awesome way to end an epic. Much in the same way as Soon at the end of The Gates Of Delirium by Yes, or even the end of The Flower Kings' I Am The Sun. An introvert way to end an epic. It did not disappoint. That couple of minutes alone is worth the entire MorseFest set. (Even with the backing vocals getting the lyrics wrong :lol )

the It's Alright section was always uber Spock's Beard to me.

The Whole epic is but that section in particular.

I love Neal going into child like excitement over the Quica in the live version, lol

I BOUGHT ONE!!!!! lol.. oh Neal

Mick
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on April 09, 2017, 03:08:08 PM
I definitely know my top 5 Neal epics. 6-10 can change at any time.
Of course, I just want to post them all, because they're all great! I still have to check out Neal's first solo album, so I haven't heard Whole Nother Trip yet.

The Whirlwind
All Of The Above
?
Stranger In Your Soul
The Light
Duel With The Devil
The Door
Seeds of Gold
The Creation
World Without End

The Conflict
At The End of The Day
So Many Roads
The Separated Man
The Great Nothing
The Water
Kaleidoscope
Into The Blue
Alive Again
Time Has Come
The Healing Colours of Sound
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on April 09, 2017, 04:26:48 PM
So thanks to Morsefest 2015, that one purchase escalated to a series of live album purchases of the rest of Neal Morse catalog. Got Morsefest 2014, Live Momentum, Testimony 2 Live at LA & Sola scriptura and Beyond... So much live stuff to catch up on.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 11, 2017, 07:24:53 PM
I'm trying to not get too many live DVDs, since I rarely watch the ones I have already.  Having said that, I am thrilled to have Morsefest 2015 now, and the Alive Again one is amazing.  Testimony 2 Live is a mess because of the bad camera angles and that guy in his band who had a loud shirt that is way too distracting.  Momentum Live is good, but I might give that to my brother to keep since he's a big fan, too, and he'd dig it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on April 11, 2017, 08:24:34 PM
..and wound up ordering Alive Again as well... I don't know, I'm like addicted to this live stuff and can't get enough of it right now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 12, 2017, 07:34:32 AM
Finally finished my recent Neal Morse blu-ray purchases (Morsefest 2014 & 2015 and Alive Again).

Holy crap, those are all great, but the Morsefest ones are above and beyond.  The effort involved in putting those shows together, and getting all of those musicians prepped and ready, not only for the two big nights of each weekend but also the Inner Circle acoustic shows and worship services, is unbelievable.

Just truly fantastic collections.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on April 12, 2017, 04:45:14 PM
Indeed truly fantastic, I finally got to finish the complete concert part of Morsefest 2015 and it was an amazing performance  all round. I'm going to start watching Morsefest 2014 now, the preparation for this mammoth 5 hour 2 night show must be something else. Funny how a single bluray purchase (Morsefest 2015) ignited a complete discography listen of Neal Morse, both studio and live.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on April 12, 2017, 04:56:18 PM
I have most of Neal's DVD/Blurays.  Save for Testimony.  the first Testimony live.  which i have seen online.  Pretty flat IMO.  that band was lifeless

but the Morsefest concerts beat them all.

It's the pressence of the Neal Morse Band.  they just elevate this  music.

Mick
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 12, 2017, 05:13:29 PM
I watched the original Testimony Live DVD quite a bit way back when, but with these newer ones being so much better, I doubt I will revisit that one much ever again.  I thought the band was solid, but, yeah, they look pretty mediocre now compared to who he has now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on April 12, 2017, 05:31:37 PM
I actually like the testimony 2 concert/band quite a bit.  but only the audio.

that DVD is a mess.

Mick

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: CrimsonSunrise on April 12, 2017, 09:25:17 PM
So... I recently just got turned on to Neal Morse.  Yeah, I've heard of him and heard his name in different circles, but have never listened to his music until now.  Similitude of a Dream is the first thing I've listened to from him, and is just an outstanding piece of work.  I heard the new DVD was coming out and went ahead and ordered it.   Normally I wouldn't purchase a live performance without "Knowing" the material.  I decided to roll the dice here and was NOT disappointed. The 2015 Morsefest is just incredible.  Especially, for me, the 2nd disc.  The Door...and The Conflict...  WOW!  The rest of disc 2 is spectacular also.  What I didn't know...being new to Neal, is that he is a Christian.  Watching this DVD... and realizing that fact has just added to the experience for me. Next download... Sola Scriptura....
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on April 12, 2017, 10:36:52 PM
I just got done watching the almost 3 hour long night 1 of Morsefest 2014. The performance was just electric and I cannot imagine the energy the crowd felt during that concert. Not a single dull moment. I'll watch night 2 tomorrow. I'm definitely going to try and make it to Morsefest 2017.

Does anyone have any idea if Morsefest 2016 was recorded  to be released on video? I can't imagine it won't be released.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 13, 2017, 08:18:33 AM
BTW, I've gotta say how impressed I was to see Phil Keaggy playing at the 2015 show.  What a completely awesome musician.

The legendary Hendrix quote about him is almost certainly apocryphal, but it's not far off, either.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on April 13, 2017, 09:19:18 AM
I just got done watching the almost 3 hour long night 1 of Morsefest 2014. The performance was just electric and I cannot imagine the energy the crowd felt during that concert. Not a single dull moment. I'll watch night 2 tomorrow. I'm definitely going to try and make it to Morsefest 2017.

Does anyone have any idea if Morsefest 2016 was recorded  to be released on video? I can't imagine it won't be released.

Well yeah, that. Although there might be more red tape involved because of Spock's Beard and NM releasing something together.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on April 13, 2017, 09:26:00 AM
Morsefest 2016 is the one i'm least looking forward to.  oh yeah i'll still buy it.  but Snow have Always been towards the bottom of the pile as far as Neal/The Beard Goes.

plus i know he did other great stuff the 1st night.  and who knows maybe i'll come out liking Snow more after this release.

Mick
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 13, 2017, 05:39:27 PM
So... I recently just got turned on to Neal Morse.  Yeah, I've heard of him and heard his name in different circles, but have never listened to his music until now.  Similitude of a Dream is the first thing I've listened to from him, and is just an outstanding piece of work.  I heard the new DVD was coming out and went ahead and ordered it.   Normally I wouldn't purchase a live performance without "Knowing" the material.  I decided to roll the dice here and was NOT disappointed. The 2015 Morsefest is just incredible.  Especially, for me, the 2nd disc.  The Door...and The Conflict...  WOW!  The rest of disc 2 is spectacular also.  What I didn't know...being new to Neal, is that he is a Christian.  Watching this DVD... and realizing that fact has just added to the experience for me. Next download... Sola Scriptura....

Nice. :tup :tup

Although there might be more red tape involved because of Spock's Beard and NM releasing something together.

I'd be shocked if that were the case.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on April 14, 2017, 01:01:08 AM
Yeah, I don't guess it will cause problems between the band and Neal, but possibly between Radiant and Inside Out, I mean who's gonna be in charge of an album by a band, on a night organised by the ex frontman, with ex-members?
I guess though that Neal still owns Snow's music, so he'd just need an 'ok' from the band to release it. (After making some financial agreements, of course)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on April 14, 2017, 05:05:32 AM
The Stranger in your soul performance on Morsefest 14 is one of the most energetic and entertaining performance I've ever seen of a live song, the section with the instrument switch is hilarious. Eric Gillette's drumming is really good on it. Alive Again arrives today and just in time as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on April 16, 2017, 09:55:51 AM
I never understood the love for Snow. I think it's in the bottom 3 of Neal's albums between his solo/band prog albums and Spock's Beard. It might be his worst, I have no desire to hear it ever again.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on April 16, 2017, 12:28:21 PM
I never understood the love for Snow. I think it's in the bottom 3 of Neal's albums between his solo/band prog albums and Spock's Beard. It might be his worst, I have no desire to hear it ever again.

i hear ya.  it's got some tunes i enjoy.  but it's just bloated and not really interesting

Disc 2 is basically one big reprise, lol

morsefest 2016 is not exciting to me because of Snow.

Mick
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 16, 2017, 06:52:44 PM
I still like Snow a lot, but I almost never listen to it because a) it is sooooooo long, and b) Neal has quite a few albums I like more.  I think the first three TA albums, both NMB albums, at least two of his solo albums and one or two (at least) of his other albums with Spock's, are all better.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on April 17, 2017, 09:13:35 AM
I had not been aware that NMB was doing another round of North America shows. Ticket for NYC acquired :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: CrimsonSunrise on April 17, 2017, 07:22:33 PM
I had not been aware that NMB was doing another round of North America shows. Ticket for NYC acquired :hat

No west coast dates so far :(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 17, 2017, 10:53:27 PM
Re: Snow - I consider Snow to be one of my all-time favorite SB albums, although I'm not sure if it's my ABSOLUTE favorite at this point in my life. It was for the longest time, but I think I've mellowed out on it a bit in recent years, though I think the 2 performances of it may have livened up my love for the album. I guess I am an odd-one-out as far as SB fans, since I don't see many ranking Snow that highly, or perhaps it's just here at DTF, but I love it, front ot back. I love the reprises on disc 2, I love the songs and Neal's singing, the whole band's performances are on fire, and I must have watched the Making Of Snow DVD at least a couple dozen times by now.

Re: Morsefest 2016 - I think I am even MORE excited for this one BECAUSE of Snow. I've watched the European performance of Snow that is on YouTube, which is recorded fairly well for an audience multi-cam (I think it was, at least). Despite a few hiccups, they did really well for performing the whole thing a second time as a 7-man unit. I hope the Morsefest performance was a bit tighter, but I don't recall any attendees saying it wasn't. I like that it wasn't Neal and Nick signing, and that they got Ted and Jimmy to do lead on some songs as well. I'm just excited to (eventually) own a full live performance of one of my all-time favorite albums, and the encore is the perfect icing on the Snow-cake. I really love "Falling For Forever" and it's the perfect way to end such an epic night. I can only imagine how high the emotions were during that evening, but I hope it comes across well on the live video!

As for the rest of Morsefest 2016, I like the idea of the band that Neal put together for the "Storytellers" nice, and the song selections aren't half bad. Nice mix of covers and Neal-related songs - 3 SB songs, 5 FC songs, 1 TA song, and 3 from his solo albums - and a song by Eric Gillette from his first (spectacular) album! Even just on paper, it looks like it was a fun night of jamming and signing (considering the pipes of four of those five). I really hope Morsefest 2016 comes out before the end of the year, maybe in time for Christmas?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on April 18, 2017, 06:08:31 AM
Considering doing the VIP for the St. Paul show. Has anyone done the VIP on this tour? Is it worth the extra $85?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on April 18, 2017, 06:54:39 AM
Considering doing the VIP for the St. Paul show. Has anyone done the VIP on this tour? Is it worth the extra $85?

I'm doing it for the first time ever in Ridgefield.   I don't know what to expect, but I'm giving it a shot.  I got lucky; I'm literally in the front row, it's my birthday the next week, and I'm going by myself, so I figure what better way to kill time before the show?  I'm also going to the Shattered Fortress show a couple weeks later, so there's a lot to look forward to!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on April 18, 2017, 09:06:50 AM
Yeah I was really contemplating going to MorseFest this year but couldn't afford it so I'm probably going to splurge for the VIP. I've never seen Neal Morse and this is probably the best shot I'll get in the foreseeable future so I'm going to treat myself. Plus this show is GA so getting a spot upfront should be almost guaranteed.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PintoZ on April 20, 2017, 01:23:24 PM
Hey guys, here's a cover I did of TSOAD's Overture, I basically overdubbed the song with Horns and Trumpets ;)
And to spice things up I created a video of the band playing the song, entirely made of live footage from 7 different shows !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdEgm_wYMGs
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 20, 2017, 05:51:37 PM
Well done.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nihil-Morari on April 20, 2017, 11:54:59 PM
Great stuff!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 22, 2017, 08:19:49 AM
Cool interview with Bill and Randy:

https://noisefull.com/interviews/neal-morse-band-randy-george-bill-hubauer
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 24, 2017, 09:29:58 PM
A couple of days ago, Neal sent out his Inner Circle newsletter and posted an update regarding Morsefest 2016 Snow Live:

Quote
This is in the process and being worked on now. Rich Mouser is going to begin mixing in May and the video team is beginning their process and we hope to have this release available for you before the end of this year.

Now, it was under the header of "Morsefest 2016 Snow Live" so I am not sure if they just plan on releasing JUST SNOW, or both notes together. As I brought it up before, it would be best if they did both: Release both nights on CD and DVD just as the first two Morsefest box sets have been, a separate BD of both nights, and then sell JUST Snow Live on 2CD/DVD and/or BD, for fans who just want the Snow performance. It might be a bit more costly to produce more, but they might get more sales out of it...maybe. I mean, I'd buy the whole box set anyway, and I hope they release it to be consistent with the first two. I would be pretty bummed out if they decided not to do another box set like that, but I can understand why they wouldn't because neither night was by the Neal Morse Band, but rather a hodge-podge lineup and Spock's Beard.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on May 13, 2017, 05:26:05 PM
I never understood the love for Snow. I think it's in the bottom 3 of Neal's albums between his solo/band prog albums and Spock's Beard. It might be his worst, I have no desire to hear it ever again.

I kind of understand it. "prog concept album" that hadn't been played live.

It's by far my least favorite Neal-related album. The vibe was just so much different that what came before -- a lot less fun too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 13, 2017, 09:09:15 PM
Neal Morse is just simply great!  The last few days I have been addicted to hearing old Beard that I haven't probably listened to in a few years.  The albums "The Light" "V" and "Day For Night".  Such great tunes!!!  I can't believe I didn't discover Neal Morse until sometime between Testimony and One.  I guess I was internet illiterate at the time so I had no way to discover who he was.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 13, 2017, 10:12:40 PM
Better late than never!  :tup :tup

Regarding Snow, while I still like it a lot, I never listen to it anymore.  It's just too damn long. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on August 02, 2017, 10:25:26 AM
Just curious, is there anyone here planning on being at the Neal Morse show in St. Paul on 8/17?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 17, 2017, 11:12:47 AM
Anyone going to the show in Ridgefield, CT on the 25th? 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 18, 2017, 03:58:12 PM
Anyone going to the Baltimore show on the 27th? I'd LOVE to go, but I've been tight on money all summer, and I just attended a convention, and I have another in December I am saving up for, so my budget's been super tight.  :'(

In all my years of being a Neal Morse fan, and having 3 of his bands come through my general area (NMB, FC and TA...I think?) in the last 13-14 years that I've been listening to him, I've never once experienced a live show with him, which is a shame.

Tickets are only $35, which is a STEAL, but it would take me a whole tank of gas to get there and back ($30), and then food, not to mention driving back from Baltimore after 11pm is a pain...*sigh*. Sometimes I wish I lived closer to Baltimore or DC for these things, but I *hate* living in/near the city, but I digress.

If you *ARE* going to the Baltimore show, I envy you all and I hope you have a great time. This is definitely a can't-miss tour, and I suspect that because Baltimore is the last show of the tour before Morsefest, it might be extra special, but who knows...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 18, 2017, 08:14:31 PM
My brother went to the show in Chicago tonight and is like 8 feet from Eric Gillette. He has sent me a few pics to demonstrate this. Bastard.  :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 19, 2017, 10:38:45 AM
Apparently, Neal and the band will be playing for an audience of ONE, since no one else appears to be going to the CT show.  ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on August 22, 2017, 02:02:48 PM
Finally have a chance to post about the St. Paul show. Best. Concert. Ever. I was literally front and center and about 3 feet from the stage. This was my first Neal show and the whole band was on fire. It was quite the experience. Everyone was very nice for the meet and greet. Hopefully I get another chance to see this amazing band, though this show is going to be hard to beat.

I have some great pics, but can't figure out how to add them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on August 22, 2017, 02:42:40 PM
Listening to TSOAD all day at work to get hype for the NYC show tonight :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mebert78 on August 23, 2017, 08:50:08 AM
Great performance last night by the band in NYC.  Probably one of the best shows I've ever been to.  This is the only NM album I own (aside from Transatlantic and Flying Colors), so I was really going in with no expectations.  I was very impressed.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on August 23, 2017, 11:24:52 AM
Great performance last night by the band in NYC.  Probably one of the best shows I've ever been to.  This is the only NM album I own (aside from Transatlantic and Flying Colors), so I was really going in with no expectations.  I was very impressed.

Yeah, the band was pretty on point last night. Only slight disappointment was the one song encore (although it did allow me to catch an earlier bus, so not all bad).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 23, 2017, 05:41:56 PM
Good to see everyone enjoying the shows.  :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on August 23, 2017, 06:04:58 PM
Tomorrow night for the wife and I!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mebert78 on August 24, 2017, 09:43:32 AM
I enjoyed the NYC show so much, I was thinking of driving to see the CT show tomorrow.  I probably won't, but I might!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on August 24, 2017, 06:41:53 PM
Listening to TSOAD all day at work to get hype for the NYC show tonight :hat

I'm listening now for the weekend as I'd stopped for a while.

I forgot about most of the fusion on here. Been a good two months since it got any attention.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Herrick on August 25, 2017, 10:06:22 AM
Hello people. I'm kind of new to Neal Morse. Started with Transatlantic and am now checking out Spock's Beard.

I haven't checked out any of Neal's solo stuff. Is the Neal Morse Band less religious than the solo stuff? And why did Morse decide to form a band instead of releasing more solo stuff? It seems like he's still the band leader and main song-writer for the band.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 25, 2017, 10:16:05 AM
I haven't checked out any of Neal's solo stuff. Is the Neal Morse Band less religious than the solo stuff?

No, not really.  The Grand Experiment is a bit less "on the nose" than most of his solo albums.  But not by a whole lot.  This iteration of the band is meant to be a continuation of what he was already doing as a solo artist, not something different.  So it incorporates the same types of faith-based lyrics as his earlier solo work.

And why did Morse decide to form a band instead of releasing more solo stuff? It seems like he's still the band leader and main song-writer for the band.

Rather than having basically hired guns from all over the place, he wanted a band of relatively local musicians that he could write and tour with.  The guys he ended up hiring turned out to be competent songwriters themselves and contributed much more than the hired guns of the past, so Neal changed the name of the project to reflect that it is a band effort and not just him.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Herrick on August 25, 2017, 11:01:01 AM
I haven't checked out any of Neal's solo stuff. Is the Neal Morse Band less religious than the solo stuff?

No, not really.  The Grand Experiment is a bit less "on the nose" than most of his solo albums.  But not by a whole lot.  This iteration of the band is meant to be a continuation of what he was already doing as a solo artist, not something different.  So it incorporates the same types of faith-based lyrics as his earlier solo work.

And why did Morse decide to form a band instead of releasing more solo stuff? It seems like he's still the band leader and main song-writer for the band.

Rather than having basically hired guns from all over the place, he wanted a band of relatively local musicians that he could write and tour with.  The guys he ended up hiring turned out to be competent songwriters themselves and contributed much more than the hired guns of the past, so Neal changed the name of the project to reflect that it is a band effort and not just him.

Thanks for the reply, bosk1  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tick on August 26, 2017, 09:10:52 AM
I have not been moved by a performance like The Neal Morse band last night in Ridgefield in a very long time. It far exceeded any expectation I had, and I had a very high expectation going in.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 26, 2017, 05:05:52 PM
I second that; what an amazing performance, on every level, and for me, Neal Morse just elevated into the "see him every time he comes around, just because..." category.   I don't think I've ever seen anything like it.  He rips off a keyboard solo that would make Tony Banks slow clap, sings a melody, runs back for the electric guitar, accompanies Eric Gillette (who is no slouch at all on guitar), throws down his own electric solo, sings, runs back to the keyboard, lays down some smack, then picks up the 12-string to play a soft arpeggio on a dime, while singing the closing section of the song.  I honestly don't know how he did some of the things I watched him do from 12 feet away.   

Plus the music... the crescendo at the end of the piece is just... it literally took my breath away. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on August 27, 2017, 11:31:24 AM
I wasn't moved like I usually am, but that was the best Neal Morse show I've seen yet -- probably because I really like Similitude which satisfies a ton of musical itches for me and the band itself is really coming into its own.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on August 28, 2017, 10:11:21 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=50&v=BxmiQuFGfqA
It seems that this will be a Spock's Beard release and not a part of a Morsefest DVD.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on August 28, 2017, 02:42:16 PM
Dang, I wish I wouldn't have missed that in Seattle back in January. I was pretty broke at the time plus a 2hr drive each way..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 01, 2017, 11:03:42 PM
Morsefest night 1 = awesome.

Lifeline
So Many Roads
Supernatural
Seeds of Gold

All of T2 disc 1
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 01, 2017, 11:31:43 PM
Morsefest night 1 = awesome.

Lifeline
So Many Roads
Supernatural
Seeds of Gold

All of T2 disc 1

A many had predicted the two epics from Lifeline (title track and SMR) were played, as well as the often-requested "Seeds Of Gold". Nice pick to throw in "Supernatural" as well, though I wonder why they didn't throw in "Absolute Beginner"? Hmmm... Was that song ever released on any live albums, official or Inner Circle?

Either way, the "Lost Epics" set seems to be a perfect fit for a single CD, so this looks to be a solid 2-CD first night. Tomorrow night should be pretty great, and I hope they go all out for TSOAD's last performance! I hope they do their 3-song encore (Author/Agenda/The Call), just for maximum Morse-ness!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 02, 2017, 05:59:50 AM
Tonight's encore/2nd set should be long. They played right at 3 hours last night, so assuming that is similar tonight, encore/2nd set should be about an hour.

NDV and Stan (can't spell his last name; guy who has been a co-writer on last 6 Spock's albums) did a 5-song acoustic set to warm up the crowd last night, There Was a Time and The Doorway being two of the songs.

Also, Supernatural was acoustic with them all at the front of the stage and Eric on lead vocals; Bill did the second verse. And at the end, they did a few bars of Give Peace a Chance before launching
into several minutes of I've Seen All Good People. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on September 02, 2017, 06:07:52 AM
Man, Morsefest is one hell of a party every single time. Hopefully I'll attend it once in a lifetime.  ;D

There was a time - now, there's a gem of a song.  :heart
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 02, 2017, 04:40:17 PM
My brother and I are in for every year now, as long as Neal does it.

Insider info claims that The Great Nothing is getting played tonight. No clue how reliable that is, but that's the rumor.

Ready for night 2.  :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 02, 2017, 09:24:00 PM
Tonight's encore/2nd set should be long. They played right at 3 hours last night, so assuming that is similar tonight, encore/2nd set should be about an hour.
I think MP posted on Facebook on Thursday that they ran straight through both night's sets and it was only 5 or 5.5 hours of music.

NDV and Stan (can't spell his last name; guy who has been a co-writer on last 6 Spock's albums) did a 5-song acoustic set to warm up the crowd last night, There Was a Time and The Doorway being two of the songs.
Stan Ausmus, IIRC. Only a 5-song set, eh? Well with "The Doorway" in there, I wouldn't complain. Nice to see "There Was A Time" being dusted off, though now I am curious what the other three songs were!

Also, Supernatural was acoustic with them all at the front of the stage and Eric on lead vocals; Bill did the second verse. And at the end, they did a few bars of Give Peace a Chance before launching
into several minutes of I've Seen All Good People.
Very cool medley! I look forward to hearing that when this album is released in 2019! :lol

Insider info claims that The Great Nothing is getting played tonight. No clue how reliable that is, but that's the rumor.

That would be intense, but I think they'll likely do their usual encores that they have been doing, at least "Agenda", as it's the only song from the main TGE album that hasn't been released yet (and one of two from the special edition, the other being "Doomsday Destiny").

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HolidaysAnoraks on September 02, 2017, 10:33:31 PM
No Tbe Great Nothing, though that would have been awesome. Great gig, nonetheless.

Similitude (with intermission btw Breath and Slave)
Author
Agenda
The Call
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 02, 2017, 10:51:44 PM
No Tbe Great Nothing, though that would have been awesome. Great gig, nonetheless.

Similitude (with intermission btw Breath and Slave)
Author
Agenda
The Call

Predictable, but still good either way. They did that same encore two shows before Morsefest (I guess they had the time to do all three), so I figured they would do all three again for Morsefest this weekend. "The Call" is still one of those great songs that's amazing as a show opener AND an encore/show closer!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 02, 2017, 11:10:25 PM
One of the best shows I've ever seen. Neal was full of more energy than you can imagine. I'll say once I'm home and not typing from my phone. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 03, 2017, 02:27:48 PM


NDV and Stan (can't spell his last name; guy who has been a co-writer on last 6 Spock's albums) did a 5-song acoustic set to warm up the crowd last night, There Was a Time and The Doorway being two of the songs.
Stan Ausmus, IIRC. Only a 5-song set, eh? Well with "The Doorway" in there, I wouldn't complain. Nice to see "There Was A Time" being dusted off, though now I am curious what the other three songs were.


The second song was Mary Jane Says, from an NDV EP. I had never heard it before, but it was a good tune.

The third was a cover of Humdrum from Peter Gabriel's Car; NDV referred to it as one of his favorite PG songs.

I cannot remember what the fourth song was (There Was a Time was first; The Doorway was fifth/last).

NDV and his ukelele band opened last night and played five covers:

Living in the Past
Closer to the Heart
Frame by Frame (awesome cover of a hard-to-cover song)
Going to California
Roundabout

The crowd ate up each cover with a spoon. Great stuff!  :coolio

I'll say more about the two NMB shows later...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 03, 2017, 09:10:12 PM
For those interested, here are my thoughts on each night:

Friday
-NDV and Stan Ausmus, as mentioned above, did a great job with their 5-song acoustic set to open the night.
-The first set was awesome. Even though I am not wild about Lifeline, I was happy to get the title track and So Many Roads, the two clear standouts from it.  The "Eyes of the Saviour" section of So Many Roads, with the live choir singing along, was incredible. I had major goosebumps.
-Supernatural was done acoustic with Eric on live vocals for the whole song, except the second verse, which Bill did.
-Neal joked about how he sometimes kicks himself for writing a piano intro like the one to Seeds of Gold, but he was like, "I will try it and see how this goes." He mostly nailed it. Fantastic performance one of Neal's best written songs of this decade, and he even played about the first half of Steve Morse's solo before Eric took over and brought it to the climax.
-At one point, Neal said how calling it Morsefest wasn't his idea, but once it got going, it just sort of snowballed and here we are. The joke was made that they should have called it RandyFest (or the nickname of Randy they use + fest). That got a playful double fist pump from Randy George, and the crowd ate it up.
-Jayda. One of the highlights of the weekend. This was one of those live moments I will look back on years from now and be happy I got see it in person. If you know the story of the song, you know what a personal song it is to Neal for obvious reasons. Regardless of what you believe, it's an emotionally devastating song for Neal to sing. The second it ended, his daughter, Jayda, ran out and hugged Neal. No clue if it was preplanned or spontaneous on her part, but you could see tears running down his face on the big video, and the whole crowd sprung to their feet and gave an applause that was nothing short of inspiring.  What a moment.
-I remember saying at the time that T2 was Neal bringing the fun back to his music on a regular basis, and Nighttime Collectors, Time Has Come Today and Road Dog Blues were all great reminders of that.
-The Truth Will Set You Free was just stupid good. I mean, I knew that song would slay live, but it was like being paralyzed for eight minutes to where all you could do was watch and listen in awe. Hands down, one of the best individual song live performances I have ever seen. And it featured Neal's two dancers (his daughter Jayda and another young lady whose name I cannot recall).  They came out for a handful of songs each night.
-Crossing Over/Mercy Street Reprise was as awesome live as I thought it would be. Words cannot do justice how powerful the end of the song was live, especially since it was the end of the night of 3+ hours of music.

I left that night, thinking I had just seen one of the best 4-5 best shows I have ever seen, and thought, can they top this tomorrow?

Saturday
-NDV and his ukelele band did a fantastic job with playing five classic covers. Their cover of Yes' Roundabout had the whole crowd clapping along.  I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of their CD (which was sold out too quickly at the merch stand. but Nick said more copies are being manufactured for sale).
-What can I say about The Similitude of a Dream that hasn't been said already. It's just a fantastic piece of music, from start to finish. There are no lags, no weak spots. It is stellar from start to finish, and the performance of it last night more than did it justice.
-City of Destruction had the crowd going bonkers. The crowd Friday night was great, but the crowd Saturday night was like someone had given the already-energetic Friday night crowd an adrenaline shot. Twice. The front two rows of the center section were completely bonkers the whole night, bouncing up and down every time the music picked up, and City of Destruction was a good example.
-Eric's soloing both nights was nothing short of phenomenal, and the one in The Slough is just absurd. The same can be said for the one in Breath of Angels, where he walked down the center aisle to be in the middle of the crowd and delivered one of the finest solos you will ever hear.  What a talent that guy is.
-Speaking of talent, Bill Hubauer!! The talent this guy possesses is inspiring. He can sing his ass off, his keyboard playing is tremendous, and comes off like a very genuine guy. He looked like a kid in a candy store, just thrilled to be up there playing such great music with a great band. His extended piano intro to The Mask...incredible.
-The back to back of The Ways of a Fool and So Far Gone still might be the best 12 consecutive minutes on the CD, a bold statement for sure, but seeing it live again just affirmed my position on that.
-Shortcut to Salvation is just a fun and joyous little number. If that song doesn't put a smile on your face, there is something wrong with you.
-The Man in the Iron Cage. Neal only has two lines per verse, but I was amazed at how big and powerful his voice delivering each one, especially since he was starting to get a little hoarse.
-I'm Running. This, for me, was the highlight of Saturday night. Neal was out of his mind (in a good way!) in this song, running all over the stage, up and down the aisles, and bouncing with the guys in the front row at one point, while still delivering a passionate and furious vocal performance. This should be a song Neal always play live now. It brought the house down, and Randy George coming over to those guys in the front row and bouncing with them for a good 10-15 seconds was one of those "I can't believe how awesome this is" moments.
-The Mask and Confrontation remains one of my favorite sequences from the record as well, and once again, words cannot do justice to how amazing they were. It will be a bummer if this band never performs this album in full again; it is too good to not pull out again at some point.  A 5-star record in every way!
-The encores of Author of Confusion and The Call were fantastic, and while I like Agenda, I am not sure it was the best choice. The crowd was a little subdued for it, but I guess after all of the greatness we had already endured, getting a song that is merely "good" to let us come down a bit in preparation for the finale of The Call was possibly needed. Still, I was expecting something a little more special last night at the end, instead of just the same encores they had played for the whole tour, but that is splitting hairs. Still a magnificent second night.

Overall, even though I think I enjoyed Night 1 a touch more than Night 2 (Friday had a better and more satisfying conclusion, and we had better seats on Friday).

But I can honestly say that Friday would go down as probably the 3rd or 4th best concert I have ever seen, and Saturday night would be top 10 as well. Not bad considering how many shows I've seen over the years. What a weekend, and rest assured that I will not missing another Morsefest. As long as Neal keeps doing them, I am there. Without hesitation.  I would recommend any and every Neal fans to find a way to do the same in the future.  Friday night felt like a once in a lifetime concert, and then I got another one of them the next night.  Wow.  Just, wow.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HolidaysAnoraks on September 03, 2017, 09:35:58 PM
I also loved that Eric ended up singing lead on the Star For A Day section of So Many Roads. That got a huge cheer from my section. Agreed on Friday night being slightly better. Both shows were great, but Lifeline is one of my favorite NM records, so that opening set of night 1 was bliss.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on September 04, 2017, 02:28:39 AM
That show seems just... unreal. I can't believe one can perform such a concert.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 04, 2017, 06:14:16 AM
I also loved that Eric ended up singing lead on the Star For A Day section of So Many Roads. That got a huge cheer from my section. Agreed on Friday night being slightly better. Both shows were great, but Lifeline is one of my favorite NM records, so that opening set of night 1 was bliss.

I am not gonna lie: when they began with Lifeline, I had two thoughts:

1) they are probably going to play So Many Roads!
2) I hope they don't play Leviathan. :lol :lol :lol

I was happy with how things turned out.  :coolio

That show seems just... unreal. I can't believe one can perform such a concert.

Plenty of credit has to go to the tremendous band he has assembled, as well as the dozens of extras (extra musicians, choir, dancers, etc.) who helped make Morsefest what it was, but there is no doubt that Neal is the straw that stirs the drink.  It's a shame that he doesn't play to more people, but he gives his all, regardless.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on September 04, 2017, 09:27:02 AM
For those interested, here are my thoughts on each night:

***snip***

Thanks Kev for really rubbing it in and making me mad at myself even more for not going   :lol  I'm only teasing. I knew I'd regret not pulling the trigger....that's not going to happen again. Really disappointed in myself over the decision not to go....even had a full green light from my wife but I chose a (4) day weekend of leisure. Oh well....thanks for the detailed reportage.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on September 04, 2017, 11:13:29 AM

Also, Supernatural was acoustic with them all at the front of the stage and Eric on lead vocals; Bill did the second verse. And at the end, they did a few bars of Give Peace a Chance before launching
into several minutes of I've Seen All Good People.


My favorite Neal Morse song, and I would have loved to have heard that version.   Amazing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 04, 2017, 01:58:06 PM
For those interested, here are my thoughts on each night:

***snip***

Thanks Kev for really rubbing it in and making me mad at myself even more for not going   :lol  I'm only teasing. I knew I'd regret not pulling the trigger....that's not going to happen again. Really disappointed in myself over the decision not to go....even had a full green light from my wife but I chose a (4) day weekend of leisure. Oh well....thanks for the detailed reportage.  :tup

It is almost always hard to argue with a 4-day weekend of leisure, since we do not get those very often. 

In this case, I will argue with it, however... :biggrin: :lol

Someone on FB said that he talked to a few band members who said that if there is a Morsefest 2018, it is unlikely that they'd have a new album by that time. Considering that would roughly be a year away, that is a major bummer.  I hope NMB isn't put on the back burner while Portnoy plays around with his band in an attempt to one-up Dream Theater. :facepalm:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 04, 2017, 04:05:52 PM
Someone on FB said that he talked to a few band members who said that if there is a Morsefest 2018, it is unlikely that they'd have a new album by that time. Considering that would roughly be a year away, that is a major bummer.  I hope NMB isn't put on the back burner while Portnoy plays around with his band in an attempt to one-up Dream Theater. :facepalm:

That's interesting, though I suspect that next year will be an In-The-Studio year for Neal Morse considering how busy Mike might be with SOA. Neal has said in the July IC Newsletter that he was working on a new Singer/Songwriter album (I'd assume in the vein of Songs From November), and in last month's newsletter, he said he'll finish it in September and release it early next year, so Neal seems to be busy on that front for the next few months, a, s well as organizing the release of Snow LIVE sometime in the next few months as well.

After the Winter, though, I'm sure Neal will be working on releasing Flying Colors 3, assuming Mike has his drums done between now and then, the rest of the band will likely work on finishing that up and probably release it mid-year 2018. After that, I'd suspect that Neal might try to convince Pete and Roine to do another Transatlantic album, perhaps bring the two of them in to write some stuff together, then bring Mike in when he's got time later on to work with them as a group. If Mike is going to be on the road the majority of next year with SOA, I'd be willing to bet he'd squeeze in some time for TA in the studio, but that's just my wishful thinking.

If Neal *DOES* decide to do Morsefest 2018, I can't imagine what he'd want to do. Since he skipped Lifeline in its entirety, we're caught up to Momentum and The Grand Experiment, the latter of which I doubt they'd play live in full considering they've been playing those songs over the last 2 years or so, and they're still pretty fresh in many fan's minds. Hearing Momentum Live would be neat, but we've already had Bill and Eric play those songs live with the band, except "Freak" and "Smoke And Mirrors", so aside from those two and "Doomsday Destiny", there isn't much incentive to play Momentum and TGE live at Morsefest 2018, though I'm sure plenty of fans would love to hear "World Without End" again.

Neal could always play V live with Spock's Beard, despite re-treading "At The End Of The Day" from a couple years ago at Morsefest 2018, but it would be a treat to hear all of those songs with the rest of SB again. Honestly, if Mike is going to be busy, another SB-centric Morsefest might be the way to go. One idea I've had would be a backwards-chronological journey of SB music, doing a couple tunes from each album, and by next year, SB13 will be out, so they'd start with that, then end the first night with "A Guy Named Sid" (which would be awesome to hear with Ted and Neal joining Nick on vocals), encore with "Wind At My Back" because, ya know he's gonna. Then on the 2nd night, open the show with all of V, go into intermission, then do a few more tunes from DFN, TKOS and BOD (closing the second set with "The Doorway"), then encore with "The Light". Again...just wishful thinking.

It'd be a real shame if there's no Morsefest next year, but if there's no way to get a viable show going, I guess there'd be no point.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 04, 2017, 07:31:55 PM
Honestly, I don't think it matters what he plays, in regards to interest. Anyone who has gone to any Morsefest is in for the duration, work and traveling expenses permitting of course.  Everyone I talked to over the weekend pretty much said that. The hotel we stayed at had tons of Neal/prog fans, including Bill (!!) whom we saw Saturday afternoon right outside in front (we didn't stop to say hi since he already had close to a dozen fans talking him up). Both mornings, when we went downstairs for the free continental breakfast, there were Neal fans everywhere. It was fun talking to a bunch of them and exchanging cool stories about this song or that album.  :coolio

I just hope the band isn't put on hold waiting for Portnoy to find time to work it into his schedule.  It appears as if the NMB is musical priority number 1 for the other four guys, and I worry that since Eric is so much younger than the rest of them, that he could find a more enticing, lucrative and full time gig, especially given how much his profile has been raised in the last year. 

That Spock's Beard idea sounds good in theory, but as great as Neal still gets along with the guys, I can't see him dedicating (close to) half of a Morsefest to the albums they have done without him.  It's called MORSEfest for a reason! :P  It is and should be all about Neal's music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on September 04, 2017, 07:48:25 PM
today Randy did a Q&A on FB and he was asked:
Will there be a new NMB album in 2018 and will there be morsefest 2018?
And he replied:
Yes and I don't know
 :metal

This guys does not sleep
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 04, 2017, 07:57:17 PM
I suspect Neal doesn't like to commit to Morsefest right away, given how many things have to fall into place to make it feasible. I remember there was still talk early this year about whether there would be one in 2017 or not, and the next thing you know it was announced.

Good to hear about 2018 and a new album!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 04, 2017, 08:24:29 PM
Honestly, I don't think it matters what he plays, in regards to interest. Anyone who has gone to any Morsefest is in for the duration, work and traveling expenses permitting of course.  Everyone I talked to over the weekend pretty much said that. The hotel we stayed at had tons of Neal/prog fans, including Bill (!!) whom we saw Saturday afternoon right outside in front (we didn't stop to say hi since he already had close to a dozen fans talking him up). Both mornings, when we went downstairs for the free continental breakfast, there were Neal fans everywhere. It was fun talking to a bunch of them and exchanging cool stories about this song or that album.  :coolio

This sounds amazing. I wish I had the money and time to devote to an adventure like this. I'm sure I would, but my finances go towards bills and other passions/hobbies as well, but I digress. Sounds like you had a great time meeting new fans and not just at the concert either.

I just hope the band isn't put on hold waiting for Portnoy to find time to work it into his schedule.  It appears as if the NMB is musical priority number 1 for the other four guys, and I worry that since Eric is so much younger than the rest of them, that he could find a more enticing, lucrative and full time gig, especially given how much his profile has been raised in the last year. 
today Randy did a Q&A on FB and he was asked:
Will there be a new NMB album in 2018 and will there be morsefest 2018?
And he replied:
Yes and I don't know
 :metal

This guys does not sleep

Glad to see they are at least "planning" for a new album next year. Now, Randy didn't seem to answer whether or not they would WRITE/RECORD an album next year, or if they'll RELEASE an album next year. Either way, I would assume that they would go about the sessions much in the same way the last one did - have Bill and Eric come out to join Neal for some writing, maybe have Randy, and write a bunch of stuff while Mike is busy with SOA. Then probably halfway through 2018, have some actual sessions with Mike to lay down his drum parts, then spend another few months to finish the album, release it by Christmas 2018, just in time to tour on it through 2019 (maybe start with another Cruise To The Edge, then tour in the Spring/Summer like they did this year).

I guess if Neal is looking to write another NMB album next year, the chances for new Transatlantic grow slimmer and slimmer, as any prog music he writes will likely be saved for NMB sessions, and between his upcoming Singer/Songwriter album and Flying Colors 3, how much more time might he even have for another album next year? Hmm...


That Spock's Beard idea sounds good in theory, but as great as Neal still gets along with the guys, I can't see him dedicating (close to) half of a Morsefest to the albums they have done without him.  It's called MORSEfest for a reason! :P  It is and should be all about Neal's music.
I had thought about that, but given that Neal had some part in two songs in the Post-Snow SB days, it'd be neat to hear him play them with the rest of the band ("The Emperor's Clothes" and "Afterthoughts" - actually a whole "Thoughts" suite would be awesome to hear). But you're probably right, but then again, who knows - has anyone ever asked Neal what he's thought of the SB albums made after his departure from the band? Either way, having SB in Morsefest again would be a great excuse to play "Falling For Forever" again!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 04, 2017, 08:36:28 PM
As much as I love Transatlantic, I am okay with them staying in hiatus as long as the current version of the Neal Morse Band stays in tact.  It cannot be understated how much Bill and Eric bring to the table, and they need to ride that wave as much as possible while the band is still in prime form.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 04, 2017, 09:01:06 PM
Props to the person who took this picture (of Jayda coming out to hug Neal at the end of Jayda, the song):

(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/kevshmev/21368953_10213460061473720_814151370141112451_o_zps8lau79mt.jpg)


Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on September 04, 2017, 09:19:03 PM
As much as I love Transatlantic, I am okay with them staying in hiatus as long as the current version of the Neal Morse Band stays in tact.  It cannot be understated how much Bill and Eric bring to the table, and they need to ride that wave as much as possible while the band is still in prime form.

Totally agree. I personally thought 'Kaleidoscope' was the weakest TA effort.....not that there weren't great moments but all in all it was a pretty 'blah' effort.....when compared to the other albums.

That group that Neal has together right now is producing some fantastic music. SOAD is pretty incredible and i can't wait to see what they do next.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 04, 2017, 09:48:07 PM
As much as I love Transatlantic, I am okay with them staying in hiatus as long as the current version of the Neal Morse Band stays in tact.  It cannot be understated how much Bill and Eric bring to the table, and they need to ride that wave as much as possible while the band is still in prime form.

Totally agree. I personally thought 'Kaleidoscope' was the weakest TA effort.....not that there weren't great moments but all in all it was a pretty 'blah' effort.....when compared to the other albums.

That group that Neal has together right now is producing some fantastic music. SOAD is pretty incredible and i can't wait to see what they do next.

Yep, Kaleidoscope was really good, but not full of non-stop awe like the first three TA records. 

When it is all said and done, it is possible that Mike Portnoy was *gasp* right: The Similitude of a Dream might be Neal's best work to date.  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on September 05, 2017, 02:30:25 AM
The picture doesn't work for me.  :-\

EDIT: Now it does. That's just beautiful.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on September 05, 2017, 08:45:19 AM
As much as I love Transatlantic, I am okay with them staying in hiatus as long as the current version of the Neal Morse Band stays in tact.  It cannot be understated how much Bill and Eric bring to the table, and they need to ride that wave as much as possible while the band is still in prime form.

I'm on board with that.   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 05, 2017, 09:40:07 AM
I won't disagree with the notion that the Neal Morse Band, as it is now with Eric and Bill, isn't one of Neal's best line-ups, but part of me misses Transatlantic, and I've been wondering if they'll ever write together again.

I do think Neal should continue with his current line-up, though, and keep writing the kind of music he wants with them. Both TGE and TSOAD are fantastic albums, and I anticipate that their third outing together will be just as spectacular, but it might be hard to follow up an album like TSOAD.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 05, 2017, 04:28:35 PM
The way I see it, stick with what is working best right now, which is the Neal Morse Band, instead of trying to shoehorn in a Transatlantic record because "hey, we haven't done one in a while."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on September 07, 2017, 10:59:54 AM
Now a TA reunion for Morse Fest next year (if the new NMB album isn't done) would be interesting?? Maybe play the first two albums??
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 07, 2017, 11:17:50 AM
Now a TA reunion for Morse Fest next year (if the new NMB album isn't done) would be interesting?? Maybe play the first two albums??

I have thought of that, especially since the first album is represented in the Morsefest logo. That would be a good way to get the band together and a good excuse to do a new album right after, since they'll be in synch after a week of rehearsals and concerts. Again, tho, that depends on the availability of Mike.

Going back to my Spock's Beard Morsefest idea, maybe they could play V one night and then do tunes backwards chronologically for the 2nd half of that night...
Set 1 - V
Set 2 - Day For Night, Crack The Big Sky, Harm's Way, June, Waste Away, The Doorway
Encore - The Light

As for the other night?... *shrug* Maybe a covers night with SB?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 07, 2017, 05:22:38 PM
My worry is that NMB will be somewhat put on the backburner by Portnoy because he will be so busy with his new prog metal band.  I know he said he never has a problem juggling his many projects, but when you consider that the NMB seems to be THE main thing for the other four guys, that could be a bit irksome having to sit around and wait for the drummer to find time to fit in a week here or a week there to write, tour, etc, especially if the rest are wanting it to be a full time thing (like it was supposed to be).  To me, that is the biggest obstacle as far as getting a Morsefest 2018.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on September 08, 2017, 01:10:16 PM
My worry is that NMB will be somewhat put on the backburner by Portnoy because he will be so busy with his new prog metal band.  I know he said he never has a problem juggling his many projects, but when you consider that the NMB seems to be THE main thing for the other four guys, that could be a bit irksome having to sit around and wait for the drummer to find time to fit in a week here or a week there to write, tour, etc, especially if the rest are wanting it to be a full time thing (like it was supposed to be).  To me, that is the biggest obstacle as far as getting a Morsefest 2018.

I'm not so sure the SOA gig is going to be an issue. Call me crazy but I can see SOA going the way of AMOB.....sounds good and all....decent line up but outside of a manufactured buzz from some insulting tweets there isn't much to talk about yet. And my only basis for this is the initial release. If you're trying to drum up interest and hype for a new venture why wouldn't you release a song that utterly impresses the niche group of fans you're trying to impress?? IMO the release they gave us is pretty blah and forgettable with near zero creativity in writing/singing/lyrics and does nothing to sway my opinion that SOA will quickly fade away after their initial release and tour.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 08, 2017, 05:01:12 PM
My worry is that NMB will be somewhat put on the backburner by Portnoy because he will be so busy with his new prog metal band.  I know he said he never has a problem juggling his many projects, but when you consider that the NMB seems to be THE main thing for the other four guys, that could be a bit irksome having to sit around and wait for the drummer to find time to fit in a week here or a week there to write, tour, etc, especially if the rest are wanting it to be a full time thing (like it was supposed to be).  To me, that is the biggest obstacle as far as getting a Morsefest 2018.

I'm not so sure the SOA gig is going to be an issue. Call me crazy but I can see SOA going the way of AMOB.....sounds good and all....decent line up but outside of a manufactured buzz from some insulting tweets there isn't much to talk about yet. And my only basis for this is the initial release. If you're trying to drum up interest and hype for a new venture why wouldn't you release a song that utterly impresses the niche group of fans you're trying to impress?? IMO the release they gave us is pretty blah and forgettable with near zero creativity in writing/singing/lyrics and does nothing to sway my opinion that SOA will quickly fade away after their initial release and tour.

That might all be, but SOA is still likely going to dominate Portnoy's time in 2018.  Even if it fades away quickly and becomes another Portnoy that he thew against the wall and didn't stick, from a short term perspective, it could still be a hindrance to NMB's ability to be the full time band the rest of the band seemingly want it to be.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on September 09, 2017, 03:48:03 AM
Wasn't there a story that we should get a new Flying Colors this year?

If not, I'd be up for another Neal solo album in the vein of Songs for November. No Portnoy, no prog, just tunes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on September 09, 2017, 04:19:15 AM
Wasn't there a story that we should get a new Flying Colors this year?

If not, I'd be up for another Neal solo album in the vein of Songs for November. No Portnoy, no prog, just tunes.

Wasn't the plan to finish it up towards the end of the year?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on September 09, 2017, 08:49:02 AM
Wasn't there a story that we should get a new Flying Colors this year?

If not, I'd be up for another Neal solo album in the vein of Songs for November. No Portnoy, no prog, just tunes.

Neal tweeted a pic of him and Steve Morse last night that said "Hanging out with one of my favorite guitar players in St. Louis"    So, they were both together in St. Louis last night....maybe writing or maybe catching up? Who knows? I checked all the venue websites around here to see if Steve was playing somewhere but he wasn't.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on September 09, 2017, 11:36:19 AM
My guess is that they're finishing the writing on FC3, so they can start the recording later in the year, with a possible early 2018 release.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 09, 2017, 11:39:38 AM
Wasn't there a story that we should get a new Flying Colors this year?

If not, I'd be up for another Neal solo album in the vein of Songs for November. No Portnoy, no prog, just tunes.

Last I read, from Neal's IC Newsletters, they had worked on stuff last December, and he said that they would need to get together again to work on some more things later this year in the hopes of a 2017 release. Unless they're tweaking final arrangements now, I doubt we'll see a 2017 release at this point - I'd say a February or March 2018 release. Neal might have his singer/songwriter album out before then, to be honest, which he said he might do a small tour on with an acoustic band or something small.

Either way, it seems like Neal will keep himself busy for the time being, and Eric has some projects underway as well I believe, leaving Randy and Bill with some time to kill. Hopefully the momentum (har har) of the NMB won't be killed by everyone being busy and apart for awhile. Perhaps the time apart will let them come back with some fresh ideas for their next album?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 09, 2017, 01:29:40 PM
I am going from memory here (since I heard it second hand), but I think Randy and Bill said at the meet and greet last week that they both have some rough demos for the next album, which they described as being different from TSOAD. 

I'd definitely be down for another singer-songwriter type album, in the vein of It's Not Too Late or Songs from November, from Neal himself in the meantime.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 09, 2017, 02:50:48 PM
I am going from memory here (since I heard it second hand), but I think Randy and Bill said at the meet and greet last week that they both have some rough demos for the next album, which they described as being different from TSOAD. 

I'd definitely be down for another singer-songwriter type album, in the vein of It's Not Too Late or Songs from November, from Neal himself in the meantime.

Cool to see that Randy and Bill are working on some stuff for the next NMB album. I've loved what Bill has brought to the band so far, and I'm sure Randy has some tasty parts to share as well. It'd be interesting to see if Eric's time with Shattered Fortress/Haken will influence his writing and/or playing for the upcoming album, too. Seems like everyone will keep busy enough until it's time to reconvene for the next album, which I cannot imagine will be TOO far from now.

I wonder if Mike would be able to fit in a small Flying Colors tour next year after FC3 drops, just to give it some promotion on the road. It'd be a shame if it was released and there was no immediate tour in the same year, but I can't see Mike being CONSTANTLY busy with SOA. Maybe a small tour in the summer with Flying Colors, and then maybe doing a Flying Colors Morsefest, if having Spock's Beard or Transatlantic is out of the question?

And out of curiosity...what ever happened to the drummer who auditioned for Neal as the replacement for Mike whenever Mike couldn't commit to gigs? I think his name was Jason Giannis? I wonder what he's been up to, having lost the Neal Morse gig because Mike was able to commit fully to the not-yet-named NMB.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 10, 2017, 06:21:25 AM
The way I see it, Neal ain't no spring chicken anymore (he's 57 and, with all due respect, he looks 57, although he still has the energy of a 25-year old), and I'd rather to see him make as much great music as possible before he hits that "I am too old to do this regularly" phase.  Call me greedy, since he has already given us a crap ton of music in the last 23 years, but there is always room for more. :biggrin:
Title: Neal Morse - new album and tour in 2018!!
Post by: KevShmev on November 17, 2017, 04:44:14 PM
NEAL MORSE
REVEALS HIS LIFE & TIMES
ON NEW SOLO ALBUM
DUE OUT FEBRUARY 16 ON RADIANT RECORDS
November 17, 2017 -- I didnt get into music because I wanted to be a big successI originally went after music because I simply loved it. There wasnt anything else for me. Nothing moved me like music did, and my hope had always been to move people as I had been moved. NEAL MORSE
Truer words never spoken by MORSE, who will prove his own personal theory right with his latest solo album, LIFE & TIMES, which will be released February 16 on Radiant Records via Metal Blade Records/SONY on all digital outlets, as well as CD and vinyl. Pre-orders will be available on Radiant Records website starting December 12.
Widely regarded as one of the worlds leading progressive rock (prog) musicians, there is now no doubt that NEAL MORSE is a big success, but his desire to move people through his music burns brighter than ever. Now in his mid-fifties and his children grown up, there is a sense on LIFE & TIMES that MORSE is looking around and taking stock.
Ive come through a lot of difficult times and Im in a fairly content place now, he says. You can feel that on some of the songs. Much of this acoustic-orientated, singer/songwriter album was written while he was travelling around the world on The Road Called Home tour in 2017, with some of the songs being inspired by the places he visited, while others are from spending time with his family.
For example, Manchester By the Sea is a musical portrait of that notorious raritya sunny day in Manchester, Englandwhen MORSE was sitting in a coffee shop watching the world go by. Selfie in The Square captures what he saw walking around Luxembourg City, hearing the cathedral bells and children playing, but realizing what a difference it makes to share these experiences. Luxembourg was really nice, but I knew that if my wife was there, it would feel like a holiday, so I wrote a song about it to send to her, he explains.
Some of these slice-of-life portraits also resonate with other peoples heartaches, such as JoAnna, which focuses on MORSEs son dealing with the loss of a relationship and most poignantlyHe Died At Home, about a mothers grief over the loss of her soldier son. As MORSE says, I had been praying for a roommate of a friend of mine, who was a troubled ex-military guy. The day we were playing in Paris, I woke up to a text saying that sadly, he had died. As I began formulating ideas for a song about him, I remembered that many years ago, I had been at a meeting at a military base in Tennessee. They asked us to pray for their men because almost every week they were going to the funeral of those who had died at home.
The power of the song that MORSE eventually crafted has moved people in ways that he could never have imagined: Because of the idea for the song, I was researching soldier suicides online and found an article about a young soldier named William Busbee. He came back from Afghanistan in 2012, and then committed suicide. The video director contacted Libby Busbee, his mother, who listened to the song and was so moved that she is contributing photos of William to put in a video well be sharing very soon. The song also had quite an impact when it was premiered at Morsefest 2017, where it was very much the talk of the festival.
Born in 1960 to a musical Californian family, MORSE played in many bands during his youth. He learned and mastered several instruments along the way. In 1995, he wrote and recorded THE LIGHT with his new band, Spocks Beard. It was an album grounded strongly in the then-unfashionable progressive rock genre. The album and title song became modern prog classics, and began to bring MORSE and the band global recognition. In 2000, he also joined forces with Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater), Pete Trewavas (Marillion) and Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings) to form Transatlantic, a prog supergroup that went on to win the PROG Magazine Award for Album of the Year.
NEAL MORSEs solo work has focused almost entirely on music with a strong message of redemption, beginning with 2003s TESTIMONYa two-disc musical account of his spiritual journey--and most recently with The Neal Morse Bands PROG Magazine Award nominee, THE SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM, based on John Bunyans classic allegory, The Pilgrims Progress.
In touring news, MORSE is hoping to move more people with these songs at some absolutely solo shows in cafes and small venues throughout the U.S. and Europe in 2018. Check out NEAL MORSE at the following tour stops (with more dates to be added in the coming weeks on his official website):
DATE​​CITY​​​VENUE
Tue 2/20​Boston, MA​​Club Passim
Thu 2/22​Sellersville, PA​​Sellersville Theater
Fri 2/23​​New York, NY ​​The Cutting Room
Sat 3/17​Denver, CO ​​The Soiled Dove
Thu 3/22​Decatur, GA ​​Eddies Attic
Fri 3/23​​Charlotte, NC ​​The Evening Muse
Wed 3/28​Mesa, AZ​​Make Weird Music HQ
Fri 3/30​​Whittier, CA ​​Whittier Theater
Tue 4/3​​San Francisco, CA ​Hotel Utah
Thu 4/5​​Portland, OR ​​The Old Church Concert Hall
Fri 4/6​​Seattle, WA ​​The Triple Door
Thu 4/12​Evanston, IL ​​Space
Fri 4/13​​St. Louis, MO ​​Blueberry Hill Duck Room
Sat 4/14​Milwaukee, WI ​​Shank Hall
Wed 4/18​Quebec City, QUE.​TBA
Thu 4/19​Montreal, QUE.​​TBA
Sat 4/21​Toronto, ONT.​​The Great Hall
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on November 17, 2017, 05:57:00 PM
Kev.....theres a St. Louis date!! 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on November 18, 2017, 12:46:01 AM
awesome. "He Died at Home" was an unbelievably powerful song played at the Inner Circle concert at this year's Morsefest. I cannot wait to hear that one again.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 18, 2017, 07:33:24 AM
Kev.....theres a St. Louis date!!

Oh, I know. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 18, 2017, 07:40:48 AM
Call me greedy, since he has already given us a crap ton of music in the last 23 years, but there is always room for more. :biggrin:

Seems like Neal read your post and started immediately to record his new album :D
I will surely check this album out!!! I always love what Neal does.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 18, 2017, 08:05:59 AM
You and me both. I suspect some of the songs from his other non-prog solo albums (self-titled, It's Not Too Late, Songs from November) will right up his alley for this kinda tour.  I hope like crazy that he plays Emma, and I'd also love to hear The Wind + the Rain (he could easily play this alone at the piano), Landslide, Everything Is Wrong, Daddy's Daughter and My Time of Dying.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on November 18, 2017, 02:13:03 PM
I'm looking forward to the album. Neal has a knack for great melodies, maybe he'll strike some gold with this one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on November 22, 2017, 08:29:48 PM
Got my tickets for the Boston date today! Bringing the wife with me! She came to Morsefest this year eith me and her favorite part was the Inner Circle show, so hopefully she'll have a good time😆 Very excited!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 23, 2017, 07:47:40 AM
Got my tickets for the Boston date today! Bringing the wife with me! She came to Morsefest this year eith me and her favorite part was the Inner Circle show, so hopefully she'll have a good time😆 Very excited!

 :tup :tup

Got our tickets for the St. Louis show the other day, too. :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on November 23, 2017, 10:07:16 AM
Got tix for NYC, looking forward to seeing Neal in an intimate setting! I like his singer-songwriter stuff, just hope there's no worship stuff at the show.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 19, 2017, 06:40:57 PM
Very moving song from the forthcoming album:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88e74WaQioI&feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on December 19, 2017, 09:27:05 PM
Brutal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on December 20, 2017, 01:32:50 AM
Wow.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nekov on December 20, 2017, 05:48:34 AM
That was powerful and very sad.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on December 20, 2017, 06:39:41 AM
Wow. Beautiful song about an ugly topic that needs more attention.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mebert78 on January 04, 2018, 02:49:52 PM
Mike Portnoy on Facebook:

Well...(weather permitting), I'm flying to Nashville tonight to begin work on a new album with these guys...
Our last creation was one of my personal favs of all time...can't wait to see what we can cook up next! #NealMorseBand
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on January 04, 2018, 03:53:06 PM
Mike Portnoy on Facebook:

Well...(weather permitting), I'm flying to Nashville tonight to begin work on a new album with these guys...
Our last creation was one of my personal favs of all time...can't wait to see what we can cook up next! #NealMorseBand

I saw this too. Good news! Id slightly prefer new Transatlantic, but Ill take what I can get! I still prefer older Neal albums over the last two (I still like Momentum more than either of the NMB albums)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DT2003 on January 04, 2018, 05:08:15 PM
Very good news. I didnt think this was in Mikes plans for this year, but nothing excites me more than new music from Neal and Mike, specifically Neal Morse Band. TSoaD is one of my favorite albums of all time and I cant wait to hear what they follow that up with.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 04, 2018, 07:01:16 PM
I saw the posts about this by Randy and Eric on FB.  Best news I've heard all year. :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mebert78 on January 04, 2018, 07:10:41 PM
I believe Neal has some solo tour dates coming up soon and then Mike will be on the road with Sons of Apollo, so I wonder if they will crank out a whole album in the coming weeks or take a break and then revisit things later in the year.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 04, 2018, 07:37:53 PM
I'm sure Neal is coming into the studio armed with about 395 ideas already :lol, and I wouldn't be surprised if Eric, Bill and Randy come in with some ideas they've had for a while as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 04, 2018, 11:34:59 PM
I'm always looking forward to new music by Neal.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 05, 2018, 04:46:50 AM
Mike Portnoy on Facebook:

Well...(weather permitting), I'm flying to Nashville tonight to begin work on a new album with these guys...
Our last creation was one of my personal favs of all time...can't wait to see what we can cook up next! #NealMorseBand

"Sons Of Apollo will be my main focus in 2018"
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on January 05, 2018, 06:37:18 AM
Mike Portnoy on Facebook:

Well...(weather permitting), I'm flying to Nashville tonight to begin work on a new album with these guys...
Our last creation was one of my personal favs of all time...can't wait to see what we can cook up next! #NealMorseBand

"Sons Of Apollo will be my main focus in 2018"

https://twitter.com/MikePortnoy/status/949083400912228352

Simmer down Leah...haven't you learned by now I can juggle em all!! 😎 Starting a NMB album now to set up my next cycle when the SOA cycle is done...I also have a MA gig in a few weeks and a new MA album coming out too...relax, I GOT THIS! It's how I roll...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 05, 2018, 06:46:19 AM
Great news. No such thing as too much Neal Morse.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on January 05, 2018, 06:54:17 AM
There goes my hopes (however slim) that Neal would break out of the box he's in and work with another producer/band. I don't mean his singer-songwriter phase. Although his prog albums are very good, I would like to see something more adventurous.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 05, 2018, 07:26:35 AM
There goes my hopes (however slim) that Neal would break out of the box he's in and work with another producer/band. I don't mean his singer-songwriter phase. Although his prog albums are very good, I would like to see something more adventurous.

Honestly, I'm not sure how music could be more "adventurous" than what he does.  :lol  I think it's more a problem of your familiarity with his music than a problem with his music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mebert78 on January 05, 2018, 08:14:56 AM
I hope Portnoy is getting enough down time to recharge his batteries!  Sometimes I feel like he's going to overdo it and hit a wall.  That said, I'm pumped for some new NMB!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 05, 2018, 08:23:22 AM
I did not intentionally discovery Neal Morse. 

I think it was 2005 or 2006.  My DT fandom was in full bloom at that point, but I hadn't really branched out and looked into many of the various side projects all of the members had been involved in.  I think probably all I had at that point was LTE2.  Around that time, I was at a branch of a Bay Area chain music store that carries a LOT of more obscure stuff, imports, used disks, etc.  I had some extra cash and some extra time, so I thought I would just browse through the bins and see if I could find anything from all these side projects or other bands that fellow forum members were into.  Neal had released Testimony, One, and ? at that point.  They had Testimony, so I picked it up.  2 disk set?  That's a great way to get an intro into this Neal Morse guy I had been hearing about.  But I wasn't ready.  The music was good.  But there was just SO much to digest.  And the story just seemed to go on and on and on.  I can't say that it grabbed me immediately.  But I revisited it from time to time over the next couple of years, and it slowly began to take hold and become one of my favorite albums.  I think it was actually a trip to Tahoe where I really had time to listen to it a few times in the car, and it really started to sink in and click.  And as part of that, I began to understand why it was so long, and why it NEEDED to be so long.  But, man, what an album this was.

I also began to slowly build my Neal discography.  I didn't get everything.  I still don't have everything.  But I picked up One and loved it.  I picked up Transatlantic, Live In Europe and loved it.  Found the Testimony live DVD used (what a find!) and loved it.  From there, I also picked up the first two TA studio albums.  I think Sola Scriptura was next, as I picked that up right when it was released, and by now my Neal fandom was set in stone.

Since then, I think it's safe to say that he has become one of my favorite musicians, if not my absolute favorite.  I can't say I love everything he has done.  But I find almost universally that if he was involved, there is a very high likelihood that I will really enjoy it. 

My favorite works of his are (in no order):  Testimony, One, Sola Scriptura, The Whirlwind, and The Similitude of a Dream. 

This new song, He Died At Home, is fantastic.  I need to get whatever album that is going to be on.  Anyhow, just some random NM thoughts for this morning.  Just wanted to share.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 05, 2018, 09:42:19 AM
Other than the list of favorites, that is kind of me and how I dove into the Neal Morse universe.   I have to say, I went and saw the TSOAD show (front row) and haven't been as mesmerized by a performer in a LONG time.   Real good stuff.   I'd like to try to catch the "singer/songwriter" show, but I don't know if it's going to happen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 05, 2018, 10:13:11 AM
Interestingly enough, I became a fan of Spock's Beard and Dream Theater around the same time, which was late 2007/early 2008. Can you imagine how thrilled I was when I found out that the mastermind of Spock's Beard has a side project with the drummer of Dream Theater? I liked Translatlantic from the start, but only later got into Neal's remarkably consistent solo career.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 05, 2018, 10:56:33 AM
Well, since we're all sharing, I guess I'll share too.

It was around 2004 when I started getting into Prog Rock properly, with Rush being my major foray into it. From there, it branched into more 70's prog, but I was also recommended a band called Dream Theater (because someone compared WDADU to Rush a bit, so I was intrigued - the rest is history). After a year or so of Dream Theater and Rush, among many others, I discovered Transatlantic (after falling in love with Mike Portnoy's drumming, as a drummer myself, so I sought out his other bands), and from there my undying love for Neal Morse's prog rock was born.

Transatlantic is a Top 5 band for me, and no doubt because of Neal's writing. In mid-2005, I bought nearly all of Spock's Beard's albums up to that point (Octane had just been released and I bought the 2CD set at my local FYE), and had also gotten Testimony and One, both of which I was completely enamored with. Hearing news that Neal was working on another album had me REALLY excited, and so his first new album after I became a lifelong fan was ?, and BOY what a new album that was for me! I ordered that sucker a week before release on Amazon and when it came in, I spun that album for weeks and weeks, picking out all the themes and motifs, enjoying the drumming and that entrancing guitar solo by Steve Hackett.

From then on, I've tried pre-ordering every single Neal Morse solo/band prog album he releases, studio and live, and I have been a part of the Inner Circle Fan Club since November 2011 (to get his Proggy Christmas album, before the official final release). As a single musicians/song-writer/singer, Neal easily ranks in my top 5, and his music always touches me in ways that few musicians have, regardless of his subject matter. His melodies and soulful voice always know how to move me, and despite his music often recycling itself or sounding same-y at some times, it doesn't detract from my enjoyment. Rather, because it is similar, it just means I am as likely to fall in love with it as always, but when he ventures into new or different territories (as he has with the Neal Morse Band), it gets me more excited because it means, after nearly 25 years of writing, he is still willing to try new things and make them sound amazing!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DT2003 on January 05, 2018, 07:00:39 PM
I did not intentionally discovery Neal Morse. 

I think it was 2005 or 2006.  My DT fandom was in full bloom at that point, but I hadn't really branched out and looked into many of the various side projects all of the members had been involved in.  I think probably all I had at that point was LTE2.  Around that time, I was at a branch of a Bay Area chain music store that carries a LOT of more obscure stuff, imports, used disks, etc.  I had some extra cash and some extra time, so I thought I would just browse through the bins and see if I could find anything from all these side projects or other bands that fellow forum members were into.  Neal had released Testimony, One, and ? at that point.  They had Testimony, so I picked it up.  2 disk set?  That's a great way to get an intro into this Neal Morse guy I had been hearing about.  But I wasn't ready.  The music was good.  But there was just SO much to digest.  And the story just seemed to go on and on and on.  I can't say that it grabbed me immediately.  But I revisited it from time to time over the next couple of years, and it slowly began to take hold and become one of my favorite albums.  I think it was actually a trip to Tahoe where I really had time to listen to it a few times in the car, and it really started to sink in and click.  And as part of that, I began to understand why it was so long, and why it NEEDED to be so long.  But, man, what an album this was.

I also began to slowly build my Neal discography.  I didn't get everything.  I still don't have everything.  But I picked up One and loved it.  I picked up Transatlantic, Live In Europe and loved it.  Found the Testimony live DVD used (what a find!) and loved it.  From there, I also picked up the first two TA studio albums.  I think Sola Scriptura was next, as I picked that up right when it was released, and by now my Neal fandom was set in stone.

Since then, I think it's safe to say that he has become one of my favorite musicians, if not my absolute favorite.  I can't say I love everything he has done.  But I find almost universally that if he was involved, there is a very high likelihood that I will really enjoy it. 

My favorite works of his are (in no order):  Testimony, One, Sola Scriptura, The Whirlwind, and The Similitude of a Dream. 

This new song, He Died At Home, is fantastic.  I need to get whatever album that is going to be on.  Anyhow, just some random NM thoughts for this morning.  Just wanted to share.

Very cool to read this as I had a similar experience of not getting into Neal right away. I remember reading about Testimony when Mike first announced he was going to be part of it. I was not familiar with Neal at the time, but I was intrigued by his story as I have similar beliefs as him and for the fact that Mike was playing on the album I figured it was definitely worth checking out so I preordered it. When it came out I listened once and liked it, but I felt like you that it was too much to digest so I put it aside.

Fast forward several years to 2009 and songs from this album kept popping up on my iPod when I had it on shuffle and every time one of these songs played I really enjoyed it. So I figured it was time to give the album another shot. This time it instantly hit me and I became obsessed with this album and Neal as well. I went back and bought all of Neals solo albums that had been released after Testimony up to that point (which was everything up to Lifeline) and I loved all of it. I then got into Transatlantic and am a big fan of Flying Colors as well. I have a few Spocks Beard albums which I enjoy as well, but havent gone back to get the rest although at some point I will.

Basically Neal has become my favorite musician and there is not an album he could release these days that isnt an instant purchase for me. He is also a great live performer. He is incredibly animated and emotional on stage and you can really see how much this music means to him. Im so glad Testimony finally sunk in for me as I cant imagine not knowing all of this incredible music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 05, 2018, 07:02:10 PM
I can't say any band with only four studio albums is in my all-time top 5, but Transatlantic would certainly be the highest rated band for me of bands with 4 or less studio albums.  I have my doubts as to whether or not we ever get a 5th from them now.

And yeah, while Neal's prog work can be a bit samey, the style he writes is, by nature, very adventurous.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on January 05, 2018, 07:35:42 PM
I'd have to thank the original president of the Dream Theater International Fan Club for getting me into Neal when he sent me a cassette of The Light which I then needed to buy on CD (no barcode) from the Syn-Phonic record label.

Coming up on 25 years I think.  Crazy when you stop and think about it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on January 06, 2018, 06:45:46 AM
I have liked Neal Morse music (including Transatlantic, Flying Colors etc.) for quite a while now, but to me the latest two albums, by The Neal Morse Band, are his best. I absolutely love The Grand Experiment and The Similitude of a Dream. Good to hear Mike is back on board for at least the studio album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 06, 2018, 08:12:41 AM
There's something I've been wondering over the years.

I'd imagine most of the Dream Theater fans dicovered Neal Morse because of his collaborations with Mike Portnoy in Transatlantic, and then subsequently moved onto Neal's solo career and maybe Flying Colors. However, my question is this: is it possible that some of those people never took a look at what happened before Translatlantic and therefore missed out on Spock's Beard?

I sometimes get the feeling that there are more people nowadays who celebrate Neal's solo career and Transatlantic, but that the Spock's Beard fans are a smaller group. That seems to be the case with this forum at least, although I know several people like that in my private life.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 06, 2018, 08:38:08 AM
After hearing SMPTe, I got into Neal's music by getting the first five Spock's albums over the course of the next year (this was in 2000-2001).  That said, as much as I love Spock's, I don't listen to them nearly as much as I do Neal's solo stuff, and it has been that way for a long time.  Maybe it's because I tend to gravitate towards listening to newer stuff by favorite artists when they release a new album, and there hasn't been a new Spock's album with Neal since 2002.  Or maybe I just simply like Neal's post-Spock's stuff collectively more than what he did with Spock's. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ninjabait on January 06, 2018, 08:53:05 AM
Honestly, I got into Neal Morse's solo stuff first. I don't remember the exact details of how I discovered it (I think I was looking for any prog bands/artists with a Christian bent because the closest thing I had at the time was Theocracy), but I remember hearing Testimony a couple of years ago and pretty much went to buy it immediately. Up to that point, I had heard approximately 0 Spock's Beard albums, and I had heard The Whirlwind only once. I explored his other solo albums (mainly Sola Scriptura, Testimony 2, and Momentum) and from there branched into Spock's Beard (starting with Snow, naturally) and Flying Colors. I still haven't listened to Transatlantic again.

And, since I haven't posted my thoughts on the new single (a bit late to the party, I know): I like it. Honestly, it's a subject that needs more attention and it's good that he wrote a song about it. The arrangement is good, and is simple enough to not detract from the lyrics while remaining somewhat interesting. There are some clunky phrasing issues in the lyrics and vocal melodies, but it's a good song overall and is hopefully indicative of the quality of the rest of the album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 06, 2018, 08:53:58 AM
I became a fan of Spock''s Beard when they opened for DT on the scenes tour. I followed Neal when he left SB because of that and not necessarily because of Portnoy's involvement.

I listened to Testimony when it came out but didn't really get into it. I still think it's one of Neal's weaker ones. My favorites are One, ? and Similitude Of A Dream. But I still like Spock's Beard more than Neal solo and not only the Neal stuff, X and Brief Nocturnes are among the best, imo.

And while Neal has a lot going on in his music I wouldn't really call it adventurous.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 06, 2018, 02:17:06 PM
I'd imagine most of the Dream Theater fans dicovered Neal Morse because of his collaborations with Mike Portnoy in Transatlantic, and then subsequently moved onto Neal's solo career and maybe Flying Colors. However, my question is this: is it possible that some of those people never took a look at what happened before Translatlantic and therefore missed out on Spock's Beard?

This is how I discovered Neal Morse. Because of the Mike collaboration. Which led me to Transatlantic, then Flying Colors. I've never listened to any of Spocks Beard.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on January 06, 2018, 03:23:40 PM
I was first made aware of Spock's Beard by Octavarium: "...here I come to save the Day for Nightmare Cinema Show..."

Not long after that though I discovered Transatlantic, and the train just rolled from there.

Also, I'm kind of disappointed they're going down the NMB route yet again rather than going for Flying Colors. Spread out your good projects evenly, dammit!

Also also, gmillerdrake, you are missing out BIG TIME! Spock's are one of the greatest modern prog bands of all time! And not just the Neal Morse era. They have continued to make incredible music for over 20 years now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 06, 2018, 03:26:59 PM
I think FC started working on album #3 last year and theyre supposed to record it this year, so Its coming.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 06, 2018, 04:32:10 PM

Also also, gmillerdrake, you are missing out BIG TIME! Spock's are one of the greatest modern prog bands of all time! And not just the Neal Morse era. They have continued to make incredible music for over 20 years now.

This! 

Even though I don't listen to Spock's nearly as much as I used to, I still love their music.  Some of Neal's best songs ever are from his Spock's days - The Light, The Doorway, Harm's Way, Flow, Wind at My Back, At the End of the Day, etc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 06, 2018, 06:56:48 PM
I can't say any band with only four studio albums is in my all-time top 5, but Transatlantic would certainly be the highest rated band for me of bands with 4 or less studio albums.  I have my doubts as to whether or not we ever get a 5th from them now.

And yeah, while Neal's prog work can be a bit samey, the style he writes is, by nature, very adventurous.

Normally, I would agree, but given the level musicianship within Transatlantic, their level of playing and writing, the fact that they all sing/do vocal harmonies, and how absolutely breathtaking their live albums are (well, except the quirky first one), they blow away all expectations for me. Even if they don't ever make a fifth album, the four that we got are good enough for them to cement their place in my personal top 5 bands of all time. Their music just speaks to me, and as a big fan of all the members involved, their music together outshines most of the music they each do individually with their own bands/projects (yes, even better than some solo Neal Morse or Dream Theater).

It's interesting how many here followed Neal from Transatlantic to Flying Colors and his solo stuff, but not backwards to Spock's  Beard. After I discovered Transatlantic, Spock's Beard was next before his solo stuff. I discovered Snow and V around the same time as SMPT:e and Bridge Across Forever, and I fell in love. It wasn't until I ran out of SB and TA albums that I began to fully enjoy Neal's solo work. Then again, I became a fan between One and ?, so there wasn't a lot of solo Neal stuff to gorge myself on at the time, so early SB filled that void for me. Beware Of Darkness became an instant favorite, and the others grew on me over time, though Snow was love-at-first-sight, being the concept album junkie I was at the time, and still kind of am. I think that's why it took me awhile to REALLY enjoy Testimony because Snow seemed so much better to me, that Testimony felt too derivative considering it was Neal's first album after Snow.

I think FC started working on album #3 last year and theyre supposed to record it this year, so Its coming.

This is correct - I believe the band wrote some stuff together over Skype earlier last year, then got up together to do a bit more in person, so it's being worked on over the internet at the moment. They will probably record the final stuff this year and release it early 2019. I wouldn't hold my breath for a 2018 release, but if it happens it'll be late 2018. Neal seems dead-set on getting NMB3 out this year and touring on it. I wouldn't be surprised if it came out late Summer, then they opened the tour with Morsefest in the fall, then did some fall/winter touring, depending on Mike's schedule. Then FC3 will come out and after Mike tours with another band (maybe TWD?), FC will probably tour Spring or Summer of 2019 for the new album.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 06, 2018, 08:25:39 PM
If the Neal Morse Band keeps cranking out albums similar in quality to their first two, I won't miss Transatlantic, to be honest.  Kaleidoscope was quite good, but it doesn't touch the first three TA albums or either album the NMB has done, IMO.  Plus, with NMB, we get three legit lead singers instead of just two with TA, and there seems to be a bit more variety in regards to the songwriting and little touches and whatnot.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 06, 2018, 08:31:56 PM
Plus, with NMB, we get three legit lead singers instead of just two with TA

Don't know if I'm the only one who feels like this, but I cannot stand Bill's singing. To me, it sounds like he's always singing outside of his range (too high) and it sounds forced.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 06, 2018, 08:32:46 PM
If the Neal Morse Band keeps cranking out albums similar in quality to their first two, I won't miss Transatlantic, to be honest.  Kaleidoscope was quite good, but it doesn't touch the first three TA albums or either album the NMB has done, IMO.  Plus, with NMB, we get three legit lead singers instead of just two with TA, and there seems to be a bit more variety in regards to the songwriting and little touches and whatnot.

Honestly, I kind of agree with that sentiment. As much as I'd hope for and love to see a fifth Transatlantic album, Neal has been giving some of that musical energy to the Neal Morse Band, and with four-part vocals between him, Mike, Bill, and Eric, that kind of music has a home in the NMB now, so I won't miss it in Transatlantic if there's an output for it. I remember hearing The Grand Experiment album and thinking that some of that material sounded like Transatlantic stuff, or stuff that could have been great TA material. Bill and Eric offer the kind of fresh and different sound to Neal that Roine and Pete had with TA, so if TA is done with, I'll be fine, as long as Neal keeps on working with them in that capacity, cranking out albums every 2-3 years.

Besides, I think Roine has been pretty busy with Jon Anderson (I think they're working on a second album), and now with his new supergroup The Sea Within, he'll be fairly busy for a couple more years. And Pete? Well Marillion always seems to take their time doing things, so I'm sure he's doing SOMETHING to occupy his time (it's certainly NOT another Kino album...  :'( )

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 06, 2018, 08:49:15 PM
Don't know if I'm the only one who feels like this, but I cannot stand Bill's singing. To me, it sounds like he's always singing outside of his range (too high) and it sounds forced.

(https://www.seeing-stars.com/Dexter/DoakesFlashback2.jpg)

Honestly, I kind of agree with that sentiment. As much as I'd hope for and love to see a fifth Transatlantic album, Neal has been giving some of that musical energy to the Neal Morse Band, and with four-part vocals between him, Mike, Bill, and Eric, that kind of music has a home in the NMB now, so I won't miss it in Transatlantic if there's an output for it. I remember hearing The Grand Experiment album and thinking that some of that material sounded like Transatlantic stuff, or stuff that could have been great TA material. Bill and Eric offer the kind of fresh and different sound to Neal that Roine and Pete had with TA, so if TA is done with, I'll be fine, as long as Neal keeps on working with them in that capacity, cranking out albums every 2-3 years.

Besides, I think Roine has been pretty busy with Jon Anderson (I think they're working on a second album), and now with his new supergroup The Sea Within, he'll be fairly busy for a couple more years. And Pete? Well Marillion always seems to take their time doing things, so I'm sure he's doing SOMETHING to occupy his time (it's certainly NOT another Kino album...  :'( )

Alive Again sounded more like a Transatlantic song than one that would have been on one of Neal's solo albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 07, 2018, 01:02:35 PM

Also also, gmillerdrake, you are missing out BIG TIME! Spock's are one of the greatest modern prog bands of all time! And not just the Neal Morse era. They have continued to make incredible music for over 20 years now.

This! 

Even though I don't listen to Spock's nearly as much as I used to, I still love their music.  Some of Neal's best songs ever are from his Spock's days - The Light, The Doorway, Harm's Way, Flow, Wind at My Back, At the End of the Day, etc.

I figured and know Im missing out. I need to delve into it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 07, 2018, 02:38:30 PM

Also also, gmillerdrake, you are missing out BIG TIME! Spock's are one of the greatest modern prog bands of all time! And not just the Neal Morse era. They have continued to make incredible music for over 20 years now.

This! 

Even though I don't listen to Spock's nearly as much as I used to, I still love their music.  Some of Neal's best songs ever are from his Spock's days - The Light, The Doorway, Harm's Way, Flow, Wind at My Back, At the End of the Day, etc.

I figured and know Im missing out. I need to delve into it.

I will echo Kev's sentiments again - those early SB epics are some of Neal's best pieces, and once you hear them, you'll get a feel for a lot of what fans called Neal's trademark sounds - Gentle-Giant-esque vocal parts and harmonies, the random Spanish-guitar-section, the epic reprisal of the opening themes - just things that you know and love from his albums Testimony-onward, but have their origins in the first six SB albums.

Alive Again sounded more like a Transatlantic song than one that would have been on one of Neal's solo albums.

Agreed - I also felt that way of "World Without End" to some extent, but that had some crazy moments that felt non-TA-ish to me. Both epics did, to me at least. I should really give TGE a good listen again sometime soon. Even "Agenda".

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 07, 2018, 06:19:54 PM
Agenda is a corny, silly song, but it has some lovely melodies and it sure does rock.  When you think of how "heavy" many of Neal's lyrics are, a fun song for the sake of fun was a welcome change.


Even though I don't listen to Spock's nearly as much as I used to, I still love their music.  Some of Neal's best songs ever are from his Spock's days - The Light, The Doorway, Harm's Way, Flow, Wind at My Back, At the End of the Day, etc.

I figured and know Im missing out. I need to delve into it.

I am armed with recommendations and suggestions whenever you are ready. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 08, 2018, 02:05:38 AM
Alive Again is great, but it had that one very proggy upbeat section in its "overture" that never came back afterwards in the song. It may sound silly, but this grades down the whole song for me.

World Without End is great in my opinion. One of his best epics.

To throw in another one, So Many Roads sounded too constructed to me, not one big piece, but rather a handful of shorter songs squeezed into one track. He managed to do better before and after, for example with Seeds Of Gold, Stranger In Your Soul, The Great Nothing and even The Whirlwind, along with the mentioned ones.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 08, 2018, 03:06:08 AM
I appreciate the comments on Spock's Beard, that's something I've been curious about for a long time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 08, 2018, 09:20:39 AM
There's something I've been wondering over the years.

I'd imagine most of the Dream Theater fans dicovered Neal Morse because of his collaborations with Mike Portnoy in Transatlantic, and then subsequently moved onto Neal's solo career and maybe Flying Colors. However, my question is this: is it possible that some of those people never took a look at what happened before Translatlantic and therefore missed out on Spock's Beard?

I sometimes get the feeling that there are more people nowadays who celebrate Neal's solo career and Transatlantic, but that the Spock's Beard fans are a smaller group. That seems to be the case with this forum at least, although I know several people like that in my private life.

This is definitely me.  I have gone back and listened to some Spocks.  But while I liked some songs, nothing I heard ever compelled me to get into them in a big way. 

If the Neal Morse Band keeps cranking out albums similar in quality to their first two, I won't miss Transatlantic, to be honest.  Kaleidoscope was quite good, but it doesn't touch the first three TA albums or either album the NMB has done, IMO.  Plus, with NMB, we get three legit lead singers instead of just two with TA, and there seems to be a bit more variety in regards to the songwriting and little touches and whatnot.

Yeah, I tend to agree.  Although, given the strength of the first three albums, it could also be that Kaleidoscope is just an outlier, and that a follow up would be on par with the first three and end up blowing me away. 

Agreed - I also felt that way of "World Without End" to some extent, but that had some crazy moments that felt non-TA-ish to me. Both epics did, to me at least. I should really give TGE a good listen again sometime soon. Even "Agenda".

Agenda is fantastic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on January 08, 2018, 11:14:15 AM
I think Kaleidoscope is just as good as anything else TA has ever done. The first four tracks are amazing, and only the title track drags a little bit, but it still has some great stuff. I'd say the last 3 TA albums are close to flawless as possible. But I'd still rather get a Neal Morse Band album over anything else.

My Neal ranking:

The Neal Morse Band
Transatlantic
Neal Morse (solo prog)
Flying Colors
Neal Morse (solo singer/songwriter)
Spock's Beard

That's not to say that I don't enjoy Spock's or anything above it. Neal is so prolific, literally everything he does is pretty much gold to me. I'm less familiar with Neal solo stuff and Spock's, but I still love what I've heard.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 08, 2018, 02:58:39 PM
If we're ranking Neal's works, here's what I've got:
Transatlantic
Spock's Beard
Neal Morse (solo prog)
The Neal Morse Band
Flying Colors
Neal Morse (solo singer/songwriter)

As enjoyable as Neal's  non-prog output is, I just don't spin it very often. I love Flying Colors as much as anyone, but with the other 4, they've got more going for them.

I out NMB's 2 albums under Neal's 7, which comprise some amazing albums and songs. As good as TGE and  TSOAD are, the new band's output hasn't quite yet topped what came before it.

Above those, however, had to be the two bands Neal was in before 2002, with TA up top and SB just behind it, with 6 pretty stellar albums that I enjoy to this day. I can put any of them on and enjoy them straight through, even Snow!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 08, 2018, 06:38:11 PM
I still find if bizarre to separate Neal's prog solo stuff from his singer/songwriter stuff when ranking his projects of officially released material. It's all Neal Morse solo, so it falls under the same titular umbrella.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 08, 2018, 08:44:48 PM
I still find if bizarre to separate Neal's prog solo stuff from his singer/songwriter stuff when ranking his projects of officially released material. It's all Neal Morse solo, so it falls under the same titular umbrella.

What I find bizarre is to separate Neals prog solo albums from NMB albums. Its pretty much the same players and the music is very similar (all great albums btw). I just dont see how adding band after Neals makes any difference since hes still in charge and rights most of the music anyway. I have TGE and TSOAD under Neal Morse on my itunes/iphone so I have all his prog albums under the same artist name.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 09, 2018, 07:10:35 AM
I'd rank as follows
Neal Solo (including non-prog and NMB)
Flying Colors
Transatlantic
Spock's Beard

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 09, 2018, 07:18:37 AM
Spock's Beard (has lower lows but also higher highs than NM solo)
Flying Colors (sounds different from his usual stuff, maybe it's the "new smell" but with two records it's actually too early to properly rank this project)
Neal Morse (? and TSOAD are masterpieces but I'm not too fond of all that Testimony stuff and Lifeline, and he gets kinda samey after a while)
Transatlantic (Bridge Across Forever is the best them, the rest is solid, Kaleidoscope suffers (imo) from too few time spent on the writing/recording)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on January 09, 2018, 07:22:06 AM
I still find if bizarre to separate Neal's prog solo stuff from his singer/songwriter stuff when ranking his projects of officially released material. It's all Neal Morse solo, so it falls under the same titular umbrella.

What I find bizarre is to separate Neals prog solo albums from NMB albums. Its pretty much the same players and the music is very similar (all great albums btw). I just dont see how adding band after Neals makes any difference since hes still in charge and rights most of the music anyway. I have TGE and TSOAD under Neal Morse on my itunes/iphone so I have all his prog albums under the same artist name.

I don't think it's bizarre at all to do either of these things. How can one lump together Sola Scriptura, One, and Momentum with Songs From November, Songs From the Highway, and It's Not Too Late? They're completely different styles. Neal purposefully chooses which one he's going to pursue before he starts the recording process. His album coming up this February is clearly in the "singer/songwriter" category, and will probably not be anything like ? or Testimony in any way.

As for separating The Neal Morse Band from Neal Morse solo, well I think it's pretty obvious that there's a big difference between the projects. Yes, they are both prog (when talking solo prog albums). But adding Bill and Eric to the mix as writers, singers, and performers gives it a completely different feel. It's not just Neal doing it all anymore, he has more guys bringing in ideas and helping flesh out the ones he has. Not to mention that some people (like me) hear the difference and prefer the last two albums over any that came before. There's a reason for that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 09, 2018, 07:35:58 AM
After thinking some more on this I could easily put transatlantic at the bottom. The issue is the Whirlwind. I freaking love that album and their first album also has All of the Above and We All Need Some Light which are the two songs that got me into Neal's work. That being said, I could live without Bridge Across Forever and Kaleidoscope.

My new list.
Neal Solo (including non-prog and NMB)
Flying Colors
Transatlantic (Whirlwind &SMPT:e)
Spock's Beard
Transatlantic (Bridge Across Forever and Kaleidoscope)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on January 09, 2018, 08:03:44 AM
I could live without Bridge Across Forever and Kaleidoscope.

 :o
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 09, 2018, 12:08:11 PM
I could live without Bridge Across Forever and Kaleidoscope.

 :o

I know I'm in the minority when it comes to Bridge Across Forever. I've never been able to connect to that album for some reason. I enjoy it when I listen to it but there's nothing that sticks with me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 09, 2018, 03:03:46 PM
I could live without Bridge Across Forever and Kaleidoscope.

 :o

I know I'm in the minority when it comes to Bridge Across Forever. I've never been able to connect to that album for some reason. I enjoy it when I listen to it but there's nothing that sticks with me.

Im with you, its my least favorite TA album.

I rank them:
The Whirlwind
Kaleidoscope
SMPT:e
Bridge Across Forever
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 09, 2018, 03:30:16 PM
I could live without Bridge Across Forever and Kaleidoscope.

 :o

I know I'm in the minority when it comes to Bridge Across Forever. I've never been able to connect to that album for some reason. I enjoy it when I listen to it but there's nothing that sticks with me.

Im with you, its my least favorite TA album.

I rank them:
The Whirlwind
Kaleidoscope
SMPT:e
Bridge Across Forever

Maybe this has to do with when you discovered Transatlantic? Say, if you discovered them before 2008, you'd only have the first two albums to listen to. But if it was after 2009, they had released The Whirlwind, and I could see how that could make a greater impression than the first two.

Personally speaking, I discovered them in 2004, so their first two albums were still fairly fresh in terms of release (comparatively speaking), and so for about 5 years, all I had to listen to from them were those first two albums. Not that I don't like the last two, but I grew insanely fond of BAF over the years, almost obsessively so. I made cuts of the album with the 17 movements indexed as separate tracks; I also made a cut of the album that unfaded the album-ending of "Suite Charlotte Pike" and put back the original ending heard after "Stranger In Your Soul" to create the complete 17:06 version of SCP.

If we're ranking them, here's where I'd put them:
Bridge Across Forever
The Whirlwind
SMPT:e / Kaleidoscope (they both get an even amount of spins, but not as much as the above two).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 09, 2018, 03:33:20 PM
I keep going between the first and the second Transatlantic album when picking my favorite one. Both are equally great and I've never been able to decide.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 09, 2018, 03:53:34 PM
I discovered TA after Whirlwind was released, so yeah, that might have a lot to do with that, but I just dont like the songs on BAF too much. DWTD is really cool, but none of the other songs click with me, specially SCP, I just cant listen to it.

On the other hand, All of the Above is easily my favorite TA song (not counting The Whirlwind) and I like the songs on that album (and the other two) much more than the ones on BAF.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 09, 2018, 03:56:53 PM
Maybe this has to do with when you discovered Transatlantic?

Funny you should say that because I think the timing definitely had an impact on me.  I don't remember what year it was, but it was definitely pre-Whirlwind.  The first thing I bought, sight unheard, was Live In Europe.  I listened to it quite a bit before getting the (then) two studio albums.  I didn't even know for sure which song went with which album.  The SMPT:e and BAF tracks were just all there, and they had about equal status in my eyes.  I thought Duel was okay.  It had some good parts that I really liked, and some other parts that were just okay.  My new world was just okay as well.  I really liked We All Need Some Light.  The Charlotte Pick medley was okay.  Stranger and All of the Above were amazing.  So, really, both albums ended up being somewhat interchangeable.  I would probably rank SMPT:e slightly above BAF.  But they are very close. 

The Whirlwind just took everything I liked about TA and Neal, and turned it all up a notch.  It is just about a perfect album. 

To me, Kaleidoscope sounds like it tried to just take the best of what TA does, but with less feeling and conviction.  I don't dislike it.  But it just doesn't rise to nearly the level of the prior albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on January 09, 2018, 04:04:26 PM
Interesting. My introduction to Transatlantic was The Whirlwind and I was pretty underwhelmed. Awhile later I heard Bridge Across Forever and it blew me away, still among my all time favorite albums. So pretty much the exact opposite of Bosk's experience (although I've yet to listen to SMPT:e).

I agree on Kaleidoscope though. Some really good parts but kinda average in comparison to their other work.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 09, 2018, 05:14:20 PM
2112 has been my favorite song for over 25 years now, and only one song in that time span has been a serious threat to knock it down to number 2.  That song is Stranger in Your Soul. To say I was obsessed with that song for like two years ('01-03) would be an understatement.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 09, 2018, 05:23:45 PM
Well, that's a fine song to be in contention for your favorite, if I may say so.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HolidaysAnoraks on January 09, 2018, 07:28:43 PM
For those of you that are longtime Inner Circle members, what past releases would you recommend? I joined in July 2016, so I have Falling For Forever / The Kansas Demos onward. After getting some Christmas money, I'm considering the following:

May 2007 - ? Live

January 2009 - Roine's Love Mix (big ? Fan and stating to listen to The Flower Kings; really curious to hear what Roine does with this)

May / July 2009 - Lifeline Tour 2008 Parts 1 & 2 DVDs

May 2013 - Momentum Live in LA

July 2014 - Live in India DVD
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 10, 2018, 01:47:11 PM
Maybe this has to do with when you discovered Transatlantic?

Funny you should say that because I think the timing definitely had an impact on me.  I don't remember what year it was, but it was definitely pre-Whirlwind.  The first thing I bought, sight unheard, was Live In Europe.  I listened to it quite a bit before getting the (then) two studio albums.  I didn't even know for sure which song went with which album.  The SMPT:e and BAF tracks were just all there, and they had about equal status in my eyes.  I thought Duel was okay.  It had some good parts that I really liked, and some other parts that were just okay.  My new world was just okay as well.  I really liked We All Need Some Light.  The Charlotte Pick medley was okay.  Stranger and All of the Above were amazing.  So, really, both albums ended up being somewhat interchangeable.  I would probably rank SMPT:e slightly above BAF.  But they are very close. 

Live In Europe was, for the longest time, my most-played and beloved live album/concert video among so many that I owned. It's still one of my favorites to this day, and it helped cement Transatlantic's place in my top bands. The songs are performed expertly, the piano break from "Love Beyond Words" was played before it was released on Snow, and the Beatles/SCP medley is pretty well constructed. I do agree that SIYS and AOTA are two of their best songs, if not THE two best songs they've written (not counting The Whirlwind as a whole).

Looking back at my Amazon orders, I noticed that in January of 2005 I had ordered both SMPT:e and Bridge Across Forever, then I got the live albums and videos later that year into 2006, but Live In Europe was easily the better of the two live albums for me.

The Whirlwind just took everything I liked about TA and Neal, and turned it all up a notch.  It is just about a perfect album. 
Agreed! The synergy of performance and writing on display on this album is stellar. :tup

To me, Kaleidoscope sounds like it tried to just take the best of what TA does, but with less feeling and conviction.  I don't dislike it.  But it just doesn't rise to nearly the level of the prior albums.

I like it well enough, but to me, it did seem a bit like they were trying to emulate the formula of their first two albums: Open with an epic and follow-up with a softer ballad, then a wacky rock tune, all like on SMPT:e - then close the album with a piano ballad that leads into the sprawling final epic. They also tried the shared-themes idea used on BAF, but it's not as prominent or well-executed as on there. Even though it's my least favorite of the four (by a small margin, tied with SMPT:e), it's still an amazing album, especially compared to some of their contemporaries.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mebert78 on January 10, 2018, 01:51:44 PM
I've been starting to work my way back through Neal's discography since being obsessed last year with The Similitude of A Dream.  Aside from that album, the only Neal Morse albums I have are Transatlantic's The Whirlwind and the first Flying Colors album.  So, I got The Grand Experiment for Christmas and I just started listening today.  My first reaction is a big WOW to "Waterfall."  I immediately stopped working when that song came on and listened to it about 6-7 times in a row.  What a beauty! 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 10, 2018, 01:53:39 PM
For those of you that are longtime Inner Circle members, what past releases would you recommend? I joined in July 2016, so I have Falling For Forever / The Kansas Demos onward. After getting some Christmas money, I'm considering the following:

May 2007 - ? Live
IIRC, there's an officially released version of this IC set, and it includes the encore, which I believe the IC release did not. You might want to research this a bit more before purchase!

January 2009 - Roine's Love Mix (big ? Fan and stating to listen to The Flower Kings; really curious to hear what Roine does with this)
I haven't spun this more than once, but it's not a mix by Roine. It's just a mix of the album with all of his guitar parts turned up a bit, I believe. It's been awhile since I've listened to it, though.

May / July 2009 - Lifeline Tour 2008 Parts 1 & 2 DVDs
This is a good one to have. It's the last tour Neal did with the European band he had for a few years, and there's some good song choices there.

May 2013 - Momentum Live in LA
July 2014 - Live in India DVD
These are also both good purchases. Basically, any live CDs or Videos are good picks, but just be sure to check them out and read reviews if you're curious.

If you're into demos, there's plenty of those in the IC shop, as well as some Behind-The-Scenes documentaries for Neal's solo prog albums, which are always a joy to watch!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 10, 2018, 02:07:55 PM
  My first reaction is a big WOW to "Waterfall."  I immediately stopped working when that song came on and listened to it about 6-7 times in a row.  What a beauty!

I LOVE that song. It's an amazing song....period. so powerful, so beautiful.....
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 10, 2018, 07:53:18 PM
Waterfall is most definitely a killer song.  :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 11, 2018, 08:34:50 AM
I've been starting to work my way back through Neal's discography since being obsessed last year with The Similitude of A Dream.  Aside from that album, the only Neal Morse albums I have are Transatlantic's The Whirlwind and the first Flying Colors album.  So, I got The Grand Experiment for Christmas and I just started listening today.  My first reaction is a big WOW to "Waterfall."  I immediately stopped working when that song came on and listened to it about 6-7 times in a row.  What a beauty!

Find the deluxe version of Testimony 2.   Testimony 2 is great, albeit a lot to digest, but the bonus disk, with Seeds of Gold (epic) and my personal favorite Neal song, "Supernatural" are really good.  I'm a huge fan of The Grand Design and Momentum as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 11, 2018, 08:46:11 AM
I thought Momentum was great as well.  Lifeline was the first prog album Neal did on his own that wasn't a concept album, and although I could be dead wrong, it kind of felt like he wasn't sure what he wanted to do and lacked direction and focus.  To me, Momentum took the things Lifeline did well and just felt more focused and comfortable.  But on the flip side, I also feel that maybe just as a fan, *I* was a bit thrown off and uncomfortable by Neal not doing a concept album, and may just be projecting my own feelings onto Lifeline.  And, by extension, since Momentum was the second non-concept album, *I* may have simply become more comfortable at that point with Neal not doing a concept album, and projected that onto the music.  Not sure.  But it is what it is. 

I hate to do rankings for the sake of rankings, but just to give a feel for where I put these albums in relation to each other and why:
1.  One:  Could be my favorite album of all time from anyone (which is saying something since I am definitely more of a metal guy; other than this and The Whirlwind, all my top albums would be more in the metal vein).  It definitely has some dips and lulls.  But overall, it's just so solid.  And the concept makes the whole greater than the sum of its parts, so the few dips are easily forgotten and swallowed up by the role they play in being pieces of the bigger picture.
2.  Sola Scriptura:  Great music.  Great message that transcends the biography of Martin Luther himself.  Paul Gilbert's solo in The Door is my favorite guitar solo ever.  Prior to release, I knew of Martin Luther only in general terms, and wasn't expecting to have such a connection with this album, but it really works for me.
3.  Testimony:  Holds a special place in my heart for reasons I have already discussed elsewhere in the thread.  But the high esteem I have for this album isn't just emotion.  I feel the music and writing are solid, and definitely justify the ranking.  In the Middle -> Storm Before the Calm is one of my favorite musical passages ever. 
4.  The Similitude of a Dream:  I can't help but feel like there is something wrong with ranking this album fourth.  It is so good.  There is nothing in it that I find objectively inferior to my top three Neal albums.  I just connect ever so slightly more with those top 3. 
5.  The Grand Experiment:  This iteration of the band feel like they injected new life into Neal.  Everything about this album is fantastic. 
6.  Momentum:  A bit of a dropoff from the top 5, but not much.  I really feel like I need to revisit this album, as I haven't really listened to it in awhile.  Interestingly, the shorter songs are the ones I like and remember most (Momentum, Smoke and Mirrors, Weathering Sky, and Freak).
7.  Testimony 2:  Some stunning moments.  When I found out he was doing Testimony 2, my response was "Why?"  But the music answers that question.  This album is solid.  It is a well-done follow-up to the original, and worthy of being in the Neal discography, even if it might not be as consistently good as his other works.
8.  ?:  The biggest drop-off for me occurs with this album.  There are some stunning moments.  But as a whole, this album has never done much for me.
9.  Lifeline:  Not a "bad" album.  But with all the good music out there, this album never stood out to me and begged to be listened to like others in the discography.  I like the title track and So Many Roads.  But other than Leviathan, which I have never liked, none of the other songs made enough of an impression on me that I can really remember much about them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 11, 2018, 08:51:07 AM
That's a really great point, because I like both of them (obviously I love Momentum, because I said so) but there is a vague sense of... discontinuity.   I think I know exactly what you mean.   That might just as well be a testament to how well Neal can focus and tell a story, though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 11, 2018, 09:05:40 AM
That's a really great point, because I like both of them (obviously I love Momentum, because I said so) but there is a vague sense of... discontinuity.   I think I know exactly what you mean.   That might just as well be a testament to how well Neal can focus and tell a story, though.

Yup, that's a great point.  He is such a great story teller through music that he is really often at his best when doing a concept album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 11, 2018, 11:15:32 AM
I've been starting to work my way back through Neal's discography since being obsessed last year with The Similitude of A Dream.  Aside from that album, the only Neal Morse albums I have are Transatlantic's The Whirlwind and the first Flying Colors album.  So, I got The Grand Experiment for Christmas and I just started listening today.  My first reaction is a big WOW to "Waterfall."  I immediately stopped working when that song came on and listened to it about 6-7 times in a row.  What a beauty!

Find the deluxe version of Testimony 2.   Testimony 2 is great, albeit a lot to digest, but the bonus disk, with Seeds of Gold (epic) and my personal favorite Neal song, "Supernatural" are really good.  I'm a huge fan of The Grand Design and Momentum as well.

I hate to be "that guy", but there are only 2 versions of Testimony 2, and both include 2 CDs. The 3-track second disc is standard, and was never considered a bonus disc of any sort. It's just more music that couldn't fit in the story of T2, nor it's disc. Think like Porcupine Tree's The Incident, which had a second disc of unrelated songs (though in that case, it COULD have fit on the first disc).

Also... The Grand Design? Got Rush on the brain? :lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 11, 2018, 11:22:08 AM
I like the standard T2 disk just fine.  But the songs on the bonus disk never did much for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 11, 2018, 11:56:59 AM
I've been starting to work my way back through Neal's discography since being obsessed last year with The Similitude of A Dream.  Aside from that album, the only Neal Morse albums I have are Transatlantic's The Whirlwind and the first Flying Colors album.  So, I got The Grand Experiment for Christmas and I just started listening today.  My first reaction is a big WOW to "Waterfall."  I immediately stopped working when that song came on and listened to it about 6-7 times in a row.  What a beauty!

Find the deluxe version of Testimony 2.   Testimony 2 is great, albeit a lot to digest, but the bonus disk, with Seeds of Gold (epic) and my personal favorite Neal song, "Supernatural" are really good.  I'm a huge fan of The Grand Design and Momentum as well.

I hate to be "that guy", but there are only 2 versions of Testimony 2, and both include 2 CDs. The 3-track second disc is standard, and was never considered a bonus disc of any sort. It's just more music that couldn't fit in the story of T2, nor it's disc. Think like Porcupine Tree's The Incident, which had a second disc of unrelated songs (though in that case, it COULD have fit on the first disc).

Also... The Grand Design? Got Rush on the brain? :lol

-Marc.

I didn't realize that fact about Testimony 2.  I stand corrected.   

As for the other mistake, YES!  :) 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 11, 2018, 01:15:19 PM
I like the standard T2 disk just fine.  But the songs on the bonus second disk never did much for me.

"Seeds Of Gold" is arguably my favorite non-TA/SB Neal Morse epic. The flow, the sound, the feel and the lyrics are all top-notch for me, and that Steve Morse guitar solo is pretty amazing as well. The other two songs are merely OK, and I'm saddened that "Absolute Beginner" wasn't played at the last Morsefest, though thankfully "Supernatural" was.

I didn't realize that fact about Testimony 2.  I stand corrected.   

As for the other mistake, YES!  :) 

Yeah, it's alright, most people seem to think it's a bonus disc because the songs aren't related to the story of T2, but there is no single disc edition of the album, so the second disc is the standard version. The deluxe version comes with the bonus DVD disc with the behind-the-scenes making-of documentary, which is pretty insightful and fun to watch (as are all of Neal's BTS docs).

As for Neal album rankings (from Testimony to TSOAD), I'd like to post mine a little later. I'll have to think on it. Recent activity in this thread has put Neal's music back into my listening rotation, so I've been listening to some SB and TA lately, but I'll want to freshen up on the NM solo albums first before I post my updated ranking. I can tell that TSOAD will easily be in the upper-half, and, like bosk, I will likely put Lifeline at the bottom (of which I really only enjoy "Lifeline", "Leviathan" and "So Many Road").

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 11, 2018, 08:34:23 PM
As awesome is Seeds of Gold is, I don't listen to it as much as most of Neal's other 20-minute plus songs from his post-SB career.  Not sure why that is.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 11, 2018, 09:22:24 PM
As awesome is Seeds of Gold is, I don't listen to it as much as most of Neal's other 20-minute plus songs from his post-SB career.  Not sure why that is.

Well, if you're like me and you listen to albums rather than singles and randomized playlists, you probably don't get to "Seeds of Gold" after getting through Testimony 2, which means you probably don't listen to "Absolute Beginner" or "Supernatural" all that often either. I think SoG's inclusion in Morsefest 2017 might remedy that, if you plan on spinning it as a whole whenever it comes out.

With that in mind, I wonder if you listen to the four original songs on The Whirlwind's bonus CD - "Spinning", "Lenny Johnson", "For Such A Time", and "Lending A Hand"? I didn't, at first, but then I tacked them on to the end of my Whirlwind playlist on my iPod, so whenever I spin the whole thing, I get those four in there as well.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 12, 2018, 02:01:53 AM
Quote
The biggest drop-off for me occurs with this album.  There are some stunning moments.  But as a whole, this album has never done much for me.

Can you explain why? I always thought ? was his least controversial album (which of course doesn't mean everyone has to like it). Also, it follows the concept of The Whirlwind of one huge song (or rather: TW follows the concept of ?) and the parts flow into each other perfectly (if not even a little better than in The Whirlwind), I think.
I like it's straight approach (most of the album is in 4/4 except for two songs) and its conciseness. Clocking at 55 mins, I believe, it's his shortest one and I think this fits the album well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 12, 2018, 05:09:16 AM
I used to really like ?, but at some point it occured to me that it doesn't quite have songs that can stand on their own. It's a nice listen from start to finish, but if I had to pick a song that's a clear highlight, it would be a problem. I have favorites, but no real highlights. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 12, 2018, 06:03:30 AM
? doesn't really have standout tracks but, at least for me, it works phenomenal as a whole piece, the sum is larger than its parts.

As I mentioned before ? is still my favorite Neal Morse record.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 12, 2018, 06:50:06 AM
I think of all of my favorite bands and musicians Neal Morse's catalog is the hardest to rank, but I'm going to give it a shot.

1. Similitude of a Dream- Easy choice
2. Sola Scriptura- The album that got me into Neal
3. One- Grows stronger with every listin
4. The Grand Experiment (Would be hire, but I don't love the epic even though the call is my favorite Neal track)
5. Lifeline (Minus Leviathan which is my least favorite neal song)
6. Momentum
7. Tetimony
8. ?
9. Testimony 2

Really, 2-4 could flip on any given day. Same with 5-7.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 12, 2018, 07:03:36 AM
... (Minus Leviathan which is my least favorite neal song)  ...

I know I'm in the minority but I really like Leviathan, don't know what people have against it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 12, 2018, 07:08:41 AM
... (Minus Leviathan which is my least favorite neal song)  ...

I know I'm in the minority but I really like Leviathan, don't know what people have against it.

The biggest problem that I have with it is that completley ruins the flow of Lifeline. It just seems so out of place on that album. I do think that my opinion of that song could change if I ever saw it live.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 12, 2018, 07:29:13 AM
Okay, I can see that, but personally I don't mind.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 12, 2018, 07:54:04 AM
The great thing about ? is that it's so homogeneous and has no great stand alone track. It IS one piece.

I LOOOOOVE LEVIATHAN!! Grooves as hell! And it's highly important in the flow of Lifeline imo!! Without it, Lifeline would basically consist of 3250978 ballads about God.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on January 12, 2018, 08:19:15 AM
When I ripped ? for my iPod I ripped it as a single track. I don't view that album as anything other than that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 12, 2018, 08:32:33 AM
As awesome is Seeds of Gold is, I don't listen to it as much as most of Neal's other 20-minute plus songs from his post-SB career.  Not sure why that is.

Well, if you're like me and you listen to albums rather than singles and randomized playlists, you probably don't get to "Seeds of Gold" after getting through Testimony 2, which means you probably don't listen to "Absolute Beginner" or "Supernatural" all that often either. I think SoG's inclusion in Morsefest 2017 might remedy that, if you plan on spinning it as a whole whenever it comes out.

With that in mind, I wonder if you listen to the four original songs on The Whirlwind's bonus CD - "Spinning", "Lenny Johnson", "For Such A Time", and "Lending A Hand"? I didn't, at first, but then I tacked them on to the end of my Whirlwind playlist on my iPod, so whenever I spin the whole thing, I get those four in there as well.

-Marc.

I do have the T2 bonus disk on my work computer, so when the main disc finishes, it goes right into that.  It's just a question of whether I want to continue, or if I stop it and go somewhere else. 

At my old job, I had the Whirlwind bonus disk on my computer, so I got to know the covers and original tracks from that disk quite well.  But I didn't load it here at my new place.  Years removed from the release, I just don't find that I have much desire to listen to them.

Quote
The biggest drop-off for me occurs with this album.  There are some stunning moments.  But as a whole, this album has never done much for me.

Can you explain why? I always thought ? was his least controversial album (which of course doesn't mean everyone has to like it). Also, it follows the concept of The Whirlwind of one huge song (or rather: TW follows the concept of ?) and the parts flow into each other perfectly (if not even a little better than in The Whirlwind), I think.
I like it's straight approach (most of the album is in 4/4 except for two songs) and its conciseness. Clocking at 55 mins, I believe, it's his shortest one and I think this fits the album well.

No big, grand reason.  I simply don't like it as much as the other albums.  There isn't anything "wrong" with it, or anything I actively dislike.  The songs just don't click with me, for whatever reason.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 12, 2018, 09:26:42 AM
I'm not sure I could rank them.   I got into Neal late - around the time of the release of "The Grand Design" (it's got a nickname now. :)), which I held off listening to until I caught up.  So I listened to all of them, except Testimony (which I already had), in order and I can remember liking every record better than the one before, with no clear drop offs.  That's not to say that I can't discern between them, but I'd have to go back and listen to them again.   

I do know that seeing the songs live is a big part of it.   I liked TSOAD a lot, and now it's sacred after seeing it live.   Unbelievable experience.    Same with "The Call".    That ten, twelve minutes was life changing.  It was like watching a revival, in a good way.  I've seen over 300 concerts in my life, and rarely have I seen an artist bring a piece of music to life quite like that.       
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 12, 2018, 09:29:58 AM
Hey, this is as good a place as any for this:   Anyone know the "story" of The Whirlwind?  Or can point me to a libretto of sorts for that?  I get the biblical reference of the "whirlwind", a literal representation of the power and might of the Lord, and there are references to both people being raised up (in a good way) via the whirlwind, and struck down in might by the whirlwind, but I wondered if there was something more to it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 12, 2018, 09:51:17 AM
Hey, this is as good a place as any for this:   Anyone know the "story" of The Whirlwind?  Or can point me to a libretto of sorts for that?  I get the biblical reference of the "whirlwind", a literal representation of the power and might of the Lord, and there are references to both people being raised up (in a good way) via the whirlwind, and struck down in might by the whirlwind, but I wondered if there was something more to it.

I don't remember if this came from the making of DVD or an interview Neal may have done around that time, but what I recall him saying was, in paraphrase:  The concept was loosely inspired by God speaking to Job from within a whirlwind in the book of Job (presumably chapters 38 and 40).  The song is basically about how mankind is on a destructive path because we do not listen to go, and basically poses the question of whether we will listen to him or continue on our path to destruction. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on January 12, 2018, 10:20:27 AM
Speaking of Whirlwind bonus tracks, was For Such A Time a extra song per-se, similar to Back To The Garden/Nothing To Believe/King Jesus not being able to fit on one disc for NM's One album, since the vocal melodies/phrasings and song chords fit in with parts from disc 1? Overall the style for For Such A Time doesn't fit the rest of disc 1 (to me at least) but there's no denying that the melodies and chords are from disc 1.

Just curious if there is any sort of back story for this song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 12, 2018, 10:31:33 AM
Speaking of Whirlwind bonus tracks, was For Such A Time a extra song per-se, similar to Back To The Garden/Nothing To Believe/King Jesus not being able to fit on one disc for NM's One album, since the vocal melodies/phrasings and song chords fit in with parts from disc 1? Overall the style for For Such A Time doesn't fit the rest of disc 1 (to me at least) but there's no denying that the melodies and chords are from disc 1.

Just curious if there is any sort of back story for this song.

Yeah, my recollection is that it was parts of another arrangement they had partially worked up for The Whirlwind, but scrapped, either because of time constraints or just because the song was done at that point.  So that's why some of the melodies are taken from there.  The song title and chorus lyrics are taken from the book of Esther in the Bible, although I never got the sense that that is what the song is about.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on January 12, 2018, 12:26:25 PM
I always liked Spinning from the Whirlwind bonus disk.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 12, 2018, 12:43:48 PM
I haven't heard Spinning in years but if recall correctly, I always thought the instrumental sections were awesome, but the verse and other sung parts were just too .. idk cheesy (?) for my taste. No sure if you get what I am trying to say.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DT2003 on January 12, 2018, 05:55:44 PM
It's always hard for me to rank albums, but I'll give it a shot...

1. The Similitude of a Dream - Simply put, IMO this album is perfect.  MP often overhypes his music, and he has never hyped any album as much as this one, but I truly feel that this album lives up to the hype that Mike gave it.  It's been over a year since this album has been released and I still cannot get enough of it.
2. Sola Scriptura - As someone who tends to like heavier music more, that element of this album is what boosts it up to #2 for me.
3. The Grand Experiment - Although I'm not too crazy about Agenda and the title track, the rest of this album (including the bonus disc) is incredible.  This was my introduction to Eric and he has since become one of my favorite musicians.  I wasn't sure how to feel about the addition of Eric and Bill as vocalists, but it didn't take long until I absolutely loved it as their voices add so much to this band.
4. One - Can't put my finger on it, but there is just something about this album that makes it real special.
5. Testimony - This is the album that got me into Neal Morse, even if it did take several years after I first listened to it for it to sink in.  For that reason it holds a special place in my heart, plus I love the story.
6. ? - Absolutely love this album and the lack of an epic is probably the only reason it's not ranked higher.
7. Testimony 2 - Love how this album fills in the pieces that were missed in the original Testimony, especially Jayda which is such an uplifting song.  I love Seeds of Gold, but I'm not a huge fan of the other two songs on the 2nd disc, although I certainly don't dislike them.
8. Lifeline - For the longest time I couldn't get into So Many Roads as I felt like it was long for the sake of being long... then something happened and it clicked and I became obsessed with that song for a while.  I also absolutely love the title track in this one. 
9. Momentum - World Without End would be reason enough to rank this album higher as this is easily one of my favorite epics (and that's saying a lot) from Neal, but other than that song nothing stands out in a big way for me and Neal's other albums are so strong that I couldn't see ranking this any higher.

There is no musician out there today that I enjoy as much as Neal and I absolutely love every one of these albums. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 12, 2018, 08:05:45 PM
Alrighty, here I go, trying to rank the 9 albums from Testimony through The Similitude Of A Dream...

1. One - It was tough trying to sort out these top three, but after listening to One last night (the expanded version), I remembered just how much I freaking LOVE this album. At 11 songs long, a good meaty 93 minutes, it covers a lot of ground for Neal, and there are a LOT of highs on here, from the opening "The Creation", the intensity of "Author Of Confusion", and the strong epic "The Separated Man". The weaving of musical and lyrical themes in this one a bit stronger than Testimony IMO (which felt a bit copy-and-paste), and the expanded track list helps fill that out a bit more. As preachy as "King Jesus" sounds, it's a DAMN good rock tune, and I love it. "Reunion" is a brilliant closer, and it didn't have to be a bombastic 25 minute epic to finish the album, either. The varying styles and song-lengths really spice things up on this album, which is why I never get tired of listening to it.


2. The Similitude Of A Dream - WOW...who knew that Neal could put out another double-disc concept album and have it sounds so fresh and new?! Well, MP did and despite his hype, the music spoke for itself and proved it was amazing. One year on, I still put this one on occasionally, and I love the input from Bill and Eric on this one, musically, lyrically and vocally. The band really stepped up their game from TGE and made a modern classic concept album that will hopefully stand the test of time! I'm not sure how much more I can gush about this one, but the only reason it's not number 1 is because I love One just a bit more (it has about 12 years on it, so...). There are so many highlights on here, like "City Of Destruction", "The Ways Of A Fool", "Breath Of Angels", "The Man In The Iron Cage" and soooo many more. There are very few dips in quality or enjoyment on this one. I wish I had had the chance to see this one live when they came around Baltimore, but I just didn't have the time for funds to. Bummer...I guess I'll just have to enjoy the inevitable TSOAD Live set whenever we get that!


3. The Grand Experiment - When it was announced that Neal was adding more band members to him, Mike and Randy, I was a bit nervous, because how do you mess up a formula that was proven to work?! That trio put out so many good albums and songs that adding new players might shake things up TOO much, but boy was I wrong! They did shake things up, but in a GOOD way, and you can tell from the get go that this was not quite the band from before. The opening a capella section of "The Call" really drives home that new-band-feeling. Neal had finally found a five-piece that could compare to Spock's Beard, and with 2 new multi-instrumentalists/vocalists on board, the possibilities of what this band could do opened up greatly! It was also a great way for Neal to FINALLY cover "MacArthur Park" (which was brought up years ago on another Making-Of documentary, I think for Question or Sola). Almost every song on this album is perfect, especially the first three pieces. "Agenda" is GOOD, but not great, and it does what it is meant to do, and let be honest, Neal needs a silly tune every now and then (like "Freak"). The two bonus originals are pretty amazing as well, especially "New Jerusalem". Top to bottom, there isn't much I dislike on this album, and the epic stands up as one of his best. I think because this has been around longer, it ranks one higher than


4. Question Mark - I ordered this album a week before release, in late October 2005, and was thus the first new Neal Morse album after I became a fan of his, and my anticipation was high. The announcement of guest musicians like Roine Stolt and Steve Hackett had me excited, and the idea of a 12-part 55 minute concept album seemed glorious, especially after the longer Testimony and One albums. MAN this is an album on fire, and the use of horns and winds really brings to life a lot of the intense sections. Neal really did try and make this one sound a bit different from his previous two, and being his shortest album, it's great to spin a few times and really dive into it, because there is a LOT to get into on this short album. I really love "12" and "In The Fire", but the last two tracks are pretty amazing too.


5. Sola Scriptura - When this album came out, I was really into it, and I really loved heavier music, but in recent years, I've mellowed out a bit on the heavy stuff, but I still REALLY enjoy this one. It really felt fresh and unique for Neal at the time, and the Transatlantic-ish approach for the album format worked pretty well (though it just made me miss Transatlantic more at the time). Opening the album with two monster epics was a bold choice, and I can see how that might make this album a bit difficult for fans to get into, heaviness aside. I think this one tops the others below it, for me, because it stands out among Neal's other albums, for many reasons, and it was his second new album after I became a fan, so it's been around for a long time for me. Despite that, though, I definitely don't spin it as much as I used to.


6. Testimony 2 - This album took the standard Neal Morse formula and changed things up quite a bit, and there were a lot of conscious decisions made to do that. For example, the album opens with the pop tune instead of the overture, and the finale is a fade-out rather than a grandiose held-chord explosion. There's a lot of different genres and styles thrown around in there too, and the vocal return of Spock's Beard is a true highlight, as is "Jayda", "The Truth Will Set You Free", and "It's For You". There are plenty of intense musical and lyrical moments on this one, which is why I enjoy it a bit more than Testimony 1. The epic on disc two is also quite possibly one of my favorite Neal Morse epics of all time, so that helped push this album up a bit.


7. Testimony - When I discovered Neal Morse and his solo prog career after SB/TA, this and One were the only albums I knew, so they got a lot of spins, but this one was longer and a bit more of a slog to get through. After he had just released Snow, it seemed a bit derivative to have another 2-disc concept album (and longer than Snow at that), and I can understand a lot of the criticisms lobbed at this album - bloated, too many reused themes, very preachy at times (though that doesn't bother me as much as Lifeline or any of the others here). I think having the songs organized in five large chunks helped make the album a bit more digestible - you could listen to Parts 1 and 2 and feel good, take a break, and then spin disc 2. Heck, I even made a 5-song version of the album with each song being whole parts! There's a LOT to digest on this album, and it's not as good TSOAD as far as his double-disc concepts go, but it's still enjoyable nonetheless, I just find it slightly less enjoyable than the ones above it.


8. Momentum - This album was Neal next non-concept after Lifeline, but here his music feels a bit more polished, has a bit of SB-ish feel to it, mostly due to the track-list being a similar format - open with shorter songs and close with an epic - kind of like Lifeline, but more like Beware Of Darkness, The Kindness Of Strangers, Day For Night, and Neal Morse (eponymous release). This album also features Neal's longest non-album-length epic yet, and it's a MONSTER of an epic with some great movements and parts within. The shorter songs good to great, with "Thoughts (Part 5)" being a stand-out. There's nothing inherently wrong or bad with this release, and outside of the epic and "Thoughts", it's pretty average for Neal, but the lyrics are a bit less in-your-face-religious like with Lifeline, and feel a bit more like Spock's Beard in that respect, which I think is why I, and many other fans, prefer it over Lifeline if comparing the two directly.


9. Lifeline - It's no surprise that I put this here. I've voiced my opinions on this album many times here, and for me, it's just an inconsistent album over-all. Personally speaking, the lyrical content goes from religious-with-a-story/concept to religious-for-being-religious'-sake, and the tunes come off a bit more preachy than even the fifth part of Testimony. Over the years, though, the album has grown on me a bit, and while I only initially liked the title track and the epic, as well as "Leviathan", I've also grown to enjoy "Children Of The Chosen" and even "Fly High". The 2 bonus tunes are also pretty interesting, and feature the only Neal Morse solo prog song to NOT feature Mike on drums (performed by Collin Leijenaar on the mini-epic "Set The Kingdom", which has never been played live as far as I'm aware). It's an OK album, and I would only recommend it to die-hards and completionists, but definitely get the 2 CD edition with the bonus tracks and covers! "Crazy Horses" is one of the weirdest song choices ever, but they make it work!

WHEW...oh man, if you read all of that, what's wrong with you?! If so, thanks for doing that, and I hope that it made some sense. I wrote all that very stream-of-consciousness and so it might not be very coherent in spots, but it's pretty much how I feel...tonight.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 13, 2018, 12:26:38 AM
It's been a while since I did a ranking, but here goes:

1. The Similitude of a Dream - To echo the sentiments of others, the album lived up to the hype and then some.  It is a rare double album that literally never lags or feels too long.
2. One - What can I say about this that hasn't been said already?  A perfect record.
3. ? - While I think On the Fire is a clear standout track and one of his best, I agree with those saying the whole is better than the sum here.  There are only a few songs here I listen to on their own with any regularity, but from start to finish, this is nothing short of incredible.
4. The Grand Experiment - Alive Again, The Call and Waterfall are three of the best songs Neal has ever done, from any project. It is only this low because it lacks the flow of most of his other records.
5. Testimony 2 - Seeing this at Morsefest reminded me of how much I love it.  The flow is immaculate, and the reprises here feel more natural and sparing, rather than being beaten over the head by them like on the original Testimony record.
6. Sola Scriptura - It's a testament to how much great music he has put out in the last 15 years when an album this good is only my 6th favorite.
7. Neal Morse - Neal's first solo album is so good and so underrated.  Emma and Everything Is Wrong are two of his best "simple" songs ever, the "A Whole Nother Trip" medley is really cool (it sounds very Day for Night-ish), and the rest is really good.
8. Momentum - I love World Without End and Thoughts Part 5, and like most of the rest, although Weathering Sky seems like one of those "I could have done without this" songs.
9. Testimony - Some will call it heresy to have it this low, but while it has some incredible moments and songs, it seems way too long, it is way too reprise-happy (even by Neal's standards), and the sound of it just seems a little odd at times.
10. Songs for November - I have to be in the right mood for this one, but when I am, it's such a nice little record.
11. It's Not Too Late - A very nice listen from start to finish, and I have really come around on digging The Wind + the Rain.
12. Lifeline - So Many Roads is amazing, and the title track is good despite feeling way too long, but the rest is just kind of there. A rare prog hiccup for Neal.

As awesome is Seeds of Gold is, I don't listen to it as much as most of Neal's other 20-minute plus songs from his post-SB career.  Not sure why that is.

Well, if you're like me and you listen to albums rather than singles and randomized playlists, you probably don't get to "Seeds of Gold" after getting through Testimony 2, which means you probably don't listen to "Absolute Beginner" or "Supernatural" all that often either. I think SoG's inclusion in Morsefest 2017 might remedy that, if you plan on spinning it as a whole whenever it comes out.

I rarely have the time anymore to listen to whole albums, but I tend to listen to chunks of albums.  Like I will think, "I wanna hear track 3 from this album," and then 25 minutes later, I have listened to tracks 3-7.

My car listening tends to be very random, and I simply don't go to Seeds of Gold like I do the other long epics as much.  It sure did kick our ass at Morsefest though, and I can't wait for that live DVD/Blu-ray to come out. :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 13, 2018, 04:09:23 AM
I'll provide my raking, although I'm slightly lazy to do short reviews of the albums.

1. Testimony 2
2. Sola Scriptura
3. ?
4. The Similitude of a dream
5. Momentum
6. One
7. The Grand Experiment
8. Testimony
9. Songs From November
10. Lifeline

Confession time - I've never listened to the two singer/songwriter albums that were released prior to Testimony. I'll probably have to check them out at some point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 13, 2018, 10:46:30 PM
Confession time - I've never listened to the two singer/songwriter albums that were released prior to Testimony. I'll probably have to check them out at some point.

I'd say check them out. Neal's self-titled is pretty great, and the four-part prog-epic at the end is a bit different than what he was used to doing at the time (the last part is pretty mellow and not as bombastic as his other epics). The second album, "It's Not Too Late" has some great songs on it as well, though of the two, it's a bit weaker, but both are really worth checking out, especially if you want to hear what Neal was doing outside of SB before he left SB/TA.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 14, 2018, 06:56:55 AM
I would agree with most of that, and to make a direct comparison to Spock's, Day for Night and Neal's self-titled solo debut both came out in '99, and I would say the solo debut was the superior record.  Some might not consider that overly impressive, since many consider Day for Night the least impressive Spock's record of the Neal-led era, but I do.  That is my go-to Neal cd for when I want something more laid back and not proggy.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on January 14, 2018, 07:31:37 AM
I love Day for Night.  Call me kooky.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 14, 2018, 07:59:06 AM
I think DFN is a cool album as well. I like the opening track with its acoustic middle part. And Gibberish as a new, better (there I said it) Mouth Of Madness (plus, Gentle Giant vocals!!). The Gypsy is easily one of the best SB songs under 10 minutes. I rank this one among the Thoughts songs, Author Of Confusion, Leviathan, Mystery Train, Time Changer - songs where NM managed to fit all the awesomeness of his compositional genius into a 6-8 min song. Crack The Big Sky is a cool grooving 10 minute song - not as good as Harm's Way, but still very good. And I also like the two ballads, especially Distance To The Sun.
Only point of criticism would be Mommy Comes Back. To me, this song splits up the flow of the The Healing Colors a little. Apart from that, the longtrack and the album itself are very good. Neal shouldn't have split up The Healing Colors into different track imo. I never like that (f.e. on Feel Euphoria and the self titled one or Neal Morses ?).
I usually ignore Hurt, since I don't like it, and it's just a bonus track. Completely unnecessary.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 14, 2018, 08:07:16 AM
Eh, I think of The Healing Colors of Sound as more of a suite rather than one song, similar to Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, so I think breaking them up into a handful of tracks made total sense.  To me, that suite, The Gypsy and Crack the Big Sky are the album's highlights. The title track is good as well.  Skin, Gibberish and Can't Get It Wrong are all crap I can do without. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 14, 2018, 03:03:51 PM
Neal Morse just released a new video:
https://www.laut.de/News/Neal-Morse-Livin-Lightly-kuendigt-Album-an-12-01-2018-14308
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 14, 2018, 04:58:54 PM
Regarding Day For Night: I think it's GOOD, but among the other five, it's easily my least favorite, and I prefer the two before and two after it to be honest. With that said, all six of the Neal-Era SB albums are still pretty good over-all, a lot of great songs, but DFN just has less of them, and the quality isn't as consistent as V or Beware Of Darkness, or even The Kindness Of Strangers (which took me a little bit to warm up to, mostly due to "Strange World" and "Cakewalk On Easy Street", which I felt dragged the album down a bit, but now I like them more).

Since we're talking Neal-Era SB, If you were on a desert island and had to listen to six albums for the rest of your life, would you rather pick the six Neal-Era Beard albums, or any six Neal Morse Solo albums (NOT including TGE and TSOAD)? And yes, you can include special editions/bonus discs/etc., mostly in the case of Neal's solo stuff.

If neither of those entices you, how about a third option - Transatlantic's four albums, all special editions with bonus discs.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 14, 2018, 07:25:59 PM
Neal Morse just released a new video:
https://www.laut.de/News/Neal-Morse-Livin-Lightly-kuendigt-Album-an-12-01-2018-14308

Nice song. :hat

Since we're talking Neal-Era SB, If you were on a desert island and had to listen to six albums for the rest of your life, would you rather pick the six Neal-Era Beard albums, or any six Neal Morse Solo albums (NOT including TGE and TSOAD)? And yes, you can include special editions/bonus discs/etc., mostly in the case of Neal's solo stuff.

If neither of those entices you, how about a third option - Transatlantic's four albums, all special editions with bonus discs.

-Marc.

I wouldn't pick the Transatlantic option. Not enough diversity from album to album.

I would take 6 Neal solo CDs over the Spock's albums, and I'd go with the debut, One, ?, Sola Scriptura, Testimony 2 and Momentum.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 15, 2018, 10:44:04 AM
Day for night is my least favorite album of the Neal era, just because there are as many average songs as there are great ones. Surprisingly enough, Skin and Gibberish would NOT be on my average list, I love both of those. The title track and Crack the big sky are also highlights. I've always disliked Can't get it wrong and The Gypsy, and then there's the epic, which has some nice bits but overall it's quite underwhelming. I did slightly grow a soft spot for it when I saw it live, though.

The new song is slightly vanilla. Hopefully it will grow on me once the entire album comes out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 15, 2018, 12:53:15 PM
How can one dislike The Gypsy exactly?  :omg:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 15, 2018, 01:02:11 PM
I never felt like any of its parts go together. It's also one of the less inventive songs melodically, not to mention that the ending is truly anticlimactic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on January 15, 2018, 05:30:26 PM
An interesting update on the new album by MP on Facebook. It seems that it will a CD with longer songs:
Sitting on an airplane flying home from Nashville and I just did a listen down of the writing/scratch tracks of the entire new NMB album from start to finish...WOW 😳 Im blown away!!!
We knew following up TSOAD would be a challenge as it was such a special album to all of us, but I have to say this new one does the legacy proud and is an amazing follow up!
To nip the biggest question in the bud now, its a single disc and is NOT a sequel to TSOAD...
If I had to compare it to one of mine & Neals previous albums, Id say its probably most similar to Sola Scriptura or Transatlantics Bridge Across Forever...
The album is filled with epic majesty, beautiful melodies and amazing playing from start to finish and I couldnt be prouder of what we came up with....
I know its rather early to be teasing you all like this when we wont even begin tracking til March and the album wont likely be out til towards the end of the year, but I just wanted to check in and give you all a progress report and let you all know how excited I am with it!!
To be continued...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 15, 2018, 07:24:55 PM
That doesn't surprise me.  After doing two albums of pretty much all short songs (TSOAD and his forthcoming solo record), I am sure Neal was itching to write a 30-minute song. :lol :lol

And in the end, we will all win. :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 15, 2018, 09:40:38 PM
An interesting update on the new album by MP on Facebook. It seems that it will a CD with longer songs:
Sitting on an airplane flying home from Nashville and I just did a listen down of the writing/scratch tracks of the entire new NMB album from start to finish...WOW 😳 Im blown away!!!
We knew following up TSOAD would be a challenge as it was such a special album to all of us, but I have to say this new one does the legacy proud and is an amazing follow up!
To nip the biggest question in the bud now, its a single disc and is NOT a sequel to TSOAD...
If I had to compare it to one of mine & Neals previous albums, Id say its probably most similar to Sola Scriptura or Transatlantics Bridge Across Forever...
The album is filled with epic majesty, beautiful melodies and amazing playing from start to finish and I couldnt be prouder of what we came up with....
I know its rather early to be teasing you all like this when we wont even begin tracking til March and the album wont likely be out til towards the end of the year, but I just wanted to check in and give you all a progress report and let you all know how excited I am with it!!
To be continued...

I saw this earlier and was pretty excited! I'm sure Neal has been dying to release an epic for awhile now, having worked on TSOAD, Flying Colors 3, and his singer/songwriter album, I bet he's got a backlog of epic demos! I hope the others brought their demos too. I wonder if the blackout/snowstorm made any difference to their writing as they were without power for a day or so - more acoustic guitar perhaps?

If the format is similar to Sola and BAF, I suspect two major epics that will bookend the album, and a medium epic or two, and one shorter piece, totaling 4 or 5 pieces and probably as close to 80 minutes as possible. Either way, color me excited! I'm hoping for an October or November release, then probably touring on it early 2019. I guess this means if Morsefest is happening this year, it'll probably be before the new album comes out, and after Mike is done with SOA touring.

...still waiting for FC3 news, though.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 16, 2018, 06:55:16 AM
Exciting news! Can't wait for this!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 16, 2018, 07:03:27 AM
That means they already wrote 80 mins of music in, what, one and a half weeks?
I don't understand why they can't take a little more time for their albums. Just let the ideas develop a little, don't take the first thing that comes to your mind. MP and NM never disappoint with an album, but I think if they'd just lock themselves in for a least a month, they could create something really cool. Don't make your music inflationary.
I once read somewhere (more or less translated from German): If Supper's Ready is made up of a whole fair of ideas, then Duel With The Devil consists of not more than only one small booth of that fair.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Moor on January 16, 2018, 07:10:40 AM
So the NM album expected on February 16 "Life & Times" is not the one discussed by MP above?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on January 16, 2018, 07:13:17 AM
That means they already wrote 80 mins of music in, what, one and a half weeks?
I don't understand why they can't take a little more time for their albums. Just let the ideas develop a little, don't take the first thing that comes to your mind. MP and NM never disappoint with an album, but I think if they'd just lock themselves in for a least a month, they could create something really cool. Don't make your music inflationary.
I once read somewhere (more or less translated from German): If Supper's Ready is made up of a whole fair of ideas, then Duel With The Devil consists of not more than only one small booth of that fair.

Neal and Randy were talking about new NMB stuff at Morsefest 2017 in September. They work on this stuff constantly, just not in the same room. Neal is constantly writing, whether on tour or at home (His Life and Times album was written on the Road Called Home tour). They get together for a week or two to basically confirm and nail down the songs, which is all they need because at that point everything is already written for the most part. And, like you said, they never disappoint. So I don't see a problem with it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 16, 2018, 07:29:03 AM
So the NM album expected on February 16 "Life & Times" is not the one discussed by MP above?

No, that's NMs singer/songwriter album. The one we're talking about is the next, yet unnamed album by the Neal Morse band. As far as I know, MP was not involved in Life & Times.


As I said, I really enjoy NMs albums, but I think if they took time together to work on their ideas together, they could create something even more awesome. Same thing with Transatlantic. No, ESPECIALLY with Transatlantic actually.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 16, 2018, 07:32:52 AM
As I said, I really enjoy NMs albums, but I think if they took time together to work on their ideas together, they could create something even more awesome. Same thing with Transatlantic. No, ESPECIALLY with Transatlantic actually.

I agree with Transatlantic. I feel that especially Kaleidoscope could have been better if it was given more time and more work. It's not a bad album, but for me it feels like it could have been better.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 16, 2018, 08:29:35 AM
An interesting update on the new album by MP on Facebook. It seems that it will a CD with longer songs:
“Sitting on an airplane flying home from Nashville and I just did a listen down of the writing/scratch tracks of the entire new NMB album from start to finish...WOW 😳 I’m blown away!!!
We knew following up TSOAD would be a challenge as it was such a special album to all of us, but I have to say this new one does the legacy proud and is an amazing follow up!
To nip the biggest question in the bud now, it’s a single disc and is NOT a sequel to TSOAD...
If I had to compare it to one of mine & Neal’s previous albums, I’d say it’s probably most similar to Sola Scriptura or Transatlantic’s Bridge Across Forever...
The album is filled with epic majesty, beautiful melodies and amazing playing from start to finish and I couldn’t be prouder of what we came up with....
I know it’s rather early to be teasing you all like this when we won’t even begin tracking til March and the album won’t likely be out til towards the end of the year, but I just wanted to check in and give you all a progress report and let you all know how excited I am with it!!
To be continued...“

That's cool.  I know Mike is always enthusiastic about everything he works on, but it's still nice to see.  And while I don't always end up agreeing with his descriptions of what a given album is actually like (see Black Clouds), it's interesting to see what he feels a given album compares to or feels like.

That means they already wrote 80 mins of music in, what, one and a half weeks?
I don't understand why they can't take a little more time for their albums.

Probably because they don't NEED to.  Simple as that.  What they are doing works.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 16, 2018, 03:08:15 PM
That means they already wrote 80 mins of music in, what, one and a half weeks?
I don't understand why they can't take a little more time for their albums.

Probably because they don't NEED to.  Simple as that.  What they are doing works.

Gotta agree with Bosk here. We can assume all day and night how much "better" the music could have been given a bit more time, but it's not like the music is particularly horrible in any respects, or at least to a majority of fans. What they do is pretty great, and the chemistry between Neal and Mike has always led to some great music.

Also, more often than not, Neal comes prepared with music he's worked on for months, and when he gets together with his bands, unless they offer up a ton of ideas, it's mostly his pieces that get tweaked by the band and re-arranged a bit, so it's not like they're writing from scratch every session. For all we know, most of the album was already written by Neal in the last few months (and actually, I recall Neal saying he had ideas several months ago for the next NMB album lined up, according to his Inner Circle Newsletter).

So no, I highly doubt they wrote an album's worth of music in less than 10 days, but more likely hammered out the tunes, tweaked them to include input and ideas from Mike, Randy, Bill and Eric, and finalized the arrangements. Between now and March, they'll probably discuss arrangements and ideas some more, then finalize the drum tracks during the tracking period, then spend the next couple months recording the rest of the instruments and vocals, which then will go through numerous edits and tweaks between the band members as mixes are sent back and forth between them via email/dropbox from Neal and Rich Mouser. The final mix probably won't be done until a month or so before release anyway, which they have all year for if they want it out before 2019.

You can tell I've watched WAAAAY too many Neal Morse/SB/TA/FC behind-the-scenes/making-of documentaries. It's a process, and yes, while Mike and Neal have written stuff in the studio before, they typically come prepared with the majority of music to be recorded. Demos for many of Neal's albums exist, as far back as the SB days, to prove that he does write before sessions begin. Dream Theater they are not.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 16, 2018, 05:31:27 PM
I am pretty sure I remember hearing about the time of Morsefest last September that both Eric and Bill were already writing stuff for the next NMB album, and when you consider that Neal seems to always write and never sleep :lol, it's likely that they went into the studio armed with plenty of material ready to go.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on January 16, 2018, 06:39:39 PM
Yeah, I've seen enough Docs to know that any project with Neal does not write like MP's other projects. NMB, TA, FC all demo their own material and then they usually present their stuff at the sessions. There they tweak it and start putting stuff together to form songs. Further tweaking might happen between the sessions and the actual tracking period.

You can be sure that nothing is rushed when Neal is involved.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on January 17, 2018, 01:20:04 PM
MP overhyping something? Now there's a shocker!  ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on January 21, 2018, 05:28:36 PM
Any word of a January Inner Circle release?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 22, 2018, 08:11:22 AM
Any word of a January Inner Circle release?

Quote
NEAL MORSE - Live at Morsefest 2017
INNER CIRCLE JANUARY 2018
(Wave, MP3 and Art files)

 "Sometimes very special things happen spontaneously... almost magically at times" says Neal Morse referring to his acoustic concert at Morsefest 2017. "I couldn't think of what I really wanted to do, and then I sat down the day before the concert and just wrote some songs out and they seemed to flow in an almost perfect way. It was the first time that I performed many of the songs from 'Life and Times,' and performing them with my son Wil made it even more special for me." This was the debut of many new songs including "Manchester" and "He Died At Home" the latter of which was the talk of the festival. Julie Harrison joined Wil and Neal for a beautiful rendition of "Old Alabama".

Track list:
1. Pierce My Heart
2. Agenda
3. If I Only Had A Day
4. Selfie In The Square
5. Make Me A Dishwasher
6. Manchester
7. Cradle To The Grave
8. Lay Low
9. He Died At Home
10. Alright With Me

Just got the email this morning.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 24, 2018, 11:24:35 AM
Recently I've been meaning to check out the two singer/songwriter albums Neal released before leaving Spock's Beard. I have to admit I was slightly apprehensive. Songs from November was neat, but not something I return to often. The two new songs turned out to be a bit underwhelming. I thought to myself, what if the whole singer/songwriter aspect of Neal's work isn't even close to his great prog releases?

Boy, was I wrong.

I've been spinning his very first solo album over the last few days over and over again. I can't forgive myself for ignoring it for so long. The closing suite is marvelous, filled to the brim with usual beauty and awesomeness Neal is known for. Emma, Everything is wrong and That which doesn't kill me are also among my favorites, and the opener, even though not truly convincing or energetic like most of his openers, is still a cute tune. There isn't a single song I dislike on this album. It's great. Kev pointed out that it's supperior to Day for night. It actually might be.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 24, 2018, 12:11:50 PM
There are some good songs on his first two song writing albums. I prefer the first to the second. But I LOVE Songs from November. My favorite of the three by far.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 24, 2018, 07:37:38 PM
Recently I've been meaning to check out the two singer/songwriter albums Neal released before leaving Spock's Beard. I have to admit I was slightly apprehensive. Songs from November was neat, but not something I return to often. The two new songs turned out to be a bit underwhelming. I thought to myself, what if the whole singer/songwriter aspect of Neal's work isn't even close to his great prog releases?

Boy, was I wrong.

I've been spinning his very first solo album over the last few days over and over again. I can't forgive myself for ignoring it for so long. The closing suite is marvelous, filled to the brim with usual beauty and awesomeness Neal is known for. Emma, Everything is wrong and That which doesn't kill me are also among my favorites, and the opener, even though not truly convincing or energetic like most of his openers, is still a cute tune. There isn't a single song I dislike on this album. It's great. Kev pointed out that it's supperior to Day for night. It actually might be.

I literally smiled when reading this post.  :tup :tup

Glad to see you are enjoying that first record of Neal's!  I love it.  :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 25, 2018, 07:36:00 AM
Sorry to be a noob, but what are the titles of the records you guys are talking about?   I thought "Songs From November" was more recent than that?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 25, 2018, 08:00:27 AM
Well, since it is only January, I suppose that's a reasonable assumption.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on January 25, 2018, 12:16:14 PM
Sorry to be a noob, but what are the titles of the records you guys are talking about?   I thought "Songs From November" was more recent than that?

Neal Morse - 1999

https://www.nealmorse.com/catalog.asp?n=nealmorse

It's Not Too Late - 2001

https://www.nealmorse.com/catalog.asp?n=itsnottoolate
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on January 26, 2018, 02:05:10 PM
I like those 2 first "solo" albums. Songs From November is just ok, seems to me that his lyrics are just so literal and the melodies seem kind of safe. It sounds like the new album will be like that too, based on the two songs released so far. I am looking forward to seeing him in NYC on 1/28 though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 26, 2018, 05:28:06 PM
First two songs sound solid, but nothing that has knocked my socks off.  I am sure the album as a whole will be enjoyable if not amazing.  I will consider it the appetizer for the eventual new Neal Morse Band record.  :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: XeRocks81 on January 26, 2018, 08:37:44 PM
Sorry to be a noob, but what are the titles of the records you guys are talking about?   I thought "Songs From November" was more recent than that?

Neal Morse - 1999

https://www.nealmorse.com/catalog.asp?n=nealmorse

It's Not Too Late - 2001

https://www.nealmorse.com/catalog.asp?n=itsnottoolate

Dang Stads, never took you for such a noob  :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DT2003 on January 27, 2018, 05:24:28 AM
As huge a Neal fan as I am, I never got into his singer/songwriter albums, but I think I have to give them a try. The only one I own is Songs from November, but I didnt really give it a legitamate chance, only listening to it once. Ill start with that and order the other two as well as the new one in the meantime.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 11, 2018, 07:33:37 PM
Live version of another new song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1w3ADql3yo

Sounds like a fun, catchy song. :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 12, 2018, 06:22:09 AM
Hey guys... I'll be interviewing Neal this Wednesday. If you have any questions for him, PM me!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: AngelBack on February 12, 2018, 06:41:55 AM
Hey guys... I'll be interviewing Neal this Wednesday. If you have any questions for him, PM me!

Any plans for new Transatlantic and if so any band line-up info?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 12, 2018, 07:06:55 AM
Hey guys... I'll be interviewing Neal this Wednesday. If you have any questions for him, PM me!

Any plans for new Transatlantic and if so any band line-up info?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 12, 2018, 07:26:37 AM
Hey guys... I'll be interviewing Neal this Wednesday. If you have any questions for him, PM me!

I'd love an update on Flying Colors 3.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 12, 2018, 07:34:07 AM
I would love to know more of the details of the conflict they had during the writing of TSOAD, with Mike being initially VERY apprehensive about it being a double album.  The "making of" CD makes it seem pretty dramatic in the way it is edited with Neal's commentary.  But it also just kind of gives us the conflict and then the resolution in quick succession.  I'm curious about how they worked through it, what the other musicians in the band may have felt/said about it, and just how all that worked out.  I totally get Mike's apprehension, and them having worked through it and following Neal's inspiration seems to have given us the best possible album, so it's great that they worked it out the way they did.  But I'm curious about the process.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 12, 2018, 07:37:33 AM
Also, any updates on the next Morsefest Blu-Ray release would be great. I need a live copy of TSOAD.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 12, 2018, 08:31:33 AM
Will they be following the "Neal Morse Band" concept further, or are there Neal Morse solo prog albums in the future?  Is that dynamic noticeable with the band or is it more of an organic thing that "puts a name" to what was always there? 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 12, 2018, 09:40:54 AM
Thanks guys!!! Keep em coming!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 12, 2018, 07:23:51 PM
Hey guys... I'll be interviewing Neal this Wednesday. If you have any questions for him, PM me!

The guys above me pretty much took all my questions (Flying Colors 3, Transatlantic 5, Morsefest 2017 home video/CD release)...hmmm...

Oh, I've got one - Whose decision was it to not play Lifeline in its entirety for Morsefest, but only do 2 songs (the title track and the epic "So Many Roads")? If it was Neal's decision, how does he feel about the album nearly a decade later, as it seems he doesn't play many of those songs live anymore.

And side-question relating to that same night at Morsefest - why wasn't "Absolute Beginner" (from the second disc of Testimony 2) not played live alongside "Supernatural" and "Seeds Of Gold"? This seems like another odd omission like "Back To The Garden" from the live performance of One during Morsefest 2014.

Thanks for your consideration and hope the interview goes well!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 12, 2018, 07:44:22 PM
I don't see the point in continuously asking him about Transatlantic. He even recently said that they have no current plans to do anything, so why have him answer it again?  Seems like a waste of a question. He has a solo album coming out this week and the NMB is working on for later this year, so why not focus on what he is actually doing right now? 

I think a good question would be to ask him if, when getting ready for his upcoming tour, he rediscovered some good songs he had forgotten about on his other singer-songwriter albums (self-titled, It's Not Too Late, Songs from November).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on February 13, 2018, 05:29:21 AM
I don't see the point in continuously asking him about Transatlantic. He even recently said that they have no current plans to do anything, so why have him answer it again?  Seems like a waste of a question. He has a solo album coming out this week and the NMB is working on for later this year, so why not focus on what he is actually doing right now? 

Yeah this type of question always bugged me when musicians would do fan q&a type stuff. Inevitably, 90% Of The questions would be stuff like when are you coming to (insert country)? Theyll announce when theyre coming there! Its not like they want to keep it a secret. When theres news, itll be released. Why not ask questions that nobody has asked before?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 13, 2018, 11:22:58 AM
Ask him when he's coming to Indonesia.  :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on February 13, 2018, 01:22:05 PM
Questions:
-Any plans of ever doing a MorseFest out of USA? Lets say Europe, South America?
-Has he ever thought of doing an album or a song in a foreign language? Spanish for example?
-ChegoVoice a member of this forum who is from my home country its currently working on a progressive metal opera/album titled Aura, I did approach Neal about the possibility to to be feature as a guest singer will he be open to tbe idea of working on a similar project if he hasnt thought about releasing and album or song in spanish (unfortunately he was just about to start the TSOAD tour and told me he couldnt do it.

That is for now
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 13, 2018, 05:45:59 PM
I don't see the point in continuously asking him about Transatlantic. He even recently said that they have no current plans to do anything, so why have him answer it again?  Seems like a waste of a question. He has a solo album coming out this week and the NMB is working on for later this year, so why not focus on what he is actually doing right now? 

Yeah this type of question always bugged me when musicians would do fan q&a type stuff. Inevitably, 90% Of The questions would be stuff like when are you coming to (insert country)? Theyll announce when theyre coming there! Its not like they want to keep it a secret. When theres news, itll be released. Why not ask questions that nobody has asked before?

Exactly!!

-Any plans of ever doing a MorseFest out of USA? Lets say Europe, South America?

I would be stunned if he ever did a Morsefest anywhere else other than his church he has had it at every year.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 13, 2018, 09:11:46 PM
I have twelve questions for NM. Thanks everyone! Well post it here once its published.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on February 16, 2018, 04:26:00 PM
Neal Morse Interview: https://lotsofmuzic.weebly.com/home/life-and-times-an-inspired-neal-morse-discusses-his-new-solo-album-and-his-other-endeavours-for-2018
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DT2003 on February 16, 2018, 06:05:57 PM
Very cool interview. Thanks for posting it and thanks for the interview RodrigoAltaf.

Some really good questions. Some I have always wondered, like how him and Mike click so well with such different personalities and some great questions that I had never thought of before like how to choose which band a song belongs in when he gets inspired. I just got Life and Times today and cant wait to listen!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 16, 2018, 06:08:55 PM
Thanks man! All the comments and suggestions mean a lot!!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on February 16, 2018, 06:37:47 PM
Great interview! Neal is such a nice person to talk to, love the way he answers the questions.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 16, 2018, 06:57:30 PM
Good interview. :tup :tup

Everyone else hear the song he wrote yesterday about the FL tragedy and put on YT?  Pretty heavy.

I've only listened to Life & Times once, but it sounds nice.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 16, 2018, 07:03:30 PM
Great interview! Neal is such a nice person to talk to, love the way he answers the questions.

He was SO COOL!!! And hey, I included the questions everyone posted here...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 17, 2018, 09:20:22 PM
Anyone else listening to the new album?  It is really growing on me.  At first, it was like, this is nice, but the lack of wow prog factor is glaring, but the more I listen to it, the more I am liking it.  This will be a really good album to listen to on a sunny spring day. :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on February 17, 2018, 10:01:20 PM
Anyone else listening to the new album?  It is really growing on me.  At first, it was like, this is nice, but the lack of wow prog factor is glaring, but the more I listen to it, the more I am liking it.  This will be a really good album to listen to on a sunny spring day. :coolio

Totally slipped my mind. I will be getting it next week. For some reason I thought the release was later.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nel on February 18, 2018, 12:35:53 AM
Is it basically another Songs From November? Everything I'm seeing from the album art to the tracklisting to the "not prog" description is giving me that vibe.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 18, 2018, 07:36:46 AM
Not really.  I am getting a different vibe from the new album than I got from Songs from November.

Set list from Nashville last night:

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/neal-morse/2018/the-foundry-nashville-tn-bee111a.html
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on February 18, 2018, 09:10:39 AM
I'll probably give it a spin tonight, I'm looking forward to it quite a bit. I'm in such a blissful mood that a calm, mellow, good-spirited Neal Morse album might be perfect for me right now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 18, 2018, 09:17:39 AM
I'll probably give it a spin tonight, I'm looking forward to it quite a bit. I'm in such a blissful mood that a calm, mellow, good-spirited Neal Morse album might be perfect for me right now.

It is a very soothing, feel good kind of album, except for "He Died at Home". But the overall feeling after listening to the album is great.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on February 18, 2018, 09:26:03 AM
I bought the new album yesterday. If you like plain, vanilla basic songs with literal, feel good lyrics (except a couple) this is the album for you. I counted one interesting chord change in the whole album (Joanna). It's a kind of Sunday morning reading the newspaper and having a bagel type of music. It's shocking that someone who is so great can make an album (albums, Songs From November was pretty bland too) so dull. If it was someone other than NM, pretty sure I wouldn't listen to it at all.

One piano song on the whole album. Neal is a talented keyboard player and I wish he would play more keys. He played The Doorway last night? Wow, hope he brings that one out this week!

Sorry Neal, I love you and think you are one of the most talented songwriters out there, but after I see you in concert this Friday, this album will be going on the pile, and I'm guessing will hardly be played again.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on February 18, 2018, 09:34:31 AM
I actually really enjoyed this as a change of pace.

yea i'll play this a bit.  Nice break from the neal prog bombast (which i love BTW)

it won't be my fav Morse album but i enjoy it for what it is.

Mick
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 18, 2018, 09:43:41 AM
I agree with that.

He released a 3rd video from the album, for the song JoAnna, which is one I am finding pretty uninteresting so far. 

Despite the somewhat-prominent country vibe, I like Old Alabama a lot.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on February 18, 2018, 09:53:11 AM
You know this is kinda like Neal's first couple solo records.

shorter pop tunes.

but very pleasing it a laid back way.

Mick
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 19, 2018, 07:33:22 AM
I agree with that.

He released a 3rd video from the album, for the song JoAnna, which is one I am finding pretty uninteresting so far. 

Despite the somewhat-prominent country vibe, I like Old Alabama a lot.

Lol, JoAnna is easily my favorite song on the album. Overall it's a pretty solid non-prog Neal Morse Album. There are a few songs I didn't care for but a nice listen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on February 19, 2018, 08:52:57 AM
I bought the CD to Support Neal. However, this 'style' is not really my cup of tea. It's certainly good....not gonna trash it, but I'm more of a Prog Neal lover than this style.

He's coming through St. Louis and I'm on the Fence as to whether I'm going to go or not. I probably will to again, support him, but I'll give this another few spins to see if it clicks more.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 19, 2018, 06:37:32 PM
To me, it's a nice little appetizer before the next Neal Morse Band album.  It really isn't like his first two solo albums at all, and the vibe is different from Songs from November.  A lot of the songs on this one have that "sitting around the campfire playing songs on the acoustic" feel to them.  Like I told a friend the other day, the wow factor is non-existent on this, but it's still a nice little record, if not notable.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 19, 2018, 07:22:08 PM

Lol, JoAnna is easily my favorite song on the album. 

Oddly, it sounded a lot better when I listened to it earlier today.  It's still early, so trying to get a handle on all of the songs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on February 20, 2018, 10:03:06 AM
I bought the vinyl today but wont be able to listen to it until Monday. But wow, the label really put a lot of effort into the packaging this time...








Not
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on February 21, 2018, 06:37:21 AM
SPOILERS FROM BOSTON SETLIST









































Songs of Freedom
Agenda
Livin' Lightly
Bridge Across Forever
(What if it was Your Child?)*
Good Love is on the Way**
Selfie in the Square
Jailbreak
(The Doorway)*
The Door: VI. Upon the Door (w/ Paul Bielatowicz on Guitar Solo)***
Manchester
He Died at Home
Everything is Alright With Me**
There Is Nothin' That God Can't Change
Medley: So Far Gone/It's All I Can Do/Broken Sky/Stranger in Your Soul

*On Stage Setlist, But Not Played
**Not on Stage Setlist But Played
***Song written as "Paul Guest" on Stage Setlist
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 21, 2018, 05:06:42 PM
Not surprised to see quite a few songs from the new album on the first two set lists, but I am not going to lie: it is disappointing to see nothing from his self-titled solo album, It's Not Too Late or Songs from November.  With rare exceptions, songs from those never get featured on his prog tours, and many of them would be a natural fit on a tour like this.  I know the show I see in two months will be one I enjoy the hell out of, but come on Neal, dig a little deeper!! :biggrin: :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 21, 2018, 06:35:38 PM
Not surprised to see quite a few songs from the new album on the first two set lists, but I am not going to lie: it is disappointing to see nothing from his self-titled solo album, It's Not Too Late or Songs from November.  With rare exceptions, songs from those never get featured on his prog tours, and many of them would be a natural fit on a tour like this.  I know the show I see in two months will be one I enjoy the hell out of, but come on Neal, dig a little deeper!! :biggrin: :biggrin:

That is a shame, but maybe tweet at him and suggest it? I'm sure he'd be open to it if he had enough time to learn the songs. I know I'd love to hear tracks like "Emma" live, but perhaps it's just being able to play what he knows, and songs from recent releases tend to be included in shows like these where it's not a huge production of a major prog rock act. I think he's just trying to take it easy for once on a tour that is built around easier material.

Either way, I suspect we may get a live album from the Inner Circle from this tour as I doubt his fanbase is wide enough to warrant a major live release of this type of music from him, but I'd love to be surprised!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 21, 2018, 06:41:23 PM
I actually did tweet at him about a month ago asking him to please play Emma on this tour, but Shmev is part of my user name on twitter, and Portnoy probably told him that that Shmev guy is a jerk, so he'll likely ignore my request. :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on February 22, 2018, 09:03:52 AM
So I was at the show in Boston, and for anyone on the fence about going, my advice is to GO! Neal is just having fun this tour it seems. He has a running commentary on many of the songs which is pretty hilarious. He had people laughing and singing along all night. And yeah, the setlist isn't the BEST, but the new songs work really well live, and I honestly didn't notice anything missing until AFTER the show. Sure, I would have loved some Emma, June, We All Need Some Light, Shine, or anything Flying Colors (all songs I haven't seen), but he puts on a fun show.

The only negative thing I'll say about the performance is I wish it was all on acoustic guitar. While I was very excited to hear Bridge Across Forever and The Door, in a small setting like that, the keyboard songs didn't really work for me. I would have rather him stay on acoustic all night.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on February 22, 2018, 12:32:49 PM
Thanks openyoureyes, I was wondering about the instrumentation. I'm a guy who loves Neal on piano so I won't mind that. Is there any percussion?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 22, 2018, 06:23:55 PM
So I was at the show in Boston, and for anyone on the fence about going, my advice is to GO! Neal is just having fun this tour it seems. He has a running commentary on many of the songs which is pretty hilarious. He had people laughing and singing along all night. And yeah, the setlist isn't the BEST, but the new songs work really well live, and I honestly didn't notice anything missing until AFTER the show. Sure, I would have loved some Emma, June, We All Need Some Light, Shine, or anything Flying Colors (all songs I haven't seen), but he puts on a fun show.

Yep, I have no doubt that the show I go to will be great and I will have a blast. I was just being a grouchy fan picking nits before. :P :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on February 22, 2018, 09:02:45 PM
Thanks openyoureyes, I was wondering about the instrumentation. I'm a guy who loves Neal on piano so I won't mind that. Is there any percussion?

He uses a shaker, his guitar, his voice, and a looper to create some percussion/beats on a few songs
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on February 22, 2018, 09:38:48 PM
Bought tickets on row 1 for his show in Stockholm on the 6th of June.
Nice cozy old theater... will be nice
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on February 23, 2018, 09:10:58 AM
I see that MP joined Neal last night in Sellersville for Rose Colored Glasses! I wonder who'll be guesting tonight?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 23, 2018, 08:02:11 PM
Hopefully, he will make Rose Covered Glasses a mainstay on this tour. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on February 24, 2018, 09:15:03 AM
Saw the show at Cutting Room NYC last night. Wonderful show. Neal is just so talented (no surprise) but humble and down to earth you can't help but love the guy. He did a couple of songs he hasn't done on this tour, We All Need Some Light, Daddy's Daughter (a request, of course he was bawling by the end) and ELP's In The Beginning. He also did The Doorway, not the whole thing but enough to make me happy. Hell, he could just play the piano intro and I would be happy.

Show lasted about 1.5 hours and goes by quickly. What an artist.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 24, 2018, 09:20:03 AM
Great additions! 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on February 25, 2018, 07:55:28 AM
I ended up liking Life & times quite a bit. It's clear to me that some people might find a mellow album like this boring, but to a person like me that grew to love Neal's kind and humble spirit, this album is such a pleasure. Truly a wonderful listening experience, especially on a weekend. The three singles ended up being my favorites, despite me not being too impressed by them at first. Also, If I only had a day is a gorgeous closer.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 25, 2018, 08:06:14 AM
Same here.  It has been an ugly week here in St Louis, with a lot of rain and gloominess, but I just know Life & Times will be a really good spring day record. Just need some better weather to prove this theory true. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on February 25, 2018, 08:11:25 AM
Part of me really wanted to catch Neal's show in NYC Friday night, but I had other plans. Seeing the setlist definitely made me feel a little better as it's one of my least favorites as far as stuff he played from outside the new album. Do mean to grab the new album soon though and give it a spin.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on February 25, 2018, 03:29:32 PM
Saw the show at Cutting Room NYC last night. Wonderful show. Neal is just so talented (no surprise) but humble and down to earth you can't help but love the guy. He did a couple of songs he hasn't done on this tour, We All Need Some Light, Daddy's Daughter (a request, of course he was bawling by the end) and ELP's In The Beginning. He also did The Doorway, not the whole thing but enough to make me happy. Hell, he could just play the piano intro and I would be happy.

Show lasted about 1.5 hours and goes by quickly. What an artist.

Would have liked to have had that set instead of the Snow songs we ended up with but it was still a pretty good show.

I wouldn't mind seeing him do this more often without a band.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on February 25, 2018, 03:37:15 PM
I ended up liking Life & times quite a bit. It's clear to me that some people might find a mellow album like this boring, but to a person like me that grew to love Neal's kind and humble spirit, this album is such a pleasure. Truly a wonderful listening experience, especially on a weekend. The three singles ended up being my favorites, despite me not being too impressed by them at first. Also, If I only had a day is a gorgeous closer.

I didn't hear a note of the new album before I saw him last night and I thought it came across very well.

 I'm kind of glad he played so much of the new album as I wasn't expecting it  Listened to the album a few times today.  (Bought it at the show and asked him to sign it.) It's a pretty good Sunday chill album.

I also think it's the only show I've ever been to that NOBODY left as soon as the show was over. Everyone lined up for the meet and greet. I don't think I saw anyone leave.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 28, 2018, 12:36:23 PM
Has anyone read his autobiography Testimony? It's only $10 on his site and I trying to decide between the physical copy or the audio version with Neal reading it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 28, 2018, 01:02:14 PM
With all due respect to Neal, who is on my Mount Rushmore of favorite musicians ever, I wouldn't have a lot of interest in reading the book.  I totally respect his beliefs and his story, but I don't think I'd enjoy reading the book given the subject matter. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on February 28, 2018, 01:12:58 PM
Has anyone read his autobiography Testimony? It's only $10 on his site and I trying to decide between the physical copy or the audio version with Neal reading it.

I have. I liked it, but it's essentially the same story he tells through his music. It's an easy read though....you'd finish it in no time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on February 28, 2018, 01:41:44 PM
Me either.  and i enjoy the album Testimony.  Testimony 2 a little more.  but i really don't need it in writing as it were, lol

Mick
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on February 28, 2018, 01:42:13 PM
Haven't read it, but the description of the audio book is interesting. Says he tells you the whole story while he plays parts from his music. I mean, at $10 for a 6 hour audio book, seems like it's not that big of an investment for either your time or money, so I'd go with that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 28, 2018, 02:34:14 PM
Has anyone read his autobiography Testimony? It's only $10 on his site and I trying to decide between the physical copy or the audio version with Neal reading it.

I have. I liked it, but it's essentially the same story he tells through his music. It's an easy read though....you'd finish it in no time.

This.  I enjoyed it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DT2003 on February 28, 2018, 05:23:15 PM
You could also get an audiobook version of it with Neal reading it. I have that as well as the real book. Its definitely worth reading/listening to if youre a fan of Neal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on March 01, 2018, 08:02:16 AM
Didn't see this posted here but it's the song Neal wrote after the Parkland shooting. Blows my mind that Neal is not more well known. Such a beautiful song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh3ECjn404s
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: AngelBack on March 01, 2018, 08:34:16 AM
Didn't see this posted here but it's the song Neal wrote after the Parkland shooting. Blows my mind that Neal is not more well known. Such a beautiful song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh3ECjn404s

Great song, thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on March 01, 2018, 01:46:50 PM
Yeah, he debuted that at the Sellersville show, quite a moving piece.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 01, 2018, 05:48:48 PM
Actually, he debuted it on YT the day after the FL shooting.  Like He Died at Home, it's such a heavy song that it will be hard to become one I listen to that often.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on March 02, 2018, 07:28:38 AM
Sorry, I thought it was implied I meant that it was debuted live at the Sellersville show. First time on stage, if you will.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on March 02, 2018, 11:02:10 AM
I just found out that the Morsefest 2016 STORYTELLERS concert will be available for Inner Circle Members. It will be released in two parts, both audio and video, with the first part being released this month for anyone who is a member.

Just FYI, in case anyone was waiting for this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on March 04, 2018, 10:04:58 AM
Yeah, he debuted that at the Sellersville show, quite a moving piece.

Played it in Asbury Park last weekend too. Definitely a highlight.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 04, 2018, 10:17:38 AM
Sorry, I thought it was implied I meant that it was debuted live at the Sellersville show. First time on stage, if you will.

 :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on March 05, 2018, 03:17:30 AM
https://podsodcast.com/2018/03/01/pte5/

Neal Morse picks his favorite Genesis songs. Quite interesting what he's saying here :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 06, 2018, 07:36:29 PM
No way am I going to listen to all 100 minutes of that...what songs did he pick?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on March 06, 2018, 07:50:59 PM
Big Neal Morse fan here, lurker of DT forums but seldom poster.

Still on the fence on getting Life and Times.  I suppose I'll get it some day most likely.  While a huge fan of the prog stuff, just don't love the non-prog stuff.  Well, I like his non-prog stuff in general but can't get into some of the albums. 

His first solo album I really like actually  (hell, "Lost Cause" is my on and off theme song!).  It's Not Too Late I have but don't know that I ever listened to all the way through.  Songs From November  - I really like a song or two but as far as the entire album probably only listened through once.  So...  having not been overly impressed with the released singles passed on the new album.  For now at least...  Maybe some random week where I've worked a bunch of overtime I'll say "what the heck" and just buy it.  Side note - I really dug the album "God Won't Give Up" which isn't prog...  So I'm not just prog snobby.

There was discussion (I think?) about his book a few pages (? guessing) back.  I highly recommend the Testimony audio book!  I have the book and audio book.  But if I could only have one, I'd choose the audio.  Hearing Neal read it def adds value to it.  I was going through old computer files and ran across it (which is what prompted me to come here and post in the Neal thread).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on March 07, 2018, 03:38:37 AM
If I remember correctly, he picked
- Dance On A Volcano
- Firth Of Fifth
- Supper's Ready
- Dancing With The Moonlit Knight
- Squonk
- The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
- Fly On A Windshield

Not sure if there were more..
So no real surprise here, basically just the classics :D He said he doesn't dislike the later stuff by them, but they did not influence him the way the early stuff did. Also he mentioned, sometimes he finds himself writing a song and realizing that this had already been done by Genesis. And sometimes he finds himself realizing that HE had already written something similar. So, interesting comments apart from the actual list.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 07, 2018, 06:11:46 PM
I ended up listening once I realized that the chatter part of it was pretty short (seems like 3/4 of the 1:40 was them playing the songs, which were easy to skip over).  Kinda funny that Neal didn't even know the name of Dancing with the Moonlit Knight (he called it "Selling England by the Pound").  He can probably play it on command, though, so he is forgiven. :lol :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 07, 2018, 06:57:36 PM
If I remember correctly, he picked
- Dance On A Volcano
- Firth Of Fifth
- Supper's Ready
- Dancing With The Moonlit Knight
- Squonk
- The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
- Fly On A Windshield

Not sure if there were more..
So no real surprise here, basically just the classics :D He said he doesn't dislike the later stuff by them, but they did not influence him the way the early stuff did. Also he mentioned, sometimes he finds himself writing a song and realizing that this had already been done by Genesis. And sometimes he finds himself realizing that HE had already written something similar. So, interesting comments apart from the actual list.

No mention of "The Return Of The Giant Hogweed" or "Watcher Of The Skies", two songs he's covered with Transatlantic (well, WOTS was just the intro). That's a surprise, but the rest of the song choices are pretty typical of the average Gabriel-Era fan, though it's nice to see "Dance On A Volcano" and "Squonk". I'd love to hear him cover more of the 4-man Genesis songs!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 07, 2018, 07:09:08 PM
Watcher of the Skies was one of his picks.  I am not sure he ever really picked four songs from the Lamb, so much as he mentioned a bunch he liked and then the podcast suddenly would play them.  Neal was pretty much spitballing his choices off the top of his head.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 14, 2018, 08:46:09 PM
Looks like the Morsefest announcement is coming tomorrow morning at 9 am CST.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 15, 2018, 08:09:17 AM
https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/702-morsefest-2018.aspx

MORSEFEST 2018 with Neal Morse and special guests! Performing "Voices of the Beard - Storytellers Part 2" and "Jesus Christ - The Exorcist."September 14-15 in Cross Plains, TN.

(https://s3.amazonaws.com/radiant_records/images/Morsefest+2018+-+Medium+Resolution+Banner.jpg)

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 15, 2018, 08:13:54 AM
Anyone catch that Eric is listed as being on drums?  Interesting. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on March 15, 2018, 08:26:17 AM
Anyone catch that Eric is listed as being on drums?  Interesting.

I just saw that as well.  Very cool!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 15, 2018, 09:18:52 AM
Anyone catch that Eric is listed as being on drums?  Interesting.

Especially when you have Nick D'Virgilio as a guest.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on March 15, 2018, 09:24:16 AM
Anyone catch that Eric is listed as being on drums?  Interesting.

I've watched/listened to a lot of his drumming....he's really good.


Sadly for me though....that line up and billing isn't enough to entice me to attend.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on March 15, 2018, 10:34:46 AM
Nice! Was hoping that musical would eventually see the light of day. Heard partial demo on an inner circle cd years back and thought it had potential. Id love to go ( but probably wont because of distance).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on March 15, 2018, 10:37:40 AM
Anyone catch that Eric is listed as being on drums?  Interesting.

That's what happens when Mike's on tour with SOA :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on March 15, 2018, 10:43:30 AM
Really curious to hear what Neal will do in a prog rock opera context. It will be a studio release?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on March 15, 2018, 11:20:11 AM
Anyone catch that Eric is listed as being on drums?  Interesting.

That's what happens when Mike's on tour with SOA :P

Um, it's about a guitarist playing drums you silly person.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on March 15, 2018, 11:50:10 AM
Really curious to hear whats Neals will do in a prog rock opera context. It will be a studio release?

Hoping for the studio release as well. This sounds too good to not record it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 15, 2018, 12:25:11 PM
Really curious to hear whats Neals will do in a prog rock opera context. It will be a studio release?

Hoping for the studio release as well. This sounds too good to not record it.

Considering the world premier of it will be a live performance at Morsefest says to me that that performance will be the ONLY recorded and released version of it, because a studio one probably won't live up to the live version, even if he got all the same musicians and guests to be on it. I wonder if it being billed as a rock opera will mean that each of the guest vocalists will be assigned a character and will "act out" their songs on stage, a la Ayreon's The Theater Equation? With at least 7 vocalists on board, it'd be neat to see each of them take on a character and put on a great show!

While the subject matter of said rock opera may not be to everyone's liking, I'm more interested in the music and the production side of things. Neal posted a near-14-minute clip of demos from the opera, but I didn't listen to much of it as I was getting ready for work earlier this morning. Sounds promising, from what I heard, and I'm sure they'll pull it off spectacularly.

As for Eric doing drums, at least for the 2nd night, it doesn't surprise me. He's a great drummer and he's got the chops to play like Mike when it calls for it. I'm sure he'll be a solid drummer for the show, though I have to wonder if Nick will do ANY drumming on the 2nd night? It'd be cool to see some double-drumming, a la King Crimson.

I also wonder if the absence of Portnoy, and/or the rock opera will influence Morse-fans' decisions about whether or not they'll go to Morsefest this year...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on March 15, 2018, 01:20:36 PM
Very cool line-up. Unfortunately there is no way I can attend. Anxiously awaiting the blu-ray release.  :corn
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on March 15, 2018, 01:40:48 PM
They also started a NMB album right? Or is this in lieu of that?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 15, 2018, 02:32:37 PM
They also started a NMB album right? Or is this in lieu of that?

The Neal Morse Band have started a new album, yes. They had writing sessions a couple months ago, but I think they still need to do the basic drum tracks, then they'll get to doing the other instruments and vocals throughout the year. I suspect the next album won't be out until 2019, maybe late Fall 2018 if we're lucky, but I think Neal and Mike have the third Flying Colors album to get out first.

Ideally, Flying Colors 3 will get wrapped up by Summer and get a Fall release, then the new NMB will come out in the Winter or Spring next year, just in time for a Spring/Summer tour, possibly leading into Morsefest 2019.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 15, 2018, 05:30:29 PM
That was not what I was expecting, but I have nothing but confidence in Neal Morse that this will kick ass again.  My brother and I are all over this. Road trip to Nashville again!! :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on March 16, 2018, 01:34:37 AM
Playing it live first and then record it in the studio can work really  well. It did for Pain of Salvation who played BE live about a year before the studio album came out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 16, 2018, 10:06:56 AM
Playing it live first and then record it in the studio can work really  well. It did for Pain of Salvation who played BE live about a year before the studio album came out.

That could be interesting. Playing it live first and gauging reactions to it could be a good way to find out whether or not Neal would even WANT to record it in the studio for a proper album release. If nothing else, Neal will release the Morsefest performance and that could just be it for the musical/rock opera, which I would be fine with.

As for the first night of Morsefest 2018 - I hope the song choices are unique compared to the last few Morsefest shows where Neal has played SB songs. Give us "The Great Nothing" or an epic from the NDV-era that hasn't been played in a long while.

So far, Neal has played "The Light", "At The End Of The Day", "Wind At My Back" (along with the rest of Snow), "Strange World", "Lay It Down", "The Healing Colors Of Sound Part 2", "June", and "Falling For Forever". Nick also sang "There Was A Time" and "The Doorway" last year.

With a vast catalog of soon-to-be-13 albums, I hope they pick some lesser played pieces. Personally, I'd LOVE to see all 4 parts of the "Thoughts" series played in succession - Thoughts/Thoughts Pt. 2/Afterthoughts/Thoughts Pt. 5 - especially considering all three lead vocalists will be present.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on March 16, 2018, 10:09:26 AM
Just listened to the 13 minute sample of the rock opera on his site and I have say that it didn't do anything for me. I realize that they are rough demos chopped together to form a long sample but nothing I heard caught my ear. I'm sure the final product will be much more polished but my excitement has taken a small hit.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on March 16, 2018, 10:11:25 AM
I just found out that the Morsefest 2016 STORYTELLERS concert will be available for Inner Circle Members. It will be released in two parts, both audio and video, with the first part being released this month for anyone who is a member.

Just FYI, in case anyone was waiting for this.

I'm planning on joining just to get this. Any updates on when it will released?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 16, 2018, 10:17:38 AM
I just found out that the Morsefest 2016 STORYTELLERS concert will be available for Inner Circle Members. It will be released in two parts, both audio and video, with the first part being released this month for anyone who is a member.

Just FYI, in case anyone was waiting for this.

I'm planning on joining just to get this. Any updates on when it will released?

Should be soon, before month's end, so I would join ASAP just to be sure you can get the email notification for when the downloads are uploaded to Radiant Records.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DT2003 on March 17, 2018, 07:26:06 AM
Anyone catch that Eric is listed as being on drums?  Interesting.

That's what happens when Mike's on tour with SOA :P

Um, it's about a guitarist playing drums you silly person.
I think to say Eric is a guitarist is cutting him short. Yes he plays guitar in NMB and it seems guitar is his instrument of choice, but he is also an incredibly talented drummer and singer and can pretty much play any instrument he wants it seems.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 18, 2018, 07:05:36 PM
Pretty sweet to see that Neal played Flowers in a Vase last night in Denver, where Eric Gillette was a special guest (and another fella I am not familiar with).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 21, 2018, 08:33:18 AM
The March 2018 Inner Circle release is now available for download! It's the first part of the Morsefest 2016 Storytellers concert, in mp3, wav, and video formats.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on March 21, 2018, 09:20:38 AM
Awesome! Probably going to join so I can get it. Still wish this would have been released with the Snow release. Oh well. Anyone there who can recommend this?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on March 21, 2018, 10:45:33 AM
I haven't been able to watch the video yet, but I listened to the audio on my way to work. While the music/performance and the recording are top notch, the performance has been edited to not include any of the talking between songs, which is what I thought the point of a "Storytellers" concert was. I'm assuming it's all there on the video, but I can't comment until I've seen it.  Also disappointed that the show is not all in one release. This one is labeled as "Part 1" and is only a 47 minute CD. I was under the impression that by going digital they were able to release full shows at one time. Color me a bit disappointed with the execution of this release. (But, again, the performance is really good.)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 21, 2018, 12:00:20 PM
I haven't been able to watch the video yet, but I listened to the audio on my way to work. While the music/performance and the recording are top notch, the performance has been edited to not include any of the talking between songs, which is what I thought the point of a "Storytellers" concert was. I'm assuming it's all there on the video, but I can't comment until I've seen it.  Also disappointed that the show is not all in one release. This one is labeled as "Part 1" and is only a 47 minute CD. I was under the impression that by going digital they were able to release full shows at one time. Color me a bit disappointed with the execution of this release. (But, again, the performance is really good.)

I've been disappointed with the digital releases as well. They split up Neal's thoughts on TSOAD as well, and I wouldn't be surprised if further shows are split across 2 releases, probably to pad out the 6 releases they do each year.

At the very least, we get BOTH the audio AND video with this, so if we're really getting TWO releases...sort of. Think of it this way - normally we would've gotten the 2CD one month, then the DVD a couple months later, but now we're just getting half of each both months. And I'm sort of OK with that... sort of.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on March 21, 2018, 04:13:22 PM
The video is 20 minutes longer than the audio only so it's a good bet the story telling is there. Personally, I prefer that they snipped the chatter from the audio. I would've done that myself had they not. I usually remove talking from live releases for storage on my iPod.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 21, 2018, 08:18:59 PM
When 2017 started, I had never seen Neal Morse.

By the time 2018 is over, I will have seen him six times, and he'll be 3rd or 4th on the list of artists I have seen the most (behind Rush, Dream Theater and possibly Blue Oyster Cult).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on March 26, 2018, 06:15:50 AM
I joined Inner Circle to get the Storytellers concert. After an incredibly long time to download the video it appears I'm unable to put it on a jump drive to watch on my TV. It says that there is not enough room (the video is 4ish gbs and my flash drive is 16gbs). I've tried two different drives with the same issue. Has any one ran into this before?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: XeRocks81 on March 26, 2018, 07:15:54 AM
I joined Inner Circle to get the Storytellers concert. After an incredibly long time to download the video it appears I'm unable to put it on a jump drive to watch on my TV. It says that there is not enough room (the video is 4ish gbs and my flash drive is 16gbs). I've tried two different drives with the same issue. Has any one ran into this before?

could a formating issue?  I think FAT32 only supports files up to 4GB.  Maybe try reformating the drive in NTFS.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on March 26, 2018, 11:14:04 AM
That did it! Thanks!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 30, 2018, 01:27:35 PM
The latest Neal Morse IC Newsletter is out, later than usual because Neal has been so busy that he almost forget to send one out this month!

Some interesting tidbits - the idea of play Jesus Christ: The Exorcist for Morsefest 2018 was approved by Mike Portnoy, and he told Neal that it was a good idea! Glad to see the whole thing has Mike's blessing, considering Mike is such an integral part of Neal's works. I wonder if Mike will be available for Morsefest 2019 (undoubtedly he will, considering that 2019 will be a Mike/Neal year with Flying Colors 3 to tour on, and the new NMB album coming out).

Apparently, we are getting video and audio of the Tilburg show from the TSOAD tour, the audio mix of which is being worked on by Eric Gillette as we speak. The 2DVD/2CD set will be released in early June, with pre-orders starting in May. He doesn't mention a Blu-Ray release, though he says the show was "very well filmed and recorded".

Regarding the new NMB album, Neal says that they "are working on it. Work is ensuing and it shall be glorious."

No further words on FC3 or possible TA work, though I think I recall reading on Facebook that Roine was thinking next year might be a good time for them to reconvene, which should be exciting if that comes to pass! The rest of the newsletter talked about the current Life And Times Tour, individual shows, and skiing with his daughter.

I'm looking forward to the Tilburg show, though! I'm still wondering what's happening with Morsefest 2017's stuff, though. I guess we'll get it at some point, but I remember Neal saying he wanted the Morsefest performance of TSOAD to be the definitive release of the album live, but I guess we're getting TWO versions of it? Then again, it would not be the first time Neal releases two live shows of nearly the same material (looks at my Transatlantic collection...).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on March 30, 2018, 01:30:43 PM
Was literally just going to post something similar.

I'm assuming that there will be a proper Morsefest release TSOAD as well. This might just mean we have to wait a little longer for it. Honestly, I'll probably skip the Tilburg show for the Morsefest Blu-Ray if there is one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 30, 2018, 01:36:46 PM
Was literally just going to post something similar.

I'm assuming that there will be a proper Morsefest release TSOAD as well. This might just mean we have to wait a little longer for it. Honestly, I'll probably skip the Tilburg show for the Morsefest Blu-Ray if there is one.

I think the Tilburg show would be good for anyone who just wants TSOAD live, as I can see Neal packing both nights of Morsefest 2017 into one giant set like he did for 2014 and 2015, considering they're Neal Morse albums, and not SB or other music. I did miss those big packages when 2016 was around, but getting that BEAUTIFUL artbook for Snow Live is a treat.

As a big fan of Neal's, I'll probably end up getting both sets anyway. The Tilburg show, if setlist.fm is correct, featured all four encore songs from the TSOAD tour (and I think Neal did that on purpose if he knew they were recording that night), but at Morsefest, they didn't play "Momentum" (which I think had a slightly different arrangement on that tour).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 30, 2018, 05:05:24 PM
I wouldn't assume that Flying Colors 3 will happen in the next year.  Neal said in an interview recently that it is not a given that the album will even happen.

As for the Tilburg release, while I am sure it will be good, since Morsefest will have TSOAD in full, I don't see the point in releasing this. Sure, they love to milk the fans (like getting two Transatlantic DVDs from the Whirlwind tour), but it just seems like overkill.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on April 02, 2018, 11:26:01 AM
https://progreport.com/mike-portnoy-on-the-latest-neal-morse-band-album/
Interesting that theyre still arranging the songs :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on April 02, 2018, 12:05:12 PM
They should take their time. Let the songs rest a little and then come back to them. But what am I doing, this topic has been discussed more than once on this forum. I like that it's long songs though!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on April 02, 2018, 12:32:28 PM
They should take their time.

Yeah....just hold up and wait a minute, re-evaluate.....pick out some pieces and maybe go back to square one for a fresh look.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on April 08, 2018, 03:58:20 AM
They should take their time.

Yeah....just hold up and wait a minute, re-evaluate.....pick out some pieces and maybe go back to square one for a fresh look.

Let me catch my breath here a little, but are you saying that its time for a chaiannnnnnnnnge?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on April 08, 2018, 07:07:57 AM
Wait a minute...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 08, 2018, 08:40:19 AM
Five days till he is here in St. Louis!! :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 14, 2018, 10:25:48 AM
Great show last night!

For the first time ever, a request of mine was played at a show!  Neal asked for a request at one point and I immediately shouted out twice, "Emma!"  And then he played it.  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy

Plus, we got The Doorway and Open Wide the Flood Gates!  And lots of random cool covers thrown in.  When he sang the word 'yellow' in Selfie in the Square, he joked that he can't not sing it in a British tone and then launched into several random songs with the word 'yellow' in them like playing quite a bit of I Am the Walrus, some of Yellow Submarine and a few others.  At one point, he even played the first verse of The Who's Bargain with just him singing and playing the piano furiously.

I knew he was doing looping on this tour, but I didn't realize how extensive it was.  His looping on both Thoughts and Thoughts II was pretty crazy.

And then we all met Neal after the show and got pics taken.  Classy individual through and through. :coolio :hat

Set list: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/neal-morse/2018/duck-room-at-blueberry-hill-st-louis-mo-3bece8e4.html
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 14, 2018, 05:46:30 PM
I put this in the picture thread, but I will put it here, too: the pic I got with Neal after the show (he sat at the merch stand and let every single fan say hi, talk and take a pic).

(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/kevshmev/30725627_10215625363818262_1299008538831742121_n_zpsjvm2oool.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on April 15, 2018, 07:36:11 PM
Ticket to Morsefest bought!  Second night only.  I've only been to the first Morsefest before.  That was a no-brainer for me, didn't go the other years because of the travel distance.  But I'm intrigued enough by the musical that I convinced myself to take a vacation to Nashville for it.  Can't....  wait....  Only one night because I'm doing a short family vacation around it (and I'm the only one doing the concert thing).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 18, 2018, 09:29:47 PM
From our show Friday, this is pretty cool how Neal loops his voice to do all of the Thoughts voices:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz7Z8ogcYjA
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on April 18, 2018, 10:01:18 PM
From our show Friday, this is pretty cool how Neal loops his voice to do all of the Thoughts voices:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz7Z8ogcYjA

Neal is a genius :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on April 18, 2018, 11:08:30 PM
From our show Friday, this is pretty cool how Neal loops his voice to do all of the Thoughts voices:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz7Z8ogcYjA

Neal is a genius :hefdaddy

Soo much looking forward to June 5th..... Neal in Stockholm, Sweden
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 19, 2018, 07:34:49 PM
Neal playing The Doorway a lot lately has me hopeful that he has "rediscovered" it and it gets played on the Spock's night of Morsefest this year. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 24, 2018, 03:41:07 PM
https://youtu.be/TwRQIwWid38

Promo for TSOAD Live in Tilburg

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on April 24, 2018, 03:48:12 PM
Automatic purchase.  Wow, that looks good!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on April 24, 2018, 03:54:57 PM
Damn, June is officially live release Fridays month.

June 15, Neal Morse, June 22, Haken, and June 29, Fates Warning.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on April 24, 2018, 04:31:26 PM
Fantastic!! Auto buy!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 24, 2018, 05:38:45 PM
Neal is usually a "shut up and take my money" artist, but this tendency to release multiple live albums from the same tour is...strange. They did it with The Whirlwind tour and now they are doing it with this one (since Morsefest '17 will feature all of Similitude). 

That said, I am sure this will kick ass and I will get it, but I fear that it will be one of those live DVDs I never revisit once the Morsefest release comes out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on April 24, 2018, 11:49:56 PM
See DT? That's how you should do it. You write a gigantic epos, you release a live DVD for it.

I'll definitely buy this, but not one the release date. This spring/summer is getting a little expensive (Haken, The Sea Within, Spock's Beard) :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on April 25, 2018, 07:09:14 AM
Neal is usually a "shut up and take my money" artist, but this tendency to release multiple live albums from the same tour is...strange. They did it with The Whirlwind tour and now they are doing it with this one (since Morsefest '17 will feature all of Similitude). 

That said, I am sure this will kick ass and I will get it, but I fear that it will be one of those live DVDs I never revisit once the Morsefest release comes out.

That's my concern as well but I'll probably end up getting it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 25, 2018, 08:12:00 AM
Ordered! Not sure if I'll get a signed one, but I won't be too bothered if I don't. At this point in my life, I've got his signature on about 2 dozen things lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on April 25, 2018, 08:12:35 AM
Ordered! Not sure if I'll get a signed one, but I won't be too bothered if I don't. At this point in my life, I've got his signature on about 2 dozen things lol

-Marc.

Yeah I didn't bother to even order it from Radiant this go. I just ordered up on Amazon.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on April 25, 2018, 08:15:34 AM
Ordered! Not sure if I'll get a signed one, but I won't be too bothered if I don't. At this point in my life, I've got his signature on about 2 dozen things lol

-Marc.

No kidding!  I think I may have seen Neal's signature more than my own at this point.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on April 25, 2018, 08:19:46 AM
So am I missing something or do you only get CDs with the DVD version? I'd rather Blu Ray for video but I also want to be able to throw the live tracks onto my computer...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on April 25, 2018, 08:23:03 AM
So am I missing something or do you only get CDs with the DVD version? I'd rather Blu Ray for video but I also want to be able to throw the live tracks onto my computer...

Only CDs with the DVDs and standalone bluray formats available. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on April 25, 2018, 08:23:59 AM
That's... really annoying :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on April 25, 2018, 08:42:17 AM
That's... really annoying :lol

It is to be honest, however, Neal has usually released his stuff like this previously.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on April 25, 2018, 08:49:39 AM
PRE ORDERS

https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/704-the-similitude-of-a-dream-live-in-tilburg-2017.aspx
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on April 25, 2018, 10:07:51 AM
So am I missing something or do you only get CDs with the DVD version? I'd rather Blu Ray for video but I also want to be able to throw the live tracks onto my computer...

Yes it's highly annoying you can't get the CDs with the BluRays.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on April 25, 2018, 10:36:45 AM
So am I missing something or do you only get CDs with the DVD version? I'd rather Blu Ray for video but I also want to be able to throw the live tracks onto my computer...

Yes it's highly annoying you can't get the CDs with the BluRays.


Or that they at least don't offer a download code with the blu-ray.

I will of course be getting the blu-ray. I will get the audio... elsewhere.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on April 25, 2018, 11:30:24 AM


I will of course be getting the blu-ray. I will get the audio... elsewhere.

Pretty much
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: CrimsonSunrise on April 25, 2018, 01:01:35 PM
Kinda sucks I have to pay $60 for both the Blu Ray and CD's but screw it...  DONE!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on April 25, 2018, 01:25:02 PM
Kinda sucks I have to pay $60 for both the Blu Ray and CD's but screw it...  DONE!

I'm sure Radiant will blow out the CD/DVD combo at some point down the road and I may pick it up around then.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 25, 2018, 03:23:39 PM
I went with the 2CD/2DVD set because, even if it looks great in HD on the BDs, I will probably only watch the concert a couple of times, whereas I'll probably listen to the album many times on CD. And having the CDs makes it easier to make copies and have the lossless files ripped to my harddrive (rather than hunting them down online...somewhere).

If the BD ever goes on sale, I may pick it up. Radiant tends to have sales every other month or so, so if it gets cheap, I'll snag it then.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on April 26, 2018, 06:49:36 AM
Pre-ordered the blu-ray on amazon. I have lost all interest in live albums.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 26, 2018, 05:44:13 PM
Same here.  I will watch a live DVD/Blu-ray, but if I want to simply listen to Similitude, why would I listen to the live album when I can listen to the studio recording (which is better like 99.99999999% of the time)?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on April 27, 2018, 11:52:32 AM
Anyone willing to do a review of the Tilburg show? (AUDIO ONLY)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on April 27, 2018, 07:41:09 PM
Neal is usually a "shut up and take my money" artist, but this tendency to release multiple live albums from the same tour is...strange. They did it with The Whirlwind tour and now they are doing it with this one (since Morsefest '17 will feature all of Similitude). 

That said, I am sure this will kick ass and I will get it, but I fear that it will be one of those live DVDs I never revisit once the Morsefest release comes out.

I'd rather have the live releases than the studio releases myself.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on April 27, 2018, 07:43:43 PM
2CD/DVD is perfect.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bobs23 on April 27, 2018, 07:59:14 PM
Anyone willing to do a review of the Tilburg show? (AUDIO ONLY)
Clean mix, there is plenty of room for the mix to breathe. It is not compressed to death. Eric did a very nice mix.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 27, 2018, 08:13:08 PM
Neal is usually a "shut up and take my money" artist, but this tendency to release multiple live albums from the same tour is...strange. They did it with The Whirlwind tour and now they are doing it with this one (since Morsefest '17 will feature all of Similitude). 

That said, I am sure this will kick ass and I will get it, but I fear that it will be one of those live DVDs I never revisit once the Morsefest release comes out.

I'd rather have the live releases than the studio releases myself.

I like both, to be honest. The polish that a studio performance has appeals to the side of me that enjoys a clean and flawless performance, but the raw and live feel of a concert performance can bring out some unique qualities of the music being performed, and sometimes the music can be taken to higher heights, and not just because of extended jams/solos or things like that.

As for getting TWO versions of TSOAD live...well, I don't mind that too much. Wasn't the Morsefest 2017 version augmented with additional musicians (like brass, strings, choirs, etc.)? If so, the whole performance will be different enough to warrant a second release, whereas with More Never Is Enough, there wasn't much difference IMO. I almost never listen to it and prefer the Whirld Tour 2010 release by far.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on April 28, 2018, 12:08:30 AM
Anyone willing to do a review of the Tilburg show? (AUDIO ONLY)
Clean mix, there is plenty of room for the mix to breathe. It is not compressed to death. Eric did a very nice mix.

I know, I have the files, what I want its someone willing to write a review and I will send that someone the audio files.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on April 28, 2018, 06:58:59 AM
I guess I'm the opposite of kaos and kev. I very rarely sit down and actually watch live concert DVDs anymore. Most of my music listening is done either while I'm traveling somewhere, while I'm at my desk at work, or if I go out for a walk/run. If it's a good live album it'll have certain quirks that I'll be in the mood for over the studio album sometimes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 28, 2018, 07:15:54 AM
I rarely watch live DVDs anymore either, but I am still more likely to watch one than listen to a live CD most of the time. There are probably 30-40 songs in my head that I gravitate towards the live version most of the time, and U2 probably has half of those. :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on May 02, 2018, 09:44:13 AM
Got this email yesterday from Radiant/Neal about streaming. BTW I voted no, I already pay for Spotify for my family and have Neal and Spock's downloaded on my phone. I think $5.99 is a bit much for just a couple of artists.

Hello everyone,

   In the classic Monty Python sketch from the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," a man is trying to place his elderly relative on a heap of dead people while the man cries out "I'm not dead!" Right before the old man gets whacked on the head by the young man he cries, "I feel happy...I feel.." THUD.

   This is the sketch that comes to mind when I think about the old model of the music business in which people bought albums and CDs and such.

   It's not entirely dead but it's really close. Agreed?
 

Case in point: I gave my daughter one of my new CDs, "Life & Times", and she said to me, "Dad, I love this CD, (as she is obligated to say as some of the songs are about her) but.. what am I supposed to DO with it?" What she meant was, if I can't go directly onto my phone and access it anywhere, immediately, then I'm not sure how to go about listening.

   I told her, "load it onto a computer, then put it on your phone". She looked at me incredulous, "That is WAY too hard" she replied. "Besides, my computer doesn't even HAVE a CD drive."
 

Now, first of all, I'm not against streaming. I think it's wonderful! I love to sit in my recliner and choose whatever songs or whatever albums I want to listen to from my chair and be able to adjust the volume without having to get up. I've recently gotten into vinyl again, but, man, every 20 minutes you have to actually get up and WALK ACROSS THE ROOM to change the record! Unthinkable! This is much too difficult. So, I love streaming as well as anyone. It's tremendously convenient and sounds good as well.

   Of course, streaming is great for the listener but doesn't compensate the artists much, if at all.

   Just for an example, here's a screen shot of a recent royalty statement I received.
 

Notice the $0.0004. I can't even figure out how to SAY how small of an amount that is. Is that one fourth of one thousandth of a penny? Who decides these things? Crazy. Anyway...As an artist who is not Metallica or Taylor Swift this doesn't really make any sense...or to quote a song, it makes..."zero sense". Or "zero cents," haha.

   So, like everyone in the entertainment business, I have been wondering, what do we do now? How do we survive? How can we pay the tremendous costs of making quality albums and live? Mega-skilled artists such as Steve Hackett and Rich Mouser don't come cheap. And they shouldn't.

  Answer: create my own streaming service. My objective is simple: to provide a great streaming experience that is complete, super high quality and easy to use on multiple formats. Not to compete with the big streaming services, but to give fans of my music a similar experience, anywhere in the world.
 

My current plan is to build my own thing, then use Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon etc. as a kind of advertising tool and put a smattering of material there so people can become aware and hopefully sign up for the streaming service. Or get the actual albums. Whatever they prefer.

    What we want to give people is the supreme experience of being able to listen to any of the music from my catalog, including classic Spock's Beard, Transatlantic and the Neal Morse Band, anytime from anywhere and not have to get out of their recliner. This is the great goal of modern life!

I NEED YOUR HELP:
I'm taking a poll! Please let me know if you would be interested in subscribing to the proposed music app at a cost of, let's say, $5.99 a month. (Of course, there will be a special discount for Inner Circle members. No obligation of course!)
Are you interested in the Radiant Streaming app?
Yes
Select

No
Select

Are you an Inner Circle Member?
Yes
Select

No
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mindflux on May 02, 2018, 09:59:53 AM
No and No.  Reinventing the wheel for a small audience... I don't see it working out.

Just choose to stream with whoever pays the most and leave the ones giving you virtually nothing so you can avoid doing the programming and infrastructure yourself.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ben_Jamin on May 02, 2018, 12:48:56 PM
OMG his daughter has the new generation syndrome of..."But it's too hard." Whats so hard about turning on your laptop, opening Itunes, inserting into disc drive (which can be bought separately), if you have internet the info is brought up so no need to input it yourself, and click import.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on May 02, 2018, 07:15:32 PM
I put this in the picture thread, but I will put it here, too: the pic I got with Neal after the show (he sat at the merch stand and let every single fan say hi, talk and take a pic).

(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/kevshmev/30725627_10215625363818262_1299008538831742121_n_zpsjvm2oool.jpg)

That's what he did at my show back in February except he seemed a lot more exhausted after my show. Felt really bad about bothering him.  He was wearing the same clothes too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on May 02, 2018, 07:33:22 PM
Got this email yesterday from Radiant/Neal about streaming. BTW I voted no, I already pay for Spotify for my family and have Neal and Spock's downloaded on my phone. I think $5.99 is a bit much for just a couple of artists.

Hello everyone,

   In the classic Monty Python sketch from the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," a man is trying to place his elderly relative on a heap of dead people while the man cries out "I'm not dead!" Right before the old man gets whacked on the head by the young man he cries, "I feel happy...I feel.." THUD.

   This is the sketch that comes to mind when I think about the old model of the music business in which people bought albums and CDs and such.

   It's not entirely dead but it's really close. Agreed?
 

Case in point: I gave my daughter one of my new CDs, "Life & Times", and she said to me, "Dad, I love this CD, (as she is obligated to say as some of the songs are about her) but.. what am I supposed to DO with it?" What she meant was, if I can't go directly onto my phone and access it anywhere, immediately, then I'm not sure how to go about listening.

   I told her, "load it onto a computer, then put it on your phone". She looked at me incredulous, "That is WAY too hard" she replied. "Besides, my computer doesn't even HAVE a CD drive."
 

Now, first of all, I'm not against streaming. I think it's wonderful! I love to sit in my recliner and choose whatever songs or whatever albums I want to listen to from my chair and be able to adjust the volume without having to get up. I've recently gotten into vinyl again, but, man, every 20 minutes you have to actually get up and WALK ACROSS THE ROOM to change the record! Unthinkable! This is much too difficult. So, I love streaming as well as anyone. It's tremendously convenient and sounds good as well.

   Of course, streaming is great for the listener but doesn't compensate the artists much, if at all.

   Just for an example, here's a screen shot of a recent royalty statement I received.
 

Notice the $0.0004. I can't even figure out how to SAY how small of an amount that is. Is that one fourth of one thousandth of a penny? Who decides these things? Crazy. Anyway...As an artist who is not Metallica or Taylor Swift this doesn't really make any sense...or to quote a song, it makes..."zero sense". Or "zero cents," haha.

   So, like everyone in the entertainment business, I have been wondering, what do we do now? How do we survive? How can we pay the tremendous costs of making quality albums and live? Mega-skilled artists such as Steve Hackett and Rich Mouser don't come cheap. And they shouldn't.

  Answer: create my own streaming service. My objective is simple: to provide a great streaming experience that is complete, super high quality and easy to use on multiple formats. Not to compete with the big streaming services, but to give fans of my music a similar experience, anywhere in the world.
 

My current plan is to build my own thing, then use Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon etc. as a kind of advertising tool and put a smattering of material there so people can become aware and hopefully sign up for the streaming service. Or get the actual albums. Whatever they prefer.

    What we want to give people is the supreme experience of being able to listen to any of the music from my catalog, including classic Spock's Beard, Transatlantic and the Neal Morse Band, anytime from anywhere and not have to get out of their recliner. This is the great goal of modern life!

I NEED YOUR HELP:
I'm taking a poll! Please let me know if you would be interested in subscribing to the proposed music app at a cost of, let's say, $5.99 a month. (Of course, there will be a special discount for Inner Circle members. No obligation of course!)
Are you interested in the Radiant Streaming app?
Yes
Select

No
Select

Are you an Inner Circle Member?
Yes
Select

No

Was an Inner Circle Member since the beginning but quit after the releases became all digital so I'm probably not eligible to vote no on this.

I get what he's trying to do with it but I've always been against paying for the intangibility of something like this.  (Lower the overhead.)

You want to sell me a CD or DVD? Fine. But a digital file is useless to me if I have to pay for it and it ain't all that useful to me when I don't. I even put that in my Inner Circle resignation email.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 02, 2018, 08:01:15 PM
OMG his daughter has the new generation syndrome of..."But it's too hard." Whats so hard about turning on your laptop, opening Itunes, inserting into disc drive (which can be bought separately), if you have internet the info is brought up so no need to input it yourself, and click import.

She said to him that her computer doesn't have a disc reader
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 02, 2018, 08:20:27 PM
I put this in the picture thread, but I will put it here, too: the pic I got with Neal after the show (he sat at the merch stand and let every single fan say hi, talk and take a pic).

...

That's what he did at my show back in February except he seemed a lot more exhausted after my show. Felt really bad about bothering him.  He was wearing the same clothes too.

I kept my chit chat with him pretty short.  Thanked him for playing Emma, said I had been a fan for like 18 years, and then asked if we could take the pic.  He doesn't need 100 people engaging him in long conversations.  I don't get star struck anyway, although it was cool to meet him.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ben_Jamin on May 03, 2018, 10:41:53 AM
OMG his daughter has the new generation syndrome of..."But it's too hard." Whats so hard about turning on your laptop, opening Itunes, inserting into disc drive (which can be bought separately), if you have internet the info is brought up so no need to input it yourself, and click import.

She said to him that her computer doesn't have a disc reader

You can buy one...I had to do that. Which is weird how modern laptops don't come with one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: CrimsonSunrise on June 09, 2018, 05:29:33 AM
Just got the email that the new pre-order DVD and CD shipped yesterday! :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 09, 2018, 11:53:24 AM
My signed 2CD/2DVD set just came in the mail! I'm a bit miffed that the spine has a dent down the middle due to shipping and just how the digipak is designed, but oh well...

What's more disappointing is that the encore isn't on the CDs! And even then, it's missing "Agenda". Lame...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on June 09, 2018, 12:04:37 PM
My signed 2CD/2DVD set just came in the mail! I'm a bit miffed that the spine has a dent down the middle due to shipping and just how the digipak is designed, but oh well...

What's more disappointing is that the encore isn't on the CDs! And even then, it's missing "Agenda". Lame...

-Marc.

The encores are on both the CDs and the DVDs, including Agenda
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on June 09, 2018, 12:07:18 PM
I really wished they had a Blu-ray/CD set. I will be ordering this soon. I still haven't watched the Spock's Beard one from last year.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 09, 2018, 02:08:55 PM
My signed 2CD/2DVD set just came in the mail! I'm a bit miffed that the spine has a dent down the middle due to shipping and just how the digipak is designed, but oh well...

What's more disappointing is that the encore isn't on the CDs! And even then, it's missing "Agenda". Lame...

-Marc.

The encores are on both the CDs and the DVDs, including Agenda

Really? Then why does the back of the case list the encores as DVD-only? Weird...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 10, 2018, 02:18:50 AM
I haven't purchased the thing yet, but I would never care about Agenda... It's one of the worst songs I know of Neal :D

There were, however, some MAJOR errors on the back of the Snow Live vinyl, too. The tracklist was completely wrong and it didn't include Falling For Forever, which in fact IS on the album's last side  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 10, 2018, 08:36:09 PM
I haven't purchased the thing yet, but I would never care about Agenda... It's one of the worst songs I know of Neal :D

Definitely his worst song :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 10, 2018, 11:38:21 PM
Update on the CD tracklist:
Disc 1 is 66:17 long and contains 15 tracks - all of disc 1 of TSOAD plus the first two tracks of disc 2, with a perfect segue between the first and second sets (no break like with the DVDs)
Disc 2 is 79:28 and contains the remaining TSOAD tracks, as well as all 4 encore songs

Now this brings up the question of how/when the packaging was designed because it doesn't mention Agenda at all, states that the CDs do NOT feature the encore, are split like the original studio album, and are oddly numbered starting with 0 as the first track...

What a mess.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 11, 2018, 01:20:59 AM
Update on the CD tracklist:
Disc 1 is 66:17 long and contains 15 tracks - all of disc 1 of TSOAD plus the first two tracks of disc 2, with a perfect segue between the first and second sets (no break like with the DVDs)
Disc 2 is 79:28 and contains the remaining TSOAD tracks, as well as all 4 encore songs

Now this brings up the question of how/when the packaging was designed because it doesn't mention Agenda at all, states that the CDs do NOT feature the encore, are split like the original studio album, and are oddly numbered starting with 0 as the first track...

What a mess.

-Marc.

That's exactly what happened with Snow  :lol Ah well, I was happy when Falling For Forever was on there after all ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 11, 2018, 12:14:35 PM
Update on the CD tracklist:
Disc 1 is 66:17 long and contains 15 tracks - all of disc 1 of TSOAD plus the first two tracks of disc 2, with a perfect segue between the first and second sets (no break like with the DVDs)
Disc 2 is 79:28 and contains the remaining TSOAD tracks, as well as all 4 encore songs

Now this brings up the question of how/when the packaging was designed because it doesn't mention Agenda at all, states that the CDs do NOT feature the encore, are split like the original studio album, and are oddly numbered starting with 0 as the first track...

What a mess.

-Marc.

That's exactly what happened with Snow  :lol Ah well, I was happy when Falling For Forever was on there after all ;)

:facepalm:

Ah well. There would've been a fairly easy way to denote which tracks were on which discs.

   _________         ______
   |Long Day                 |
   |Overture                 |
   |The Dream                 |
   |City Of Destruction       |
D |We Have Got To Go      |   
V |Makes No Sense          |
D |Draw The Line            |
1 |The Slough                  |C
   |Back To The City          |D
   |The Ways Of A Fool       |1
   |So Far Gone                  |
   |Breath Of Angels          |
   |_______                      |
   ________                     |
   |Slave To Your Mind       |
   |Shortcut To Salvation__|_________
   |The Man In The Iron Cage           |
   |The Road Called Home                   |
   |Sloth                                           |
D |Freedom Song                           |
V |I'm Running                                   |
D |The Mask                                   |C
2 |Confrontation                           |D
   |The Battle                                   |2
   |Broken Sky / Long Day (Reprise)     |
   |                                                    |
   |Momentum                                    |
   |Author Of Confusion                       |
   |Agenda                                         |
   |The Call                                        |
   |________                    _________|

(Sorry the text doesn't quite line up...lol)

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: CrimsonSunrise on June 11, 2018, 09:38:35 PM
Got mine this afternoon...then promptly had to leave for work.... :lol  I watched about 20 mins, looks really good!  Listened to one of the CD's coming in  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 13, 2018, 10:47:15 AM
Which release is this?  I lost track.  Is it The Similitude of a Dream Live In Tilburg 2017?  I'll need to pick that up.

I am just revisiting Similitude this morning after a bit of an unintentional break.  Man, I love this album.  Breath of Angels is interesting and stands out though, and not in the way intended.  It is obviously supposed to be the big, emotional conclusion to Act I.  But to me, it sounds like it is trying so hard to be that kind of track that it ends up just being a stereotype and not having the emotional impact intended.  It's not a bad song.  But I just find it hard to emotionally invest in.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 13, 2018, 11:54:34 AM
Which release is this?  I lost track.  Is it The Similitude of a Dream Live In Tilburg 2017?  I'll need to pick that up.

I am just revisiting Similitude this morning after a bit of an unintentional break.  Man, I love this album.  Breath of Angels is interesting and stands out though, and not in the way intended.  It is obviously supposed to be the big, emotional conclusion to Act I.  But to me, it sounds like it is trying so hard to be that kind of track that it ends up just being a stereotype and not having the emotional impact intended.  It's not a bad song.  But I just find it hard to emotionally invest in.

Same for me. I feel like they tried to replicate the ending of Peaceful Harbor and failed at it. When I listen to TSOAD, I always skip BOA, to be honest. Feels like a forced climax.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 13, 2018, 01:12:17 PM
Unfortunately, Similitude didn't pass the test of time for me... It's obviously a great album, but I just don't have the urge to go back listening to it. I hope that changes at some point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 13, 2018, 01:33:05 PM
Unfortunately, Similitude didn't pass the test of time for me... It's obviously a great album, but I just don't have the urge to go back listening to it. I hope that changes at some point.

I really like most of disc 1, but disc 2 is just meh for the most part. The only two songs I really enjoy from disc 2 are Slave to Your Mind and The Mask.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 13, 2018, 05:42:12 PM
Breath of Angels certainly has that "been there, done that" feel to it as far as Neal is concerned, but I don't care; it's still a killer tune.  And there are elements of it that make it unique in Neal's catalogue: that acoustic lead that is unusual for a Neal song, Eric's guitar solo, etc.  I also love how that acoustic lead not only begins and ends the song, but acts as a bridge between part 1 and part 2.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on June 13, 2018, 05:47:24 PM
I know Im in the minority but the last Neal album I really loved was Momentum.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dave_Manchester on June 13, 2018, 06:36:45 PM
I know Im in the minority but the last Neal album I really loved was Momentum.

You're probably right about being in a minority, but I'm in there with you. Momentum is his masterpiece to me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 14, 2018, 12:59:28 AM
Momentum has two of the best Neal songs, Thoughts and World Without End. But other than that...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 14, 2018, 05:53:15 AM
Momentum has two of the best Neal songs, Thoughts and World Without End. But other than that...

Bingo.  Those two songs are terrific, and while the rest of the album is good, it's not  "OMG, amazing" to where I can call it even one of his best, which, of course, is no shame when you consider how phenomenal his catalogue is.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 14, 2018, 08:26:29 AM
I love Momentum as well. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on June 15, 2018, 08:14:33 AM
Momentum is at the bottom of the pile for me. I'd be okay not hearing any of those songs again. I like Momentum, Smoke and Mirrors, and Weathering Sky well enough, but they're just okay. World Without End is mind-bogglingly boring for me. My least favorite epic, maybe my least favorite song, by Neal.

Since then, however, both NMB albums have been top notch. Different strokes indeed.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 15, 2018, 08:30:58 AM
Momentum is at the bottom of the pile for me. I'd be okay not hearing any of those songs again. I like Momentum, Smoke and Mirrors, and Weathering Sky well enough, but they're just okay. World Without End is mind-bogglingly boring for me. My least favorite epic, maybe my least favorite song, by Neal.

Since then, however, both NMB albums have been top notch. Different strokes indeed.

I rank The Grand Experiment among Momentum. The Call is one of Neals best songs for me, so is Thoughts V. I like WWE better than Alive Again. The Grand Experiment and Agenda are among those songs I just don't care for. Agenda being one of Neals worst songs. Waterfall is a good song, with nice vocal harmonies. Momentum is a typical Morse rocker a la Day For Night, and the instrumental section saves it (that also means that the single edit of Momentum is totally useless for me). Smoke and Mirrors sounds too much like Kansas; nice little ballad, nothing more. Freak: same as Agenda. Weathering Sky: same as The Grand Experiment.

My least favorite Neal Morse 20min+ song is either So Many Roads or A Whole Nother Trip.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on June 15, 2018, 09:13:10 AM
My least favorite Neal Morse 20min+ song is either So Many Roads or A Whole Nother Trip.

Crazy... So Many Roads is my favorite, and AWNT is really good. Love Mr. Upside Down!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on June 15, 2018, 09:55:27 AM
I'm utterly in love with both of those, and World without end is the ultimate champion for me. If I had to choose my least favorite epic by Neal, it would be Alive again. It's not bad, it just lacks greatness.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 15, 2018, 09:59:13 AM
World Without end is absolutely stunning, love it every time I listen to it :metal

Alive Again, though, while very nice, was ruined by that section with Bill on vocals :tdwn
Nothing against Bill, but I think he should stay as far as he can from a microphone. He usually sings in a high register, but it sounds strained.

Least favorite Neal epic? Probably So Many Roads, never clicked with that one or the whole Lifeline album, except for a couple tracks (Lifeline and Leviathan).

And, btw, another epic that should get more recognition: Seeds of Gold :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: jingle.boy on June 16, 2018, 04:00:50 AM
Holy shit balls... Amazon.ca has the Blu-ray for $20 CAD!!!  cha-ching.  Purchase made.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 16, 2018, 05:38:10 AM
Neals epics often tend to consist of several "songs" and sometimes this becomes too obvious. Many times, he managed to arrange the parts so well that they function as one song (Stranger In Your Soul, Into The Blue, WWE). That is not really the case with So Many Roads... Also, the big final doesn't catch me. The song Lifeline and Leviathan are awesome though  :metal

Seeds Of Gold is an amazing track as well, I agree! It's shame it's one that weird 3-song extra CD of Testimony II.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on June 16, 2018, 06:18:32 AM
Thinking about the Lifeline album again, I think the epic is the only song that really gets me going. Most of the rest of that album is very underwhelming. I've grown a soft spot for Fly high, though, the live version from Momentum live reminded me it's pretty strong.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 16, 2018, 08:08:04 AM
Thinking about the Lifeline album again, I think the epic is the only song that really gets me going. Most of the rest of that album is very underwhelming. I've grown a soft spot for Fly high, though, the live version from Momentum live reminded me it's pretty strong.

This is mostly where I am.  I love So Many Roads, but I am not really big on much else from Lifeline. The title track is good, but too long (could have been a killer 7-8 minute song).


Seeds Of Gold is an amazing track as well, I agree! It's shame it's one that weird 3-song extra CD of Testimony II.

Wait, Testimony 2 has an extra CD? Where? 

Because the regular version has 2 CD's already.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 16, 2018, 08:37:10 AM
I'm glad someone brought up "Seeds Of Gold". I think it's my personal favorite of Neal's solo-work epics, and I rank it as highly as pieces like "Stranger In Your Soul" and "The Great Nothing". While it does have several sections, they're never given any names or titles, and the whole piece just flows so well, and that guitar solo by Steve Morse is pretty amazing as well! It was a missed opportunity to have him play that solo at Morsefest, but oh well - I'm sure Eric killed it!

Anyone want to try and rank the following Neal Solo epics?
A Whole 'Nother Trip
The Creation
The Door
The Conflict
So Many Roads
Seeds Of Gold
World Without End
Alive Again

I wasn't sure about including "The Creation" as it doesn't quite reach the lengths of side-length epic like the ones after it, but I figured I'd put it in as an option if anyone else wanted to include it. Likewise, I put that and the two Sola tracks in as options as well, but you can leave them out if you just want to rank the five non-concept-album epics above.



Seeds Of Gold is an amazing track as well, I agree! It's shame it's one that weird 3-song extra CD of Testimony II.

Wait, Testimony 2 has an extra CD? Where? 

Because the regular version has 2 CD's already.

 :lol - this is true, and I've argued this for YEARS. Testimony 2 *is* a 2-CD album as there is no single-disc version. Every release of the album comes with two CDs, so there's nothing "extra" about "Absolute Beginner", "Supernatural", and "Seeds Of Gold". It's like Porcupine Tree's The Incident - concept album on disc one, unrelated songs on disc two, but all still a part of the album as a whole.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 16, 2018, 08:44:16 AM
Don't forget The Separated Man, which might be my favorite out of all of those, except for maybe Alive Again, which I have a special attachment to for personal reasons.

IIRC, both Neal and Eric played the Steve Morse solo at Morsefest last year. Neal played the first part of it and then Eric took it over till the end.

Call me crazy, but The Great Nothing would be one of my lowest ranked Neal epics.  It is good, but it feels like work to get through it nowadays, to where I literally never listen to it anymore.  Long epics are so time-consuming :lol, and he has so many, most of which I love way more, so it just never makes it into the rotation.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 16, 2018, 09:18:12 AM
Don't forget The Separated Man, which might be my favorite out of all of those, except for maybe Alive Again, which I have a special attachment to for personal reasons.
I had forgotten about that, I always forget how long it is, but it is nearly 18 minutes in length, but then where do we stop? Should we include "The Conclusion" as well, being over 16 minutes in length? Maybe if Neal had released all of his albums on vinyl, we could make the argument of only including the epics that are just that one song on a side of vinyl (or more, as would be the cast for "World Without End").

IIRC, both Neal and Eric played the Steve Morse solo at Morsefest last year. Neal played the first part of it and then Eric took it over till the end.
Oh I didn't know that, but that's pretty cool! I hope Neal gets around to releasing that show before the end of the decade!

Call me crazy, but The Great Nothing would be one of my lowest ranked Neal epics.  It is good, but it feels like work to get through it nowadays, to where I literally never listen to it anymore.  Long epics are so time-consuming :lol, and he has so many, most of which I love way more, so it just never makes it into the rotation.

I've been re-listening to all of the SB albums in the last couple of weeks so the song is fairly fresh in my mind, and I think, like you, I had grown tired of it, but coming back to it after a year or two, it still holds up for me as a pretty great Neal Epic, at least among his six SB albums (definitely a step up from "The Healing Colors Of Sound", and maybe a bit better than "The Water"). I think only "The Light" might beat "The Great Nothing" in terms of Neal's longer SB pieces for me. Though I do agree - epics are pretty time-consuming, but they make for great long car-ride playlists!

Between, SB, TA and his solo stuff, though, I wouldn't rank "The Great Nothing" too high, definitely not even Top 5 (most of which would be Transatlantic anyway), and possibly not even top 10, but thinking about how they'd all rank would take a LOOOONG time (at least 25 minutes :lol ).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MajorBoobage on June 16, 2018, 10:29:49 AM
How does the new blu ray sound, does it sound any better than these https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwRQIwWid38 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwRQIwWid38) and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwRQIwWid38 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwRQIwWid38) promos? They sound kinda weird to my ears.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on June 17, 2018, 10:01:09 AM
Call me crazy, but The Great Nothing would be one of my lowest ranked Neal epics.
Thank God, I though I was the only one.

Anyway, rank 'em all:

World Without End
Seeds Of Gold
The Conflict
So Many Roads
A Whole 'Nother Trip
The Door
The Creation
Alive Again

Had I added The Separated Man and The Conclusion, they would be in the bottom half. All of the epics from the list are amazing, except for Alive Again.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on June 23, 2018, 01:43:01 PM


Call me crazy, but The Great Nothing would be one of my lowest ranked Neal epics.  It is good, but it feels like work to get through it nowadays, to where I literally never listen to it anymore.  Long epics are so time-consuming :lol, and he has so many, most of which I love way more, so it just never makes it into the rotation.

One of my faves.  I've always  thought it was less caustic version of The Shaming Of The True.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 23, 2018, 11:04:19 PM
I like TGN very much, but I always thought the mid-tempo middle part is a little too long.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gborland on June 24, 2018, 02:55:16 PM
I saw Neal the other day at his solo acoustic show in Glasgow. A nice intimate little show, with loads of great music. Some of the stuff he did with that looper, building up all the vocals harmonies from Thoughts and Thoughts pt. II, was mindblowing.

Unfortunately towards the end all the Hallelujah crap started sneaking in, so it ended on a downer for me, but overall it was a brilliant performance.



Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 24, 2018, 02:57:43 PM
Interesting.  While he played Sing At High at our show, he didn't really do much Jesus talk in his chatter.  I know there is a song from one of his worship CDs he has been playing at a lot of shows on this little tour, but it got skipped at ours, so maybe that is the difference. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on June 25, 2018, 07:22:37 AM
How does the new blu ray sound, does it sound any better than these https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwRQIwWid38 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwRQIwWid38) and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwRQIwWid38 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwRQIwWid38) promos? They sound kinda weird to my ears.

I'm wondering this as well. I will definitely be getting the Morsefest edition but I'm tempted to get this too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on June 25, 2018, 12:00:26 PM
Was thinking about Morsefest over the weekend and trying to think of what future Morsefests would consist of. Since he's about ran the gamut of his solo/NMB material, and since I was listening to a live album from this group over the weekend, how about getting Transatlantic to reunite for one of the nights? I've enjoyed the Morsefest outputs and just trying to see how he can continue on with it and keep it fresh. I'd LOVE to see those guys reunite and to get a chance to see that band live.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 25, 2018, 12:09:31 PM
Was thinking about Morsefest over the weekend and trying to think of what future Morsefests would consist of. Since he's about ran the gamut of his solo/NMB material, and since I was listening to a live album from this group over the weekend, how about getting Transatlantic to reunite for one of the nights? I've enjoyed the Morsefest outputs and just trying to see how he can continue on with it and keep it fresh. I'd LOVE to see those guys reunite and to get a chance to see that band live.

I've thought upon this as well, and I've hoped that one future Morsefest WOULD include the first two Transatlantic titles, played in their entirety, featuring a 5th member (be it Gildenlow or Leonard, or someone else entirely), and then doing other TA songs as 2nd-set options, like FINALLY playing the bonus tracks from The Whirlwind ("Spinning", "For Such A Time", "Lenny Johnson", and "Lending A Hand"), or doing some of the TA covers live.

The Morsefest logo DOES feature artwork from the debut album, so I've hoped that they would cover it at some point, as well as "Bridge Across Forever" (which would, hopefully, feature "Suite Charlotte Pike" in its original form, without the Abbey Road songs (not knocking that version, I love it, but I'd like to hear the original version played live, with its original ending as well).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on June 25, 2018, 12:19:24 PM

I've thought upon this as well, and I've hoped that one future Morsefest WOULD include the first two Transatlantic titles, played in their entirety, featuring a 5th member (be it Gildenlow or Leonard, or someone else entirely), and then doing other TA songs as 2nd-set options, like FINALLY playing the bonus tracks from The Whirlwind ("Spinning", "For Such A Time", "Lenny Johnson", and "Lending A Hand"), or doing some of the TA covers live.

The Morsefest logo DOES feature artwork from the debut album, so I've hoped that they would cover it at some point, as well as "Bridge Across Forever" (which would, hopefully, feature "Suite Charlotte Pike" in its original form, without the Abbey Road songs (not knocking that version, I love it, but I'd like to hear the original version played live, with its original ending as well).

-Marc.

They could do both nights and make a weekend out of it. Hopefully something like that will be in the works. One can dream of it at least.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 25, 2018, 02:36:07 PM

I've thought upon this as well, and I've hoped that one future Morsefest WOULD include the first two Transatlantic titles, played in their entirety, featuring a 5th member (be it Gildenlow or Leonard, or someone else entirely), and then doing other TA songs as 2nd-set options, like FINALLY playing the bonus tracks from The Whirlwind ("Spinning", "For Such A Time", "Lenny Johnson", and "Lending A Hand"), or doing some of the TA covers live.

The Morsefest logo DOES feature artwork from the debut album, so I've hoped that they would cover it at some point, as well as "Bridge Across Forever" (which would, hopefully, feature "Suite Charlotte Pike" in its original form, without the Abbey Road songs (not knocking that version, I love it, but I'd like to hear the original version played live, with its original ending as well).

-Marc.

They could do both nights and make a weekend out of it. Hopefully something like that will be in the works. One can dream of it at least.

That's pretty much what I'd imagine.

Night 1:
All Of The Above
We All Need Some Light
Mystery Train
My New World
In Held ('Twas) in I
---intermission---
Spinning
Oh! Darling
(Some Genesis cover?)
Honky Tonk Women
Lending A Hand
Band Medley (a new medley featuring songs from SB, TFK, Marillion, and DT)

Night 2:
Duel With The Devil
Suite Charlotte Pike (with ending jam/solos)
Bridge Across Forever
Stranger In Your Soul (with middle-jam)
---intermission---
Shine On You Crazy Diamond
For Such A Time
Smoke On The Water
Lenny Johnson
And I Love Her (extended jam, and/or a Beatles medley)
(Another Genesis cover? Maybe ELP or Yes?)
(Closing epic?...or maybe they cover "Supper's Ready" instead of the above cover?)

The possibilities are endless with the 2nd sets!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on June 25, 2018, 04:08:24 PM
How does the new blu ray sound, does it sound any better than these https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwRQIwWid38 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwRQIwWid38) and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwRQIwWid38 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwRQIwWid38) promos? They sound kinda weird to my ears.

I'm wondering this as well. I will definitely be getting the Morsefest edition but I'm tempted to get this too.

I usually never judge the sound quality with youtube videos since the upload conversion is so different comparted to the original version.

On another note, amazon seems to be shipping this bluray in 1-2 months. WTF? They have it for $20. Radiant records has it for $25 +$5 shipping. Lasercd has it for $24 + $3 shipping.

What to do what to do.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 25, 2018, 06:51:54 PM
I think we already have enough live recordings of Transatlantic playing the biggies from the first two records where we don't need another one of them. I'd rather Morsefest be used for stuff more rare. There is a ton of solo Neal and Spock's Beard material that hasn't been tackled yet. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 25, 2018, 08:13:07 PM
I think we already have enough live recordings of Transatlantic playing the biggies from the first two records where we don't need another one of them. I'd rather Morsefest be used for stuff more rare. There is a ton of solo Neal and Spock's Beard material that hasn't been tackled yet.

I suppose so, but then again, playing "The Light" and "June" over and over again hasn't stopped Neal from playing them or releasing them on live albums, so who knows.

I'd be ok with a Transatlantic-focused Morsefest, with or without the first two albums in their entirety, but I think rather than thinking about the eventual live recordings, it'd be a great way for fans who have only become fans in the last 10 years to see some of these songs played live, and in their entirety! To my recollection, "Mystery Train" was only ever played on their first tour, and "Suite Charlotte Pike" was only ever played on their second tour. But I suppose, other than those two, the other epics and ballads have had some play, but not in some years for some of them. I'm sure there are plenty of Morse/TA fans who haven't seen these songs played live and would pay to see them.

Outside of that, I'm not sure what Neal Morse solo material he could possibly play. From Momentum onward, we've got live versions of nearly every song he's released, and I doubt he'll do a Momentum/The Grand Experiment Morsefest since those albums aren't that old, and both tours have live albums with the current line-up anyway. I guess he could do some more Spock's Beard material, but would it be whole albums? I don't see him doing all of The Light (mostly because of "The Water"), nor do I see him doing all of V either (as much as I'd like to see that happen).

Maybe after this year, there won't be another Morsefest for awhile? Who knows...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 27, 2018, 11:48:20 AM
Neal sent out his latest Inner Circle newsletter, and a couple of tidbits:
-The Neal Morse Band will reconvene in July to work on the next album more, with the hopes of finishing it in the fall and releasing it in early 2019.
-He affirms that the third Flying Colors album will continue to be worked on throughout the rest of the year, and released in late 2019.
-And he does address Transatlantic, to which he says another album won't likely be released, or even worked on, until 2020. With how busy 2019 is shaping up to be with new NMB and FC, I don't blame him. And at some point, I'm sure Mike will want to reconvene with The Winery Dogs and/or Sons Of Apollo, between the tours for NMB and FC (if both happen).

So there you have it - news for all 3 of Neal's bands!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on July 22, 2018, 11:18:03 AM
Wow the new Blu-ray (live in Tilburg 2017) looks and sounds incredible!!  I really like the Similitude of a Dream album, but this electric performance really brings it to life. I think it sounds even better live and the whole band is pretty much flawless all night. I am really impressed with Neal Morse as a live performer, he just has a great time and I've come to appreciate his vocals and musicianship alot more.  Eric Gillette just kills it on this show, fantastic guitar player and singer! Mike Portnoy is amazing as always too.
I highly recommend this release. It is one of the best live productions I've seen for a concert dvd/blu-ray. Great camera angles and intense colors captured from the light show. The audiovisual is just a great experience all together. The band gives you your money's worth, the encore is a whole other set in itself..lol!    :metal :corn 🍺
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 22, 2018, 06:30:57 PM
Wow the new Blu-ray (live in Tilburg 2017) looks and sounds incredible!!  I really like the Similitude of a Dream album, but this electric performance really brings it to life. I think it sounds even better live and the whole band is pretty much flawless all night. I am really impressed with Neal Morse as a live performer, he just has a great time and I've come to appreciate his vocals and musicianship alot more.  Eric Gillette just kills it on this show, fantastic guitar player and singer! Mike Portnoy is amazing as always too.
I highly recommend this release. It is one of the best live productions I've seen for a concert dvd/blu-ray. Great camera angles and intense colors captured from the light show. The audiovisual is just a great experience all together. The band gives you your money's worth, the encore is a whole other set in itself..lol!    :metal :corn 🍺

Posts like this really make me want to buy it, as I am waiting to get my Similitude live DVD/Blu-ray fix for when Morsefest '17 comes out.


-The Neal Morse Band will reconvene in July to work on the next album more, with the hopes of finishing it in the fall and releasing it in early 2019.
 

My concern over this is Portnoy's availability.  He has said that the other members of Sons of Apollo are already bugging him to get going on their next album. I know he prides himself on being able to juggle multiple projects at once, but it will suck if touring for the Neal Morse Band on this forthcoming album gets put on hold or ends up being a short tour because he wants to dedicate more time to this other band.  I have to think that the band would have finished it already this year if Portnoy wasn't so busy with SoA (I suspect Neal did the tour he did because he knew that was down time for the NMB due to Portnoy's tour schedule).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on July 22, 2018, 06:43:05 PM
Kev, I will run my Blu Ray in an evil fashion knowing you are waiting.

Yes, I will have an evil laugh.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on July 22, 2018, 07:07:33 PM
Wow the new Blu-ray (live in Tilburg 2017) looks and sounds incredible!!  I really like the Similitude of a Dream album, but this electric performance really brings it to life. I think it sounds even better live and the whole band is pretty much flawless all night. I am really impressed with Neal Morse as a live performer, he just has a great time and I've come to appreciate his vocals and musicianship alot more.  Eric Gillette just kills it on this show, fantastic guitar player and singer! Mike Portnoy is amazing as always too.
I highly recommend this release. It is one of the best live productions I've seen for a concert dvd/blu-ray. Great camera angles and intense colors captured from the light show. The audiovisual is just a great experience all together. The band gives you your money's worth, the encore is a whole other set in itself..lol!    :metal :corn 🍺

Posts like this really make me want to buy it, as I am waiting to get my Similitude live DVD/Blu-ray fix for when Morsefest '17 comes out.

Do get it... it is a great concert and very representative of the tour.
We don"t know when Morsefest 2017 will be released and it will be totally different.


-The Neal Morse Band will reconvene in July to work on the next album more, with the hopes of finishing it in the fall and releasing it in early 2019.
 

My concern over this is Portnoy's availability.  He has said that the other members of Sons of Apollo are already bugging him to get going on their next album. I know he prides himself on being able to juggle multiple projects at once, but it will suck if touring for the Neal Morse Band on this forthcoming album gets put on hold or ends up being a short tour because he wants to dedicate more time to this other band.  I have to think that the band would have finished it already this year if Portnoy wasn't so busy with SoA (I suspect Neal did the tour he did because he knew that was down time for the NMB due to Portnoy's tour schedule).

That would be a shame as I love NMB but am indifferent to SOA.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 22, 2018, 07:28:12 PM
Kev, I will run my Blu Ray in an evil fashion knowing you are waiting.

Yes, I will have an evil laugh.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeloDrSKZm8&t=26s


That would be a shame as I love NMB but am indifferent to SOA.

He would never admit it, but I think Portnoy would leave the NMB if he wasn't such good friends with Neal.  I think he thought Similitude would expand their fan base by a lot, but it didn't, and it was clear that he was disappointed. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on July 22, 2018, 07:38:18 PM
 :lol

I seriously called around to find what place had the DVD in stock and drove there to buy it.

Old school.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 22, 2018, 07:40:23 PM
I would try that, but that might result in having to drive to another state. :lol

Odds are, I will make the impulse purchase at Morsefest this year and get it then.  Ya know, Morsefest, where Neal's real fans show up. ;) :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 22, 2018, 07:42:13 PM
I think the last one was their most successful tour they even played in countries they never toured before, IDK how thats disappointing
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on July 22, 2018, 07:56:22 PM
I think the last one was their most successful tour they even played in countries they never toured before, IDK how thats disappointing

Well if you had even bigger hopes, like filling arenas, then it might be dissapointing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on July 22, 2018, 08:32:47 PM


He would never admit it, but I think Portnoy would leave the NMB if he wasn't such good friends with Neal.  I think he thought Similitude would expand their fan base by a lot, but it didn't, and it was clear that he was disappointed.

That's starting to be a theme, isn't it?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on July 22, 2018, 08:35:48 PM


He would never admit it, but I think Portnoy would leave the NMB if he wasn't such good friends with Neal.  I think he thought Similitude would expand their fan base by a lot, but it didn't, and it was clear that he was disappointed.

That's starting to be a theme, isn't it?

He's disappointed because he expects DT level success with far less stablished/popular bands.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 22, 2018, 10:03:44 PM

-The Neal Morse Band will reconvene in July to work on the next album more, with the hopes of finishing it in the fall and releasing it in early 2019.
 

My concern over this is Portnoy's availability.  He has said that the other members of Sons of Apollo are already bugging him to get going on their next album. I know he prides himself on being able to juggle multiple projects at once, but it will suck if touring for the Neal Morse Band on this forthcoming album gets put on hold or ends up being a short tour because he wants to dedicate more time to this other band.  I have to think that the band would have finished it already this year if Portnoy wasn't so busy with SoA (I suspect Neal did the tour he did because he knew that was down time for the NMB due to Portnoy's tour schedule).

Well, according to the most recent IC Newsletter, sent out five days ago, they are already planning a tour schedule for 2019, and from Neal's own words - "We are now in the process of laying out a tour for the entire world in 2019. More to come." He also adds at the album will be finished in August, so I expect a Winter release.

He also mentions that Flying Colors is schedule to record their third album "at the end of the year". They apparently have "two-thirds of the album written and loosely-recorded from a couple years ago" and that it shouldn't take them long to complete that much, and write a bit more for a complete album in 2019.

So despite what SOA might *want* to do, it seems that Neal is pretty gung-ho about moving forward with both NMB and FC, though it's not clear if FC will tour in 2019 as well. I think if they're agreeable, SOA could write a new album next year between Mike's touring duties with NMB and FC, so that he's alternating touring and writing between SOA and his bands with Neal Morse, but we'll just have to wait and see how MP juggles it all. Then again, didn't he say he wasn't going to keep The Winery Dogs on hold for long or something to that effect? I wonder how his fellow Dogs feel and if they want to get together for another album/tour cycle sometime soon...

Either way, it seems like for Neal Morse fans, good things are coming in 2019! But before all of that happens, Neal did mention the upcoming release of Morsefest 2017, and apparently they're working on a fancy artbook release of the whole shebang - the Testimony 2 AND TSOAD shows. Neal says to expect this set to be released in November, so I suspect an October or late September pre-order, so be sure to save up for what will likely be a $75-100 artbook set, since it'll likely include 4 CDs and 2 DVDs (while I'd wish for BDs to be included as well or instead of DVDs, Neal seems insistent on releasing BDs separately from his CD sets). While I enjoyed the multi-disc digipaks of Morsefest 2014 and 2015, getting an artbook of Morsefest 2017 will be a treat, especially if they showcase the visual spectacle that accompanied the music!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on July 23, 2018, 08:23:47 AM
I get the distinct impression that "The Winery Dogs on hold" is not Mike's call to make.   

I also think that, as much as I love them, a "Neal Morse Band World Tour" is not exactly the "World Slavery Tour" where Maiden played something like 200 gigs in 330 days (actually it was 189 in 331, should have been 197, but a handful of dates were cancelled for health reasons). 

Though with that said, I see something giving in the next 12 to 18 months.  My prediction... it's Sons, but that's me (and perhaps not a small bit of wishful thinking, since I'd much rather get new Neal Morse than new Sons).   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 23, 2018, 08:52:41 AM
Fans going to Morsefest this fall will be able to see Neal and Nick D'Virgilio play "The Great Nothing" as the opener on Saturday night!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Indiscipline on July 23, 2018, 08:56:49 AM
Really? If it's in my power, I'm definitely crossing the pond then.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 23, 2018, 10:26:02 AM
Really? If it's in my power, I'm definitely crossing the pond then.

Yep! Neal posted it on facebook earlier this morning. I guess having Nick come around for another V epic seems like a great idea, though I have to wonder if they'll do other classic SB songs since Nick will be there anyway!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on July 23, 2018, 10:31:28 AM
I get the distinct impression that "The Winery Dogs on hold" is not Mike's call to make.   

I also think that, as much as I love them, a "Neal Morse Band World Tour" is not exactly the "World Slavery Tour" where Maiden played something like 200 gigs in 330 days (actually it was 189 in 331, should have been 197, but a handful of dates were cancelled for health reasons). 

Though with that said, I see something giving in the next 12 to 18 months.  My prediction... it's Sons, but that's me (and perhaps not a small bit of wishful thinking, since I'd much rather get new Neal Morse than new Sons).   

My impression about the Winery Dogs was that Richie Kotzen wanted a hiatus to do his solo thing for a while, but that he might've been ready to come back to it this year if not for Mike and Billy already having something else going on in the form of SoA. So I don't think Mike is the reason they slowed down in the first place, but I do think he might be (part of) the reason they still haven't started back up. At this point my hope is that we get both new NMB and Flying Colors albums next year, along with extensive touring for the former and some select major city dates for the latter (trying to be realistic). Maybe another Sons of Apollo album, since the band seems keen on hitting the studio again. Would love to see either work on a new Winery Dogs album or just another tour from them in 2020, along with another Transatlantic record.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on July 23, 2018, 10:54:05 AM
I'd rather see MP just stick to the NMB and SOA as they are by far the two strongest bands he's a part of.  When you spread yourself too thin with too many projects, it leads to frustration from the members of all the bands involved and limits the possibilities of each band by slowing them down. I guess they could find different drummers but MP is part of the reason many show up to their gigs, plus his drumming skills are hard to top.
 I can see why it creates a bit of a canum-drum.. 😁
 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on July 23, 2018, 11:42:51 AM
You could sub out MP with NDV in NMB and FC and I think my interest in both bands would increase more if that is even possible.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on July 23, 2018, 02:02:05 PM
You could sub out MP with NDV in NMB and FC and I think my interest in both bands would increase more if that is even possible.

NMB with NDV would be a much better scenario imo, and FC isn't too hard for Portnoy to commit to, since they only do a few dates when they tour.

Btw, don't know if this has been discussed yet but, the way I see things, it's very possible that Casey ends up joining TSW full time if they plan to keep touring and recording new music, as Daniel is always going to have POS. That would mean even less chances for FC to be too active in the near future.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on July 23, 2018, 02:11:17 PM
MP is part of the reason many show up to their gigs, plus his drumming skills are hard to top.

While I agree that MP is an incredible drummer and a blast to watch play live.....I think a major draw back to him being in these multiple bands is that it exposes his 'weakness' he has as a drummer.....and that is the fact that he (self admittedly) does not practice...which in effect limits his ability to improve.

MP certainly has a storied and impressive repertoire of fills..beats...rhythms that he employs on his endeavors....but, the fact remains that it's the 'same' bag of tricks used in each of his bands...just in different manners. It's not a 'bad' thing per say but when you're playing in three or four different bands and using the same type of fills without any attempt to create something new it does start to water down a bit. That being said...take 'Similitude for a Dream' for instance.....same bag of tricks used in various manners but it was still a fantastic effort by him and the band and it worked well.

What I find refreshing about Mike Mangini is that he purposefully tries to improve and come up with something new. Despite the opinions of 'The Astonishing'....I recently listened to it on a long road trip and the effort and creativity that MM puts into that album is unreal. It's really over looked at what he provides DT as far as 'fresh' fills/beats etc
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on July 23, 2018, 03:28:31 PM
OMG I nearly jazzed in my pants.  The Great Nothing is probably my favorite epic ever (by Neal, SB, or TA).  I am only going to Morsefest that one night, so in a panic went to look at my e-mail receipt to ensure I picked the right night lol.  Great news!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 23, 2018, 05:38:55 PM

Well, according to the most recent IC Newsletter, sent out five days ago, they are already planning a tour schedule for 2019, and from Neal's own words - "We are now in the process of laying out a tour for the entire world in 2019. More to come." He also adds at the album will be finished in August, so I expect a Winter release.
 

That is good to hear!  We need some new music by the Neal Morse Band right away. :biggrin:

 
Either way, it seems like for Neal Morse fans, good things are coming in 2019! But before all of that happens, Neal did mention the upcoming release of Morsefest 2017, and apparently they're working on a fancy artbook release of the whole shebang - the Testimony 2 AND TSOAD shows. Neal says to expect this set to be released in November, so I suspect an October or late September pre-order, so be sure to save up for what will likely be a $75-100 artbook set, since it'll likely include 4 CDs and 2 DVDs (while I'd wish for BDs to be included as well or instead of DVDs, Neal seems insistent on releasing BDs separately from his CD sets). While I enjoyed the multi-disc digipaks of Morsefest 2014 and 2015, getting an artbook of Morsefest 2017 will be a treat, especially if they showcase the visual spectacle that accompanied the music!


It is probably too much to hope that it will be done in time to go on sale to those of us attending Morsefest, with the sale to the rest of the public a month or two later. I can hope, right? 

Fans going to Morsefest this fall will be able to see Neal and Nick D'Virgilio play "The Great Nothing" as the opener on Saturday night!


Nice.  Even though I like many of his epics more, that one is still pretty damn good, and it will be cool to see it performed.  That said, I was thinking it might get played Night 1 when it is the "Voices of the Beard" night, so it will be interesting what 3 hours of music we get that night if The Great Nothing is being saved for the following night.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 24, 2018, 11:07:52 AM

Well, according to the most recent IC Newsletter, sent out five days ago, they are already planning a tour schedule for 2019, and from Neal's own words - "We are now in the process of laying out a tour for the entire world in 2019. More to come." He also adds at the album will be finished in August, so I expect a Winter release.
 

That is good to hear!  We need some new music by the Neal Morse Band right away. :biggrin:

I agree, but it probably won't come as quickly as you think.


 
Either way, it seems like for Neal Morse fans, good things are coming in 2019! But before all of that happens, Neal did mention the upcoming release of Morsefest 2017, and apparently they're working on a fancy artbook release of the whole shebang - the Testimony 2 AND TSOAD shows. Neal says to expect this set to be released in November, so I suspect an October or late September pre-order, so be sure to save up for what will likely be a $75-100 artbook set, since it'll likely include 4 CDs and 2 DVDs (while I'd wish for BDs to be included as well or instead of DVDs, Neal seems insistent on releasing BDs separately from his CD sets). While I enjoyed the multi-disc digipaks of Morsefest 2014 and 2015, getting an artbook of Morsefest 2017 will be a treat, especially if they showcase the visual spectacle that accompanied the music!


It is probably too much to hope that it will be done in time to go on sale to those of us attending Morsefest, with the sale to the rest of the public a month or two later. I can hope, right? 

HAH I doubt they could turn the album around in less than a month. It'll probably come out in November, which has been a popular release month for Neal - One, ?, TSOAD - or around there. I don't think it'll come out AFTER Christmas, so November seems pretty reasonable to me.


Fans going to Morsefest this fall will be able to see Neal and Nick D'Virgilio play "The Great Nothing" as the opener on Saturday night!


Nice.  Even though I like many of his epics more, that one is still pretty damn good, and it will be cool to see it performed.  That said, I was thinking it might get played Night 1 when it is the "Voices of the Beard" night, so it will be interesting what 3 hours of music we get that night if The Great Nothing is being saved for the following night.

"This just in! - OPENING ACT on Saturday Sept. 15, THE GREAT NOTHING!

The rare Spock's Beard epic will be performed by Neal Morse, Nick D'Virgilio, Randy George, Bill Hubauer, Eric Gillette and Paul Bielatowicz."

Well, he updated the Morsefest 2018 page on radiantrecords, so it does seem odd that they'd play this rare SB epic on the night that ISN'T "Voices Of The Beard", but maybe they wanted to do it without Ted? *shrug* Or perhaps they already had a HUGE set of SB songs that they wanted to do TGN as well, but couldn't fit it in on Friday night?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 24, 2018, 05:12:46 PM

 
Either way, it seems like for Neal Morse fans, good things are coming in 2019! But before all of that happens, Neal did mention the upcoming release of Morsefest 2017, and apparently they're working on a fancy artbook release of the whole shebang - the Testimony 2 AND TSOAD shows. Neal says to expect this set to be released in November, so I suspect an October or late September pre-order, so be sure to save up for what will likely be a $75-100 artbook set, since it'll likely include 4 CDs and 2 DVDs (while I'd wish for BDs to be included as well or instead of DVDs, Neal seems insistent on releasing BDs separately from his CD sets). While I enjoyed the multi-disc digipaks of Morsefest 2014 and 2015, getting an artbook of Morsefest 2017 will be a treat, especially if they showcase the visual spectacle that accompanied the music!


It is probably too much to hope that it will be done in time to go on sale to those of us attending Morsefest, with the sale to the rest of the public a month or two later. I can hope, right? 

HAH I doubt they could turn the album around in less than a month. It'll probably come out in November, which has been a popular release month for Neal - One, ?, TSOAD - or around there. I don't think it'll come out AFTER Christmas, so November seems pretty reasonable to me.


I was talking about the Morsefest '17 release. I think you got confused when quoting too many parts of a post. :P :lol


"This just in! - OPENING ACT on Saturday Sept. 15, THE GREAT NOTHING!

The rare Spock's Beard epic will be performed by Neal Morse, Nick D'Virgilio, Randy George, Bill Hubauer, Eric Gillette and Paul Bielatowicz."

Well, he updated the Morsefest 2018 page on radiantrecords, so it does seem odd that they'd play this rare SB epic on the night that ISN'T "Voices Of The Beard", but maybe they wanted to do it without Ted? *shrug* Or perhaps they already had a HUGE set of SB songs that they wanted to do TGN as well, but couldn't fit it in on Friday night?


I am surprised that he suddenly announced that they would be playing The Great Nothing. Makes me think that sales aren't as great as in years past and that announcing that would persuade some on-the-fence fans to go.

The first night is labeled as Storytellers, so I suspect we will get some cool covers of bands that influenced the three Beard singers. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 24, 2018, 06:56:09 PM

I was talking about the Morsefest '17 release. I think you got confused when quoting too many parts of a post. :P :lol


Ooops  :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:
Yeah, you're right. But like I said, Morsefest 2017 is coming out in November, two months BEFORE the Morsefest 2018 concert weekend, so I doubt he'd even have a personal pre-release copy to review before it's manufactured by then! :P


I am surprised that he suddenly announced that they would be playing The Great Nothing. Makes me think that sales aren't as great as in years past and that announcing that would persuade some on-the-fence fans to go.

The first night is labeled as Storytellers, so I suspect we will get some cool covers of bands that influenced the three Beard singers.

That is a likely reason, as well. I think some of his more-secular fans are a bit turned off by the whole "Jesus Christ Exorcist" rock opera he wants to perform, but he's got an all-star band lined up, you'd think that would draw some folks in as well. I'm glad he's been pretty transparent about it all, and he's been working hard on getting the music ready for it too, sending demos back and forth to the performers he's going to play with, just to make sure everything goes well in a couple of months! Regardless of the subject material, it's exciting for anyone going to get to see the world premier of a new Neal Morse work, and with all of those performers! It could be that he may never do a studio version of said rock opera, so this could be the one and only performance of it EVER! Now THAT would be something worth bragging about!  :lol

I am interesting more in the storytellers set list, though, and you're probably right, there might be some covers, but given that Spock's Beard as a whole has THIRTEEN albums to pull songs from, they could do a 3 hour set of JUST Beard songs and still leave fans wanting more. My hope is that it's ALL SB songs and no Transatlantic, Flying Colors, covers, or other non-SB tunes. It's not often you can get Ted Leonard, Nick D'Virgilio, and Neal Morse all in the same room, though with all three of them there, I hope they *don't* play "Falling For Forever" since we got that fairly flawlessly with the ACTUAL full Spock's Beard band backing the vocalists, so let's leave that at that.

I'd like to see them play stuff like "The Good Don't Last" (with an actual string section), "Time Has Come", "The Gypsy", "A Guy Named Sid", and some other less-often played SB tunes, though I'm sure we'll get the millionth performances of "Wind At My Back" and "June"...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 24, 2018, 07:18:10 PM
I think some covers are a given for Night 1.  Given how much he sounds like Steve Walsh, Ted Leonard on lead vocals for a Kansas song would be a natural.  They could bust out Dust in the Wind and the place will go bananas.

That said, I really hope Neal takes this opportunity to play some Spock's stuff he has not played much or at all since leaving the band in 2002.  I won't quibble about June or Wind at My Back, since those songs are always crowd favorites, but gimme Flow, The Doorway, The Good Don't Last and/or The Healing Colors of Sound, and I will be happy.  Should be interesting to see what Spock's songs from 2003 till now get played.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 01, 2018, 01:17:46 PM
From MP FB page:

All rest and no work makes MP a dull boy!! Off to Nashville today to resume work with the NMB on our follow up to The Similitude Of A Dream...thats a tall order, but I know with the talent in this band were gonna come up with something magical again... 😉 #nealmorseband
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mebert78 on August 01, 2018, 02:38:31 PM
From MP FB page:

All rest and no work makes MP a dull boy!! Off to Nashville today to resume work with the NMB on our follow up to The Similitude Of A Dream...thats a tall order, but I know with the talent in this band were gonna come up with something magical again... 😉 #nealmorseband

That's interesting.  It sounds like the album isn't completely written yet, as he said "we're gonna come up with something magical again."  But scrolling back through this thread, MP had said the album was already written back in January:

Quote
Sitting on an airplane flying home from Nashville and I just did a listen down of the writing/scratch tracks of the entire new NMB album from start to finish...WOW 😳 Im blown away!!!
We knew following up TSOAD would be a challenge as it was such a special album to all of us, but I have to say this new one does the legacy proud and is an amazing follow up!
To nip the biggest question in the bud now, its a single disc and is NOT a sequel to TSOAD...
If I had to compare it to one of mine & Neals previous albums, Id say its probably most similar to Sola Scriptura or Transatlantics Bridge Across Forever...
The album is filled with epic majesty, beautiful melodies and amazing playing from start to finish and I couldnt be prouder of what we came up with....
I know its rather early to be teasing you all like this when we wont even begin tracking til March and the album wont likely be out til towards the end of the year, but I just wanted to check in and give you all a progress report and let you all know how excited I am with it!!
To be continued...

I wonder if they weren't satisfied with the material they'd written after having a good six months or so to sit with it.  I'm happy about it, as I feel it can only lead to a stronger album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 01, 2018, 06:44:22 PM
Eh, it sounds like the rough drafts were done when he wrote that original post, and now they will probably work on smoothing out the edges, getting the arrangements figured out, and tweaking what needs to be tweaked. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 01, 2018, 06:46:12 PM
From MP FB page:

All rest and no work makes MP a dull boy!! Off to Nashville today to resume work with the NMB on our follow up to The Similitude Of A Dream...thats a tall order, but I know with the talent in this band were gonna come up with something magical again... 😉 #nealmorseband

That's interesting.  It sounds like the album isn't completely written yet, as he said "we're gonna come up with something magical again."  But scrolling back through this thread, MP had said the album was already written back in January:

That doesn't like it to me - the whole "come up with something magical again" probably refers to releasing the album as a whole, and trying to compare it to the "magical" release that was TSOAD. By saying they'll "resume work" just means they'll be laying down the basic drum tracks and probably some other parts as well at the very least, and at most probably talk about some new ideas they've had since January. Eight months is a long time to sit on a new album's worth of material, so hopefully the time they've had to let it stew means they'll cut the fat, add some final ingredients, and serve up one hell of an album!


Quote
Sitting on an airplane flying home from Nashville and I just did a listen down of the writing/scratch tracks of the entire new NMB album from start to finish...WOW 😳 Im blown away!!!
We knew following up TSOAD would be a challenge as it was such a special album to all of us, but I have to say this new one does the legacy proud and is an amazing follow up!
To nip the biggest question in the bud now, its a single disc and is NOT a sequel to TSOAD...
If I had to compare it to one of mine & Neals previous albums, Id say its probably most similar to Sola Scriptura or Transatlantics Bridge Across Forever...
The album is filled with epic majesty, beautiful melodies and amazing playing from start to finish and I couldnt be prouder of what we came up with....
I know its rather early to be teasing you all like this when we wont even begin tracking til March and the album wont likely be out til towards the end of the year, but I just wanted to check in and give you all a progress report and let you all know how excited I am with it!!
To be continued...

I wonder if they weren't satisfied with the material they'd written after having a good six months or so to sit with it.  I'm happy about it, as I feel it can only lead to a stronger album.

Again, I don't think they have been unhappy with the material, perhaps they just haven't finished it all yet? Mike and Neal have been very positive about what they've done so far. From the May IC Newsletter that Neal sent out:
Quote
We had a conference call this week and we have a game plan for how to proceed completing the new Neal Morse Band album. It's been difficult as we didn't finish in January and we are still having different ideas on how to arrange the pieces and what to do exactly with this next record. So we are going to have to reconvene. That is all arranged now for a few holes in our schedules over the summer.

And going back to the January IC Newsletter, here's what Neal had to say:
Quote
  I know everyone is very excited about this new album, as am I.  Here is a brief diary of mine about the sessions. 
       So we started on Friday the 5th.  Everyone flew in on the 4th and got in without incident. I actually picked everyone up, except Randy who got in earlier and got his own ride.  It was good to see everyone!  I talked to them at the hotel and then we got started at the crack of noon on Friday.  We dove straight in at our first meal, talking about our vision for the album; what we were seeing and feeling about it.  I was in a different place than I've been with other albums. I didn't have a really strong feeling about the particular direction we should go.  For awhile, when I was working on demos through 2017, I had felt like a Similitude 2 was what we should do, because I had some inspiration about some particular songs that I thought were very good and were based on the same book.  However, as I worked on my material more through the month of December, I wound up feeling like perhaps it wasn't the right time. The band felt the same way and we wound up doing a really great Prog album. It has a lot of recurring themes throughout, but I'm still not sure what it will be as we haven't written any words and there is a lot of exploring left to do. It's a different album to me. There are some beautiful themes and some very exciting parts; some very good song bits...it's an amazing journey all it's own. 
       Mike got out the dry erase board and put all the ideas up there, which is his normal MO. We wound up using quite a bit of the things we came in with.  Bill had quite a few demos and I had a lot of demos.  I had about, I don't know, maybe 80 minutes of demos. We also had some stuff from when we got together and wrote in August.  So we had a lot of stuff to choose from, but we also felt to write a lot of material in the room and that takes quite a bit longer.  So we took the same amount of time, or maybe more, to write this album than we did Similitude, which is a double and this is a single.  This is because it takes longer to collaborate than to play on someone else's song.  I don't want to reveal any titles, but the first piece we worked on wound up clocking in at well over 25 minutes and goes through a lot of amazing spaces.  We used quite a bit of Bill's material on the next one which clocks in at about 17 minutes. There's some King Crimson-esque bits in the second one, and some stuff that might be very at home on a Transatlantic record. On one of the mornings, I think it was Tuesday morning, I woke up with an idea for a regular song. Sort of along the same lines as Transatlantic's "Shine"  or something like that.  I presented that to the band and we recorded it.  It came out really, really good. After that, in the days to come, I think Thursday, Friday and Saturday were all spent working on the last piece, which is really a long beautiful thing.  That one starts out with a piece of Eric's that is very moving and goes into some other things that had been going on in my mind, and we wound up taking this motif of Bill's and really turning it into a thing. And then there was this other song idea that I had had just spontaneously, I think that day, that everybody really liked so we went into that. All of this of course with Mike very much at the forefront of the overview and Randy adding his bits.
       We had a huge snowstorm on Friday and the power went out Friday afternoon. That really set us back quite a bit. And then Jerry could only be here for part of the day on Saturday because he had to get out of town before the roads were closed. The whole snowstorm thing really set us back. But I'm sure God was in it all and we will see it come to a beautiful fruition.  I am now going to step back from it for a bit and let my ears rest and then come back with fresh ears after some time and give some serious thought to what the words should be and maybe even some arrangement ideas as well. 

So it seems like they had a fairly packed single-disc album's worth of songs, about 5 or so, so it doesn't seem like there was any shortage of material for use on the next album. Like I said above, they're probably just adding the finishing touches, and not writing anything from scratch this time around. Given the tight schedules of everyone involved, I'm sure this August session (which was going to be July according to Neal's June's IC Newsletter) will just be them laying down the basic tracks, then spending the next month or so doing their individual parts for the eventual mix and master. Again, I suspect a November release date!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 02, 2018, 07:34:14 PM
Neal is 58 today!

Now, trying naming your 58 favorite Neal songs...;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on August 02, 2018, 07:51:53 PM
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 03, 2018, 05:41:28 PM
(https://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah58/jorge_pozo1/8E4AC593-81BB-4CF0-8861-84F0A9F6330E_zpsfj2qgyld.png) (https://s1377.photobucket.com/user/jorge_pozo1/media/8E4AC593-81BB-4CF0-8861-84F0A9F6330E_zpsfj2qgyld.png.html)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 03, 2018, 05:43:29 PM
(https://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah58/jorge_pozo1/AD43A3DB-510F-4986-8447-714AD041FF1E_zps3xesabbh.jpg) (https://s1377.photobucket.com/user/jorge_pozo1/media/AD43A3DB-510F-4986-8447-714AD041FF1E_zps3xesabbh.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 03, 2018, 07:34:57 PM
Well, that should put to rest any confusion with regards to how far/how long the process of putting this album together has taken. I'm kind of glad they've spent a year on this material, on some level or another, and didn't hammer it out after one or two sessions as Neal and Mike are prone to do. They've traded demos, jammed them out, done conference calls afterwards, and have now reconvened to piece it all together for the final stretch!

I wonder if Neal's descriptions of the music from earlier in the year will still hold true for the finished pieces! Knowing Mike and the others, I'm sure some themes got cut, while others got more reprises throughout the album. The way they've talked about it, it'll sound like a Transatlantic album in terms of long songs and shared themes, so I suspect something like Bridge Across Forever. Hopefully they can finish the album by the end of the month or early September and aim for a November or December release!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on August 05, 2018, 08:25:47 AM
Quick question unrelated to the new NMB album:

How are Neal's non-prog solo albums? I just finished my collection of his prog stuff with Lifeline, and was going to get his first solo album and It's Not Too Late next. Those are definite purchases for me.

But then I'm wondering about his other ones, Songs From November, Songs From The Highway, and the Worship albums. I'm not really into religious lyrics but I can tune them out if the music and songs are good. Are they in any way listenable or musically interesting?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on August 05, 2018, 08:34:04 AM
They're worth checking out. I made a huge mistake by ignoring the first album for years, since it ended up being one of my absolute favorites of his. I'd also recommend getting the new one, it's called Life & times. It's one of the albums I listened to the most this year and it truly made some of my days.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on August 05, 2018, 08:49:17 AM
They're worth checking out. I made a huge mistake by ignoring the first album for years, since it ended up being one of my absolute favorites of his. I'd also recommend getting the new one, it's called Life & times. It's one of the albums I listened to the most this year and it truly made some of my days.

The first one is definitely my next pick. He was pretty much untouchable back in the late 90's. In fact, I'm pretty sure I'll be buying all of his secular albums as I'm a sucker for NM pop songs. I'm more curious about the religious music he's released - the five worship albums, To God Be The Glory, Get In The Boat, and God Won't Give Up. Is the cheesiness off-the-charts or is it basically like his non-prog albums just with religious/preachy lyrics? I can handle that if the music is at least well-written, but if they're just bland pop/folk songs then I can do without. Thanks!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ninjabait on August 05, 2018, 08:59:26 AM
Songs for November is really good. The arrangements are more complicated and brassy and it has a strong 80s Gospel/Peter Gabriel's So kind of vibe imo. Definitely recommend. Haven't heard the others yet
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 05, 2018, 09:12:07 AM
Unless you want a whole lotta Jesus and God talk, I would avoid the worship albums.

His first solo album, the self-titled one, is definitely one of my favorites.

It's Not Too Late, Songs from November and Life & Times are all good.  Not really any wow songs on them (he saves that for the prog stuff :P), but all are good listens.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 05, 2018, 01:49:00 PM
MP shared a video on his IG and I made these captures:

(https://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah58/jorge_pozo1/B4356324-9CDD-419D-9CEE-F9D71AFBD63D_zpsiqg39c0w.png) (https://s1377.photobucket.com/user/jorge_pozo1/media/B4356324-9CDD-419D-9CEE-F9D71AFBD63D_zpsiqg39c0w.png.html)

(https://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah58/jorge_pozo1/AB009E5D-A40B-493B-BD83-618DDDD85713_zpseapmj9lb.png) (https://s1377.photobucket.com/user/jorge_pozo1/media/AB009E5D-A40B-493B-BD83-618DDDD85713_zpseapmj9lb.png.html)

He said:

You cant see that

But why teased us like that?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on August 05, 2018, 05:44:56 PM
Unless you want a whole lotta Jesus and God talk, I would avoid the worship albums.

His first solo album, the self-titled one, is definitely one of my favorites.

It's Not Too Late, Songs from November and Life & Times are all good.  Not really any wow songs on them (he saves that for the prog stuff :P), but all are good listens.

I don't mind the Jesus/God lyrics as I can honestly tune them out and just listen to the overall performance (plus I really only listen to music in my car by myself so I won't be embarrassed about playing it around my friends or girlfriend), as long as the music is catchy and there's melodic hooks. But for some reason, I associate worship music with boring dirges and lots of folky sounding stuff which I don't like. Pop songs I can handle but folk bores the hell out of me. But the 4 you mentioned are all on my list with the self-titled being my first choice.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 05, 2018, 07:12:09 PM
I only heard two of the worship albums, but it was too much for me.  I always try to support Neal as much as I can, but it is not blind support.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 06, 2018, 07:36:38 AM
Unless you want a whole lotta Jesus and God talk, I would avoid the worship albums.

His first solo album, the self-titled one, is definitely one of my favorites.

It's Not Too Late, Songs from November and Life & Times are all good.  Not really any wow songs on them (he saves that for the prog stuff :P), but all are good listens.

I don't mind the Jesus/God lyrics as I can honestly tune them out and just listen to the overall performance (plus I really only listen to music in my car by myself so I won't be embarrassed about playing it around my friends or girlfriend), as long as the music is catchy and there's melodic hooks. But for some reason, I associate worship music with boring dirges and lots of folky sounding stuff which I don't like. Pop songs I can handle but folk bores the hell out of me. But the 4 you mentioned are all on my list with the self-titled being my first choice.

Why would you be embarrassed about music you like?   

I will sometimes listen by myself if it's not their cup of tea, but f*** that.   I love Kiss, not apologizing for it, and I love both Harry Styles' new record AND Tyler Swift's 1989 and not apologizing for that.  Justin Beiber's "U Smile" is one of my favorite songs of all time.   Life's too short, man/girl.   If they make fun, it's on them. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on August 06, 2018, 10:23:26 AM
I have a few of his non-prog albums. I plan on picking up the rest at some point. Honestly, I like most of the songs on all the albums I've heard. Only a few were not to my liking.

Neal Morse - Great full band pop album with a great Prog Epic at the end. Lost Cause, Emma, A Whole Nother Trip... worth picking up

It's Not Too Late - Another full band pop album. Got some good songs, but I don't go back to this one very often

God Won't Give Up - Full Band worship album. Not bad at all. The Crossroads is really good.

Songs From the Highway - All acoustic folk worship album. This one is actually REALLY good. Isaiah 60, That Crutch, Resurrection Ground, Make Me A Dishwasher... all great songs. Just be sure to delete Talking Mega-Church Blues. Easily the worst song Neal ever wrote haha.

Songs From November - Full band pop album. I like this one too. Eric Gillette makes an appearance on my favorite track Flowers in a Vase.

To God Be the Glory - Full Band worship album. This is Our God is really good. Haven't listened to it too much, but nothing really offensive on here.

Life & Times - Mostly acoustic band pop album. This is GREAT. One of my favorite albums by Neal. He played a bunch of these songs at the Morsefest 2017 Inner Circle concert for the first time. They make a good first impression because most of those ones are my favorites: Selfie in the Square, He Died at Home (such a heartbreaking song), Old Alabama, Manchester... very good album. Worth picking up.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on August 06, 2018, 11:27:35 AM
Just be sure to delete Talking Mega-Church Blues Agenda. Easily the worst song Neal ever wrote haha.

FTFY :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on August 06, 2018, 11:46:30 AM
Just be sure to delete Talking Mega-Church Blues Agenda. Easily the worst song Neal ever wrote haha.

FTFY :tup

Yeah. I love NM but 'Agenda' is a really bad song. Not sure how that even made the cut as to be heard by anyone other than them when they wrote it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 06, 2018, 11:52:41 AM
Just be sure to delete Talking Mega-Church Blues Agenda. Easily the worst song Neal ever wrote haha.

FTFY :tup

Yeah. I love NM but 'Agenda' is a really bad song. Not sure how that even made the cut as to be heard by anyone other than them when they wrote it.

YOU JUST GO AN WASH YOUR MOUTH OUT WITH SOAP RIGHT NOW, YOUNG MAN!  AND DON'T COME BACK ON THIS FORUM UNTIL YOU HAVE DONE SO!   >:(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 06, 2018, 11:58:03 AM
I've been meaning to ask if Life And Times is worth getting. I own his first two solo albums and think they're pretty great (though I admittedly do not listen to them as much as his proggy stuff), as well as Songs From November, which I think I've spun once.

Would I find LAT to be as enjoyable as those three albums?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on August 06, 2018, 12:28:41 PM
I listened to it just today. It perfectly captures Neal's kind spirit and is truly gorgeous melodically and lyrically. Such a good album, one of my favorites of the year.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on August 06, 2018, 03:45:32 PM
Unless you want a whole lotta Jesus and God talk, I would avoid the worship albums.

His first solo album, the self-titled one, is definitely one of my favorites.

It's Not Too Late, Songs from November and Life & Times are all good.  Not really any wow songs on them (he saves that for the prog stuff :P), but all are good listens.


I don't mind the Jesus/God lyrics as I can honestly tune them out and just listen to the overall performance (plus I really only listen to music in my car by myself so I won't be embarrassed about playing it around my friends or girlfriend), as long as the music is catchy and there's melodic hooks. But for some reason, I associate worship music with boring dirges and lots of folky sounding stuff which I don't like. Pop songs I can handle but folk bores the hell out of me. But the 4 you mentioned are all on my list with the self-titled being my first choice.

Why would you be embarrassed about music you like?   

I will sometimes listen by myself if it's not their cup of tea, but f*** that.   I love Kiss, not apologizing for it, and I love both Harry Styles' new record AND Tyler Swift's 1989 and not apologizing for that.  Justin Beiber's "U Smile" is one of my favorite songs of all time.   Life's too short, man/girl.   If they make fun, it's on them.

Not necessarily embarrassed, but it's hard to enjoy listening to something if the person I'm with is being judgmental about it. I like to concentrate and absorb new stuff and people always want to talk in the car or ask me why the hell I'm listening to religious music if I'm not religious. I don't care as I like what I like, but it takes the fun out of it for me, so I generally only listen to eclectic or prog stuff in my car alone or on my earbuds at work.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on August 06, 2018, 03:48:41 PM
I have a few of his non-prog albums. I plan on picking up the rest at some point. Honestly, I like most of the songs on all the albums I've heard. Only a few were not to my liking.

Neal Morse - Great full band pop album with a great Prog Epic at the end. Lost Cause, Emma, A Whole Nother Trip... worth picking up

It's Not Too Late - Another full band pop album. Got some good songs, but I don't go back to this one very often

God Won't Give Up - Full Band worship album. Not bad at all. The Crossroads is really good.

Songs From the Highway - All acoustic folk worship album. This one is actually REALLY good. Isaiah 60, That Crutch, Resurrection Ground, Make Me A Dishwasher... all great songs. Just be sure to delete Talking Mega-Church Blues. Easily the worst song Neal ever wrote haha.

Songs From November - Full band pop album. I like this one too. Eric Gillette makes an appearance on my favorite track Flowers in a Vase.

To God Be the Glory - Full Band worship album. This is Our God is really good. Haven't listened to it too much, but nothing really offensive on here.

Life & Times - Mostly acoustic band pop album. This is GREAT. One of my favorite albums by Neal. He played a bunch of these songs at the Morsefest 2017 Inner Circle concert for the first time. They make a good first impression because most of those ones are my favorites: Selfie in the Square, He Died at Home (such a heartbreaking song), Old Alabama, Manchester... very good album. Worth picking up.

Awesome, this is helpful. I just downloaded his self-titled and liked what I heard. The sound quality/mix is a little funky, but the songs were really good. Early favorite is That Which Doesn't Kill Me, and the epic seems a bit underwhelming but they usually all are on a first listen. I think L&T will be my next choice and I'll probably skip the worship albums as they probbaly won't get too much play other than a few listens out of curiousity.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on August 06, 2018, 03:49:52 PM
Just be sure to delete Talking Mega-Church Blues Agenda. Easily the worst song Neal ever wrote haha.

FTFY :tup

Yeah. I love NM but 'Agenda' is a really bad song. Not sure how that even made the cut as to be heard by anyone other than them when they wrote it.

Agenda is my favorite song on The Grand Experiment. I think it's an excellent pop song with a great chorus hook.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Indiscipline on August 06, 2018, 04:01:38 PM
Unless you want a whole lotta Jesus and God talk, I would avoid the worship albums.

His first solo album, the self-titled one, is definitely one of my favorites.

It's Not Too Late, Songs from November and Life & Times are all good.  Not really any wow songs on them (he saves that for the prog stuff :P), but all are good listens.


I don't mind the Jesus/God lyrics as I can honestly tune them out and just listen to the overall performance (plus I really only listen to music in my car by myself so I won't be embarrassed about playing it around my friends or girlfriend), as long as the music is catchy and there's melodic hooks. But for some reason, I associate worship music with boring dirges and lots of folky sounding stuff which I don't like. Pop songs I can handle but folk bores the hell out of me. But the 4 you mentioned are all on my list with the self-titled being my first choice.

Why would you be embarrassed about music you like?   

I will sometimes listen by myself if it's not their cup of tea, but f*** that.   I love Kiss, not apologizing for it, and I love both Harry Styles' new record AND Tyler Swift's 1989 and not apologizing for that.  Justin Beiber's "U Smile" is one of my favorite songs of all time.   Life's too short, man/girl.   If they make fun, it's on them.

Not necessarily embarrassed, but it's hard to enjoy listening to something if the person I'm with is being judgmental about it. I like to concentrate and absorb new stuff and people always want to talk in the car or ask me why the hell I'm listening to religious music if I'm not religious. I don't care as I like what I like, but it takes the fun out of it for me, so I generally only listen to eclectic or prog stuff in my car alone or on my earbuds at work.

Sorry for the pyramid, but I felt the same exact way for some time. Then I realised:

"So, you don't have a problem with me listening while not believing in giant hogweeds, crimson kings, calls of chtulu and temples of Syrinx, but you're making a fuss about God?"

The fun came back immediately.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 06, 2018, 06:14:49 PM
Someone in-the-know said on FB today that pre-orders for Morsefest 2017 will begin...soon. :coolio :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 06, 2018, 08:11:41 PM
Someone in-the-know said on FB today that pre-orders for Morsefest 2017 will begin...soon. :coolio :hat

All I know is that it will be released in November
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on August 07, 2018, 06:20:00 AM
Just be sure to delete Talking Mega-Church Blues Agenda. Easily the worst song Neal ever wrote haha.

FTFY :tup

Yeah. I love NM but 'Agenda' is a really bad song. Not sure how that even made the cut as to be heard by anyone other than them when they wrote it.

Agenda is my favorite song on The Grand Experiment. I think it's an excellent pop song with a great chorus hook.

First of all, Agenda isn't a bad song at all. Yeah, it's not a prog song on an otherwise prog album, but it's alright for the pop song that it is. Second of all, the song that I was talking about is just plain awful. It's basically Neal trying to do a Bob Dylan impression for 7 minutes. My only guess is you have not heard it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on August 07, 2018, 06:33:37 AM
I think people realize that Agenda is not a prog song and dont rate it as one.. of course its supposed to be a catchy, somewhat goofy pop song. But its still not a GOOD pop song, and Neal HAS written good pop songs (June).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on August 07, 2018, 06:49:27 AM
I used to dislike Agenda as well but now I find the chorus infectious and catchy as hell.  Not my favorite song of Neal's by any means but it's just a fun song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 07, 2018, 08:00:03 AM
Unless you want a whole lotta Jesus and God talk, I would avoid the worship albums.

His first solo album, the self-titled one, is definitely one of my favorites.

It's Not Too Late, Songs from November and Life & Times are all good.  Not really any wow songs on them (he saves that for the prog stuff :P), but all are good listens.


I don't mind the Jesus/God lyrics as I can honestly tune them out and just listen to the overall performance (plus I really only listen to music in my car by myself so I won't be embarrassed about playing it around my friends or girlfriend), as long as the music is catchy and there's melodic hooks. But for some reason, I associate worship music with boring dirges and lots of folky sounding stuff which I don't like. Pop songs I can handle but folk bores the hell out of me. But the 4 you mentioned are all on my list with the self-titled being my first choice.

Why would you be embarrassed about music you like?   

I will sometimes listen by myself if it's not their cup of tea, but f*** that.   I love Kiss, not apologizing for it, and I love both Harry Styles' new record AND Tyler Swift's 1989 and not apologizing for that.  Justin Beiber's "U Smile" is one of my favorite songs of all time.   Life's too short, man/girl.   If they make fun, it's on them.

Not necessarily embarrassed, but it's hard to enjoy listening to something if the person I'm with is being judgmental about it. I like to concentrate and absorb new stuff and people always want to talk in the car or ask me why the hell I'm listening to religious music if I'm not religious. I don't care as I like what I like, but it takes the fun out of it for me, so I generally only listen to eclectic or prog stuff in my car alone or on my earbuds at work.

Yeah, that's different.  I understand that feeling.  I mean, now, I'm more like Indiscipline in terms of lyrics, but I get where you're coming from.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 07, 2018, 08:36:58 AM
I think people realize that Agenda is not a prog song and don’t rate it as one.. of course it’s supposed to be a catchy, somewhat goofy pop song. But it’s still not a GOOD pop song, and Neal HAS written good pop songs (June).
Correct.  It is a FANTASTIC song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 07, 2018, 09:37:17 AM
Okay, "first-world problems" and all.  But:  It really annoys me when a label can't get the track list correct AND the disks don't have digital tags that download the album info.  I got Similitude Live and ripped the CDs to my computer.  No disk info.  It just had unknown album by unknown artist, with "track 1," etc.  So I had to go and enter all the info manually, track by track.  Which is annoying in and of itself.  That was compounded by the fact the track listing printed on the back of the album was wrong, which screwed everything up and made me have to go back and fix it a couple of times.  >:(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on August 07, 2018, 09:53:04 AM
Just be sure to delete Talking Mega-Church Blues Agenda. Easily the worst song Neal ever wrote haha.

FTFY :tup

Yeah. I love NM but 'Agenda' is a really bad song. Not sure how that even made the cut as to be heard by anyone other than them when they wrote it.

YOU JUST GO AN WASH YOUR MOUTH OUT WITH SOAP RIGHT NOW, YOUNG MAN!  AND DON'T COME BACK ON THIS FORUM UNTIL YOU HAVE DONE SO!   >:(

 :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on August 07, 2018, 11:06:00 AM
I think Agenda was just meant to be a fun tune. Nothing more. And it is.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 07, 2018, 11:08:43 AM
Okay, "first-world problems" and all.  But:  It really annoys me when a label can't get the track list correct AND the disks don't have digital tags that download the album info.  I got Similitude Live and ripped the CDs to my computer.  No disk info.  It just had unknown album by unknown artist, with "track 1," etc.  So I had to go and enter all the info manually, track by track.  Which is annoying in and of itself.  That was compounded by the fact the track listing printed on the back of the album was wrong, which screwed everything up and made me have to go back and fix it a couple of times.  >:(

I noticed something was wrong when I put the discs in my CD player first, and checked to see if the encores were on there (which the on-package track list does not show), and sure enough, all four were there, so I knew something was up. Then I listened to the opening of Disc 2 and noticed it wasn't the first song on TSOAD's second disc, so going back to TSOAD Live's disc 1, I checked the number of tracks and sure enough, the missing disc 2 tracks were at the end.

Luckily I did all of this before ripping the tracks to my computer so I was able to manually input all of the tag data correctly the first time. Still a huge pain, though Neal did send out PDFs for people to print out the proper inserts for TSOAD Live, though it was some time after the release of the album. Just checked my email and the updated insert was sent out July 3rd, two and a half weeks after the album was released.

Still a shame that these things happen, though someone needs to have their work double checked before it goes off to printing. Between this and the Snow Live stuff, it's frustrating to have all of these digipaks and artbooks and what not with the wrong tracklisting on the packaging.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on August 07, 2018, 11:58:41 AM
I think Agenda was just meant to be a fun tune. Nothing more. And it is.

This. I don't understand the hate for it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 07, 2018, 12:16:23 PM
And it's not like it costs anything or extends the time.   I'm a fan, I get it, but I'd be happy to go to Neal and say "Look, bro.  I will sign a non-disclosure agreement; I won't even talk about my involvement in the project.  I want no credit. I want no money.  Just give me a deluxe version of the album when it's released.  In exchange I will proof the entire package; I will play the recording on not less than three different players (including my home stereo, my computer and my car stereo) and will confirm the mastering and the typesetting.  Any errors will be double-checked and documented, with a full report back to you within 72 hours.  Oh, and sorry for calling you "bro"."   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Indiscipline on August 07, 2018, 05:48:15 PM
I think Agenda was just meant to be a fun tune. Nothing more. And it is.

Good fun infectious tune, trascendental hilarious videoclip.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 07, 2018, 06:36:25 PM
Neal talks Agenda:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQmjtoRvtCI
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on August 08, 2018, 05:00:28 AM
Okay, "first-world problems" and all.  But:  It really annoys me when a label can't get the track list correct AND the disks don't have digital tags that download the album info.  I got Similitude Live and ripped the CDs to my computer.  No disk info.  It just had unknown album by unknown artist, with "track 1," etc.  So I had to go and enter all the info manually, track by track.  Which is annoying in and of itself.  That was compounded by the fact the track listing printed on the back of the album was wrong, which screwed everything up and made me have to go back and fix it a couple of times.  >:(

Not sure if I mentioned it here already, but it was the same with the SNOW LIVE Vinyl. On the back it lists all songs from SNOW, and no Falling For Forever. But on the actual vinyl, the songs are spread over the sides totally differently, and FFF is on the very last side. That was a pleasant surprise of course, but I don't get how you can release a huge live album on multiple formats, coloured vinyls and everything, and then can't pay attention to the f*ckin tracklist on the back. It's REALLY not that hard. How did they even come up with that tracklist? Someone must have invented it somehow, there's really no way to mess that up.  ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 08, 2018, 07:46:57 AM
Listening through Similitude Live yesterday, I initially felt that the encore was a bit underwhelming.  I really like Momentum and Agenda, so it was nice to see those songs get some love.  I'm glad they are there.  But in terms of "encore material," whatever that means, they both felt a bit underwhelming.  I have a bit of a love/hate thing with Author of Confusion.  It has some really great parts and is a cool concept, but it just has issues as a song for me.  The Call is cool.  But it doesn't feel like a bit, epic closer that you would have as the final encore song. 

But then I got to thinking:  Neal doesn't really have anything in his solo material that really qualifies as THAT song for an encore.  I think that is largely why he has often drawn from his other projects to give a little bit different flavor by doing things like The Light, We All Need Some Light, and Stranger.  There really isn't anything in his solo discography where I think to myself "THAT is the must-hear encore song." 

Anyway, that's all I've got for Wednesday morning musings at the moment.

I guess I'll leave the discussion with a "controversial" opinion of the day:  The Grant Experiment is a better album than Similitude.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on August 08, 2018, 08:18:50 AM
Listening through Similitude Live yesterday, I initially felt that the encore was a bit underwhelming.  I really like Momentum and Agenda, so it was nice to see those songs get some love.  I'm glad they are there.  But in terms of "encore material," whatever that means, they both felt a bit underwhelming.  I have a bit of a love/hate thing with Author of Confusion.  It has some really great parts and is a cool concept, but it just has issues as a song for me.  The Call is cool.  But it doesn't feel like a bit, epic closer that you would have as the final encore song. 

But then I got to thinking:  Neal doesn't really have anything in his solo material that really qualifies as THAT song for an encore.  I think that is largely why he has often drawn from his other projects to give a little bit different flavor by doing things like The Light, We All Need Some Light, and Stranger.  There really isn't anything in his solo discography where I think to myself "THAT is the must-hear encore song." 

Anyway, that's all I've got for Wednesday morning musings at the moment.

I guess I'll leave the discussion with a "controversial" opinion of the day:  The Grant Experiment is a better album than Similitude.

I would say that the closest things to a "must-have" encore in the NM solo catalogue are Testimony Part 5, and Reunion. Both are from his "oldest" prog solo albums, closers on those respective albums, and pretty epic songs (regardless of length).

And while I disagree with you on TGE being a better album than TSoAD, I respect your opinion. TGE has one of my top 5 NM songs (The Call), along with his best "ballad" (Waterfall), and a very good epic (Alive Again). I just think the goosebumps I get at the end of disc two of Similitude trump anything off their first album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on August 08, 2018, 04:12:18 PM
Listening through Similitude Live yesterday, I initially felt that the encore was a bit underwhelming.  I really like Momentum and Agenda, so it was nice to see those songs get some love.  I'm glad they are there.  But in terms of "encore material," whatever that means, they both felt a bit underwhelming.  I have a bit of a love/hate thing with Author of Confusion.  It has some really great parts and is a cool concept, but it just has issues as a song for me.  The Call is cool.  But it doesn't feel like a bit, epic closer that you would have as the final encore song. 

But then I got to thinking:  Neal doesn't really have anything in his solo material that really qualifies as THAT song for an encore.  I think that is largely why he has often drawn from his other projects to give a little bit different flavor by doing things like The Light, We All Need Some Light, and Stranger.  There really isn't anything in his solo discography where I think to myself "THAT is the must-hear encore song." 

Anyway, that's all I've got for Wednesday morning musings at the moment.

I guess I'll leave the discussion with a "controversial" opinion of the day:  The Grant Experiment is a better album than Similitude.

Well, I guess Lifeline qualifies for that, at least in my opinion. Maybe Reunion. But I get what you're saying, Neal had his "classics" with other projects. Like Thoughts, June, At The End Of The Day, maybe The Doorway (although I personally don't really like this one), but most of all the mentioned Stranger, The Light and We All Need Some Light.
Btw, this doesn't mean I don't like songs like Thoughts Pt. 5, The Call, Author Of Confusion, The Conclusion (........) any less. But the above mentioned are the "classics" which will always be met with a big round of applause by fans.
Still, this is a little weird, because obviously ALL of those songs have been written by Neal (or 95% of it), but were just released by different projects.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on August 09, 2018, 01:21:59 PM
People hate Agenda?  :huh: Such an inoffensive, solid song to my ears (except for that horrible video they made for it, but at least Neal is having fun there it seems).

Anyways, as a relatively new Neal Morse listener, The Grand Experiment is my favourite album of his. And I include his work with Spock's Beard, Transatlantic, Flying Colors etc. And Similtude of Dreams kicks ass too and is not far from being my favourite, so I am really looking forward to the next Neal Morse Band album!

That latest singer songwriter album from him was solid as well. I didn't like his previous country/singer songwriter (non progrock)  albums all that much, but the newest one is a surprising good listen for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 09, 2018, 02:39:27 PM
(https://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah58/jorge_pozo1/9CE4B389-4E77-4F61-82DF-CCC5BDACC611_zpszzijaxxg.jpg) (https://s1377.photobucket.com/user/jorge_pozo1/media/9CE4B389-4E77-4F61-82DF-CCC5BDACC611_zpszzijaxxg.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 09, 2018, 03:34:21 PM
A January release sounds good to me. Gives me time to digest the Morsefest 2017 release that's coming out!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 09, 2018, 03:44:59 PM
How about a DT and NMB same release date?
I think NMB its still on IO
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 09, 2018, 06:59:11 PM
When it comes to prog, In Neal We Trust. :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 11, 2018, 08:10:16 AM
https://youtu.be/s1qAjOGJ928

New promo for Morsefest and Neal's new rock opera!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on August 11, 2018, 11:15:40 AM
I've been meaning to ask if Life And Times is worth getting. I own his first two solo albums and think they're pretty great (though I admittedly do not listen to them as much as his proggy stuff), as well as Songs From November, which I think I've spun once.

Would I find LAT to be as enjoyable as those three albums?

-Marc.

Depends.. It's got a more mellow lighter and looser feel than those other ones, which was by design. 

 I enjoy it. It has it's place. Liked it better live probably. I probably don't listen to it more than every few months or so, but I do enjoy it. Probably depends on what kind of mood you're in.  I like the low tech approach to it myself.

If you're looking for something "essential" though this probably isn't it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 12, 2018, 06:44:52 AM
I'll be shocked if he doesn't play a few songs from it at Night 1 of Morsefest this year. I am sure he will want to play a few songs from it to get immortalized at a Morsefest show, and it makes sense to do it this year to reflect the tour he did this past spring.  Manchester by the Sea will be fun as heck with that big of a crowd singing along to the part that you always sing along to in your car. :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 15, 2018, 03:21:02 PM
This was posted on the NM forum.

Quote
Seeking assistance and guidance!

Brother Paul Hanlon--the Lord of Prog--is scheduled to go to Morsefest 2018 in mid-September.  The arrangements have been made.  But...the airline says he needs a companion for the flight from and to London.  Without that, they won't allow Paul to fly and he won't be able to attend the event.

So we're looking for somebody who would be able to accompany Paul.  Most of the arrangements for a companion are already taken care of as well.  And helping Paul is not only pretty easy, it is a joy.  Oh, and you'll be able to hang with the Boardmans when you get here (no nasty comments, please).

If you've got the time between September 11 and 18, please consider this.  Morsefest is an incredible time--great music and fellowship.  And you'd be doing something great as well.
If you're interested, contact Paul.  And thanks in advance!

I asked to post this here and to know if he had found someone and got this info:

Quote
Georgeno, so far no response. In terms of what is being covered, Paul is the better source on that. But typically his companions have most expenses covered for them.

So, if anyone interested let me know so I can pass the contact
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on August 15, 2018, 05:27:32 PM
Has anyone had experience with emailing Radiant Records for issues and getting quick and/or helpful responses? I bought an mp3 version of one of Neal's albums and it was missing a song so I sent a message to them and was wondering how long I'm going to wait for them to get back to me. Thanks!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 15, 2018, 05:35:23 PM
Good luck getting a reply in the next month. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on August 16, 2018, 06:28:08 AM
With Radiant Records, customer service has always been a hit or miss. I personally have had one issue with them and they responded very fast. But I've read that other inquiries have taken a longer time (a week or more) to be addressed. This might be a busy time in Radiant world: prepping for Morsefest, prepping the next live release, etc.  Hopefully your inquiry will get addressed soon.

On another note, I should be cancelling the Inner Circle shortly and use those funds for the King Crimson 1000 Club.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on August 16, 2018, 07:33:58 AM
On another note, I should be cancelling the Inner Circle shortly and use those funds for the King Crimson 1000 Club.  :metal

Surely you could just stick with the Inner Circle and then stock up on Advil PM for all your sleep aid needs :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 16, 2018, 08:57:47 PM
This was posted on the NM forum.

Quote
Seeking assistance and guidance!

Brother Paul Hanlon--the Lord of Prog--is scheduled to go to Morsefest 2018 in mid-September.  The arrangements have been made.  But...the airline says he needs a companion for the flight from and to London.  Without that, they won't allow Paul to fly and he won't be able to attend the event.

So we're looking for somebody who would be able to accompany Paul.  Most of the arrangements for a companion are already taken care of as well.  And helping Paul is not only pretty easy, it is a joy.  Oh, and you'll be able to hang with the Boardmans when you get here (no nasty comments, please).

If you've got the time between September 11 and 18, please consider this.  Morsefest is an incredible time--great music and fellowship.  And you'd be doing something great as well.
If you're interested, contact Paul.  And thanks in advance!

I asked to post this here and to know if he had found someone and got this info:

Quote
Georgeno, so far no response. In terms of what is being covered, Paul is the better source on that. But typically his companions have most expenses covered for them.

So, if anyone interested let me know so I can pass the contact

Anyone? All expenses will be covered!!! Air travel, meals, MF tickets etc
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 16, 2018, 09:00:25 PM
I hope he finds a way to make it, but I honestly have no idea who that is.  Seems like I would have heard of the "the Lord of Prog" by now.  I am confused.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 17, 2018, 08:33:14 AM
I hope he finds a way to make it, but I honestly have no idea who that is.  Seems like I would have heard of the "the Lord of Prog" by now.  I am confused.

I think the Lord of Prog thing its something that those close to him at Morsefest gave him.
Paul is the one with the Morsefest red shirt

(https://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah58/jorge_pozo1/A48522B4-E406-43FE-BE9A-24B0D2D2C814_zps8kacpuuy.jpg) (https://s1377.photobucket.com/user/jorge_pozo1/media/A48522B4-E406-43FE-BE9A-24B0D2D2C814_zps8kacpuuy.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 18, 2018, 08:06:25 AM
Ah, okay.  Like I said before, hopefully he finds a way to go.  27 days to go!! :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 18, 2018, 10:14:18 AM
Ah, okay.  Like I said before, hopefully he finds a way to go.  27 days to go!! :coolio

He just posted that he found someone. NICE
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 18, 2018, 10:35:40 PM
Ah, okay.  Like I said before, hopefully he finds a way to go.  27 days to go!! :coolio

He just posted that he found someone. NICE

 :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 23, 2018, 02:56:12 PM
New song from upcoming musical.

https://youtu.be/5EKEvEjoU5k (https://youtu.be/5EKEvEjoU5k)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on August 23, 2018, 04:58:29 PM
As much as I love Neal's prog stuff, I have to say that after getting it over a week ago, God Won't Give Up might be one of my favorite of his albums. The melodies are fantastic and the arrangements are really tight and interesting. Yeah the lyrics are religious (obviously), but they honestly don't bother me at all. I also got Life & Times a little bit ago, and was really surprised how much I liked that one too. I've been listening to both non-stop. I'm really impressed by this man's output and consistency.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 25, 2018, 07:26:42 AM
As much as I love Neal's prog stuff, I have to say that after getting it over a week ago, God Won't Give Up might be one of my favorite of his albums. The melodies are fantastic and the arrangements are really tight and interesting. Yeah the lyrics are religious (obviously), but they honestly don't bother me at all. I also got Life & Times a little bit ago, and was really surprised how much I liked that one too. I've been listening to both non-stop. I'm really impressed by this man's output and consistency.

Good to hear!

I like Life & Times quite a bit, but it hasn't had the replay-ability factor that his prog albums do.  It does have a few songs I go back to a lot - Manchester by the Sea and Good Love Is on the Way, most notably. 

I am more than ready for some new prog by Neal. :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on August 25, 2018, 08:30:41 AM
As much as I love Neal's prog stuff, I have to say that after getting it over a week ago, God Won't Give Up might be one of my favorite of his albums. The melodies are fantastic and the arrangements are really tight and interesting. Yeah the lyrics are religious (obviously), but they honestly don't bother me at all. I also got Life & Times a little bit ago, and was really surprised how much I liked that one too. I've been listening to both non-stop. I'm really impressed by this man's output and consistency.

Good to hear!

I like Life & Times quite a bit, but it hasn't had the replay-ability factor that his prog albums do.  It does have a few songs I go back to a lot - Manchester by the Sea and Good Love Is on the Way, most notably. 

I am more than ready for some new prog by Neal. :coolio

Those two are probably my favorites on L&T, in addition to Lay Low, You + Me + Everything, and She's Changed Her Mind.

New prog from Neal is always good, especially with Eric and Bill onboard now.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 25, 2018, 09:05:18 AM
Apparently the new album will be a two disc release (as per gathered from the latest IC letter) of course, it could be a two disc release of new music, or a cover bonus CD, I am excited either way
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 26, 2018, 07:07:43 AM
Apparently the new album will be a two disc release (as per gathered from the latest IC letter) of course, it could be a two disc release of new music, or a cover bonus CD, I am excited either way

Given Neal's history, I would guess that the second disc will have a few new songs that didn't work within the flow of the regular disc, plus a few covers.



Those two are probably my favorites on L&T, in addition to Lay Low, You + Me + Everything, and She's Changed Her Mind.

I like He Died at Home a lot as well, but that song is too heavy to listen to on a regular basis.

On the flip side, I am still majorly underwhelmed by Living Lightly.  The vibe is nice, but the hook just isn't there.  I guess Neal isn't going to knock it out of the park every single time. :lol :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on August 26, 2018, 12:05:21 PM
Heads up for people going to Morsefest (and anyone else interested), it seems the September Inner Circle release is the latest demos for the Jesus Christ Exorcist musical. They are now available for free for anyone it seems. Not sure if it's a mistake or not, but I'd jump on it now if you want to have a preview of what he'll be doing at this year's Morsefest. You can find it at radiant's website under New Products.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on August 26, 2018, 04:47:58 PM

I like He Died at Home a lot as well, but that song is too heavy to listen to on a regular basis.

On the flip side, I am still majorly underwhelmed by Living Lightly.  The vibe is nice, but the hook just isn't there.  I guess Neal isn't going to knock it out of the park every single time. :lol :biggrin:

Living Lightly is a bit of a snoozer, I agree.  He Died At Home is unfortunately the most tedious song on the album for me (along with Old Alabama). The album feels very light and carefree, and this dirge just kills the vibe. Speaking of that, I checked out one of his worship albums out of curiosity (Lead Me Lord) after enjoying God Won't Give Up so much, and I was definitely NOT into it. Very slow and plodding. I guess that's my fault for expecting them to be a bunch of albums like GWGU and his s/t, but it was really a chore to get through. Yet the sick completist in me wants to check the others out too... :o
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 26, 2018, 05:34:22 PM
I really like the album God Won't Give Up.  But I've checked out and never have been able to get into any of the worship albums.

I like his first solo album a lot also.  But I don't like the second (It's Not Too Late).  I bought Songs from November, but never got into that either.  So I didn't even bother buying the last one "Life and Times"?.  So, for me, the non-prog is pretty hit and miss. 

When it comes to the prog, however...   :hat  It's all amazing.  I never really got into the ? album like most people, but everything else has been great.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 27, 2018, 07:35:35 AM
(https://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah58/jorge_pozo1/AA95F591-B5AD-4458-A334-12702E514825_zpskg7wxedp.jpg) (https://s1377.photobucket.com/user/jorge_pozo1/media/AA95F591-B5AD-4458-A334-12702E514825_zpskg7wxedp.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 27, 2018, 09:34:33 PM
Heads up for people going to Morsefest (and anyone else interested), it seems the September Inner Circle release is the latest demos for the Jesus Christ Exorcist musical. They are now available for free for anyone it seems. Not sure if it's a mistake or not, but I'd jump on it now if you want to have a preview of what he'll be doing at this year's Morsefest. You can find it at radiant's website under New Products.

I plan on going in blind, outside of that new song that was posted the other day that didn't do a lot for me, but I am sure will sound better once I hear it more and/or within the context of the whole piece of music.

Living Lightly is a bit of a snoozer, I agree.  He Died At Home is unfortunately the most tedious song on the album for me (along with Old Alabama). The album feels very light and carefree, and this dirge just kills the vibe. Speaking of that, I checked out one of his worship albums out of curiosity (Lead Me Lord) after enjoying God Won't Give Up so much, and I was definitely NOT into it. Very slow and plodding. I guess that's my fault for expecting them to be a bunch of albums like GWGU and his s/t, but it was really a chore to get through. Yet the sick completist in me wants to check the others out too... :o

Personally, I think you have to be in it (Neal's music) for his lyrics in a big way to enjoy the worship albums.  I am in it for the music, first and foremost.

I really like the album God Won't Give Up.  But I've checked out and never have been able to get into any of the worship albums.

I like his first solo album a lot also.  But I don't like the second (It's Not Too Late).  I bought Songs from November, but never got into that either.  So I didn't even bother buying the last one "Life and Times"?.  So, for me, the non-prog is pretty hit and miss. 

When it comes to the prog, however...   :hat  It's all amazing.  I never really got into the ? album like most people, but everything else has been great.

I don't think Neal has done a prog album I don't like A LOT.  Lifeline is probably my least favorite, and even that one is more than great for over half of the album (thanks to the 28-minute So Many Roads).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 07, 2018, 10:15:23 AM
Neal Morse signs a record deal with Frontier Records to release Jesus Christ - The Exorcist, a double album, in 2019! (https://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/social_annotation?permalink_uri=2CCuQv0&image_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb4de226201%2F28500fa4-e17a-4f57-b33e-956306980a31.jpg%3Fver%3D1536330148000)

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on September 07, 2018, 10:41:09 AM
Neal Morse signs a record deal with Frontier Records to release Jesus Christ - The Exorcist, a double album, in 20191 (https://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/social_annotation?permalink_uri=2CCuQv0&image_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb4de226201%2F28500fa4-e17a-4f57-b33e-956306980a31.jpg%3Fver%3D1536330148000)

-Marc.

Well he's certainly planning ahead :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on September 07, 2018, 10:43:21 AM
I mean, it almost wouldn't be surprising if Neal was still releasing double albums 18,000 years from now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 07, 2018, 11:24:06 AM
Typing, in a hurry, on a phone keyboard NEVER not results in at least one typo...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 07, 2018, 02:21:36 PM
I mean, it almost wouldn't be surprising if Neal was still releasing double albums 18,000 years from now.

He's just that prolific.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on September 07, 2018, 02:38:57 PM
Don't you mean Neal Morse's head will be?  I've seen Futurama.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 07, 2018, 07:44:55 PM
One week till Morsefest!!!  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on September 08, 2018, 05:24:46 AM
One week till Morsefest!!!  :tup :tup

I'm not going, but I hope the SB night is full of cool surprises and lesser-played tracks and not just The Light, June, Wind At My Back, The Doorway and any other songs they play all the time. Although the thingy on Neal's site says it's a showcase of the influences of SB's singers so it may just be a lot of covers/stories with a few token SB tracks thrown in? Either way, I hope it's awesome.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on September 10, 2018, 02:39:06 PM
Saw a promo for the MorseFest 2017 release today on YouTube. Pre-order is on 9/18. 2 Blu-Ray and CD/DVD packs. Once again can't figure out why we can't get a Blu-Ray/CD pack. Oh well... Even though I already bought Similitude Live in Tilburg and the older Testimony 2 Live in LA, it still we be an automatic buy for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 10, 2018, 03:03:00 PM
Saw a promo for the MorseFest 2017 release today on YouTube. Pre-order is on 9/18. 2 Blu-Ray and CD/DVD packs. Once again can't figure out why we can't get a Blu-Ray/CD pack. Oh well... Even though I already bought Similitude Live in Tilburg and the older Testimony 2 Live in LA, it still we be an automatic buy for me.

There's also the deluxe limited edition with 2 BDs, 2 DVDs and 4 CDs, as well as a 50-page artbook. I'll definitely be going for that package, especially if it's up to the same quality as the SNOW LIVE set that was released last fall.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 10, 2018, 06:56:34 PM
Here is the promo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBCbO0tpWAk

Can't wait to get this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on September 11, 2018, 11:34:00 AM
Been waiting a long time for this!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 13, 2018, 01:43:08 AM
(https://images2.static-bluray.com/movies/covers/214809_front.jpg)
Source - https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Neal-Morse-Band-Morsefest-2017-The-Testimony-of-a-Dream-Blu-ray/214809/#Overview


There's the album cover for the standard editions, though judging by the preview, the limited edition artbook set has a slightly different cover than this one, which makes it more exciting to own! Hopefully I get my order in before those 2000 artbooks sell out!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 13, 2018, 07:14:55 AM
I have to be honest, this release kind of pisses me off.  I JUST paid for a live presentation of Similitude.  Now Neal wants me to pay for another performance of the same thing a few months later, albeit with the "added bonus" of a live performance of one of his worst albums?  No thanks.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on September 13, 2018, 07:46:53 AM
Yeah, going to pass on this for similar reasons. Similtude live is an awesome release, and I don't care for Testimony 2 enough to warrant this as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 13, 2018, 08:31:43 AM
The other release is the one that should irk you. Anyone who follows Neal knows that Morsefest 2017 was getting released and that it was gonna have all of Similtude. That is why I skipped the first one; I dont need both.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on September 13, 2018, 09:00:30 AM
How come no one has thought of using "Similarity of a Dream" as a pun yet?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 13, 2018, 10:19:10 AM
The other release is the one that should irk you. Anyone who follows Neal knows that Morsefest 2017 was getting released and that it was gonna have all of Similtude. That is why I skipped the first one; I don’t need both.

Fair point.  And to clarify, I guess it isn't necessarily this release that pisses me off so much as just the near-simultaneous releases.  Truth be told, had I been more up on things, I probably would have just waited for the Morsefest release as well.  As much as I love Neal's music and appreciate how prolific he is, he is almost TOO prolific.  And while that may come off as antithetical to my general "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" philosophy on things like this, I just simply can't and don't follow everything he is doing, and it all starts to blur together for me.  He's done so many Morsefests and other things, and released so many live releases that I can't hardly keep track of what he has done, what is on which release, and what is in the pipeline.  Ultimately, in the grand scheme of things, that's probably a good problem to have.  But whether it is or isn't, that's just where I am.

And all that said, as annoyed as I am, I will still likely buy this because Neal Morse is one of my all-time favorite artists.  So I will begrudgingly open my wallet, cursing Neal Morse all the way to the bank.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on September 13, 2018, 10:28:36 AM
The other release is the one that should irk you. Anyone who follows Neal knows that Morsefest 2017 was getting released and that it was gonna have all of Similtude. That is why I skipped the first one; I dont need both.

I ended up getting the first release even though I knew Morsefest was coming. In all honestly I'll probably never watch it again but wanted to support Neal and the band. I'm curious why the released that in the first place.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on September 13, 2018, 12:19:14 PM
I disagree, I have TSOAD Live in Tilburg and have watched it several times and it never gets old. Fantastic release!  I'm looking forward to seeing Morsefest 2017 just to see TSOAD performed in a different setting. I'm sure that both performances are unique in their own way and worth having.
 I've never really followed the NMB until Similitude. The other stuff I have heard from him doesn't come anywhere close to this album..

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on September 13, 2018, 12:49:22 PM
Live in Tilburg is fantastic, but now I too wish I would have waited. This will be the same thing with choir and brass, and of course all of T2.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on September 13, 2018, 01:29:32 PM
I think this release has some other musicians instruments added too. Right?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 13, 2018, 02:48:21 PM
I think this release has some other musicians instruments added too. Right?

Correct. The Morsefest version, as usual, features a choir, string and brass players, and I think extra percussion, not featured in the regular live version as seen on the Tilburg release. The extra musicians and videos and theatrics are all typical of the Morsefest performances, so it was expected. In addition to all of that being added to TSOAD, Testimony 2 and the other epics played that night also get that treatment, as far I am aware, which should be a treat.

And yeah, from the out set of Morsefest 2017, we all knew that the final performance of TSOAD (at Morsefest) would be released as the definitive live version of the album, so any complaints about getting two live versions of the album should really be mad at the earlier-released Tilburg show, which wasn't always a certainty when the TSOAD tour was happening (as far as I'm aware). But, like most Morse diehards, I bought the Tilburg show anyway as an appetizer for what would eventual come with Morsefest 2017.

Besides, I own the TWO live shows from The Whirlwind Tour, which makes LESS sense to release than two wildly different performances of TSOAD, but that's just what happened. I still question why Transatlantic decided to do that, but whatever...now they're one of the few prog bands with slightly more live albums than studio ones. :lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 13, 2018, 05:44:32 PM
The other release is the one that should irk you. Anyone who follows Neal knows that Morsefest 2017 was getting released and that it was gonna have all of Similtude. That is why I skipped the first one; I dont need both.

I ended up getting the first release even though I knew Morsefest was coming. In all honestly I'll probably never watch it again but wanted to support Neal and the band. I'm curious why the released that in the first place.

I am all about supporting Neal, but that doesn't mean I am going to buy everything single thing, especially when it feels like double dipping.  Transatlantic releasing two different shows from the Whirlwind tour felt like double dipping as well.

Don't get me wrong, I'd much rather have this than bands I love never releasing live shows (Radiohead, I am looking at you!!), but when there are so many, it makes them feel less special when they come out.  With Morsefest being an annual thing for the time being, any other releases for now just seem like a bit of overkill.

That said, because I was at Morsefest 2017, this will feel really special to me. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on September 13, 2018, 06:18:09 PM
Neal Morse signs a record deal with Frontier Records to release Jesus Christ - The Exorcist, a double album, in 2019! (https://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/social_annotation?permalink_uri=2CCuQv0&image_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb4de226201%2F28500fa4-e17a-4f57-b33e-956306980a31.jpg%3Fver%3D1536330148000)

-Marc.

Looking for wider distribution? Or did his previous deal with Metal Blade end?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on September 13, 2018, 07:36:25 PM
It seems the deal its good for that new release only
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 14, 2018, 06:29:34 AM
Morsefest is 12 hours away and we will be on the road here in a bit. :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on September 14, 2018, 06:34:28 AM
Enjoy the shows Kev :metal

I'd like to think I'll make it to Morsefest one of these years, but 2015 probably was my best opportunity given how much I like both Sola Scriptura and ?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 14, 2018, 09:20:10 PM
Setlist from tonights Voices of the Beard show:

Where the Streets Have No Name (U2)
Day for Night
Submerged
Goodbye to Yesterday(Segued into) Lay it Down (acoustic)
Walking on the Moon (the Police)
In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel)
Birthday (Beatles) - not planned
The Distance to the Sun
There Was a Time
Telling the Bees (Big Big Train)
Carry On Wayward Son (Kansas)
Dust in the Wind (Kansas)
The Doorway
Waste Away

Encore: 

June
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 14, 2018, 10:11:50 PM
Setlist from tonights Voices of the Beard show:

Where the Streets Have No Name (U2)
Day for Night
Submerged
Goodbye to Yesterday(Segued into) Lay it Down (acoustic)
Walking on the Moon (the Police)
In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel)
Birthday (Beatles) - not planned
The Distance to the Sun
There Was a Time
Telling the Bees (Big Big Train)
Carry On Wayward Son (Kansas)
Dust in the Wind (Kansas)
The Doorway
Waste Away

Encore: 

June

Some great choices here and there, with some neat covers (though if they were going to cover Kansas, maybe a deeper cut would've been neat). Would LOVE to hear their cover of one of my favorite BBT songs ("Telling The Bees"), and I like that they played two post-Neal SB songs!

Question - was "The Doorway" the full version? It always seems like they tend to cut out the intro or the coda at the end.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 15, 2018, 06:10:58 AM
The Doorway was played in full. Highlight of the night!  Nicks teenage nephew came on stage and played the piano intro.

Neal joked that theyd play more newer Spocks songs, but hes too lazy to learn them. :lol

The Lay It Down part was only supposed to be a tease, but Neal then decided to play all of it.

Jake Livgren, Kerrys nephew, was on stage for the Kansas covers and did the lead vocal for Dust in the Wind.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 15, 2018, 10:41:55 PM
The Exorcist was great. Some amazing vocal performances throughout. It wont be one of my favorite Neal records, but its highs were pretty great.

And of course The Great Nothing kicked ass.

Helluva Morsefest!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on September 15, 2018, 11:04:35 PM
Maybe the best concert Ive been to. Biggest highlight  for me was Nick.  The song about holes in our hearts was just so great. Cant wait to hear this again someday.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on September 16, 2018, 02:26:35 AM
Maybe the best concert Ive been to. Biggest highlight  for me was Nick.  The song about holes in our hearts was just so great. Cant wait to hear this again someday.

I think NDV is a very under appreciated singer! Not only is the guy a monster behind the kit, but also the best singer Spock's Beard ever had in my opinion. I think he could sing a little more with Big Big Train, too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on September 16, 2018, 06:08:37 AM
It wont be one of my favorite Neal records, but its highs were pretty great.


Is it a typical Neal Morse album or does did he changed it up as far as the signature Neal sound goes?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 16, 2018, 05:10:29 PM
Maybe the best concert Ive been to. Biggest highlight  for me was Nick.  The song about holes in our hearts was just so great. Cant wait to hear this again someday.

Wow, that is a bold statement.  No way did this top last year's Morsefest for me, but it was still pretty damn great.

Maybe the best concert Ive been to. Biggest highlight  for me was Nick.  The song about holes in our hearts was just so great. Cant wait to hear this again someday.

I think NDV is a very under appreciated singer! Not only is the guy a monster behind the kit, but also the best singer Spock's Beard ever had in my opinion. I think he could sing a little more with Big Big Train, too.

Without a doubt.  He has some major pipes.  Every singer Neal got for last night was fantastic. 

It wont be one of my favorite Neal records, but its highs were pretty great.


Is it a typical Neal Morse album or does did he changed it up as far as the signature Neal sound goes?

It was more wordy than usual, and it rocked a lot more than I thought it would.  The Neal-isms are there, but I definitely didn't think it sounded like "just any Neal record" from a musical standpoint.  The lyrics were a bit much for me at times, but it was still highly enjoyable.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on September 16, 2018, 06:38:08 PM
I havent been to many concerts I guess lol. The only other Morsefest Ive been to was the first, and have seen transatlantic twice. All concerts with Neal have been my favorite, so I guess its my favorite Neal concert. 🤓
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 17, 2018, 01:53:48 PM
I have been to I think over 100 concerts now and I would say a large majority of them would fall under the "enjoyed the hell out of them, but wouldn't put them in the top tier of concerts I've ever seen."  Both shows this past weekend would fall into that category.

Now, both of last year's Morsefest shows would be in that top tier (along with Pink Floyd, a few Rush shows, the DT show on the Metropolis: 2000 tour in Orlando, Steven Wilson, Muse, Radiohead, Dave Matthews Band and a few others).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 18, 2018, 08:10:43 AM
https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/711-morsefest-2017-testimony-of-a-dream.aspx

Pre-Orders have been live for about 10-12 minutes now (they were up before 10EST/9CST), but I got mine in fairly quickly, so we'll see if I get my bundle signed. FYI, after shipping, the Artbook + Life & Times Live DVD bundle cost me about $98, so if anyone is going for that, just be prepared!

Also, they've posted a video for "So Far Gone" from Morsefest 2017 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFn4MagrTCM

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on September 18, 2018, 11:46:43 AM
I balked when I saw the final cost. I think I'll get the bluray and the life and times DVD.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on September 19, 2018, 09:00:39 AM
So is Neal going to release a studio version of his rock opera? As a lover of rock opera's/musicals, I am interested in hearing it. Googling it led me to a 2009 inner circle release, is that the same or some early demo? Or something different?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on September 19, 2018, 09:17:53 AM
So is Neal going to release a studio version of his rock opera? As a lover of rock opera's/musicals, I am interested in hearing it. Googling it led me to a 2009 inner circle release, is that the same or some early demo? Or something different?

The 2009 IC release is the original demo version. It's available to everyone for $9.99.

https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/361-inner-circle-cd-jesus-christ-exorcist-march-2009.aspx

He just released an updated demo version for the September 2018 IC release. It's up on the Radiant site for free for everyone as of right now (under New Products).

https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/710-inner-circle-jesus-christ-the-exorcist-demos-september-2018.aspx

He just announced that there are plans on recording and releasing a proper studio version for release next year.

https://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/social_annotation?permalink_uri=2CCuQv0&image_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb4de226201%2F28500fa4-e17a-4f57-b33e-956306980a31.jpg%3Fver%3D1536330148000
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on September 19, 2018, 09:27:07 AM
So is Neal going to release a studio version of his rock opera? As a lover of rock opera's/musicals, I am interested in hearing it. Googling it led me to a 2009 inner circle release, is that the same or some early demo? Or something different?

The 2009 IC release is the original demo version. It's available to everyone for $9.99.

https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/361-inner-circle-cd-jesus-christ-exorcist-march-2009.aspx

He just released an updated demo version for the September 2018 IC release. It's up on the Radiant site for free for everyone as of right now (under New Products).

https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/710-inner-circle-jesus-christ-the-exorcist-demos-september-2018.aspx

He just announced that there are plans on recording and releasing a proper studio version for release next year.

https://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/social_annotation?permalink_uri=2CCuQv0&image_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb4de226201%2F28500fa4-e17a-4f57-b33e-956306980a31.jpg%3Fver%3D1536330148000

Thanks! Very cool, will check out the new demo for sure.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 19, 2018, 06:23:13 PM
The Morsefest 2017 package was not cheap, but I plunked down for the whole ball and wax.  It was an awesome weekend of music and I am more than happy to pay for the whole package. :coolio

I've been listening to the new Exorcist demo the last few days.  It is good and the finished product next year will be even better.

Some tidbits from the shows last weekend that I forgot to mention:

Friday:
-They kicked off the show by covering Where the Streets Have No Name and each member came out one by one.  I cannot remember the order, but NDV came out first and started the drums, and Neal was last.  As each guy came out, they joined in until Neal arrived and all six guys were playing. Very cool.
-Jake Livgren's vocal performance of Dust in the Wind was pretty awesome.
-Some of the crowd kept on singing Waste Away until they came out for the encore and played June. :lol :lol
-Birthday was not on the set list, but after they sang Happy Birthday to a friend in the crowd, Neal jokingly did a few bars of Birthday and then they were like, "Hey, everyone knows it, let's play it!"
-Neal, Nick and Ted doing the opening chorus of Carry On Wayward Son inspired much awe. :hefdaddy :hefdaddy

Saturday:
-Neal played the talk box with his electric guitar on one song. I had never seen him do that before.
-All of the lyrics were on the screen during the musical as they were sang in real time, with the person listed who was in singing. Very smart move, as it made following the story easy since we know who was singing what instead of trying to guess on the fly.
-Paul Bielatowicz was kinda annoying to watch. Helluva player, but his entire stage presence screamed "LOOK AT ME!!" and not in a good way.
-I always knew Ted Leonard and NDV were great singers, but they took it to a whole new level.  Both sounded amazing, as did every other singer Neal got for the musical.  In fact, I even heard a guy after the show say, "Neal is a great singer and he was probably the worst one there tonight."  :lol :lol  That was a credit to everyone else, not a slight on Neal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on September 24, 2018, 04:08:03 AM
What was attendance like? The last one I was able to make it to was Snow, and prior to that, attendance always seemed to be around 80%-100% capacity. I was curious about this show as it was for something pretty niche.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 24, 2018, 06:36:17 AM
Attendance was definitely down from last year, for both nights.  Saturday night was more full than Friday night again, but I was surprised that Friday night's attendance wasn't higher this year. My initial thought was that I hope this kind of drop-off doesn't discourage Neal from doing future Morsefests.  Saturday was a big upward tick, though, so that was nice (from Friday, still seemed down a bit from last year's Saturday). 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on September 24, 2018, 04:41:42 PM
Probably because of the content though right? Friday night was advertised as being obviously filled with covers with a few token SB songs (and realistically, everyone knew it would be songs that have seen lots of live play already.) I live too far to attend anyway but I just dont want to see covers of popular songs when theres a whole catalog of SB material that should be played instead. Saturday night was a performance of an entirely unknown piece of music, and a musical at that which is an immediate turn-off for me, and I imagine other fans feel similarly. I think Morsefest is an awesome idea but enough with the covers already. Play music youve written as thats what everyone really wants to see.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 24, 2018, 05:45:13 PM
I am guessing Saturday night does better since some have to work on Friday and come down just for one show, unlike those of us who take off work to be able to go to both shows. ;)

While I would have preferred more Spock's songs, the covers were cool.  Last year's Morsefest was nearly 3 hours both nights and not a cover was played either night, so there ya go. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on October 15, 2018, 09:08:10 AM
Im on the phone and cant link the post right now, but MP just announced on Instagram that NMB will release a new double concept album The Great Adventure, a sequel of sorts to TSOAD, on January 25th 2019.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on October 15, 2018, 09:10:05 AM
Fuck yes, my body is ready :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 15, 2018, 09:24:57 AM
Quote
THE NEAL MORSE BAND
INVITES FANS TO EXPERIENCE
THE GREAT ADVENTURE
WITH NEW ALBUM SET FOR RELEASE JANUARY 25 2019
ON RADIANT RECORDS/METAL BLADE WORLDWIDE;

WORLDWIDE TOUR STARTS
FEBRUARY 3, 2019 IN NASHVILLE AT CITY WINERY

October 15, 2018 -- THE NEAL MORSE BANDNeal Morse (lead vocals, guitars, keyboards), Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals), Randy George (bass), Bill Hubauer (keyboards, vocals), Eric Gillette (guitars, vocals)will take fans on THE GREAT ADVENTURE with their latest double concept album due out January 25, 2019 on Radiant Records via Metal Blade Worldwide. It will be available in three formats: a two CD package, two CD/DVD Special Edition featuring behind-the-scenes video clips of the making of the album, and three vinyl LPs. Pre-orders begin December 4 on Radiant Records website.

The follow-up to 2016s critically acclaimed THE SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM, which critics hailed as a masterpiece, will be the ninth studio album with Morse, Portnoy and George, and the third as a true collaboration with this current lineup. Together, Morse and Portnoy have launched four bands, but the one that has endured the longest and thus with the most musical output has been THE NEAL MORSE BAND.

Let the great adventure now begin The closing line of THE SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM, has proved to be strangely prophetic. The new album is exactly that: a perfect companion piece to TSOADs partial retelling of John Bunyans The Pilgrims Progress. It has everything that fans would expect from an album by THE NEAL MORSE BAND, and more: rock, metal, classical and jazz elements appear throughout, as well as some killer melodies, all played faultlessly by some of the greatest rock musicians on the planet.

As Neal Morse explains, This band continues to amaze me! I have to say it was a little daunting to follow up THE SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM as it was such a special album and it delivered every night at our concerts, but I believe that THE GREAT ADVENTURE will have a tremendous impact as well. This new double album is everything that I hoped it would be! I listened through last night and I was in tears at the end!

Mike Portnoy emphatically agrees. He says, How do you follow an epic double concept album??? Well, create another epic double concept album!! Hahaha. I always knew topping THE SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM was going to be difficult, if not impossible, as I held it in such high regard, but alas, I am absolutely blown away with what we achieved here! Weve created what is the ultimate companion to TSOAD.

Sometimes there are things that you just cant mess with, Randy George continues. On THE SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM we tapped into something special. I was sure that the follow up should be something quite different, but you have to follow your heart and follow the music where it wants to go. THE GREAT ADVENTURE is nothing short of a miracle. Its similar to SIMILITUDE in concept and form, but yet its tougher and deeper in its tone! This is a powerful work and I look forward to playing it live!

True to the albums title, the creative process was indeed a great adventure. Unlike many previous Morse albums, which have often been written and arranged within weeks, this time around these prolific and world-class musicians spent almost a year working on the end result, producing an abundance of top quality material. This meant some ruthless decision-making: some already completed songs and characters had to go, and-with studio time running outnew links and ideas were being composed and recorded up to the eleventh hour. A lot of work and re-work has gone into this, says Morse, but I know that some of the most successful and far-reaching albums Ive been involved with have been just like that. SOLA SCRIPTURA and Spocks Beards SNOW album come to mind.

Another key question that had to be addressed in the studio was how to pull all the ideas together into a coherent whole. In the end, what unlocked this adventure for Morse was the realization that THE GREAT ADVENTURE needed a new voice and perspective. This time, it is that of the Pilgrims abandoned son, a younger, perhaps angrier, voice than was heard on THE SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM.

THE NEAL MORSE BAND will bring THE GREAT ADVENTURE to fans worldwide with a new round of headlining tour dates, which begin February 3, 2019 in Nashville at City Winery. For ticket information and VIP ticket sales go to www.radiantrecords.com. Check them out at any of the following stops, with more shows to be added in the coming months:

DATE CITY VENUE

Sat 2/2 Nashville, TN City Winery
Sun 2/3 Tampa, FL The Ritz (Cruise To The Edge Pre-Cruise Party)
Mon 2/4 Tampa, FL Cruise To The Edge 2019 (through February 9)
Sun 2/10 Atlanta, GA City Winery
Mon 2/11 Charlotte, NC Neighborhood Theatre
Tue 2/12 Baltimore, MD Soundstage
Wed 2/13 Jersey City, NJ White Eagle Hall
Fri 2/15 Boston, MA The Sinclair
Sat 2/16 Philadelphia, PA Keswick Theatre
Sun 2/17 Westbury NY The Space at Westbury
Mon 2/18 Montral, QUE. Club Soda
Tue 2/19 Quebec City, QUE. Salle Sylvain Lelievre
Thu 2/21 Toronto, ONT. Opera House
Fri 2/22 Pittsburgh, PA Mr. Smalls Theatre
Sat 2/23 Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom
Sun 2/24 Detroit, MI The Crofoot Ballroom
Tue 2/26 St. Charles, IL Arcada Theatre
Wed 2/27 St. Louis, MO Delmar Hall
Thu 2/28 Dallas, TX Gas Monkey Live
Fri 3/1 Lawrence, KS Granada Theatre
Sat 3/2 Denver, CO Summit Music Hall
Tue 3/5 Seattle, WA The Triple Door
Wed 3/6 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theatre
Thu 3/7 San Francisco, CA Slim's
Fri 3/8 Whittier, CA The Whittier Center Theatre
Sat 3/9 Chandler, AZ Bogle Theatre (Chandler Center For The Arts)

Sun 3/24 London, United Kingdom Islington Assembly Hall
Mon 3/25 Paris, France The Alhambra
Tue 3/26 Tilburg, Netherlands O13
Wed 3/27 Esch /Alzette, Luxembourg Rockhal Esch Sur Alzette
Fri 3/29 Koln, Germany Kantine
Sat 3/30 Copenhagen, Denmark Viften
Sun 3/31 Goteborg, Sweden Stora Teatern
Mon 4/1 Stockholm, Sweden Skandiascenen
Wed 4/3 Berlin, Germany Heimathafen
Thu 4/4 Hamburg, Germany Markthalle
Fri 4/5 Leipzig, Germany Halle d / Werk 2
Sat 4/6 Warsaw, Poland Progresja
Sun 4/7 Brno, Czech Republic SONO Music Club
Tue 4/9 Munich, Germany Technikum
Wed 4/10 Pratteln, Switzerland Z7 Konzertfabrik
Thu 4/11 Lyon, France C.C.O.
Fri 4/12 Trezzo sull'Adda MI, Italy Live Club
Sat 4/13 Barcelona, Spain Salamandra 1
Sun 4/14 Madrid, Spain Sala Mon

www.nealmorseband.com
www.radiantrecords.com

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on October 15, 2018, 09:31:58 AM
Already knew this  I am excited!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 15, 2018, 09:54:34 AM
I think it moved.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on October 15, 2018, 10:02:15 AM
 :metal :heart :heart
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on October 15, 2018, 10:06:02 AM
I think it moved.

St. Louis. It had to.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on October 15, 2018, 10:38:19 AM
Bring it on!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on October 15, 2018, 11:06:58 AM
I hope I can get tix for the Seattle show. They go on sale Wednesday at 11am Pacific time. I WISH THEY WOULD GIVE US A LONGER NOTICE of when tix go on sale and not be caught off guard. I will be at work at that time and gotta pay bills first.  The Triple Door in Seattle is a small place and will probably sell out fast..
 I'm still excited, but stressing out at the same time..lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on October 15, 2018, 11:22:41 AM
Can't. Wait.  Hope the sequel lives up to the original, and I have faith that they can do it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: frogprog on October 15, 2018, 11:42:34 AM
Pretty extensive tour with 45 dates in U.S. And Europe. So glad they will be coming again to Keswick Theater which just happens to be about 5 minutes from my house! On a Saturday night ,no less.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mebert78 on October 15, 2018, 11:49:30 AM
Very impressed that the band would challenge themselves to such a degree by creating a sequel to a masterpiece.  Looking forward to seeing what they came up with and can't wait for the Westbury show!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Elite on October 15, 2018, 11:52:56 AM
Farewell Sons of Apollo
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on October 15, 2018, 11:57:21 AM
Pretty extensive tour with 45 dates in U.S. And Europe. So glad they will be coming again to Keswick Theater which just happens to be about 5 minutes from my house! On a Saturday night ,no less.

Got my Keswick ticket. Can't wait! Also am VERY SHOCKED that the follow up to TSOAD came so early. I thought for sure they'd do at least one "non concept" album, before tackling this again. BRING IT ON! :corn
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on October 15, 2018, 11:59:05 AM
Farewell Sons of Apollo

No way! SOA will write and record the next album around NMB tour dates. :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on October 15, 2018, 12:07:37 PM
Whoa, another double concept album. It's certainly something to look forward to, knowing Neal's ability to deliver some magical music. I'm sure it will have its share of amazing moments.

The tour dates, however, do nothing for me. Vienna or Budapest would have been awesome, but it would be too expensive to travel any further. I keep my fingers crossed I'll see Neal someday.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on October 15, 2018, 12:15:15 PM
This just made my day! I'll be at the Lawrence show!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on October 15, 2018, 12:20:55 PM
Tickets for Stockholm bought.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on October 15, 2018, 12:24:58 PM
Wasn't expecting another double concept, but I love that they spent a long time composing this one. The last two albums were ace, so this one ranks high in my most anticipated list.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mebert78 on October 15, 2018, 01:05:52 PM
I wonder what the significance is of the arrow-looking symbol on the new album cover.  It seems o be the only change from the SMOAD album cover.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 15, 2018, 06:46:15 PM
Tickets were $25 plus service charges on the 2016 tour.

$50 this time for the same seats at the same venue.

And I am more than happy to pay it.  :tup :tup

I think it moved.

St. Louis. It had to.

 :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on October 16, 2018, 01:54:39 AM
I hope I can get tix for the Seattle show. They go on sale Wednesday at 11am Pacific time. I WISH THEY WOULD GIVE US A LONGER NOTICE of when tix go on sale and not be caught off guard. I will be at work at that time and gotta pay bills first.  The Triple Door in Seattle is a small place and will probably sell out fast..
 I'm still excited, but stressing out at the same time..lol

I will be refreshing the Triple Door website in the hour leading up to 11AM to get my tickets. If you don't think you'll be able to get yours that morning, let me know where you want to sit (or maybe top 5 seats in case they sell fast), and I'll get it for you. You can PayPal me later.

Seating map:
https://thetripledoor.net/TripleDoor/files/bb/bb3a1814-bd9d-46ee-8436-79605f0a54b7.jpg
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on October 16, 2018, 02:24:22 AM
Great news! Two things that excite me:

1. They seem to have taken more time for this album. The announcement said something about around a year. I was hoping they'd do that. Let's see if the result turns out different with this approach.

2. Randy George said something about Sola Scriptura. I would love this direction. Neal Morse CAN write darker, heavier music. I think it was about time he did that again :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: lucasembarbosa on October 16, 2018, 04:23:38 AM
I'm not surprised on the sequel, as the concept is based on the book "The Pilgrim's Progress" and SOAD covers likely half of the story. But I'm surprised on the sequel being another double album! I'm hoping for recurrent themes from SOAD in TGA, would be amazing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on October 16, 2018, 05:07:28 AM
I hope I can get tix for the Seattle show. They go on sale Wednesday at 11am Pacific time. I WISH THEY WOULD GIVE US A LONGER NOTICE of when tix go on sale and not be caught off guard. I will be at work at that time and gotta pay bills first.  The Triple Door in Seattle is a small place and will probably sell out fast..
 I'm still excited, but stressing out at the same time..lol

I will be refreshing the Triple Door website in the hour leading up to 11AM to get my tickets. If you don't think you'll be able to get yours that morning, let me know where you want to sit (or maybe top 5 seats in case they sell fast), and I'll get it for you. You can PayPal me later.

Seating map:
https://thetripledoor.net/TripleDoor/files/bb/bb3a1814-bd9d-46ee-8436-79605f0a54b7.jpg
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on October 16, 2018, 05:25:54 AM
I hope I can get tix for the Seattle show. They go on sale Wednesday at 11am Pacific time. I WISH THEY WOULD GIVE US A LONGER NOTICE of when tix go on sale and not be caught off guard. I will be at work at that time and gotta pay bills first.  The Triple Door in Seattle is a small place and will probably sell out fast..
 I'm still excited, but stressing out at the same time..lol

I will be refreshing the Triple Door website in the hour leading up to 11AM to get my tickets. If you don't think you'll be able to get yours that morning, let me know where you want to sit (or maybe top 5 seats in case they sell fast), and I'll get it for you. You can PayPal me later.

Seating map:
https://thetripledoor.net/TripleDoor/files/bb/bb3a1814-bd9d-46ee-8436-79605f0a54b7.jpg
Wow thanks!  That would be awesome, I do have a PayPal account.  I was hoping to get two tickets in any of the booths from 10 to 23. (towards the front). I'll PM you Tuesday evening if I decide to go that route, I might not be able to come up with the money until later next week since I have a couple of important bills to pay if that's ok? But I am good for it and will NOT miss this show.
I saw Terry Bozzio two weeks ago there in seats 6 and 7 (front row ) with a friend. It looked like the booths have a bit better view since they are up a little higher.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on October 16, 2018, 05:36:00 AM
Nice they're playing at the Ritz on 02/03/19 I should be able to check them out then.
I just realized I bought the Tilburg bluray and still haven't watched it and now there is another bluray release happening next month. Along with the new Opeth and Steven Wilson, it's going to be a fun watch and listen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on October 16, 2018, 05:46:28 AM
Nice they're playing at the Ritz on 02/03/19 I should be able to check them out then.
I just realized I bought the Tilburg bluray and still haven't watched it and now there is another bluray release happening next month. Along with the new Opeth and Steven Wilson, it's going to be a fun watch and listen.
The Tilburg bluray is awesome!  Can't get enough of it..   :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on October 16, 2018, 06:46:42 AM
I'm watching it now and it's really good. The video is a bit iffy though I'm not that bothered by it. I'm liking the editing and sound mix on it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 16, 2018, 10:46:10 AM
Great news! Two things that excite me:

1. They seem to have taken more time for this album. The announcement said something about around a year. I was hoping they'd do that. Let's see if the result turns out different with this approach.

2. Randy George said something about Sola Scriptura. I would love this direction. Neal Morse CAN write darker, heavier music. I think it was about time he did that again :)

Sounds like the album was nearly done early this year, with the intention for it to be a 1-disc album that had no concept and nothing to do with Similitude, but when they got together again in August, Neal decided he want to make it a Similitude sequel (of sorts), so they overhauled it and re-wrote most of it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on October 16, 2018, 01:55:54 PM
I hope I can get tix for the Seattle show. They go on sale Wednesday at 11am Pacific time. I WISH THEY WOULD GIVE US A LONGER NOTICE of when tix go on sale and not be caught off guard. I will be at work at that time and gotta pay bills first.  The Triple Door in Seattle is a small place and will probably sell out fast..
 I'm still excited, but stressing out at the same time..lol

I will be refreshing the Triple Door website in the hour leading up to 11AM to get my tickets. If you don't think you'll be able to get yours that morning, let me know where you want to sit (or maybe top 5 seats in case they sell fast), and I'll get it for you. You can PayPal me later.

Seating map:
https://thetripledoor.net/TripleDoor/files/bb/bb3a1814-bd9d-46ee-8436-79605f0a54b7.jpg
Wow thanks!  That would be awesome, I do have a PayPal account.  I was hoping to get two tickets in any of the booths from 10 to 23. (towards the front). I'll PM you Tuesday evening if I decide to go that route, I might not be able to come up with the money until later next week since I have a couple of important bills to pay if that's ok? But I am good for it and will NOT miss this show.
I saw Terry Bozzio two weeks ago there in seats 6 and 7 (front row ) with a friend. It looked like the booths have a bit better view since they are up a little higher.

Let me know if you want me to try and grab them. You can PayPal me later (not tonight), in case Im not able to get them for some reason. Like if they sell out instantly. Although i dont see that happening.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 16, 2018, 07:54:26 PM
Great news! Two things that excite me:

1. They seem to have taken more time for this album. The announcement said something about around a year. I was hoping they'd do that. Let's see if the result turns out different with this approach.

2. Randy George said something about Sola Scriptura. I would love this direction. Neal Morse CAN write darker, heavier music. I think it was about time he did that again :)

Sounds like the album was nearly done early this year, with the intention for it to be a 1-disc album that had no concept and nothing to do with Similitude, but when they got together again in August, Neal decided he want to make it a Similitude sequel (of sorts), so they overhauled it and re-wrote most of it.

So, I'm going back into my old IC Newsletter emails from earlier this year, and seeing what I can find with regards to the making of this album. Here's some interesting bits.

From the January 2018 Newsletter:
Quote
I was in a different place than I've been with other albums. I didn't have a really strong feeling about the particular direction we should go.  For awhile, when I was working on demos through 2017, I had felt like a Similitude 2 was what we should do, because I had some inspiration about some particular songs that I thought were very good and were based on the same book.  However, as I worked on my material more through the month of December, I wound up feeling like perhaps it wasn't the right time. The band felt the same way and we wound up doing a really great Prog album. It has a lot of recurring themes throughout, but I'm still not sure what it will be as we haven't written any words and there is a lot of exploring left to do. It's a different album to me. There are some beautiful themes and some very exciting parts; some very good song bits...it's an amazing journey all it's own. 

So even initially speaking through December and leading up to the band arriving, Neal had felt that a sequel to TSOAD was a possibility, but the band decided to just go at it with a clean slate. He also goes on to mention demos brought in by Eric and Bill, and them writing two epics with lengths of 25 and 17 minutes, as well as a ballad like "Shine" (by Transatlantic).

From the August 2018 Newsletter:
Quote
Monday morning, we had basically three hours to get the whole end section right because Bill was leaving on Tuesday. Mike was going to cut his drums and he had already started cutting his drums on Disc One. We had these three hours in the morning before Mike showed up to figure this thing out. And I remember thinking, "well... we're not quite there" and I remember looking at the clock and telling Bill, "Bill, we've got 45 minutes to sort this out and it's gotta happen, but I don't know if we're going to make it!" Needless to say, we did make it, Mike tracked his drums, and now we're all putting all are parts on it in our remote studios. Rich is going to start mixing in September and we hope to be done with it in October and release in January. That is the plan! And it looks like it's going to happen...

Looks like between January, the conference call they had in May or June, and the quick sessions in August, the album went from being a single (80 minute) album to a double, at least 90 minutes I imagine. Neal also mentions that the album wasn't finished in January, and that there was more work to do when they reconvened in the summer. It's not that they scrapped what they had, they just had more to add to it.

Now that the album has been revealed, I imagine that Neal will spill all the beans in the upcoming October Newsletter, which should be due out sometime this weekend or early next week. I wonder if the initial epics they wrote became individual tracks, or if this will be more of a Transatlantic-esque concept like Bridge Across Forever, where the shared themes are contained within the epics, or if they divided up the epics into individual tracks.

Either way, I suspect we'll get a double album that reaches 125 minutes with each disc at around 60-65 minutes each, and maybe a total of 22-25 tracks, perhaps with a closing epic. I can't wait to see the details of this album, as I'm sure it'll be contender for AOTY for 2019 (despite forthcoming releases from other favorite bands like Dream Theater and Big Big Train).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on October 16, 2018, 11:48:55 PM
I hope I can get tix for the Seattle show. They go on sale Wednesday at 11am Pacific time. I WISH THEY WOULD GIVE US A LONGER NOTICE of when tix go on sale and not be caught off guard. I will be at work at that time and gotta pay bills first.  The Triple Door in Seattle is a small place and will probably sell out fast..
 I'm still excited, but stressing out at the same time..lol

I will be refreshing the Triple Door website in the hour leading up to 11AM to get my tickets. If you don't think you'll be able to get yours that morning, let me know where you want to sit (or maybe top 5 seats in case they sell fast), and I'll get it for you. You can PayPal me later.

Seating map:
https://thetripledoor.net/TripleDoor/files/bb/bb3a1814-bd9d-46ee-8436-79605f0a54b7.jpg
Wow thanks!  That would be awesome, I do have a PayPal account.  I was hoping to get two tickets in any of the booths from 10 to 23. (towards the front). I'll PM you Tuesday evening if I decide to go that route, I might not be able to come up with the money until later next week since I have a couple of important bills to pay if that's ok? But I am good for it and will NOT miss this show.
I saw Terry Bozzio two weeks ago there in seats 6 and 7 (front row ) with a friend. It looked like the booths have a bit better view since they are up a little higher.

Let me know if you want me to try and grab them. You can PayPal me later (not tonight), in case Im not able to get them for some reason. Like if they sell out instantly. Although i dont see that happening.
Hey thanks so much for the offer.  I found a way to order the tix myself tomorrow. My employer said I could order them at break time.  :tup.  I'm gonna splurge and do it!  Would be cool to meet you in person at the show. Perhaps have a beer. 🍻
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on October 17, 2018, 07:48:17 AM
I hope it's a bunch of shorter tracks like TSOAD and not just a few epics on each disc. Too many epics make it really tough for me to get into for some reason.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on October 17, 2018, 11:47:26 AM
I hope I can get tix for the Seattle show. They go on sale Wednesday at 11am Pacific time. I WISH THEY WOULD GIVE US A LONGER NOTICE of when tix go on sale and not be caught off guard. I will be at work at that time and gotta pay bills first.  The Triple Door in Seattle is a small place and will probably sell out fast..
 I'm still excited, but stressing out at the same time..lol

I will be refreshing the Triple Door website in the hour leading up to 11AM to get my tickets. If you don't think you'll be able to get yours that morning, let me know where you want to sit (or maybe top 5 seats in case they sell fast), and I'll get it for you. You can PayPal me later.

Seating map:
https://thetripledoor.net/TripleDoor/files/bb/bb3a1814-bd9d-46ee-8436-79605f0a54b7.jpg
Wow thanks!  That would be awesome, I do have a PayPal account.  I was hoping to get two tickets in any of the booths from 10 to 23. (towards the front). I'll PM you Tuesday evening if I decide to go that route, I might not be able to come up with the money until later next week since I have a couple of important bills to pay if that's ok? But I am good for it and will NOT miss this show.
I saw Terry Bozzio two weeks ago there in seats 6 and 7 (front row ) with a friend. It looked like the booths have a bit better view since they are up a little higher.

Let me know if you want me to try and grab them. You can PayPal me later (not tonight), in case Im not able to get them for some reason. Like if they sell out instantly. Although i dont see that happening.
Hey thanks so much for the offer.  I found a way to order the tix myself tomorrow. My employer said I could order them at break time.  :tup.  I'm gonna splurge and do it!  Would be cool to meet you in person at the show. Perhaps have a beer. 🍻

Sounds great!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on October 17, 2018, 12:34:00 PM
I saw the video that NM posted and he said that he's still sending tracks to Rich Mouser to mix in. Do you think there was a concerted effort to get the album and tour news out before DT made the official announcement for their new album? Knowing how MP was so concerned that SMOAD would be compared to The Astonishing as a double concept disc, maybe they were thinking of "let's get this one out first".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 17, 2018, 12:54:01 PM
I doubt it.  First off, DT isn't doing a double album this time, at least as far as we know, so there is no reason to assume any concern over a comparison.  Second, I don't think Neal is concerned with what DT does and isn't likely to get involved in trying to game them.  Third, there isn't really any competition between DT and Neal Morse.  And fourth, given the projected release date, the timing is right for an announcement.  DT are just about ready to make an announcement themselves, and their album is due out AFTER Neal's.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Chris Hinton on October 17, 2018, 01:08:15 PM
Got my Seattle tickets for my son and I!  Countertop 223.  Where is everyone else?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 17, 2018, 01:13:47 PM
Where is everyone else?

Not in Seattle.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on October 17, 2018, 01:48:29 PM
Got my Seattle tickets for my son and I!  Countertop 223.  Where is everyone else?
Just got mine, counter top 221.  Hello neighbor! 😎
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Chris Hinton on October 17, 2018, 02:36:50 PM
Just got mine, counter top 221.  Hello neighbor! 😎

Ha!  I kept getting an error trying to get 2 seats for 221.  Did you buy one or two?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on October 17, 2018, 02:53:35 PM
I doubt it.  First off, DT isn't doing a double album this time, at least as far as we know, so there is no reason to assume any concern over a comparison.  Second, I don't think Neal is concerned with what DT does and isn't likely to get involved in trying to game them.  Third, there isn't really any competition between DT and Neal Morse.  And fourth, given the projected release date, the timing is right for an announcement.  DT are just about ready to make an announcement themselves, and their album is due out AFTER Neal's.
I agree with you but someone who is in Neals band is very aware of what DT is doing and is in competition with them. Im probably thinking too much here.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 17, 2018, 03:10:19 PM
Derek Sherinian is not in Neal's band.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on October 17, 2018, 03:12:37 PM
Just got mine, counter top 221.  Hello neighbor! 😎

Ha!  I kept getting an error trying to get 2 seats for 221.  Did you buy one or two?
I got two. It's weird though, on my confirmation both tickets say seat 2. I hope that isn't an error on their part and it just means I got both seats in that section.
I was trying for sec 212 and got an error.  So I tried again and got sec 221.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on October 17, 2018, 03:16:51 PM
Derek Sherinian is not in Neal's band.
:rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on October 17, 2018, 04:15:25 PM
I saw the video that NM posted and he said that he's still sending tracks to Rich Mouser to mix in. Do you think there was a concerted effort to get the album and tour news out before DT made the official announcement for their new album? Knowing how MP was so concerned that SMOAD would be compared to The Astonishing as a double concept disc, maybe they were thinking of "let's get this one out first".

Qhy would that really help? Honestly,  most DT fans will by both albums. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 17, 2018, 06:25:47 PM
I doubt it.  First off, DT isn't doing a double album this time, at least as far as we know, so there is no reason to assume any concern over a comparison.  Second, I don't think Neal is concerned with what DT does and isn't likely to get involved in trying to game them.  Third, there isn't really any competition between DT and Neal Morse.  And fourth, given the projected release date, the timing is right for an announcement.  DT are just about ready to make an announcement themselves, and their album is due out AFTER Neal's.
I agree with you but someone who is in Neals band is very aware of what DT is doing and is in competition with them. Im probably thinking too much here.

I think Neal Morse, who likely has the final say-so regarding when official things are made public, is smart enough to realize that music is not a competition. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on October 17, 2018, 08:10:52 PM
OMG I have that sick to my stomach feeling of making a money commitment.  Got tickets for Chicago for me and my daughter. Kind of surprised at how much she enjoyed Jesus Christ the Exorcist.  But as soon as I asked if she'd want to go to this, her eyes lit right up.  **proud father moment** 

Still can't believe all the Neal Morse news lately.  It's all happening so fast.  Is it really happening?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on October 17, 2018, 08:58:30 PM
OMG I have that sick to my stomach feeling of making a money commitment.  Got tickets for Chicago for me and my daughter. Kind of surprised at how much she enjoyed Jesus Christ the Exorcist.  But as soon as I asked if she'd want to go to this, her eyes lit right up.  **proud father moment** 

Still can't believe all the Neal Morse news lately.  It's all happening so fast.  Is it really happening?

Is it really going to be?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: nattmorker on October 17, 2018, 09:37:10 PM
OMG I have that sick to my stomach feeling of making a money commitment.  Got tickets for Chicago for me and my daughter. Kind of surprised at how much she enjoyed Jesus Christ the Exorcist.  But as soon as I asked if she'd want to go to this, her eyes lit right up.  **proud father moment** 

Still can't believe all the Neal Morse news lately.  It's all happening so fast.  Is it really happening?

Is it really going to be?

Is it what our minds can see?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on October 19, 2018, 07:31:28 PM
Where the hell is White Eagle Hall in Jersey City?

Due to some internet issues, I didn't even know about this tour until now, but was still able to score 6th row tickets on the mid-right in Glenside. Guess this tour wasn't on ticketbastard's radar.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on October 20, 2018, 11:11:11 AM
Where the hell is White Eagle Hall in Jersey City?

Due to some internet issues, I didn't even know about this tour until now, but was still able to score 6th row tickets on the mid-right in Glenside. Guess this tour wasn't on ticketbastard's radar.
I got my fix for the Seattle show through the venue.  No ticketbastard involved. I wonder how they go about getting around that monopoly. I hope this is a new trend. :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on October 21, 2018, 06:00:33 AM
In anticipation of the upcoming album and the Meet & Greet in Munich on my birthday (which I booked a few days ago), I sat down yesterday in the afternoon and watched the whole Similitude live in Tilburg. I was at that tour, in Aschaffenburg and it was a blast. What a band, almost like a machine.

Similitude is a fantastic album, but I don't agree with MP when he says it's the best album he's played on. I personally think there are some things that can be improved on the next album, such as leaving out stuff like I'm Running and Freedom Song. Then again, the latter one was quite nice live, but it didn't do anything for me on the record. All in all, I'm very much looking forward to what I believe could be a darker/heavier version of Similitude.

I also ordered The Pilgrim's Progress for 4,95 a few days ago. I figured if one of the greatest composers of my favourite genre composes 4 hours (or so) of music about this book, I should probably read it. A friend of mine (who is a much better English speaker than I am) started to read the thing and stopped after 120 pages though. He said it's very hard to understand. Has anyone here read it?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 21, 2018, 09:19:57 AM
I cannot agree with some of that. Leaving off I'm Running and Freedom Song would have made the album not as great, especially live since I'm Running is joyous fun, while Freedom Song gave them a chance to channel a different vibe while bringing the tempo back up after the slow crawl that was Sloth.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on October 21, 2018, 09:24:14 AM
Freedom song never fails to put a smile on my face. I'm running, however, doesn't do too much for me, although it's a solid tune.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on October 21, 2018, 10:53:38 AM
Freedom song is my least favorite song from the album. I feel like disc 2 overall isn't as good/solid as disc 1.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on October 21, 2018, 11:10:01 AM
For me Sloth is the one song bringing it down... which I guess is it's purpouse in the story but.....
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on October 21, 2018, 12:12:27 PM
"Nothing makes Mike grin, MORE than sleep in in" 🎶   :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on October 21, 2018, 01:20:21 PM
Freedom song is my least favorite song from the album. I feel like disc 2 overall isn't as good/solid as disc 1.

I think the second disc works just fine EXCEPT for those two more stand alone songs. The Man In The Iron Cage and the two following songs follow the leitmotif structure of the whole album (if I recall correctly). Would they have been followed by that AWESOME 22 minute long finale Mask/Confrontation/Battle/Broken Sky/Long Day, the second disc would have been more concise in my opinion.

It's similar to Looking For Answers from Snow, in my opinion. It's a nice song, but the themes don't appear anywhere else on Snow and it's a standalone track that doesn't segue into the next song.

I don't quite get why Morse & the boys would make the effort of connecting the first and second disc by that quiet acoustic guitar (very cool idea actually) if they make a clean cut two songs later.
This is just complaining on a very high level btw, I still think the whole album is great (and so is Snow!).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on October 21, 2018, 01:34:44 PM
Freedom song is my least favorite song from the album. I feel like disc 2 overall isn't as good/solid as disc 1.

I think the second disc works just fine EXCEPT for those two more stand alone songs. The Man In The Iron Cage and the two following songs follow the leitmotif structure of the whole album (if I recall correctly). Would they have been followed by that AWESOME 22 minute long finale Mask/Confrontation/Battle/Broken Sky/Long Day, the second disc would have been more concise in my opinion.

It's similar to Looking For Answers from Snow, in my opinion. It's a nice song, but the themes don't appear anywhere else on Snow and it's a standalone track that doesn't segue into the next song.

I don't quite get why Morse & the boys would make the effort of connecting the first and second disc by that quiet acoustic guitar (very cool idea actually) if they make a clean cut two songs later.
This is just complaining on a very high level btw, I still think the whole album is great (and so is Snow!).

Wasn't it intended to be a single disc at first? It seems to me like they took longer to carefully connect everything on the first disc, but because the rest of the album came later and there were some big disagreements between Mike and Neal about that, they had to (my guess) rush the second part a bit and that's why it isn't as connected/fluid.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 21, 2018, 02:39:22 PM
Freedom Song is referenced in the acoustic middle section of The Man in the Iron Cage.  And not everything has to segue way into each other.

I think it is a major stretch to suggest the second disc was rushed; Neal Morse would not have fought that long and hard for a second disc and then rushed it. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on October 21, 2018, 07:52:08 PM
I have to somewhat agree with some posters, I dont care for the middle half of disc 2 (Freedom Song, Sloth, Im running). But minor critique aside, I couldnt be more excited for the sequel.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on October 22, 2018, 10:56:13 AM
Well i got slightly mad at neal with Morsefest 2017 repeat thing of Similitude......i should have waited......then i saw the track listing for night one.  and i my anger evaporated.

i can't wait to hear Testimony 2 with NMB.  as i never really liked the other release it got in 2011.  not as great a band IMO.  then we get Seeds of Gold and So Many Roads (not a fav epic but many it will be with this band. so yes i caved and bought this, lol.

As for the Sequel to Similitude.  Similitude is my 2nd fav Neal record (big claim but true) so i can't wait.

i hope it's darker.....Cause Neal can kill that style.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 22, 2018, 12:20:01 PM
Going back to the Morsefest 2017 discussion, I actually think that if I had to choose to only have Similitude Live or Morsefest 2017, I would stick with the former.  Of the four encore songs, I REALLY like having Momentum and Agenda, and The Call isn't half bad either.  But since The Call and Author of Confusion both appear on both releases, it really comes down to Momentum and Agenda vs. all of Testimony 2 and some of the songs from the T2 bonus disk.  Honestly, I think I'd take Momentum and Agenda.  Those two songs are great.  T2 isn't bad.  But we already have a good live version of that. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on October 22, 2018, 01:53:21 PM
I REALLY like Agenda

I couldn't read past this ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on October 22, 2018, 02:04:09 PM
The Encores on the whole were the weakest thing about Similitude live for me.

i'm sick to death of Author Of confusion.  The call and Momentum are just ok.  and i hate Agenda.

so yea some of the weakest encores Neal has put forth IMO.

and I LOVE Testimony 2.  beats the pants off the first for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 22, 2018, 02:53:24 PM
T2 isn't bad.  But we already have a good live version of that.

We do? Seems like most agree that the live DVD from the T2 tour was easily his worst live release.  The lighting is poor, the camera angles are whack (not the camera guys' fault, probably just the venue made it not easy), and that guy is in the background on nearly every Neal shot with the colorfully loud shirt.  I literally never watch that DVD.

Getting it (mostly) in full again with the two Lifeline tracks and the Morsefest dancers (who kill it during The Truth Will Set You Free) will be sweet.  :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 22, 2018, 02:57:51 PM
T2 isn't bad.  But we already have a good live version of that.

We do? Seems like most agree that the live DVD from the T2 tour was easily his worst live release.  The lighting is poor, the camera angles are whack (not the camera guys' fault, probably just the venue made it not easy), and that guy is in the background on nearly every Neal shot with the colorfully loud shirt.  I literally never watch that DVD.

Getting it (mostly) in full again with the two Lifeline tracks and the Morsefest dancers (who kill it during The Truth Will Set You Free) will be sweet.  :hat

I was referring to the audio.  I honestly have no recollection of the video portion of that show.  Haven't watched it in ages. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on October 22, 2018, 03:02:18 PM
T2 isn't bad.  But we already have a good live version of that.

We do? Seems like most agree that the live DVD from the T2 tour was easily his worst live release.  The lighting is poor, the camera angles are whack (not the camera guys' fault, probably just the venue made it not easy), and that guy is in the background on nearly every Neal shot with the colorfully loud shirt.  I literally never watch that DVD.

Getting it (mostly) in full again with the two Lifeline tracks and the Morsefest dancers (who kill it during The Truth Will Set You Free) will be sweet.  :hat

yea That T2 DVD concert is pretty bad.  never mind the video presentation which is awful.

i just do not like the band he used for that at all.  Randy George and Portnoy aside,
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 22, 2018, 06:38:43 PM
I can't even remember who was a part of that band; I just know that the band he has now is aces and I am in favor of playing and releasing anything that hasn't been played since Bill and Eric joined.  Their presence will make any song better.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 22, 2018, 08:37:06 PM
I can't even remember who was a part of that band; I just know that the band he has now is aces and I am in favor of playing and releasing anything that hasn't been played since Bill and Eric joined.  Their presence will make any song better.

IIRC, the Testimony 2 Live Band was mostly the same as the Testimony (1) Live Band, which saw 2 releases from its tour (the live DVD from Tilburg, I think, and an Inner Circle show from LA). It might have swapped out a couple of members, or added a couple more, but it was mostly the same, and I think Neal did that for continuity between T1 and T2, which was neat.

But I mostly agree with you Kev - I've enjoyed the fact that the band with Eric and Bill has been going through Neal's solo-prog-catalog with the Morsefests, so we are getting definitive live versions of his albums with this line-up, which is amazing, though I'm still miffed that we probably won't get live versions of "Absolute Beginner" (which should've been played last year) and "Back To The Garden" (from One, which should've been played in 2014), as well as "Doomsday Destiny" (which now has the honor of being the only song from TGE not played live, AFAIK, though if it has, it's not been released). Then there's the majority of Lifeline, though I think many of us probably won't miss it if The Neal Morse Band never plays those songs again.

The question is, will the NMB do a complete run of the Momentum album in an upcoming Morsefest? Technically speaking, Bill and Eric were a part of the band on the Momentum Tour, but they never played "Freak" and "Smoke And Mirrors", so a whole album performance wouldn't be unwelcome, though I would wonder what the 2nd night of that Morsefest would entail... A complete performance of The Grand Experiment (despite having released 7 out of 8 songs from that album with the current line-up)?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on October 22, 2018, 08:53:34 PM
I can't even remember who was a part of that band; I just know that the band he has now is aces and I am in favor of playing and releasing anything that hasn't been played since Bill and Eric joined.  Their presence will make any song better.

IIRC, the Testimony 2 Live Band was mostly the same as the Testimony (1) Live Band, which saw 2 releases from its tour (the live DVD from Tilburg, I think, and an Inner Circle show from LA). It might have swapped out a couple of members, or added a couple more, but it was mostly the same, and I think Neal did that for continuity between T1 and T2, which was neat.

But I mostly agree with you Kev - I've enjoyed the fact that the band with Eric and Bill has been going through Neal's solo-prog-catalog with the Morsefests, so we are getting definitive live versions of his albums with this line-up, which is amazing, though I'm still miffed that we probably won't get live versions of "Absolute Beginner" (which should've been played last year) and "Back To The Garden" (from One, which should've been played in 2014), as well as "Doomsday Destiny" (which now has the honor of being the only song from TGE not played live, AFAIK, though if it has, it's not been released). Then there's the majority of Lifeline, though I think many of us probably won't miss it if The Neal Morse Band never plays those songs again.

The question is, will the NMB do a complete run of the Momentum album in an upcoming Morsefest? Technically speaking, Bill and Eric were a part of the band on the Momentum Tour, but they never played "Freak" and "Smoke And Mirrors", so a whole album performance wouldn't be unwelcome, though I would wonder what the 2nd night of that Morsefest would entail... A complete performance of The Grand Experiment (despite having released 7 out of 8 songs from that album with the current line-up)???

-Marc.

you'd be right it is mostly the same band.

i geuss i'm just noy a huge fan.  cause i didn't really enjoy the first Testimony live DVD.....they play it well there was just something soulless about that lineup.  (and believe me i feel bad using that word.)

i didn't really come to like the first testimony till i heard NMB play at the first Morsefest.  man did they inject life into that peice.  So i cannot wait to hear T2 redone with them.  and i already LOVE T2
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on October 22, 2018, 09:30:04 PM
Speaking of lineups, what ever happened to Adson Sodre, the original guitarist of the NMB?

If I remember correctly, he was intended to be the main guitarist for NMB, and Eric was basically the extra guy Neal brought to complete the lineup. They did the Momentum tour, released a live album and then he completely disappeared, leaving Eric as the only guitar player. I remember Neal being asked about it at the time and he just said Adson isnt a part of the band anymore. No further explanation. Anyone here have any info on that?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 22, 2018, 09:52:53 PM
Speaking of lineups, what ever happened to Adson Sodre, the original guitarist of the NMB?

If I remember correctly, he was intended to be the main guitarist for NMB, and Eric was basically the extra guy Neal brought to complete the lineup. They did the Momentum tour, released a live album and then he completely disappeared, leaving Eric as the only guitar player. I remember Neal being asked about it at the time and he just said Adson isnt a part of the band anymore. No further explanation. Anyone here have any info on that?

Did a quick Google search, and the Wiki page on Neal states that "Adson Sodr was in the band until visa issues forced his departure."

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on October 22, 2018, 10:04:54 PM
Speaking of lineups, what ever happened to Adson Sodre, the original guitarist of the NMB?

If I remember correctly, he was intended to be the main guitarist for NMB, and Eric was basically the extra guy Neal brought to complete the lineup. They did the Momentum tour, released a live album and then he completely disappeared, leaving Eric as the only guitar player. I remember Neal being asked about it at the time and he just said Adson isnt a part of the band anymore. No further explanation. Anyone here have any info on that?

Did a quick Google search, and the Wiki page on Neal states that "Adson Sodr was in the band until visa issues forced his departure."

-Marc.

Oh, that makes sense, since hes from Brazil. Thanks!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on October 23, 2018, 05:02:11 AM
Whenever I watch the Momentum DVD, I feel like Adson rules over Eric big time. Both are great guitarists, but Adson is just out of this world.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on October 23, 2018, 05:22:36 AM
Whenever I watch the Momentum DVD, I feel like Adson rules over Eric big time. Both are great guitarists, but Adson is just out of this world.

Haven't seen this DVD but I seriously can't imagine that. I mean it's Eric. Have you seen him at MPs Shattered Fortress?? The dude's insane  :omg:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on October 23, 2018, 05:42:04 AM
Well, then you'll just have to see the Momentum DVD.  ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on October 23, 2018, 07:22:31 AM
I'll have to re-watch it too.  nothing stick's in my head about the guy.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on October 23, 2018, 08:32:46 AM
Well, Neal picked him over Eric at first, thats something :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on October 23, 2018, 09:26:49 AM
Whenever I watch the Momentum DVD, I feel like Adson rules over Eric big time. Both are great guitarists, but Adson is just out of this world.

Haven't seen this DVD but I seriously can't imagine that. I mean it's Eric. Have you seen him at MPs Shattered Fortress?? The dude's insane  :omg:

Adsons a good player but not at Erics level
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on October 23, 2018, 09:33:26 AM
I just played a big of Live Momentum.  Adson's very good.  but.............i've been so attuned to Eric and his style that no else is gonna do at this point, lol

Neal found a golden boy.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on October 23, 2018, 11:53:51 AM
I just watched The Conflict from the Momentum DVD and hell yeah Adson is a monster guitarist! But to be fair, Eric is given almost no opportunity to shine on the guitar here. A quick comparison with The Conflict at Morsefest 2015 shows that Eric is very capable of pulling off the same parts just as well as Adson (and he pulled them off on keyboards at the Live Momentum DVD!). Adson played/sang a super awesome guitar/scat solo during Two Down One To Go, unfortunately Eric wasn't given this solo spot on Morsefest 2015. I'm sure he would have come up with something very kewl too.

I don't want to say one is better than the other, nor do I want to judge these two amazing guitarists, when I have only heard/seen a few songs with Adson (I am ashamed that I wasn't aware the dude played in Morse's band). In my opinion, Adson is a little more extroverted, he's always rocking out on stage, while Eric is quiet and concentrates on playing his stuff and doing a few rock n roll faces during solos (another guitar master comes to mind rereading this description). They're both awesome. But then again, Eric also brings a LOT to the band with his voice.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on October 23, 2018, 12:25:22 PM
While you guys are talking about Neal Morse/NMB live releases, would anyone mind naming what some of the best ones are, or doing some sort of a ranking? I don't have any of his live albums yet, and there are so many of them that's it's a bit hard to figure out what's what.

(I have the prog studio albums from Testimony to Sola Scriptura plus both NMB releases. Planning to get Lifeline/T2Momentum soon.)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on October 23, 2018, 12:53:05 PM
While you guys are talking about Neal Morse/NMB live releases, would anyone mind naming what some of the best ones are, or doing some sort of a ranking? I don't have any of his live albums yet, and there are so many of them that's it's a bit hard to figure out what's what.

(I have the prog studio albums from Testimony to Sola Scriptura plus both NMB releases. Planning to get Lifeline/T2Momentum soon.)

Mine are (i'm just doing morse/Neal Morse Band stuff none of his side bands for now)

1. Morsefest 2015
2. Similitude of a dream Live in Tilburg
3.Live Momentum
4. Morsefest 2014
5. Alive Again

Thoughs are my main go to 5

then he has a bunch of others that are ok.

the first testimony live DVD
Testimony 2 live in LA
Sola Scriptura Live and Beyond
So many Roads live

Then he had question Mark live album which is ok.

All the others listed are fine.  but those first five are my go to for Neal Live.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on October 23, 2018, 06:38:28 PM
Cool, so it sounds like the top ones are the more recent ones with the NMB lineup? That's good to know.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on October 23, 2018, 06:55:36 PM
Cool, so it sounds like the top ones are the more recent ones with the NMB lineup? That's good to know.

Yea The NMB is simply the best lineup neal has had yet, IMO.  they all gel in a real special way.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 23, 2018, 08:08:12 PM
Cool, so it sounds like the top ones are the more recent ones with the NMB lineup? That's good to know.

Yes. Morsefest 2015 and Alive Again are my favorites, and I have no doubt that Morsefest 2017 will reign supreme once I get my paws on it later next month. :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on October 23, 2018, 08:12:08 PM
Cool, so it sounds like the top ones are the more recent ones with the NMB lineup? That's good to know.

Yes. Morsefest 2015 and Alive Again are my favorites, and I have no doubt that Morsefest 2017 will reign supreme once I get my paws on it later next month. :metal

YES.  might be jumping the gun....but 2017 will be my fav.

it WILL knock 2015 off the throne.  which has held the top live spot since release day
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 05, 2018, 01:13:02 PM
JUST ADDED! The Neal Morse Band live in Orlando FL, Feb 9th, 2019 at The Abbey. Tickets on Sale tomorrow at Noon EST. https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/3760447/an-evening-with-the-neal-morse-band-orlando-the-abbey-fyf
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: thunderdog10 on November 06, 2018, 10:45:29 AM
tix for Orlando have been bought!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 10, 2018, 09:27:51 AM
The Truth Will Set You Free from Morsefest 2017!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQILSF8IuHg&feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 10, 2018, 09:45:08 AM
OOOH i am itching to get my hands on this set.

at this point i do not care it repeats similitude.  i'm that much of a fan.  just to have Testimony 2 AND Seeds of Gold played by NMB.  they have my money, lol

i was always majorly disappointed by the first testimony 2 live (did not like that band at all) so this is a fix for me.

oh man bring it on.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 11, 2018, 05:03:38 AM
The Truth Will Set You Free from Morsefest 2017!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQILSF8IuHg&feature=youtu.be

I love everything about this, except for the dancers. Don't get me wrong, they're very pretty but I have no idea what they are trying to do.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 11, 2018, 05:52:53 AM
The Truth Will Set You Free from Morsefest 2017!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQILSF8IuHg&feature=youtu.be

I love everything about this, except for the dancers. Don't get me wrong, they're very pretty but I have no idea what they are trying to do.

Thats the type of dances on many churches during worship.
I dont think it fits the music of NM and I hate it because he has used them on most or all MF until now except for the SB I imagine as I havent watched that show yet
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 11, 2018, 06:20:47 AM
I think the dancers are fun to watch, especially since it is unlike anything you see at any other Neal Morse concert. And they usually only are used during a few songs each night (both nights last year, only on night 2 this year). 

The dancers are his daughter Jayda and I don't know the name of the other, but I know she is the daughter of his friends Joey and Amy (Joey is the emcee at Morsefest and Amy is the one who runs Radiant Records, I believe).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 11, 2018, 10:19:22 AM
The dancers never bothered me.  Especially since one is Jayda and she's very deeply ingrained in his story.  I may not fully believe she was healed by an almighty force.  but it still touches me.

so i really never minded her dancing there.

doesn't take away a thing from these wonderful shows.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 16, 2018, 09:40:42 PM
I got my art book edition in the mail today, and WOW its gorgeous! I'm watching the first night BD tonight as I finish putting away laundry and it looks/sounds amazing! So glad the band have finally played/released "So Many Roads", which Randy and Mike have never played live!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 16, 2018, 09:52:44 PM
I received mine today as well. I didn't have time to really watch much tonight, but I put in Night 2 and watched a few highlights and it sounded great.  I am a little concerned about those overlay graphics, however, as I found them very distracting. I hope those aren't used on too many songs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 17, 2018, 11:37:56 AM
So i just got the regular blu ray and the Mp3 download.

as i suspected.  this is my fav Morsefest.  Highlights were Seeds of Gold and for sure having this band play Testimony 2 finally having it be Definitive.

So Many Roads play by these guys did indeed raise my view of this epic.  STILL all in all my least fav epic.  but i enjoyed it way WAY more than i ever have,  loved Neal teasing Land of Beginning again.  winking at us  that he writes way similar  songs, lol.  but that's his style.

I shouldn't have worried about Similitude repeated.  as this IS superior to Tilburg IMO.

all in all.  last night was a joyous evening.

LOVE it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 17, 2018, 07:29:45 PM
It was frustrating how often they use overlay graphics over the band, but overall I still enjoyed the heck out of both nights again because of how good the performances were.  Similitude and Testimony 2 remain two of my favorite Neal/NMB studio albums (possibly my actual two favorites, although One and ? sometimes nudge T2 out of 2nd place), and both nights would be among my favorite concerts ever attended.  From a live "being there" standpoint, I can't imagine any Morsefest ever topping 2017 for me personally. 

I need to watch both again to try and find myself in the crowd (I saw my hair a few times on Night 1 :lol). 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on November 17, 2018, 07:54:14 PM
Similitude and Testimony 2 remain two of my favorite Neal/NMB studio albums (possibly my actual two favorites, although One and ? sometimes nudge T2 out of 2nd place)

No Sola Scriptura? :omg: That's a top 5 of all time albums by Neal Morse to me (counting solo, SB, TA, etc)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 17, 2018, 08:51:57 PM
My Top 5.

5. Momentum
4. ?
3. Testimony 2
2. Sola Scriptura
1. Similitude of a Dream
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 17, 2018, 10:17:12 PM
Similitude and Testimony 2 remain two of my favorite Neal/NMB studio albums (possibly my actual two favorites, although One and ? sometimes nudge T2 out of 2nd place)

No Sola Scriptura? :omg: That's a top 5 of all time albums by Neal Morse to me (counting solo, SB, TA, etc)

Sola Scriptura would probably be 6th or 7th on my list when looking at his solo/NMB albums.  The Grand Experiment would round out the top 5, and then SS would duke it out with his self-titled debut for 6th place. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on November 18, 2018, 11:59:23 AM
Similitude and Testimony 2 remain two of my favorite Neal/NMB studio albums (possibly my actual two favorites, although One and ? sometimes nudge T2 out of 2nd place)

No Sola Scriptura? :omg: That's a top 5 of all time albums by Neal Morse to me (counting solo, SB, TA, etc)

Sola Scriptura would probably be 6th or 7th on my list when looking at his solo/NMB albums.  The Grand Experiment would round out the top 5, and then SS would duke it out with his self-titled debut for 6th place.

TGE is mid to low tier for me. Not a big fan of the title song and it contains that aberration known as Agenda :facepalm:

Btw, am I the only one who thinks itd be very cool to have Transatlantic for Morsefest?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 18, 2018, 12:37:46 PM
A lot of people want to see that, but I'd rather keep it Neal-centric, rather than Transatlantic-focused.  Besides, Transatlantic reportedly has no plans to do anything any time soon anyway. 

Also, what can TA do that we haven't seen them do already?  Do we really need a 3rd live rendition of The Whirlwind?  Another live version of All of the Above?  Another live version of Stranger in Your Soul?

Not saying I wouldn't be there for it, but the cool thing about Morsefest every year is that at least one of the nights is something that hasn't been done before.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 18, 2018, 12:54:57 PM
A lot of people want to see that, but I'd rather keep it Neal-centric, rather than Transatlantic-focused.  Besides, Transatlantic reportedly has no plans to do anything any time soon anyway. 


(https://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah58/jorge_pozo1/DA7B7964-5B5A-4AF0-93AD-A2A52AB3B852_zps5ahim1mp.jpg) (https://s1377.photobucket.com/user/jorge_pozo1/media/DA7B7964-5B5A-4AF0-93AD-A2A52AB3B852_zps5ahim1mp.jpg.html)

Patience
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on November 18, 2018, 01:15:23 PM
A lot of people want to see that, but I'd rather keep it Neal-centric, rather than Transatlantic-focused.  Besides, Transatlantic reportedly has no plans to do anything any time soon anyway. 

Also, what can TA do that we haven't seen them do already?  Do we really need a 3rd live rendition of The Whirlwind?  Another live version of All of the Above?  Another live version of Stranger in Your Soul?

Not saying I wouldn't be there for it, but the cool thing about Morsefest every year is that at least one of the nights is something that hasn't been done before.

Well, Neal has TGA for next year, but then hell run out of albums, unless he wants to do Lifeline, Momentum and TGE, and I doubt it.

If they already did one with SB, why not one with TA? That would have to be, at least in 2020, and we *could* have a new TA album by then, going by Mikes tweet shared by MinistroRaven.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 18, 2018, 03:14:27 PM
I'd say that Transatlantic has as much of a right to be played in full at a future Morsefest as much as any of Neal's solo material or older Spock's Beard, especially considering that TA is represented in the Morsefest logo itself.

To be honest, I would LOVE to see them play all of SMPT:e and all of BAF in their entirety, one each night, with the second sets filled out with a mix of songs from The Whirlwind and Kaleidoscope, perhaps the bonus-disc original songs from Whirlwind that have never been played live (something Neal has tried to do with his solo stuff at previous Morsefests like with One and T2).

But like Mike said, getting the schedule to line-up with Neal/Mike, AS WELL as Roine and Pete, could be super difficult. Ideally, I would love to see them line-up the time to do a Transatlantic Morsefest in 2019, then while the band is together for those rehearsals and performances, write the next album right after Morsefest, right when they are warmed up together and have the benefit of being together for a few weeks. Then release the new album in Spring 2020 with a Summer tour.

If not, then Morsefest 2019 could probably be another Spock's Beard Morsefest, or another Storyteller's type deal with guest musicians from Neal's various bands. Or perhaps there will just be another NMB performance of the new double album (like he did with TSOAD last year). That would mean the other night could possibly be Momentum in its entirety, though we already have 4 of those 6 songs recorded and released by the Neal Morse Band (+Adson), and from not too long ago as well.

TL:DR - Ideas for Morsefest 2019:
1- Transatlantic plays SMPT:e and Bridge Across Forever (with Whirlwind bonus tracks)
2- Neal does another SB and/or Storytellers show
3- The Neal Morse Band plays TGA and Momentum
4- Neal doesn't do Morsefest next year and takes a year off!

-Marc.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 19, 2018, 04:54:54 PM
I guess, for me, I'd rather see Transatlantic come together to do something new and play together again because they are inspired to do so, not just because, "hey, we all have these dates free, let's plan on doing something." You cannot put inspiration and creativity on a schedule. 

I like Kaleidoscope and just recently watched the live DVD from that tour (which I got at Morsefest this year for $5!!), and the magic just wasn't there.  Don't get me wrong, it was enjoyable, but the first three albums and tours all felt special, while the last one felt too...scheduled, if that makes sense.  Besides, Neal and Portnoy already have the Neal Morse Band now, which kind of makes TA obsolete, since it is the exact same kind of music just with a few different members.  It would be like if JP and JLB decided to make a DT-like prog metal album with different people..what would be the point?


If they already did one with SB, why not one with TA?

Well, the big difference there is that Snow had never been played in full by the band ever, so that was really special. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 19, 2018, 05:08:53 PM
I don't know if I would say Kaliedoscope felt too "scheduled," as those guys seem to have no problem writing under those conditions.  But I completely agree that, while it is a good album, the magic is not there for whatever reason.

I also agree that there isn't really a point in doing a TA-centric Morsefest.  If he has done all or most of the material worth doing, then maybe Morsefest has just run its course.  At least for now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 19, 2018, 05:20:13 PM
I am sure everyone around him will do everything they can to convince him to do Morsefest again in 2019, but given the drop-off in attendance for this year's, I think he knows he needs to do something really special to get the attendance back up.

Shoot, even though they did in at '17, I'd be down with doing all of Similitude again on night 1 next year, and then doing the new album, which they have said is a sequel of sorts, night 2. And then the encores could be Neal epics that haven't been played at a Morsefest yet, most notably Alive Again and World Without End.  Granted, I doubt Neal will do a repeat like that, but I am just saying, I'd be down for it, and I suspect most fans would be as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 22, 2018, 10:38:38 AM
i for sure see him doing a Morsefest for all of The Great adventure.....i think it's a no brainier but......trouble is what else do you do?

night 1 just a mishmash of songs? A flying Colors night?  not Similitude.......again, lol. 

it was great at 17.  but i will not shell out more for a set with it AGAIN.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 22, 2018, 11:03:51 AM
I would. :biggrin:

I finally watched all of the Similitude Blu-ray from Morsefest 2017 last night (didn't have time till last night to watch it the whole way through uninterrupted) and it was pretty freaking awesome.  It was a good reminder of why night 2 of Morsefest 2017 is right near the top of best concerts I've ever witnessed (and night 1 was not far behind!).   The crowd was totally wound up and energetic as heck the whole night and that was captured well on the Blu-ray (DVD).  :tup :tup

Gonna try to get through all of the night 1 Blu-ray uninterrupted this weekend...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on November 22, 2018, 11:18:48 AM
Cool, I just ordered it and it should be here by the weekend. I would think Live in Tilburg is pretty hard to top though..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 22, 2018, 11:24:44 AM
I was considering getting that last week when I did a quick run through of the new Blu-rays and became worried that the overlay graphics were gonna be too much, meaning I would want a clean version of Similitude to watch, but they really weren't use much at all on the Similitude Morsefest show, at least to the point of being annoying, so I don't see why I need the same show just on a different Blu-ray/DVD.  Most of the time, I am all about supporting Neal Morse, which is why I spent $70+ on the Morsefest special edition.  Money well spent.  :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on November 22, 2018, 12:28:11 PM
Live in Tilburg is money well spent!  Wait there's more, the encores go on for another half an hour.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 22, 2018, 01:45:47 PM
Live in Tilburg is money well spent!  Wait there's more, the encores go on for another half an hour.

For anyone wondering, the only difference between the encores from Tilburg and Morsefest is that the Tilburg show has the extended version of "Momentum" they were playing on that tour, in addition to the 3 songs featured in the Morsefest encore.

It's really up to your preferences as to which show to get, if you aren't set on getting both already. The Tilburg show is JUST the band, the five members playing the album themselves, it's just the show in all its glory, no frills. The Morsefest show has a string ensemble, a brass ensemble, a choir, two dancers, and an extra musician helping out with auxiliary stuff, as well as a photo/video show that gets played on screens and sometimes over-lay on top of the concert video itself, but it's not too distracting.

Both are great shows in their own rights, but that's just the huge Neal-fan in me talking.

As for further discussion on Morsefest 2019 - I think the idea of doing Flying Colors on Night 1 and TGA with the Neal Morse Band on Night 2 sounds like a decent idea, but that would require getting the schedules of 8 musicians (between FC and NMB) to line up together and set aside for a week or more of rehearsals and performance. With the new Flying Colors set to come out next year, they may already be touring around the time a Morsefest would come around, so it might be easy to just work it into the touring schedule. They could play their regular touring set list of whatever they decide to play on the next tour for the first night, and then the NMB would play The Great Adventure on the second night, perhaps with some guest appearances from members of Flying Colors.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 22, 2018, 09:12:49 PM
The great thing about the added musicians is that the music not played by the 5 NMB members can be played live instead of them having to be triggered.  Take a song like Breath of Angels.  Instead of having to trigger the pre-recorded strings and choir, there is a string ensemble and an actual choir to do it all live.

I can honestly say that Breath of Angels at Morsefest live had one of the biggest goosebump moments I've ever witnessed live, specifically Eric's solo and that moment when it ends and they erupt back into the chorus with the choir singing. :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on November 24, 2018, 10:38:55 AM
Just watched the Similitude portion of Morsefest last night. The sound and production is great and the added musicians was a nice touch. I really like this show and will watch it again at some point. The only thing I didn't like about it was the dancers. I found it a bit distracting and poorly done. It would have been better the dancers were in the background, not up front. Better yet, no dancers at all. We (my friend and I) both thought they ruined the vibe of Breath of Angels which would have been phenomenal otherwise.  Also the whole vibe of the crowed and the presentation seemed a bit too "church-ee" .. lol
 A great show, but it doesn't hold a candle to Live in Tilburg imo.  LIT was a magical night. The band was on fire and the audience was a lot cooler, with a classier vibe.
Maybe next time I watch Morsefest 2017, I'll lose the critical eye and just take it all in. :corn
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 24, 2018, 01:53:10 PM
That's a good idea. :P

I get a kick out of the dancers, and he only uses them for a few songs, so it's not like they are out there the whole show.

Watching the whole thing made me realize how impossible it is to pick favorite songs from Similitude.  There are literally no weak spots (INB4 someone feels the need to say, "I think x-song could have been left off." :lol), and the whole thing flows immaculately.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on November 24, 2018, 01:54:29 PM
Yeah I can't find one bad song on it, but my favourite is probably The Ways Of A Fool.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 24, 2018, 01:57:52 PM
That is my favorite some days.

Other days it is The Mask.

Other days it is City of Destruction.

The other day it was Breath of Angels.

Tomorrow it could be Makes No Sense.

See what I mean? :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on November 24, 2018, 02:00:06 PM
Yup some albums are like that :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on November 24, 2018, 02:04:32 PM
There are literally no weak spots (INB4 someone feels the need to say, "I think x-song could have been left off." :lol), and the whole thing flows immaculately.

Id say that about disc 1, but disc 2 isnt as good imo.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 24, 2018, 02:08:32 PM
The only part of Disc 2 that I don't love to death is about half of Slave to Your Mind.  I love the first minute and a half, the instrumental section, and then the outro that leads into Shortcut to Salvation, but the Bill verses and titular chorus sections I find to be merely good. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on November 26, 2018, 09:15:13 AM
FYI all, Radiant Records is having a Cyber Monday sale today. Some of the items are pretty seriously discounted (I grabbed the last two Transatlantic live releases for $5/each) and then if your order is more than I think $65 you get a bonus 15% off.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 26, 2018, 09:55:14 AM
FYI all, Radiant Records is having a Cyber Monday sale today. Some of the items are pretty seriously discounted (I grabbed the last two Transatlantic live releases for $5/each) and then if your order is more than I think $65 you get a bonus 15% off.

I wanted to order something, too bad it's at least 25 bucks per vinyl shipping to Germany.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on November 26, 2018, 03:57:29 PM
Oh, man, this is a really great sale. I've been getting even more into Neal's music lately and a lot of stuff I want is on surprisingly heavy discount.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on November 26, 2018, 04:24:15 PM
FYI all, Radiant Records is having a Cyber Monday sale today. Some of the items are pretty seriously discounted (I grabbed the last two Transatlantic live releases for $5/each) and then if your order is more than I think $65 you get a bonus 15% off.

Sweet. I bought the mp3 version of Songs From November and To God Be The Glory for 99 cents. Shipping ups it to about 5 bucks but it's still cheaper than it normally is at 9.99. I wanted to get The First 20 Years Spock's Beard just for Falling For Forever basically, but I think it's all sold out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on November 26, 2018, 08:24:29 PM
I'm also disappointed that it looks to be sold out, but I believe Falling for Forever is an encore on Snow Live, which is just $5 (for a few more hours, at least). So if you don't already have it that release, it might be a way to get to that song.

I kind of went a little crazy, though I kept myself under $50 including shipping. I grabbed:
Lifeline
So Many Roads CD
Live Momentum CD/DVD
Morsefest 2014 CD/DVD
Snow Live CD/DVD
Whirld Tour CD

I don't know how often I'll go back to some of those live albums, but at $5 apiece for most of those as multi-CD and often multi-DVD sets, even if I listen to them just a few times it'll be worthwhile. And as a lover of live audio, there's a very good chance I'll get more out of them than that.

Lifeline is the last Neal solo prog album I don't have, so that's completing a discography at a good price.

I've actually never heard Snow at all, but given its reputation and my love of Neal, at that price I'll take a shot on it live.

Whirld Tour is a release I half expected to never own. I own More Never Is Enough, and since it's the same set it didn't seem to make sense to spend for the other release. But I love that show so muchit may be the best setlist I've ever seen on a live albumthat at five dollars I'm happy to grab an alternate performance (decided not to spring for the DVD in order to keep my total under $50, and also because I listen to live stuff much more often than I watch it).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on November 27, 2018, 10:41:02 AM
Just got around to watching part 1 of Morsefest 2017.  I've never heard Testimony 2, so seeing it live was a nice experience.  That story about his daughter, wow!  I can tell that Testimony 2 is a very personal album to Neal.  Great performance by the band too. I could have done without the graphics covering the screen during the grand finale of the show (a bit of a buzzkill) as those same pictures were presented earlier in the set. I'd rather see the band clearly in all it's glory during the finale,, but that's just a minor complaint.
 I actually liked the four opening songs even more, Lifeline, So Many Roads, Supernatural, Seeds of Gold. All epic songs with great dynamics and melodies, plus Eric's guitar playing is out of this world good!!!  They also gave a nice nod to YES during that set too.
 I liked the behind the scenes part as well. That story about Mike Portnoy''s Carpe Diem tattoo is pretty heavy!
 As far as part 2 of Morsefest, Similitude is another great performance but Live in Tilburg blows it away imo...  I knew that would be hard to beat, the Tilburg show stands alone!
 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on November 27, 2018, 04:42:30 PM
I'm also disappointed that it looks to be sold out, but I believe Falling for Forever is an encore on Snow Live, which is just $5 (for a few more hours, at least). So if you don't already have it that release, it might be a way to get to that song.


Didn't even think of that. That would've been a good idea, but I missed the sale by the time I saw your post. One day I will hear FFF!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 27, 2018, 07:38:35 PM
Was able to snag Snow live on Monday.  I just went for the Mp3 download ($5) as I didn't feel like paying for shipping and really only wanted to hear Falling for Forever (thanks for the info in this thread, I never would have thought that it was played or even to check).  Hopefully the live version is good, it will be the only version I ever hear haha.  Which means if I ever do end up hearing the studio version someday I'll probably prefer the live version because it will be what I know...   :eek
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on November 27, 2018, 07:41:37 PM
The studio version of FFF is amazing. Definitely worth checking as well :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on November 27, 2018, 07:42:25 PM
I don't know if I would say Kaliedoscope felt too "scheduled," as those guys seem to have no problem writing under those conditions.  But I completely agree that, while it is a good album, the magic is not there for whatever reason.


My reason for Kaleidoscope not having the magic is it feels very formulatic/: the mandatory epics and the ballad, even in the same order as the first two albums (ballad track 3). I loved the 2nd disc of The Whirlwind with the shorter songs. Would love for TA to go to the shorter songs approach at least for a full length album. It was very refreshing to my ears.

Having said this, the last Neal albums also feel formulaic for me. So Im very skeptical about the new release and Im afraid Im about to jump off Neals ship. I enjoy his solo albums a lot, but the band efforts just feel bland and no magic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 27, 2018, 07:45:01 PM
Falling for Forever is very good, but Neal has so many long epics that it kind of falls into the same category as the two Kaleidoscope epics in that I rarely listen to them any of them, because if I am dedicating x-number of minutes to a really long epic, I am much more likely to go for The Separated Man, All of the Above, The Light or Alive Again.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 27, 2018, 07:57:23 PM
To me Kaleidoscope isn't bad.  but it really does come across as a Neal solo record then anything else.  i have no idea why that is.  but i just tend Morse and guests over a band effort.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on November 27, 2018, 09:06:23 PM
I don't know if I would say Kaliedoscope felt too "scheduled," as those guys seem to have no problem writing under those conditions.  But I completely agree that, while it is a good album, the magic is not there for whatever reason.


My reason for Kaleidoscope not having the magic is it feels very formulatic/: the mandatory epics and the ballad, even in the same order as the first two albums (ballad track 3). I loved the 2nd disc of The Whirlwind with the shorter songs. Would love for TA to go to the shorter songs approach at least for a full length album. It was very refreshing to my ears.

Having said this, the last Neal albums also feel formulaic for me. So Im very skeptical about the new release and Im afraid Im about to jump off Neals ship. I enjoy his solo albums a lot, but the band efforts just feel bland and no magic.

If you listen carefully, Into The Blue has the same (or very very similar) structure to World Without End. It's, like you say, the same formulaic approach (not saying the songs aren't good, tho).

Kaleidoscope, while really good, is just a TA by the numbers album:

- Into The Blue is just a standard Neal Morse epic
- Shine is basically We All Need Some Light 2
- Black As The Sky is a very cool song and works well as a single
- Beyond The Sun is basically Bridge Across Forever 2
- Kaleidoscope is a classic TA epic.

Great songs, but nothing new.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 28, 2018, 06:37:03 AM
I don't know if I would say Kaliedoscope felt too "scheduled," as those guys seem to have no problem writing under those conditions.  But I completely agree that, while it is a good album, the magic is not there for whatever reason.


My reason for Kaleidoscope not having the magic is it feels very formulatic/: the mandatory epics and the ballad, even in the same order as the first two albums (ballad track 3). I loved the 2nd disc of The Whirlwind with the shorter songs. Would love for TA to go to the shorter songs approach at least for a full length album. It was very refreshing to my ears.

Having said this, the last Neal albums also feel formulaic for me. So Im very skeptical about the new release and Im afraid Im about to jump off Neals ship. I enjoy his solo albums a lot, but the band efforts just feel bland and no magic.

If you listen carefully, Into The Blue has the same (or very very similar) structure to World Without End. It's, like you say, the same formulaic approach (not saying the songs aren't good, tho).

Kaleidoscope, while really good, is just a TA by the numbers album:

- Into The Blue is just a standard Neal Morse epic
- Shine is basically We All Need Some Light 2
- Black As The Sky is a very cool song and works well as a single
- Beyond The Sun is basically Bridge Across Forever 2
- Kaleidoscope is a classic TA epic.

Great songs, but nothing new.

Agreed on all aspects, but it stills holds a great place for me as it was the album through I saw the band performed live for the first time
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on November 28, 2018, 10:10:48 AM


Having said this, the last Neal albums also feel formulaic for me. So Im very skeptical about the new release and Im afraid Im about to jump off Neals ship. I enjoy his solo albums a lot, but the band efforts just feel bland and no magic.

 So are you saying Similitude if formulatic??  I think SOAD is one of the most adventurous modern prog albums I've heard! Sure, there are re-occurring themes but they are done tastefully throughout. Can't wait to hear The Great Adventure.
 I don't know how anyone would want to jump off the Neal Ship after listening to Similitude.  If you're gonna jump ship, you might as well do it right and wait til Prog Cruise 2019..   :yarr
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 28, 2018, 10:20:33 AM


Having said this, the last Neal albums also feel formulaic for me. So Im very skeptical about the new release and Im afraid Im about to jump off Neals ship. I enjoy his solo albums a lot, but the band efforts just feel bland and no magic.

 So are you saying Similitude if formulatic??  I think SOAD is one of the most adventurous modern prog albums I've heard! Sure, there are re-occurring themes but they are done tastefully throughout. Can't wait to hear The Great Adventure.
 I don't know how anyone would want to jump off the Neal Ship after listening to Similitude.  If you're gonna jump ship, you might as well do it right and wait til Prog Cruise 2019..   :yarr

People "jump ship" on a band/artist for a variety of reasons.  Here's just a thought:  If someone was starting to feel a bit burned out on Neal already for whatever reason, the fact that TSOAD is SO long and so "formulaic" in terms of being "typical Neal" could lead some to feel even more burned out.  I could understand that argument.

For me personally, although Neal is one of my favorite artists, I feel slightly burned out just because he is so prolific and releases SO MUCH music that, despite having a lot of variation and unusual elements, can still often sound "formulaic" in the way I described above.  That said, Neal's studio albums are still "automatic buy" for me.  And most of the live stuff as well.  And I don't see that changing in the near future.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on November 28, 2018, 10:46:35 AM
@bosk1

I think I have a little of both of your reasons. The fact that he is releasing another double album will probably not help my cause  :rollin

However, I do believe Neal has shined more artistically (in my opinion) in his solo efforts (more focused on the songwriting), like Songs from November and Life and Times. I absolutely enjoy those releases and do not feel burned out by them. Even in the acoustics in Transatlantic, those are tearjerker songs for me. But I guess because of the massive amount of material he releases in the band efforts, maybe that's why I feel the formulaic style of the music.

Anyways, didn't mean to hijack the thread.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 28, 2018, 10:54:49 AM
Neal is very formulaic.  and i won't say i love everything because of it.

Neal i think found a groove very early on.......like literally track 1, lol.  The Light and he has never strayed to farr from it.  adding stuff.  but the light had nearly ALL morse's hallmarks.  and he's mostly kept to that.

now it just so happens i like it, lol.  but it produces misses like Anything else.  thankfully that formula was shaken up with NMB.  and  TSOAD is......IMO.  the best thing he's ever done.

but anyway that's my take on this.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 28, 2018, 03:27:47 PM
I guess I'll weigh in on this whole conversation. I can't say I've ever felt "fatigued" by Neal's works very much, though I will say that around the time of Lifeline/T2/Momentum, he did start sounding like his ideas were running on E, and things started feeling very same-y to me. Lifeline was OK at the time of release, but has aged poorly to my eyes (and I think Neal realizes that as well, as he's not gone back to that material save for a couple songs here and there). Testimony 2 is just another extension of Testimony, and while it is good, is pretty typical for Neal. And Momentum just happens to be the one album that, while I really enjoy, I probably don't find myself going back to - I'd rather listen to either album on each side of it (T2 and TGE).

When he finally formed the NMB and incorporated Bill's and Eric's ideas and performances into the studio work, Neal's ideas seemed refreshed, and I REALLY enjoyed TGE when it came out. It felt like Neal had a shot in the arm, and the ball kept rolling with TSOAD, so I have high hopes for TGA when it comes out next year. I look forward to hearing more collaborations with every band member!

As for his other works, with Transatlantic, I will echo the sentiments that Kaleidoscope does feel like it treads familiar ground, and that's OK for me - the first two TA albums are spectacular, so going over similar ground doesn't diminish Kaleidoscope for me, but it doesn't make it better - it's just simply good, a solid 4/5 or so. And while some might feel it is "formulaic", I find myself really enjoying the input from Roine, Pete, Mike, and even Daniel on this one, and it's pretty refreshing at times, especially parts of the epics and "Black As The Sky". In the years since its release, I've often found myself going back to it at random intervals because it feels easy to get into, whereas I feel compelled to listen to ALL of "The Whirlwind" once I start it. With Kaleidoscope, I can put on an epic or two, or just spin the shorter songs and feel like I got a good dose of Transatlantic that is still fresh to me, whereas listening to SMPT:e and BAF, while amazing, are both still a bit overplayed to my ears, so I tend to give them a rest every now and then.

While we're discussing TA...
BAF > TW > SMPT:e > K

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 28, 2018, 04:09:59 PM
I guess I'll weigh in on this whole conversation. I can't say I've ever felt "fatigued" by Neal's works very much, though I will say that around the time of Lifeline/T2/Momentum, he did start sounding like his ideas were running on E, and things started feeling very same-y to me. Lifeline was OK at the time of release, but has aged poorly to my eyes (and I think Neal realizes that as well, as he's not gone back to that material save for a couple songs here and there). Testimony 2 is just another extension of Testimony, and while it is good, is pretty typical for Neal. And Momentum just happens to be the one album that, while I really enjoy, I probably don't find myself going back to - I'd rather listen to either album on each side of it (T2 and TGE).

When he finally formed the NMB and incorporated Bill's and Eric's ideas and performances into the studio work, Neal's ideas seemed refreshed, and I REALLY enjoyed TGE when it came out. It felt like Neal had a shot in the arm, and the ball kept rolling with TSOAD, so I have high hopes for TGA when it comes out next year. I look forward to hearing more collaborations with every band member!

As for his other works, with Transatlantic, I will echo the sentiments that Kaleidoscope does feel like it treads familiar ground, and that's OK for me - the first two TA albums are spectacular, so going over similar ground doesn't diminish Kaleidoscope for me, but it doesn't make it better - it's just simply good, a solid 4/5 or so. And while some might feel it is "formulaic", I find myself really enjoying the input from Roine, Pete, Mike, and even Daniel on this one, and it's pretty refreshing at times, especially parts of the epics and "Black As The Sky". In the years since its release, I've often found myself going back to it at random intervals because it feels easy to get into, whereas I feel compelled to listen to ALL of "The Whirlwind" once I start it. With Kaleidoscope, I can put on an epic or two, or just spin the shorter songs and feel like I got a good dose of Transatlantic that is still fresh to me, whereas listening to SMPT:e and BAF, while amazing, are both still a bit overplayed to my ears, so I tend to give them a rest every now and then.

While we're discussing TA...
BAF > TW > SMPT:e > K

-Marc.

i agree on the Period from lifeline to Momentum.

if any period at all can be considered Neal coasting it's this.  though i LOVE Testimony 2.  but i played Lifeline the other day.  and it SOUNDS like a man tired aand fried.  First off the melodies don't stick as much to me.

2.  i can usually overlook his views.  but the record for ME.....is way to pulpit preachy. to me he went a bit too far in that direction here.  i feel he knew it.  cause he's dialed it back since.  T2 notwithstanding (it was more of his story)

3. So many is just as an epic weak.  i like sections but as a whole it failss for me.  it remains my least fav Epic.  Even with NMB bringing new life to it.

but Lifeline is the low point to these ears.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on November 28, 2018, 04:15:59 PM
Children Of The Chosen is the highlight of Lifeline for me and I'm surprised it doesn't get any attention. Like I've never seen anyone mention it ever. Being as MP creates a lot of the setlists for Neal, I'm surprised that one has slipped by him as he's usually good with picking out rare and underplayed tracks.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 28, 2018, 04:47:21 PM
Testimony, One, and Sola Scriptura remain three of my favorite albums by ANYONE.  But I remember coming off of SS feeling like Neal really needed to break from doing concept albums.  He is a great storyteller.  And the music was just incredibly diverse and high quality.  But just the very nature of doing four concept albums in a row made Neal's music start to feel a bit formulaic.  And it also made it tough to listen to at time because I find that, for me, it is kind of hard to listen to songs from a concept album in isolation.  It's kind of an all-or-nothing deal for me.  So when I heard he was breaking from that for Lifeline, I thought that was a smart choice.

But as mentioned, Lifeline just did not sound as inspired as his previous work.  There is some good stuff there.  But it never really hooked me, and I don't disagree with the statement that Neal just sounded a bit tired, like he was retreading familiar musical ground rather than coming up with something new.

T2 felt like a bit of a return to form.  And it simultaneously felt fresh yet familiar.  But even with the bonus disk, it still kind of felt like retreading old ground.

Momentum was really a big step up for me from the last two.  It felt like what Neal was trying to accomplish with Lifeline managed to come to fruition this time around in terms of just writing an album of songs.  No story.  No preconceived structure.  Just going for it and writing songs.  Then The Grand Experiment, with new band behind him, was an even bigger step up. 

Similitude might just be my favorite post-SS album of his.  It was the right time to go back to doing a big concept piece.  And it feels fresh and inspired.  I am perhaps just a bit burned out on a lot of the familiar things Neal brings to the table.  But at the same time, I can't say I don't really enjoy this album (or the older material, for that matter).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 28, 2018, 05:17:22 PM
Children Of The Chosen is the highlight of Lifeline for me and I'm surprised it doesn't get any attention. Like I've never seen anyone mention it ever. Being as MP creates a lot of the setlists for Neal, I'm surprised that one has slipped by him as he's usually good with picking out rare and underplayed tracks.

In the years since Lifeline's release, I have grown to enjoy "Children Of The Chosen" more and more, but it doesn't help raise the album from OK to Good. Still, a good song, but outside of Morsefest 2017, Neal has only played 3 songs from that album live, to my knowledge, with the Neal Morse Band - the title track, "Leviathan" and the closer "Fly High". Other than that, he hasn't given it much attention, and I don't blame him. He also had the opportunity to play the whole album live with Morsefest, but instead of doing Lifeline and Testimony 2 (which would have been next in his solo album sequence after the first four albums), he decided to just do the epic "So Many Roads" and the title track, abandoning the rest of the album from ever getting a complete live performance, probably, ever!

With regards to Momentum, like I said, while it is enjoyable, I remember seeing the track list when it was revealed and thinking - "Man, Neal has done this album format a LOT - a few short songs, then a huge closing epic." It felt like he was treading ground that Day For Night and V had done, but those songs just have held up better to me since then. I'd rather listen to those SB albums than Momentum, if I'm being honest, and while the album initially wow'ed me at release (especially for being more lyrically secular than not), it has not aged well to my ears. The epic is overly long, and the shorter songs are all merely OK as a collection. I think the live versions of those songs are much better, especially with the 6-member band playing them. Now I am tempted to put on Live Momentum when I get home tonight from work!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 28, 2018, 05:52:47 PM
I'm glad he's never played lifeline in full.

I watched Morsedest 2017 again.  while i still Call it my fav one.  that back to back of Lifeline and So many Roads opening night 1.

wow it's rough for me.  Repeated viewings i'm like speed it up men, lol

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 28, 2018, 06:08:16 PM
Lifeline (the song) is a good tune, but is one that feels way too long. Could have been a great 7-8 minute song, instead of the 13-minute chore that it is.  I enjoyed it at Morsefest, but would have been more than happy with something else.  Reminded me a bit of DT in that regard, in the sense that they took a really good song and made it way too long with too many instrumental parts instead of keeping it concise.

Children of the Chosen is pretty good, but I rarely revisit it.

I am with those who say they rarely go back to Momentum.  It's very good, but just doesn't stack up to the beastly prog records of Neal's that came before and after it (T2 and The Great Experiment).  I still love Thoughts Part 5 and World Without End, however.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on November 28, 2018, 06:09:15 PM
Agree on the thoughts (pun intended) posted about Lifeline. The title track and Leviathan are my favorites, but the rest of the album doesn't click with me at all. The epic, specially, was a huge disappointment to me at my first listen. Now I like it more, but I'd still take any other Neal epic over So Many Roads every time.

Agree with Bosk on Momentum, that album did accomplish what Lifeline couldn't. Not his best album, but still very very good. World Without End is definitely a top 5 NM song for me tho :metal

TGE was a bit disappointing to me. The Call and Alive Again are great (except for that long section that has Bill singing :tdwn) and Waterfall is very cool, but it has my least favorite NM song (Agenda) and the title track feels weird as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 28, 2018, 06:12:56 PM
TGE was a bit disappointing to me. The Call and Alive Again are great (except for that long section that has Bill singing :tdwn) and Waterfall is very cool, but it has my least favorite NM song (Agenda) and the title track feels weird as well.

Okay, but Agenda and the title track only take up 9 1/2 minutes of the album, while the other three songs take up 43 1/2 minutes.  I can't call any album disappointing where 82% of the album is great/cool. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 28, 2018, 06:16:49 PM
TGE hinges on Alive Again for me.

One of the best epics IMO.  the rest of the album is OK.  the Call is Fine i guess.  i'm burned out on it though.  the Title track......bland.  i mean it's fine really.

HATE hate hate hate.....gasp....hate Agenda.

Waterfall is pretty.

thamk god for that epic though.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 28, 2018, 08:41:44 PM
Lifeline (the song) is a good tune, but is one that feels way too long. Could have been a great 7-8 minute song, instead of the 13-minute chore that it is.  I enjoyed it at Morsefest, but would have been more than happy with something else.  Reminded me a bit of DT in that regard, in the sense that they took a really good song and made it way too long with too many instrumental parts instead of keeping it concise.

Children of the Chosen is pretty good, but I rarely revisit it.

I am with those who say they rarely go back to Momentum.  It's very good, but just doesn't stack up to the beastly prog records of Neal's that came before and after it (T2 and The Great Experiment).  I still love Thoughts Part 5 and World Without End, however.

"Lifeline" does feel a bit bloated, doesn't it? I like that Neal trimmed the fat on "Momentum" for the album version, but it was neat to hear him pull out the full version on the TSAOD tour, complete with the bombastic opening and long-slow middle section, but you can tell he cut that fat because it was already so similar to songs like "Lifeline" that had all that extra fluff.

"Thoughts Part 5" is a beast of a song, and I hope that if Neal ever invites Spock's Beard back for another Morsefest, they do a "Thoughts Sequence" where they play all four songs (Parts 1 and 2, Afterthoughts, and Part 5) together with all of the vocalists on stage! That would be amazing to see!

TGE was a bit disappointing to me. The Call and Alive Again are great (except for that long section that has Bill singing :tdwn) and Waterfall is very cool, but it has my least favorite NM song (Agenda) and the title track feels weird as well.

Okay, but Agenda and the title track only take up 9 1/2 minutes of the album, while the other three songs take up 43 1/2 minutes.  I can't call any album disappointing where 82% of the album is great/cool. :)

Good math!  :tup :lol But if you add the 2nd disc bonus tracks (which are no slouch, and all better than "Agenda" at least), those two songs only make up about 12.2% of the total album, so you've got 87.8% of an amazing album to enjoy!

But yeah, "Agenda" isn't HORRIBLE, and I don't dislike it as much as most folks. It's a bit like "Freak" from Momentum, in that it's a weird and quirky Neal tune, but I don't believe Neal ever played "Freak" live, so maybe having done "Agenda" a couple dozen times made fans dislike it more? :rollin

Also, regarding epics, it's odd that Neal hasn't done one in awhile outside of "Falling For Forever" and "Alive Again" in 2015, so I wonder if any of his grand epic demos and ideas are just sitting in a computer folder somewhere, waiting to be used in the next Transatlantic sessions? Then again, I could be surprised and TGA could have an epic, which would be unlike any of Neal's other narrative-concept albums (Testimony 1 and 2, Snow, TSOAD). I actually wouldn't mind if TGA was something more akin to One, where there's a mix of long and short songs with an epic or two thrown in to bookend the album!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on November 28, 2018, 09:03:45 PM
Sola Scriptura was mostly epics, so it could definitely happen.

About TGE. I was a bit disappointed because they marketed it as a creative spark and a different approach, now that it was the whole band and not just Neal writing the stuff. They even changed their name to adopt the "band" thing, and the album ended up being a trademark Neal Morse album, just with two other singers here and there. The songs arent THAT good, overall, so while I can enjoy it, I'd rather listen to other NM releases.


...did I mention Agenda is terrible? :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 28, 2018, 09:29:35 PM
I don't get the sudden hate for Agenda.  Anyone who doesn't like that song has some sort of disorder.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 28, 2018, 09:35:52 PM
I don't get the sudden hate for Agenda.  Anyone who doesn't like that song has some sort of disorder.

oh it's not sudden with me, lol

just a complete waste of album space, IMO.  but hey what do i know, lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 28, 2018, 10:01:22 PM
Sola Scriptura was mostly epics, so it could definitely happen.

About TGE. I was a bit disappointed because they marketed it as a creative spark and a different approach, now that it was the whole band and not just Neal writing the stuff. They even changed their name to adopt the "band" thing, and the album ended up being a trademark Neal Morse album, just with two other singers here and there. The songs arent THAT good, overall, so while I can enjoy it, I'd rather listen to other NM releases.

Have you seen the Making Of TGE DVD that came with the special edition of the album? You really get a sense of how much material really was Neal's and what the other band members brought to the table, which is more than any other album before it. Before Eric and Bill joined, it seemed like every solo Neal album was 90% Neal's ideas, with the other 10% just being whatever they jammed in the studio between demos. Mike and Randy have even brought up that they felt like it was really all Neal's music they were playing, but with The Neal Morse Band, they felt like there was a lot more input from everyone, and that Neal's music was used less and less (at least, from his original demos - the same could be said for TA's The Whirlwind and Kaleidoscope, both of which have pretty in-depth Making Of DVDs as well).

I guess I just view TGE through a different lens having seen how that recording/writing process went down in the DVD, and having heard the TGE demos that Neal released (which also included demos from Eric), I can tell just how collaborative the album was. Maybe it just feels more like Neal's works because his works have evolved over-time to incorporate more and different ideas from his band mates?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 30, 2018, 09:56:12 AM
https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/759-the-neal-morse-band-the-great-adventure.aspx

The pre-order page is live, but orders can't be placed until Tuesday, December 4th at 10am EST/9am CST. The album will be 3 versions for sale - 2cd, 2cd+DVD, and 3 LP vinyl.

50 customers in the first 24 hours will be randomly picked to receive a frame-able print signed by the whole band, so no need to F5 at 10am to get it!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 30, 2018, 10:09:44 AM
Oh goodie.  We're back to the cycle where pre-orders are about to go live, and bunches of people enthusiastically get their preorders set, and then on release day, a far-too-significant fraction of those fans are left to complain that their orders were delayed and that they should have either done a regular order from another source or picked it up at a store on release day.  :corn
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 30, 2018, 10:20:24 AM
Oh goodie.  We're back to the cycle where pre-orders are about to go live, and bunches of people enthusiastically get their preorders set, and then on release day, a far-too-significant fraction of those fans are left to complain that their orders were delayed and that they should have either done a regular order from another source or picked it up at a store on release day.  :corn

yea i did Radiant ONCE......never ever again.

bad business.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 30, 2018, 10:21:04 AM
Given that it is Radiant Records, that is almost guaranteed to happen!  :lol :lol

Granted, I can't complain too much since I got my Morsefest 2017 box set right away (although I have been burned in the past by them), but quite a few people are still waiting for theirs, based on what I have read online.

Seems like a bunch of people ordered the Morsefest and Life & Times DVD as a bundle, and since the L&T DVD was delayed at the plant, they have not received anything yet. Unreal. Good customer service would have been to bite the bullet and send those people their Morsefest orders so they got them right away, but nope, they are making them wait for everything since they were ordered as a bundle.  And numerous people had been emailing to ask about the status and getting no updates back. 

I continue to be saddened by how poorly Neal is represented by Radiant Records. He deserves better than that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 30, 2018, 10:26:15 AM
In fairness to Radiant, I have heard similar stories about preorders from a LOT of different vendors over the years, including Amazon.  That is why I NEVER preorder.  (Plus, I generally like going in and physically picking up the album at a store)  But that said, it seems like I have heard of it happening a lot more with Radiant.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 30, 2018, 08:12:50 PM
Given that it is Radiant Records, that is almost guaranteed to happen!  :lol :lol

Granted, I can't complain too much since I got my Morsefest 2017 box set right away (although I have been burned in the past by them), but quite a few people are still waiting for theirs, based on what I have read online.

Seems like a bunch of people ordered the Morsefest and Life & Times DVD as a bundle, and since the L&T DVD was delayed at the plant, they have not received anything yet. Unreal. Good customer service would have been to bite the bullet and send those people their Morsefest orders so they got them right away, but nope, they are making them wait for everything since they were ordered as a bundle.  And numerous people had been emailing to ask about the status and getting no updates back. 

I continue to be saddened by how poorly Neal is represented by Radiant Records. He deserves better than that.

This is VERY odd, because I ordered the bundled and got both the Life & Times DVD AND the Morsefest Artbook on November 17th. Apparently, looking back at an old email, they had to order MORE of the L&T DVD, so I guess I got lucky and my order was in the earlier batch before the cut-off. Weird, though, that they didn't order enough of the DVD. Perhaps they had more orders of the bundle than they expected, which I guess is a good thing for Neal in the end - more people want more of his music!

I also haven't had many issues with Radiant myself, not nearly as bad as other folks have said here - no botched orders, no untimely deliveries, no damaged or wrong products. Heck, I even cancelled an order once and got my refund, but they STILL sent the order to me! I haven't opened it yet, but I never thought to return it. I figured I could gift it to someone who might have never heard of Neal's music and might like it.

With regards to TGA itself, I am glad to see there's another Making Of DVD as they are always one of the things I look forward to with a new Neal project! I even find myself going back and watching old Making Of DVDs (Snow, V, The Whirlwind) from time to time because I really enjoy seeing his creative process and how he works with Mike, Randy, and now Eric and Bill. It'll be neat to see how the band creates yet ANOTHER double-album!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on December 01, 2018, 05:38:39 AM
I won't pre-order this at Radiant. I pre-ordered something there ONCE (think it was the Whirld DVD package) and I clicked "order" the second the pre-order began. The band also promised to sign the first [don't remember] copies that were ordered. Then the following things happened:
1. Shipping was ridiculously high (which I understand given that it shipped from USA to Germany)
2. Shipping took ridiculously long (which I also understand, but even for the distance it was too long)
3. The slipcase cover of the DVD was damaged
4. The flippin thing wasn't signed
Sorry Radiant. First and last time.
Plus, they only seem to sell the black LPs and I found a German website that sells an orange vinyl version for just about the same price.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on December 01, 2018, 06:10:38 AM
Oh, by the way, I found the tracklist of the album!
(Found it on an official German seller website so I hope it's okay to post that here)


Quote
1. Overture
2. The Dream Isnt Over
3. Welcome To The World
4. A Momentary Change
5. Dark Melody
6. I Got To Run
7. To The River
8. The Great Adventure
9. Venture In Black
10. Hey Ho Lets Go
11. Beyond The Borders
12. Overture 2
13. Long Ago
14. The Dream Continues
15. Fighting With Destiny
16. Vanity Fair
17. Welcome To The World 2
18. The Element Of Fear
19. Child Of Wonder
20. The Great Despair
21. Freedom Calling
22. A Love That Never Dies
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on December 01, 2018, 06:23:18 AM
Hey Ho Let's Go gives me Ramones vibes  :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on December 01, 2018, 07:20:25 AM
I definitely need more Neal Morse tracks named "Overture". Holy shit, use "Prelude" or "Introduction" or something!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 01, 2018, 07:42:03 AM
Assuming that track list is correct, I am ecstatic to see it is another album with mostly shorter songs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on December 01, 2018, 07:57:16 AM
That usually doesn't count when it comes to concept albums, though. However, Neal manages to pull off a short, infectious tune which is part of the concept but also can be played on its own. My favorite example of that on the previous album is Freedom song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on December 01, 2018, 08:36:05 AM
I definitely need more Neal Morse tracks named "Overture". Holy shit, use "Prelude" or "Introduction" or something!

being that my first love is Broadway......i'm used to it, lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on December 01, 2018, 03:42:30 PM
Preorders from radiant come with instant download of the first single so Im assuming well hear a song on Tuesday. Obviously wont be a full blown video from the video shoots. Just speculation, I could be wrong of course. But Im cautiously optimistic. I would think theyd release it on YouTube at the same time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on December 02, 2018, 02:40:29 AM
I definitely need more Neal Morse tracks named "Overture". Holy shit, use "Prelude" or "Introduction" or something!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think those things are not the same... Preludes or Introductions don't present big chunks of the most important themes and melodies of the piece. Overtures do just that and those themes are later reprised and varied. I think, often (especially in classical music), the Overture ends in a similar way as the whole piece, so the Overture is foreshadowing the end of the piece (like the Overture in Six Degrees did!).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 02, 2018, 07:43:44 AM
Not to speak for DTA, but I am going to go out on a limb and suggest that he meant, "Do we really need more songs by Neal Morse named Overture? Couldn't he have come up with something a little more creative this time?"

While I get what he probably meant, Neal's songs with that label always fit the description of what an overture is to a 't,' so I have no problem with it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on December 02, 2018, 10:42:55 AM
I definitely need more Neal Morse tracks named "Overture". Holy shit, use "Prelude" or "Introduction" or something!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think those things are not the same... Preludes or Introductions don't present big chunks of the most important themes and melodies of the piece. Overtures do just that and those themes are later reprised and varied. I think, often (especially in classical music), the Overture ends in a similar way as the whole piece, so the Overture is foreshadowing the end of the piece (like the Overture in Six Degrees did!).

Correct.  overtures in musicals, Classical.....encompass every (or nearly) every melody/theme you will hear.

Neal really nails lthe overture concept.  you can tell he is a classical.....perhaps even a theater lover.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on December 02, 2018, 11:27:25 AM
Not to speak for DTA, but I am going to go out on a limb and suggest that he meant, "Do we really need more songs by Neal Morse named Overture? Couldn't he have come up with something a little more creative this time?"

While I get what he probably meant, Neal's songs with that label always fit the description of what an overture is to a 't,' so I have no problem with it.

Exactly. Make it "The Great Adventure Overture" or something, I don't care. But calling tracks just Overture over and over again feels redundant from a naming standpoint. Even if it fulfills the criteria of an overture, it can still be called something else. They're usually some of the best songs on his albums but the constant repetition of the name always irks me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on December 02, 2018, 12:22:03 PM
Not to speak for DTA, but I am going to go out on a limb and suggest that he meant, "Do we really need more songs by Neal Morse named Overture? Couldn't he have come up with something a little more creative this time?"

While I get what he probably meant, Neal's songs with that label always fit the description of what an overture is to a 't,' so I have no problem with it.

Exactly. Make it "The Great Adventure Overture" or something, I don't care. But calling tracks just Overture over and over again feels redundant from a naming standpoint. Even if it fulfills the criteria of an overture, it can still be called something else. They're usually some of the best songs on his albums but the constant repetition of the name always irks me.

Or, in case of Testimony 1 and 2, he called them Overture 1, 2, 3, 4, etc  :lol

DT has managed this well, by calling them Overture 1928 and Dystopian Overture. Neal couldve done something similar here.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on December 02, 2018, 12:57:35 PM
Randon Observation.

i'm listening to So Many Roads from the So Many Roads Live Album.  the one with the European band.

holy shit.  this was fire, lol 

i call this my least fav epic.  but i played this version just now and it opened up.  i'm sorry this smokes the NMB Version.

never ever thought i'd say that.

must play again......wow.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on December 02, 2018, 01:37:38 PM
i'm sorry this smokes the NMB Version.

never ever thought i'd say that.

must play again......wow.

NMB lineup fans triggered in 3...2...1... :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on December 02, 2018, 02:10:50 PM
i'm sorry this smokes the NMB Version.

never ever thought i'd say that.

must play again......wow.

NMB lineup fans triggered in 3...2...1... :lol

just what i think.......but you're right :lol :biggrin:

and i'm a HUGE NMB fan and i'm saying that, lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 02, 2018, 04:39:17 PM
Why would fans of the NMB lineup be triggered?  ??? ???
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 02, 2018, 06:21:20 PM
Why would fans of the NMB lineup be triggered?  ??? ???

Probably because he thinks that fans of the NMB versions of Neal's songs would think those version are superior to the ones performed by the European band.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on December 02, 2018, 09:59:48 PM
I was joking, but yea, it seems like people here really really like the current NMB lineup vs all the previous people who have played with Neal (nothing wrong with that, btw).

In other news, MP confirmed that the first song is being released on Tuesday with the preorders :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 03, 2018, 02:02:12 PM
Looks like that tracklist earlier in the thread was correct, though looking at the pics released today of the final product shots, the album is divided into 2 acts with 5 chapters total.

Quote
Act I:
Chapter 1
1. Overture
2. The Dream Isnt Over

Chapter 2
3. Welcome To The World
4. A Momentary Change
5. Dark Melody
6. I Got To Run
7. To The River

Chapter 3
8. The Great Adventure
9. Venture In Black
10. Hey Ho Lets Go
11. Beyond The Borders

Act II:
Chapter 4
12. Overture 2
13. Long Ago
14. The Dream Continues
15. Fighting With Destiny
16. Vanity Fair

Chapter 5
17. Welcome To The World 2
18. The Element Of Fear
19. Child Of Wonder
20. The Great Despair
21. Freedom Calling
22. A Love That Never Dies

The pic also has chapter lengths but they are hard to figure out. Looks like disc 1 will be about 46 minutes, and disc 2 about 49 minutes long, with each vinyl side holding a chapter, but chapter 5's 30 minutes across both sides of LP3.

Check out @radiantrecords Tweet: https://twitter.com/radiantrecord/status/1069646208011038721?s=09

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on December 03, 2018, 02:11:32 PM
i'm excited.  Similitude to me is the best thing he's done so i doubt it'll be as good for me.....but i'm still pumped.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 03, 2018, 02:19:38 PM
I love seeing the total length just at a little over an hour and a half.  Similitude was so awesome because it had nothing but great stuff instead of them feeling the need to pack both discs with as much material as possible, ala Snow (which is great, but could have been trimmed down quite a bit and been a lot better).  Call it a concise double album, if you will. ;) :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on December 03, 2018, 02:23:58 PM
I love seeing the total length just at a little over an hour and a half.  Similitude was so awesome because it had nothing but great stuff instead of them feeling the need to pack both discs with as much material as possible, ala Snow (which is great, but could have been trimmed down quite a bit and been a lot better).  Call it a concise double album, if you will. ;) :lol

i agree about Snow.  I find the 1st disc amazing but the 2nd is ALMOST 1 big reprise.

even live it didn't change my feelings about the 2nd half.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 04, 2018, 08:10:40 AM
TGA preorders are live and I already put my order in and just finished listening to "Welcome To The World". Definitely not what I expected but I liked it! When Neal says this is a harsher, heavier record, I can hear it already. I'm excited to hear more now!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on December 04, 2018, 08:47:19 AM
TGA preorders are live and I already put my order in and just finished listening to "Welcome To The World". Definitely not what I expected but I liked it! When Neal says this is a harsher, heavier record, I can hear it already. I'm excited to hear more now!

-Marc.

Please give me more of your opinion about the track Marc  :omg:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 04, 2018, 08:48:23 AM
TGA preorders are live and I already put my order in and just finished listening to "Welcome To The World". Definitely not what I expected but I liked it! When Neal says this is a harsher, heavier record, I can hear it already. I'm excited to hear more now!

-Marc.

Please give me more of your opinion about the track Marc  :omg:

https://youtu.be/k18EfI42NsQ

Listen for yourself!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on December 04, 2018, 09:00:11 AM
TGA preorders are live and I already put my order in and just finished listening to "Welcome To The World". Definitely not what I expected but I liked it! When Neal says this is a harsher, heavier record, I can hear it already. I'm excited to hear more now!

-Marc.

Please give me more of your opinion about the track Marc  :omg:

https://youtu.be/k18EfI42NsQ

Listen for yourself!

-Marc.

I never listen to singles.. but I want to hear everybody's opinions about them  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 04, 2018, 09:06:37 AM
First impression:  I like it.  It kind of reminds me of The Grand Experiment (song), if I had to compare it to something else off the top of my head.  And since that is one my my favorite recent Neal songs, I'm cool with that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on December 04, 2018, 09:43:27 AM
First Impression. Underwhelmed. I love Neal and 99% of his music....but this song to me was tired.....almost a retread of many other songs/song structures that he's done in the past. Very bland and boring. Even the lyrics were generic.

I get that it's a 'single' and that he's not going to release some of the more technical or longer songs....but if you're looking to drum up hype for the new album and are releasing a single at least have the single be somewhat 'fresh' and have some gumption.

I generally trust Neal because up to this point I've never been let down by one of his releases. However, 'Welcome to the World' did nothing for me personally...except maybe make me worry that this release could be my first disappointment?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on December 04, 2018, 10:30:58 AM
First Impression. Underwhelmed. I love Neal and 99% of his music....but this song to me was tired.....almost a retread of many other songs/song structures that he's done in the past. Very bland and boring. Even the lyrics were generic.

I get that it's a 'single' and that he's not going to release some of the more technical or longer songs....but if you're looking to drum up hype for the new album and are releasing a single at least have the single be somewhat 'fresh' and have some gumption.

I generally trust Neal because up to this point I've never been let down by one of his releases. However, 'Welcome to the World' did nothing for me personally...except maybe make me worry that this release could be my first disappointment?

I had the same initial reaction - a little underwhelmed. I felt the same way though when I first heard City of Destruction but am glad I didn't let that affect how I felt overall about TSoaD when I first listened to the entire album, as that is one of my favorites now from any artist. So here's to hoping for a similar experience with TGA. And also agree about trusting Neal - I'm giving him and the band the benefit of the doubt that the whole album will live up to my hype and expectations.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on December 04, 2018, 10:31:34 AM
Everytime i hear NMB harmony.  i think Styx.

Catchy enough tune.  I have the chourus in my head already.  but it's typical Neal Fare.  as a single maybe a suppose you want that.

some recycled melodies.  but i still like the darker tone.  i wanted darker though.  but it's one song.....i'm still excited!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on December 04, 2018, 10:53:04 AM
This is pretty good, there were some unexpected twists and turns in there. I loved the transition from the first chorus into the second verse.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on December 04, 2018, 11:03:49 AM
I thought it was awesome from the first listen, great lyrics too!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on December 04, 2018, 11:27:07 AM
For What it's worth.......i'm always underwhelmed by any single anybody releases ever, lol

i don't know what it is with me....i've always been that way.

i expect to really enjoy the album......and probably the single more WITHIN the album

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 04, 2018, 11:42:23 AM
Here's the final Chapter lengths, and totals:

Act I (54:37)
    Chapter 1 (12:50)
1. Overture
2. The Dream Isnt Over

    Chapter 2 (23:48)
3. Welcome To The World
4. A Momentary Change
5. Dark Melody
6. I Got To Run
7. To The River

      Chapter 3 (17:59)
8.   The Great Adventure
9.   Venture In Black
10. Hey Ho Lets Go
11. Beyond The Borders

Act II (49:10)
    Chapter 4 (18:13)
1. Overture 2
2. Long Ago
3. The Dream Continues
4. Fighting With Destiny
5. Vanity Fair

      Chapter 5 (30:57)
6.   Welcome To The World 2
7.   The Element Of Fear
8.   Child Of Wonder
9.   The Great Despair
10. Freedom Calling
11. A Love That Never Dies

Total - 103:47

Which is 2:24 shorter than TSOAD, if anyone is wondering.

-Marc.
 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on December 04, 2018, 11:49:42 AM
I've always loved how neal divides stuff into parts.  very classical and theatrical.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on December 04, 2018, 12:02:22 PM
For What it's worth.......i'm always underwhelmed by any single anybody releases ever, lol

Same Here.   I gave it another couple listens....I'm still not all that jazzed about it but totally understand this is one song in a series of songs that is telling a story. I'm certain that in its proper setting 'Welcome to the World' will become more enjoyable for me. But as a stand alone it does little for me at this point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on December 04, 2018, 12:21:40 PM
For What it's worth.......i'm always underwhelmed by any single anybody releases ever, lol

Same Here.   I gave it another couple listens....I'm still not all that jazzed about it but totally understand this is one song in a series of songs that is telling a story. I'm certain that in its proper setting 'Welcome to the World' will become more enjoyable for me. But as a stand alone it does little for me at this point.

neal has only flat out disapponted me once with Lifeline.

so i have faith.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on December 04, 2018, 12:31:40 PM
neal has only flat out disapponted me once with Lifeline.

even with Lifeline being one of his "weaker" releases......I really liked 'Children of the Chosen' and 'So Many Roads'



SOAD was incredible in my eyes....and was fortunate enough to see it live. If I had to bet I'd say this release will be incredible as well. I'm just not captivated by the single at the moment.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on December 04, 2018, 01:14:37 PM
I wasn't going to listen but couldn't resist. I just love this band and Neal. His/Their music just makes me happy. Best song ever? No way. TSOAD is probably my #2 album of all time behind SFAM so this album is going to have a tough time competing with it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on December 04, 2018, 01:27:50 PM
Not feeling this song at all. I'm 100% sure I'll enjoy most of the album, but this particular track does nothing for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on December 04, 2018, 01:34:47 PM
I'm a bit surprised at the reviews of this song so far in this thread, I think it's pretty awesome! 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on December 04, 2018, 01:55:17 PM
I'm a bit surprised at the reviews of this song so far in this thread, I think it's pretty awesome!

I'm surprised that it does nothing for me.....as I LOVE Neal's music and have a hard time finding a song I don't like. It just feels 'blah' to me....like I've heard this song already from him before. It's not 'bad' per say but I guess I just expected something different?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on December 04, 2018, 02:11:47 PM
I'm a bit surprised at the reviews of this song so far in this thread, I think it's pretty awesome!

I'm surprised that it does nothing for me.....as I LOVE Neal's music and have a hard time finding a song I don't like. It just feels 'blah' to me....like I've heard this song already from him before. It's not 'bad' per say but I guess I just expected something different?
I'm pretty new to the NMB bandwagon, so I guess I have less of a critical eye, or ear I should say. I find nothing blah about this song. Sounds pretty darn solid to me..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on December 04, 2018, 02:39:55 PM
Off-topic rant:

In conjunction with my gripe about the uncreatively named "Overture", Neal has a song called Songs Of Freedom that he played on his previous tour. There's a song called Song For The Free on Songs From November. There's Freedom Song on Similitude, and now there's a song called Freedom Calling. He definitely needs to retire certain words from his titles.

The new track was okay, but pretty standard NM by this point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on December 04, 2018, 03:44:04 PM
Nothing surprising with the new song to me.  But I absolutely love it!  Definitely can tell the lyrical connection to Similitude.  I'd rather have a new album of a few long epics as opposed to a sequel full of short songs, but that comment aside I'm sure I'll love the new album.  Similitude never grew on me as much as most Neal albums for whatever reason, so I'm hoping I like this one better.  But hey even Neal's least good albums to me are still great.

I remember when they were pre-releasing "singles" from Similitude (Long Day/Overture, So Far Gone).  I think my initial reactions were a bit more positive to those (although those both felt more epic and less single-y so it's probably not a fair comparison).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 04, 2018, 06:08:08 PM
I like the new song a lot! I listened to it at work today on the ear buds and then again just now...and it is already stuck in my head. :lol :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on December 04, 2018, 06:51:07 PM
Well its hard to not have it stuck in your head. They say welcome to the world about 50 times inn that song!

To me its typical NM fare, nothing surprising nor was I expecting something surprising. Neal has been cranking out this type of stuff for years.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 04, 2018, 08:13:35 PM
Off-topic rant:

In conjunction with my gripe about the uncreatively named "Overture", Neal has a song called Songs Of Freedom that he played on his previous tour. There's a song called Song For The Free on Songs From November. There's Freedom Song on Similitude, and now there's a song called Freedom Calling. He definitely needs to retire certain words from his titles.

The new track was okay, but pretty standard NM by this point.

Huh, I've never noticed the seemingly over-use of words like "Freedom" among these titles. I guess it comes with the lyrical ground that Neal often treads upon. Maybe someone should mention it to him whenever they interview him next and see what he says about it! :lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 04, 2018, 08:32:50 PM
Yeah, and what's up with using the word "Jesus" so often? :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on December 04, 2018, 09:30:58 PM
Yeah, and what's up with using the word "Jesus" so often? :P

Neal's a Christian?

 :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on December 05, 2018, 03:40:52 AM
Nice track, I'm really digging it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on December 05, 2018, 10:46:55 AM
I would love to see Neal live, given that he might be my favorite composer of the last twenty years. However, he apparently isn't that big a deal in Eastern Europe. I have no idea when was the last time he performed in Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava or Sofia.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Thoughtspart3 on December 05, 2018, 11:35:42 AM
I really like Welcome to the World.  I good strait forward rocker.  Lyrically strong too. 

I was initially disappointed that TGA was not the continuation of Christian's journey in the Pilgrim's Progress.  I was wondering why Neal chose to switch to his son and tell his story.  However, it seems that Neal is going to tell the son's story which can provide new angles for the character while bringing the son through the struggles that Christian faced on the second half of his journey in the book.  The titles in act II are very clearly taken from the second half of the book.  I would have preferred sticking to Christian just so it would be one cohesive story over 4 discs.  I hope the son meets the father at the end of the journey.  That could be a potential tear jerker ending.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Thoughtspart3 on December 05, 2018, 11:37:02 AM
Also, going to see the NMB in Philly.  Anyone else going to be there?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 05, 2018, 07:51:12 PM
Neal having a "tear jerker ending" is kind of a given, no? ;)

I am making a point to not listen to the single again yet, as I don't always like getting to know one song too well before hearing the whole album.  Now, once the videos come out, and they supposedly filmed at least three, then I am sure I will change my mind... :lol :lol  IIRC, Similitude had like 4-5 videos released before the album dropped.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on December 06, 2018, 12:24:28 AM
I would love to see Neal live, given that he might be my favorite composer of the last twenty years. However, he apparently isn't that big a deal in Eastern Europe. I have no idea when was the last time he performed in Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava or Sofia.

True, although he comes to Germany for pretty much all of his tours. He'll be in Brno in April though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2018, 01:38:49 AM
(Re-structuring my idea here)

Lately with MP I've been feeling that his music is being made out of pure inertia, and ends up sounding just repetitive.
I agree that both he and NM make such tons of music that it's difficult to come up with something new all the time, however, this isn't something new, and not exclusive to Neal Morse, it kind of happened too in Sons of Apollo.

In pretty much every Neal Morse project he kind of sounds the same, like he just sits and plays.
Sure, that's his style, but after so many hours worth of music and so many CD's it kind of starts feeling heavily repetitive, like, seriously, if you isolated MP's drum parts from several songs and scrambled them, I highly doubt I'd be able to distinguish any of the songs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on December 06, 2018, 09:34:57 AM
(Re-structuring my idea here)

Lately with MP I've been feeling that his music is being made out of pure inertia, and ends up sounding just repetitive.
I agree that both he and NM make such tons of music that it's difficult to come up with something new all the time, however, this isn't something new, and not exclusive to Neal Morse, it kind of happened too in Sons of Apollo.

In pretty much every Neal Morse project he kind of sounds the same, like he just sits and plays.
Sure, that's his style, but after so many hours worth of music and so many CD's it kind of starts feeling heavily repetitive, like, seriously, if you isolated MP's drum parts from several songs and scrambled them, I highly doubt I'd be able to distinguish any of the songs.

i really agree.  but for some reason with Neal.  i find myself not caring.

i say myself saying every tune is folling the same blueprint but i always end up really loving it all the same.  i don'y know what it is.....but neal is one artist where i just do not care, lol

Ditto MP'S playing.  i can hear a new tune and tell you what fills he will use and where.  but it doesn't bother me......at least when he's with Neal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on December 06, 2018, 10:54:39 AM
I dunno, I never really thought about it that way. I always just really enjoyed listening to MP's drumming. His performance on Live in Tilburg is very impressive and fun to watch, same with SOA when I saw them live in Seattle. I thought he mixed it up well and keeps things fresh. I guess I just don't look into it so much..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on December 06, 2018, 02:33:05 PM
His performance on Live in Tilburg is very impressive and fun to watch, same with SOA when I saw them live in Seattle.

MP's live performances are fantastic. He is a true showman....and incredible drummer to boot. Saw both SOAD and SOA live and he killed it.

But I get the argument/debate about his repertoire. He's been done cultivating it for years now. He uses his tried and true 'tricks' and that's that. For the most part it still works for him. But there are some efforts where a bit of 'freshness' could really benefit him.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on December 06, 2018, 03:04:22 PM
Anyone know the best way to get ahold of someone at Radiant Records? A reliable email address or facebook or something? I ordered an album on the day after Thanksgiving and there's no sign of it anywhere. I live in the US so there's no reason why it should take 2 weeks. What a shitty company.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 06, 2018, 05:21:28 PM
Anyone know the best way to get ahold of someone at Radiant Records? A reliable email address or facebook or something? I ordered an album on the day after Thanksgiving and there's no sign of it anywhere. I live in the US so there's no reason why it should take 2 weeks. What a shitty company.

Join the "Neal Morse Forum" on FB and bring it to their attention.  The lady who runs it is on that page.

My guess is she is busy getting out the delayed bungle packages and whatnot, but that is still no excuse.  Bad customer service is bad customer service, and it's clear that Radiant does not consistently give good customer service.

Neal is right near the top of my list of musicians I have no problem buying whatever just to support him financially, but the list is long of things I didn't buy simply because I didn't want the aggravation of dealing with Radiant.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on December 07, 2018, 01:38:26 PM
Anyone know the best way to get ahold of someone at Radiant Records? A reliable email address or facebook or something? I ordered an album on the day after Thanksgiving and there's no sign of it anywhere. I live in the US so there's no reason why it should take 2 weeks. What a shitty company.

Join the "Neal Morse Forum" on FB and bring it to their attention.  The lady who runs it is on that page.

My guess is she is busy getting out the delayed bungle packages and whatnot, but that is still no excuse.  Bad customer service is bad customer service, and it's clear that Radiant does not consistently give good customer service.

Neal is right near the top of my list of musicians I have no problem buying whatever just to support him financially, but the list is long of things I didn't buy simply because I didn't want the aggravation of dealing with Radiant.

Just did that. Thanks for the heads-up! This is the first time I've ordered a physical item from them so this is a new experience for me. I did order an album as an mp3 version and it was missing a track. I wound up having to just get it from somewhere else as no one ever answered any emails.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 07, 2018, 04:44:56 PM
Not surprised.  It is never a good sign when the person in charge of customer service basically says, "I don't have time to answer all of the emails."  I manage the accounts of two of our biggest customers at work and would get chewed out Monday morning if I told my boss or one of my customers that I didn't update them about a delay via email (or on the phone) because "I didn't have time."  You make time for your customers, because you don't have a job without them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on December 09, 2018, 09:44:22 AM
I know, her response was so stupid, but I didn't want to make a hassle in a public forum. I can't imagine she's getting that many emails that it's just too overwhelming to say "it will ship on this date". Has anyone made Neal aware of how poorly Radiant is run? I'm not sure how much control/oversight he has, but I'm honestly hesitant to order stuff from there again. I know I'm just one person out of a bunch, but it's already a niche genre, and annoying customer service is actively making me search elsewhere for his stuff. It's not even like I'm anxiously waiting for my item (To God Be The Glory), but there's no indication it's even being shipped or that the order is eventually being fulfilled.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 09, 2018, 10:36:26 AM
I agree, it is better to play nice and not cause a hassle on a public FB forum, but it definitely has to be infuriating.

No clue if Neal has any idea, but I know that Amy and Joey are really good friends of his, so I am sure that is a big reason why she is the main one in charge of Radiant now (she runs Radiant, Joey was the emcee at the last two Morsefests - both seem like really nice people).  Most fans of his are so loyal that I think they will keep ordering from Radiant non-stop no matter what, since it directly supports Neal, so I doubt there is much blowback when these spells of poor customer service happen.  And I realize it is essentially a "mom and pop"-type operation - it's not Amazon after all - so some patience is always required.  I get it.  The lack of communication is what grinds my gears, as you basically have to call them out on FB, like you did, to get any type of response at times, and that is not the way it should be.

Long story short (too late!), it is buyer beware when it comes to Radiant Records.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 09, 2018, 11:36:32 AM
They should have something in heir site just like MP4 productions and or Ytse Jam rcords do: your order will take Xs number of days to ship. If it ships before fine and people its already aware on what to expect. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: deggs37 on December 09, 2018, 01:56:33 PM
I'm just now hearing the new single, and I really like it! Really enjoyable vocal harmonies and guitar solos - getting a lot of Queen vibes, which is never a bad thing. Pretty neat lyric video too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on December 09, 2018, 03:10:20 PM
Also, going to see the NMB in Philly.  Anyone else going to be there?

+1
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on December 09, 2018, 03:12:40 PM
To me, new song is "ok" but I expect much awesomeness from TGA
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on December 10, 2018, 09:31:55 PM
Really enjoyed Welcome to the World right on first listen. Loved what they did with the harmonies. And I thought the lyric video was pretty cool, too, especially the silhouettes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 14, 2018, 08:44:53 AM
After contacting Randiant this morning, I got an automated replied:

Quote
Hello!

Thanks for emailing.  As many of you know, we have had a lot going on around here at Radiant! If you don't know, we are a small mom and pop company so it takes a little time to process orders especially when we have a new release.  With this past release (Morsefest 2017: Testimony of a Dream) we had several different issues resulting in some serious delays. I know many of you have emailed about the status of your order.  I am using all my time in the day to package and ship orders right now.  I am trying to go through emails at night, but it is very time consuming and so there are some that are falling through the cracks.  So...here is an general update..

ALL Morsefest 2017: Testimony of a Dream orders that were placed before November 26th will be shipped out by the end of business Thursday, December 6th.

We will start processing the Cyber Monday sale orders Friday(December 7th) morning.  Keep in mind that we did receive a lot of orders so it will take several business days to get all of these out, but we should have them all shipped by Wednesday, December 12th. 

If you ordered after November 27th, your order will ship Thursday or Friday, December 13th and 14th.

I hope this is clear.  Thank you so much for your support and patience with me while we work through this.


Many Blessings,
Amy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 14, 2018, 10:13:22 AM
Sounds reasonable.

But I will go back to what I said earlier:  Radiant has had a history of issues with preorders.  That isn't to say they are shady or anything like that.  But there is a pattern.  And since that has been known for years on this forum, I just don't understand why forum members in particular would consider preordering from them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 14, 2018, 11:47:48 AM
Sounds reasonable.

But I will go back to what I said earlier:  Radiant has had a history of issues with preorders.  That isn't to say they are shady or anything like that.  But there is a pattern.  And since that has been known for years on this forum, I just don't understand why forum members in particular would consider preordering from them.

Yes, you ar right. I purchase from them ONLY to give the money directly to Neal, thats all.

That email, got me thinking,if they know they are a small business ran by papa and mama, and they know that with new releases they get a lot of orders, why don't you hire son, daughter and cousin to help you do the work that papa and mama can't by themselves?!?!?!?!

Anyways, I'll be waiting for my order.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on December 14, 2018, 01:26:00 PM
After contacting Randiant this morning, I got an automated replied:

Quote
Hello!

Thanks for emailing.  As many of you know, we have had a lot going on around here at Radiant! If you don't know, we are a small mom and pop company so it takes a little time to process orders especially when we have a new release.  With this past release (Morsefest 2017: Testimony of a Dream) we had several different issues resulting in some serious delays. I know many of you have emailed about the status of your order.  I am using all my time in the day to package and ship orders right now.  I am trying to go through emails at night, but it is very time consuming and so there are some that are falling through the cracks.  So...here is an general update..

ALL Morsefest 2017: Testimony of a Dream orders that were placed before November 26th will be shipped out by the end of business Thursday, December 6th.

We will start processing the Cyber Monday sale orders Friday(December 7th) morning.  Keep in mind that we did receive a lot of orders so it will take several business days to get all of these out, but we should have them all shipped by Wednesday, December 12th. 

If you ordered after November 27th, your order will ship Thursday or Friday, December 13th and 14th.

I hope this is clear.  Thank you so much for your support and patience with me while we work through this.


Many Blessings,
Amy

Thanks for sharing this. That said, I'm waiting on a Cyber Monday order and have yet to receive a notice that it's shipped (which I have in the past when ordering from Radiant). I'm not trying to definitively state what is or isn't going on, but I think it is possible that they've experienced a further delay, beyond what is described in the email.

I don't really mind too much, because I'm getting some extraordinarily good deals on that order on stuff that I probably would not otherwise be buying for months or years, and I like supporting Neal's store even when I am paying full price. But I thought I'd share my perspective on what's going on.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on December 14, 2018, 02:52:17 PM
I kind of feel bad for businesses that function like this. It's almost like the customers support them out of pity and give up on having a proper service for the sake of supporting the "underdog". I'm not sure what else to make of it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on December 16, 2018, 06:07:54 PM
I'm that guy: I'll pay Fish or Neal Morse a couple dollars more for the same disk that I can buy on Amazon for a reasonable price.

But, and I don't mean to be a dick here, I don't think I have to settle for crappy service to do it.  It's not rocket science to send out merchandise.  eBay is filled with 'companies' that do exactly this.  it doesn't take a seasoned corporate marketing executive to send out an email acknowledging an order or indicating a shipping date.   If it takes four weeks, so be it, I can wait; it's music after all, not life saving penicillin.  But just let me know.   Under promise and over deliver.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on December 16, 2018, 06:40:43 PM
Has anyone ordered the blu-ray of Morsefest 2017 from Amazon? This is their listing (https://www.amazon.com/Morsefest-2017-Testimony-Dream-Blu-ray/dp/B07GW5L9T5/ref=sr_1_1_twi_blu_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1545010146&sr=8-1&keywords=neal+morse+morsefest+2017+bluray)
I would normally order from Radiant and have a good history with them but it's almost twice what I would pay for the bluray only. The amazon listing says region locked but one of the comment says it's not correct.
Was wondering if anyone else from here ordered the same one.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 18, 2018, 08:32:16 AM
"The Great Adventure" music video - https://youtu.be/hcq6xc26WQI

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on December 18, 2018, 08:57:03 AM
First listen...I like it. While it doesn't blow me away I'm not expecting them to hit us with some of the more 'involved' or more technical songs with these releases....but I do like this one after the first listen. Although, and this isn't a sleight it's just a fact....it's a very 'Neal' song....meaning, there's nothing ground breaking going on here. Just more of the same that I've heard from him before. Nothing wrong with that if it sounds cool...but it's certainly not a break from the norm.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 18, 2018, 08:58:42 AM
I like it! That will have the whole crowd clapping along at the live shows. :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on December 18, 2018, 09:40:56 AM
I'm not gonna listen......as i said i'm always underwhelmed by any single.  ALWAYS.  doesn't  matter who it is.  i was already underwhelmed by the first one so i'm gonna wait for the album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on December 18, 2018, 10:01:27 AM
I dig this one a little bit more than Welcome to the World (which I thought was fine but didn't blow me away either).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on December 18, 2018, 10:20:19 AM
Too many keyboard solos, no guitar solo.  I'm sure Eric will have plenty of guitar solos throughout the record, but this song needs one too. Great song though, loved the drums and vocals and the rhythm guitar sound. :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Anxiety35 on December 18, 2018, 10:25:59 AM
I really like it. I hear Kansas, Yes, & Styx influences in the song along with Neal's signature voice & sound. Neal is a great songwriter. Dude just knows how to write a song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 18, 2018, 10:32:54 AM
Too many keyboard solos, no guitar solo.  I'm sure Eric will have plenty of guitar solos throughout the record, but this song needs one too. Great song though, loved the drums and vocals and the rhythm guitar sound. :tup

Interesting, I didn't even notice.  To me, as much as I prefer guitar-driven songs, the fact that I didn't notice that there wasn't a guitar solo speaks to the strength of the song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on December 18, 2018, 10:52:08 AM
Man, just cancelled my IC membership. It kind of hurt since I've been an IC member for a looooooooong time. But with the new downloads stuff, it was a big turn off for me. Specially the DVDs. When I got an IC DVD, I just popped it in and played it in my TV. Now I have to download it and either burn it or play it in my laptop as an ISO. Typically I don't enjoy watching movies in a laptop. I loved Neal's behind the scenes videos.  I deeply enjoyed the information and insight that these behind the scenes DVDs gave. I'm a huge fan of Making of videos so that was my main interest with the IC. Anyways, maybe I'll rejoin sometime in the future, maybe not. For now, I'll just wait for the latest Making of DVD in the The Great Adventure.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 18, 2018, 03:52:54 PM
Not that I don't love Neal's voice, but I hope some of the next few singles are songs where Eric and/or Bill handle the lead vocals.  I thought it was neat that the pre-release videos for Similitude featured songs where they each sang lead - City of Destruction (mostly Neal), The Ways of a Fool (mostly Bill, Neal the last verse), So Far Gone (Eric, till the end where all three trade off), etc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 18, 2018, 04:25:49 PM
I'm not expecting them to hit us with some of the more 'involved' or more technical songs with these releases....

Then I think you'll be surprised

Not that I don't love Neal's voice, but I hope some of the next few singles are songs where Eric and/or Bill handle the lead vocals.  I thought it was neat that the pre-release videos for Similitude featured songs where they each sang lead - City of Destruction (mostly Neal), The Ways of a Fool (mostly Bill, Neal the last verse), So Far Gone (Eric, till the end where all three trade off), etc.

Keep your hope up
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on December 18, 2018, 05:07:12 PM
Just listened to the song and really enjoyed it! It may just be that I'm more into Neal's music now than I was then, but I'm enjoying these singles more than I did the ones for Similitude, so I'm quite optimistic about this album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on December 18, 2018, 07:41:16 PM
Fantastic! Can't wait for release date! What a fantastic band!  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: TAC on December 21, 2018, 06:02:39 PM
"The Great Adventure" music video - https://youtu.be/hcq6xc26WQI

-Marc.

So I stumbled upon this video on youtube tonight.

Not into Neal Morse by any stretch, but I figured WTH. It was really enjoyable. I like my music a little heavier, but that was really nice.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 21, 2018, 06:38:49 PM
"The Great Adventure" music video - https://youtu.be/hcq6xc26WQI

-Marc.
I like my music a little heavier, but that was really nice.

Probably this is your record
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: TAC on December 21, 2018, 06:42:15 PM
Cool, I'll give it a Spotify listen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 21, 2018, 06:52:37 PM
Cool, I'll give it a Spotify listen.

I see what you did there
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: TAC on December 21, 2018, 07:01:45 PM
What did I do? :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on December 21, 2018, 07:16:10 PM
 :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on December 21, 2018, 07:20:44 PM
"The Great Adventure" music video - https://youtu.be/hcq6xc26WQI

-Marc.

So I stumbled upon this video on youtube tonight.

Not into Neal Morse by any stretch, but I figured WTH. It was really enjoyable. I like my music a little heavier, but that was really nice.



One of us! One of us!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: TAC on December 21, 2018, 07:45:00 PM
Hah!. Not so fast! ;D


I've sampled some of Neal's work, and I respect it as high quality. I just wish I liked it more. But I enjoyed that song, and it earned a dedicated listen to the album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 22, 2018, 09:32:37 AM
Not that I don't love Neal's voice, but I hope some of the next few singles are songs where Eric and/or Bill handle the lead vocals.  I thought it was neat that the pre-release videos for Similitude featured songs where they each sang lead - City of Destruction (mostly Neal), The Ways of a Fool (mostly Bill, Neal the last verse), So Far Gone (Eric, till the end where all three trade off), etc.

Keep your hope up

 :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on December 22, 2018, 10:53:10 AM
I'm not gonna listen......as i said i'm always underwhelmed by any single.  ALWAYS.  doesn't  matter who it is.  i was already underwhelmed by the first one so i'm gonna wait for the album.

I don't either. Still haven't heard the Dream Theater song either. I want everything to be new when the album hits the CD player and I'm pouring over the art and liner notes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on December 22, 2018, 10:59:06 AM
Man, just cancelled my IC membership. It kind of hurt since I've been an IC member for a looooooooong time. But with the new downloads stuff, it was a big turn off for me. Specially the DVDs. When I got an IC DVD, I just popped it in and played it in my TV. Now I have to download it and either burn it or play it in my laptop as an ISO. Typically I don't enjoy watching movies in a laptop. I loved Neal's behind the scenes videos.  I deeply enjoyed the information and insight that these behind the scenes DVDs gave. I'm a huge fan of Making of videos so that was my main interest with the IC. Anyways, maybe I'll rejoin sometime in the future, maybe not. For now, I'll just wait for the latest Making of DVD in the The Great Adventure.

Cancelled mine last year after being a member since he started it.  I enjoyed the CD/DVDs showing up in the mail, but once that stopped I was out.

 I understand why he did it, it's a lot less time consuming, but it's a lot less tangible to me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 23, 2018, 10:05:26 AM
That IC thing with the physical copies sounded pretty cool, hope he does something about it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 24, 2018, 02:57:21 PM
(https://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah58/jorge_pozo1/649C5742-CF3D-461C-BD1D-5569B0E863AA_zpske8m86yd.png) (https://s1377.photobucket.com/user/jorge_pozo1/media/649C5742-CF3D-461C-BD1D-5569B0E863AA_zpske8m86yd.png.html)

This is the link: ticketf.ly/2OttSHk
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 28, 2018, 08:29:35 AM
Morsefest 2019 has just been announced

https://youtu.be/13S-2uZeY5M
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on December 28, 2018, 09:35:31 AM
Figure it's a pretty safe bet that one night will be the new double album front to back. The content of the other night will determine whether I make the trip down to Nashville.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 28, 2018, 09:39:11 AM
Morsefest 2019 has just been announced

https://youtu.be/13S-2uZeY5M

Agreed, one night will likely be the final full performance of The Great Adventure, but the other night...hmmm.

Momentum in its entirety? Or perhaps something entirely different, like a Flying Colors night? The timing could be right if FC3 drops in the fall and then they tour.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 28, 2018, 11:17:17 AM
Itd be funny if he did TSOAD one night and TGA the other.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 28, 2018, 11:54:51 PM
Itd be funny if he did TSOAD one night and TGA the other.

I highly doubt that, mostly because Neal hasn't repeated an album performance from any of his other Morsefests, and I doubt he'd do it now when he JUST played that album live last year. I feel like it would cheapen the experience of having seen the final full performance of TSOAD at Morsefest 2017. Sure, thematically it would be nice to have the one album played and THEN its sequel played the next night, but I don't see it happening at all.

I think we're more likely to see Momentum played in full, then maybe as an encore after that, a long medley of TSOAD songs (since I'm sure they'll make a medley out of it sooner or later like they've done with Testimony, ?, and Sola Scriptura).

Or I could be wrong about Momentum or Flying Colors and Neal could completely surprise us with something new/different...(Transatlantic would be a HUGE surprise if it happened).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on December 29, 2018, 03:32:41 AM
If Flying Colors does drop an album this year, it will be the obvious choice for Morsefest.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on December 29, 2018, 05:55:42 AM
If Flying Colors does drop an album this year, it will be the obvious choice for Morsefest.

Neal is already touring for TGA and if FC releases another album, most likely there will be a small tour for that. Repeating both of those at MF seems a bit anticlimactic. I've never been to a MF but I always felt that they catered to a more hardcore fan that would appreciate something relatively obscure and rare. If FC is a part of it, it might be cooler to see them do their first album in its entirety instead. Or even Transatlantic do a SMPT:e or BAF set.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 29, 2018, 09:02:42 AM
Morsefest 2019 has just been announced

https://youtu.be/13S-2uZeY5M

Hotel reservations have already been booked by this guy!  :tup :tup


Neal is already touring for TGA and if FC releases another album, most likely there will be a small tour for that. Repeating both of those at MF seems a bit anticlimactic. I've never been to a MF but I always felt that they catered to a more hardcore fan that would appreciate something relatively obscure and rare. If FC is a part of it, it might be cooler to see them do their first album in its entirety instead. Or even Transatlantic do a SMPT:e or BAF set.

I totally agree with the bolded. 

I think it's a given that Night 2 will be The Great Adventure performed in full, with all of the usual Morsefest bells and whistles, with Night 1 being the question mark, no pun intended. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on December 29, 2018, 10:22:45 AM
I don't know what night 1 will be.  but i have to be honest and say i could do without a transatlantic night.  as we have Nearly all of their materiel out live a few times over.

so i kinda would be deflated a bit with that.I could see a flying colors night which i would really enjoy.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 29, 2018, 07:08:58 PM
I actually think a great idea would be to have the Night 1 encore be a handful of Similitude songs, ending with Broken Day / Long Day (Reprise), meaning Night 1 would literally end with the lyric, "Let the great adventure now begin..."  And then Neal can, after the music stops, add, "which it will tomorrow night!"
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on January 03, 2019, 05:54:50 AM
First review:
https://metalwani.com/2018/12/review-the-neal-morse-band-the-great-adventure.html
Im happy that it seems that the album is in fact made by shorter songs, like Similitude👍
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 03, 2019, 06:59:45 AM
Great review! It's going to be a long 4 weeks.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 03, 2019, 07:23:59 AM
Another one: https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/the-neal-morse-band-the-great-adventure/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 03, 2019, 07:50:32 AM
Great review! It's going to be a long 4 weeks.

22 days!! :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 03, 2019, 08:04:52 AM
Great review! It's going to be a long 4 weeks.

22 days!! :P

And just short of 3 months until I get to see it live in all it's glory...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 03, 2019, 10:49:50 AM
Great review! It's going to be a long 4 weeks.

22 days!! :P

If anything, 22 days is the shortest 4 weeks could ever be! :lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 04, 2019, 10:57:51 AM
My review of The Great Adventure should be done later today (I have a complete draft, but want to polish it up a bit before sending it to be published).  I think Neal fans are going to be really happy with this album.  I hate to be premature, given that this is only the 4th day of 2019, but I'll just go ahead and say it:  The Great Adventure is going to be a serious contender for album of the year and is one of the finest things Neal has ever done.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 04, 2019, 02:11:00 PM
My review of The Great Adventure should be done later today (I have a complete draft, but want to polish it up a bit before sending it to be published).  I think Neal fans are going to be really happy with this album.  I hate to be premature, given that this is only the 4th day of 2019, but I'll just go ahead and say it:  The Great Adventure is going to be a serious contender for album of the year and is one of the finest things Neal has ever done.

I think it might be even better than Similitude. Looking forward to your review bosk!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mebert78 on January 04, 2019, 02:50:30 PM
Wow, that's huge praise, guys!  You're getting me excited over here!  Woo-hoo!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on January 05, 2019, 03:11:26 AM
Better than Similitude? Damn, can't wait for this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 05, 2019, 08:15:16 AM
Here's the album review by mighty bosk1: https://lotsofmuzic.weebly.com/home/the-great-adventure-is-not-only-a-worthy-successor-to-similitude-it-is-one-of-the-finest-musical-works-of-neal-morses-career-album-review-by-jerry-deschler

 :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 05, 2019, 08:44:51 AM
Yay!  :D

And, yeah.  I'll say that it is better than Similitude.  Song of the moment is The Great Despair.  Very straightforward, but just an excellent rock album featuring lots of slide guitar and vocals by Eric.  It's very '80s, mid-tempo rock anthem-y.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 05, 2019, 09:32:51 AM
January 25th cannot get here soon enough.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 05, 2019, 09:49:51 AM
Meant to say "rock ANTHEM.". It kind of has a Bob Seger vibe to it.  Great little song.  Vanity Fair is my other ear worm.  It is so goofy, but so fun.  I think that will definitely be a love/hate kind of song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on January 05, 2019, 10:18:02 AM
Meant to say "rock ANTHEM.". It kind of has a Bob Seger vibe to it.  Great little song.  Vanity Fair is my other ear worm.  It is so goofy, but so fun.  I think that will definitely be a love/hate kind of song.

I like when they get a little goofy. It's those moments that stand out more and make an album feel more unique. I'm super excited for this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on January 05, 2019, 10:55:21 AM
Great review Bosk!  I like that the article is a kind of "in general" type of format with not many spoilers. I've read many reviews that go into too much detail and break down each song to the point where it gets exhausting to read.
 You said just enough to stir excitement for the album without revealing too much. I can't wait to hear TGA, plus I practically got front row seats to see it live in Seattle on March 5th.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on January 05, 2019, 11:13:15 AM
And, yeah.  I'll say that it is better than Similitude. 

I find that IMPOSSIBLE but can't wait for 1/25 to decide for myself. Thanks for the great review! :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 05, 2019, 01:00:31 PM
And, yeah.  I'll say that it is better than Similitude. 

I find that IMPOSSIBLE but can't wait for 1/25 to decide for myself. Thanks for the great review! :hefdaddy

i agree but we shall see
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 05, 2019, 04:22:42 PM
Nice review!  :tup I'm trying not to read too many reviews of the album as I want to dive into it fresh, but MAN, it's exciting to read that folks think it's equal to or better than Similitude, because TSOAD is as close to a perfect Neal album as one could get (still not my favorite album he's worked on ever, but it's high up there). In the coming week, I'll start putting TSOAD back into my listening rotation to get ready for TGA, especially if there are hints of lyrical and musical themes being shared between the two, it'll help me spot them easier!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 05, 2019, 05:26:47 PM
Nice review!  :tup I'm trying not to read too many reviews of the album as I want to dive into it fresh, but MAN, it's exciting to read that folks think it's equal to or better than Similitude, because TSOAD is as close to a perfect Neal album as one could get (still not my favorite album he's worked on ever, but it's high up there). In the coming week, I'll start putting TSOAD back into my listening rotation to get ready for TGA, especially if there are hints of lyrical and musical themes being shared between the two, it'll help me spot them easier!

-Marc.

Be careful with how your phrase or you could possible displease Mike Portnoy :facepalm:

I think Bosk1 wrote a great review, and he praised EVERYONE involved in the new album. Yet, Portnoy its not at all happy:

(http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah58/jorge_pozo1/280D67E9-F123-4854-8105-79051CCE7C56_zpsuvxlu9hl.png) (http://s1377.photobucket.com/user/jorge_pozo1/media/280D67E9-F123-4854-8105-79051CCE7C56_zpsuvxlu9hl.png.html)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 05, 2019, 05:35:14 PM
MP strikes again! I wonder if hes just salty because Bosk wrote the review (iirc, he doesnt like Bosk too much). Anyway, the band is called The NEAL MORSE band for a reason...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 05, 2019, 05:38:56 PM
MP strikes again! I wonder if hes just salty because Bosk wrote the review (iirc, he doesnt like Bosk too much). Anyway, the band is called The NEAL MORSE band for a reason...

And that was really well acknowledged on the review
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 05, 2019, 06:32:13 PM
MP strikes again! I wonder if hes just salty because Bosk wrote the review (iirc, he doesnt like Bosk too much). Anyway, the band is called The NEAL MORSE band for a reason...

And that was really well acknowledged on the review

Indeed (fantastic review, btw), adding Band to the name doesnt make it a completely different thing from the previous NM albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 05, 2019, 08:05:09 PM
Well, I know Mike's post can be read to come across as perhaps a little aggressive.  But I don't think he means it that way.  I think he is really just clarifying.  In one sense, reviews are not that hard to write if they are honest and come from the heart.  On the other hand, they ARE hard to write, because it can be difficult to make sure that what you are writing is really what you are intending to say, and it can be hard to balance all the different things you want to say.  Everybody involved in this album from top to bottom did a stellar job, and they all deserve a TON of credit.  But with Neal's name on the band and him driving the creative vision of the band, it is natural I think for people commenting on the band to focus more on him.  That doesn't make it any less a band effort.  I get where Mike is coming from, and I don't begrudge him one bit for pointing out everyone's role in the creative process.  Hopefully, he truly understands where I was coming from in that review as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 05, 2019, 10:36:57 PM
Nice review!  :tup I'm trying not to read too many reviews of the album as I want to dive into it fresh, but MAN, it's exciting to read that folks think it's equal to or better than Similitude, because TSOAD is as close to a perfect Neal album as one could get (still not my favorite album he's worked on ever, but it's high up there). In the coming week, I'll start putting TSOAD back into my listening rotation to get ready for TGA, especially if there are hints of lyrical and musical themes being shared between the two, it'll help me spot them easier!

I have come around to thinking it is the best album Neal has done to date. I even rank it ahead of the first three Transatlantic albums now, all of which rate very highly for me.  If the new album is even close to as good as Similitude, which I suspect it will be, I will be one happy fan. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Counselor of Prog on January 06, 2019, 08:41:34 AM
19 more days.  It'll be here before you know it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 06, 2019, 02:29:15 PM
Any songs in the vibe of The Ways of a Fool? I think it's my favorite on TSOAD!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on January 07, 2019, 12:21:36 AM
Any songs in the vibe of The Ways of a Fool? I think it's my favorite on TSOAD!

That's my favourite as well :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 07, 2019, 07:24:43 AM
I think TSOAD has taken the top Album spot of all time from SFAM for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 07, 2019, 10:08:44 AM
And now Erics wife:

(http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah58/jorge_pozo1/86ADBF1C-2446-47F9-9362-A64A0C45719B_zpsiaoqvjh6.png) (http://s1377.photobucket.com/user/jorge_pozo1/media/86ADBF1C-2446-47F9-9362-A64A0C45719B_zpsiaoqvjh6.png.html)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 07, 2019, 10:26:25 AM
I get it, but if they're so focused on showing this is a band effort, just come up with a real band name (like Transatlantic and Flying Colors) instead of calling it Neal Morse and friends and then complain he gets all the credit :lol

If they all wrote EQUALLY, as she says in caps, release it under "The Neal Morse, Bill Hubauer, Eric Gillete, Mike Portnoy and Randy George Band". That's equal credit for eveyone :tup

And this has been discussed to death on the DT threads, but I HIGHLY doubt Mike spent countless hours in his studio coming up with riffs and melodies (he isn't ever home, he's busy recording albums and touring with other 100 bands...), and, if he did, was that EQUAL to the input Neal, Bill or Eric had? Not buying it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Samsara on January 07, 2019, 10:39:33 AM
I get it, but if they're so focused on showing this is a band effort, just come up with a real band name (like Transatlantic and Flying Colors) instead of calling it Neal Morse and friends and then complain he gets all the credit :lol


This. When you use your name and attach THE BAND to the end, it basically is the person's whose name is used that most people associate with the work. Those guys all know that. And if they feel sour that recognition is going to Neal, when it was a band effort, then they should have released it under a BAND name.

The review was a very thorough description of the album, written passionately. Those guys should be appreciating that someone took the time to review their work, instead of complaining that each of them didn't get enough credit from the reviewer.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 07, 2019, 10:41:49 AM
I went back and read the review again, and I have to admit that it does come off like it is talking about a Neal solo album with contribution from "others," so I get where they are coming from.  Neal has just been such a prolific writer for so long that he is always gonna get the lion's share of attention in any band where it appears as if he is the dominant songwriter, even if that is not the case.  I can't comment on the new album yet, as I have not heard it, but while The Grand Experiment and The Similitude... certainly sound, more often than not, like they could have been Neal solo albums (let's face it, Neal's prog sound and style is always going to be crystal clear on any prog album he does), it is clear that the contributions from both Eric and Bill (who were not on Neal solo albums, unlike Randy and Portnoy) made those album different animals, and I suspect that will be the case with the forthcoming album as well.

In other words, let's hear it for all five members of the Neal Morse Band!!  :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 07, 2019, 10:49:25 AM
Well, no offense to Mike Portnoy, Eric Gillette, and any of the rest of the band members, but I wouldn't really change much of what I wrote. 

1.  First off, the review was incredibly complimentary.  Having gone back through it again, I don't minimize or slag anything about the album or any of the band members.  It is about as glowing a review as I could possibly write without just coming across as a completely biased shill for the band.  My sincere apologies if I did not take the time to individually praise each individual member's contribution more than I did.  But I am honestly not sure how I could have possibly been more positive.

2.  In my defense (as if I need to defend the review), I do not know what the actual writing contribution of each individual members consists of, and I have no way of knowing.  The band has not been explicit about that.  Having followed Neal's career for quite some time now, I can say that although Neal has said that with this iteration of the band, writing is more of a "band effort" than it has been, we the fans have little idea what that actually looks like.  Even having watched the "making of" video that came with Similitude for the prior album release cycle, it is clear that Neal is the driving creative force.  And it is NOT clear just how much the others bring to the table in terms of writing.  Neal is front and center in that video.  That is pretty much how it has always been.  And that is not a negative or a slight to anyone else.  It just is what it is.  So how are we the fans, including those relatively few of us who are privileged to review the material, supposed to intelligently comment in greater detail about each individual member's contribution when we have no idea what that is?  Especially when this is a pre-release review and, as a result, the band and label have been pretty mum about everything about the album, and the details are scant.

3.  Neal Morse's name is on the project.  Rightly or wrongly, that gives a "solo artist" impression, whether writing is truly a "band effort" or not.  Despite that fans (rightly) praise the individual performances of the other band members, I think there will always be a tendency to refer to the artist the project is named after in this type of situation.  It is subconscious, and is inevitable.  No matter how collaborative the band is, Neal will always receive the lion's share of the credit as long as his name is on the project.  Same with Dio, James LaBrie, Ozzy, etc.  Again, that isn't a slight to the other members.  But it's the double edged sword of this project being called "The Neal Morse Band." 

So, again, I'm sorry that my focus was more on Neal, individually.  I truly meant no offense and did not mean to marginalize the contributions of anyone else.  I apologize if some of my wording may have been a bit careless in that regard.  But there was nothing negative said in the review about anything, and I think it would have ultimately been more productive for each of the band members to focus on the glowing nature of the review and to be proud of what they brought to the table in eliciting such a response from a true fan of the band (the ENTIRE band) than to merely focus on any omission in shining the spotlight directly on them.  That's my two cents.

EDIT:

In other words, let's hear it for all five members of the Neal Morse Band!!  :metal :metal

^This.  1,000 times, this.

EDIT2:  I did, however, just submit a couple of small suggested revisions to make the intro more "band"-focused.  The folks who run LotsOfMuzik will incorporate those if they see fit.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Samsara on January 07, 2019, 10:57:35 AM
Well, no offense to Mike Portnoy, Eric Gillette, and any of the rest of the band members, but I wouldn't really change much of what I wrote. 

1.  First off, the review was incredibly complimentary.  Having gone back through it again, I don't minimize or slag anything about the album or any of the band members.  It is about as glowing a review as I could possibly write without just coming across as a completely biased shill for the band.  My sincere apologies if I did not take the time to individually praise each individual member's contribution more than I did.  But I am honestly not sure how I could have possibly been more positive.

2.  In my defense (as if I need to defend the review), I do not know what the actual writing contribution of each individual members consists of, and I have no way of knowing.  The band has not been explicit about that.  Having followed Neal's career for quite some time now, I can say that although Neal has said that with this iteration of the band, writing is more of a "band effort" than it has been.  But we the fans have little idea what that actually looks like.  Even having watched the "making of" video that came with Similitude, it is clear that Neal is the driving creative force, and it is NOT clear just how much the others bring to the table in terms of writing.  Neal is front and center in that video.  That is pretty much how it has always been.  And that is not a negative or a slight to anyone else.  It just is what it is.  So how are we the fans, including those relatively few of us who are privileged to review the material, supposed to intelligently comment on greater detail about each individual member's contribution when we have no idea what that is?  Especially when this is a pre-release review and, as a result, the band and label have been pretty mum about everything about the album, and the details are scant.

3.  Neal Morse's name is on the project.  Rightly or wrongly, that gives a "solo artist" impression, whether writing is truly a "band effort" or not.  Despite that fans (rightly) praise the individual performances of the other band members, I think there will always be a tendency to refer to the artist the project is named after in this type of situation.  It is subconscious, and is inevitable.  No matter how collaborative the band is, Neal will always receive the lion's share of the credit as long as his name is on the project.  Same with Dio, James LaBrie, Ozzy, etc.  Again, that isn't a slight to the other members.  But it's the double edged sword of this project being called "The Neal Morse Band." 

So, again, I'm sorry that my focus was more on Neal, individually.  I truly meant no offense and did not mean to marginalize the contributions of anyone else.  I apologize if some of my wording may have been a bit careless in that regard.  But there was nothing negative said in the review about anything, and I think it would have ultimately been more productive for each of the band members to focus on the glowing nature of the review and to be proud of what they brought to the table in eliciting such a response from a true fan of the band (the ENTIRE band) than to merely focus on any omission in shining the spotlight directly on them.  That's my two cents.


EXACTLY.

I've written hundreds of album reviews over the years. Its on the writer to do his or her homework. But if the information isn't readily available, its tough to judge what is what and how to phrase things. As bosk1 and I both said above -- when a person's name IS the band name (with "band" tacked onto the end), that person will always get the lion's share of the credit.

If this was a James LaBrie solo record - who gets the majority of the praise? James. Why? Well, because his name is the name of the band. Hell, James didn't even write much on his last "solo" album, and refers to the project as a "band," but he still gets credit by most people as being the mastermind behind it. That's not really fair, but that's the optics of it. He knows it, and so does his band members. I don't see too much bitching from those in James' band over that.

Simply put, all the dudes in "The NEAL MORSE BAND" know whose name is up there, and if they didn't like it, they should have released it under a band name. The review is actually WAY more complimentary than most reviews are, and they should be thankful that a work they are involved with is getting such high praise.

Again, I don't think any of them are angry at bosk1, but if they feel so strongly about it, they should talk with Neal about making sure any future collaborations are under a band name, instead of his name.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 07, 2019, 11:05:03 AM
Regarding the optics of a band name with one person's name, that is very true.

I am a longtime fan of Dave Matthews Band, who tour every summer, and back in the day, the common question among friends and family who were fans was, "You going to see Dave this summer?"  It's just the way it goes when the band name only mentions one person.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 07, 2019, 11:44:26 AM
I was reluctant to the changes been made, but made them anyways.

Here's the updated link:

https://lotsofmuzic.weebly.com/home/the-great-adventure-is-not-only-a-worthy-successor-to-similitude-it-is-one-of-the-finest-musical-works-of-neal-morses-career-album-review-by-jerry-deschler

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 07, 2019, 12:30:01 PM
Well done Bosk, great review.

In regards to the MP comment, another swing and a miss. I'll just say that even as a true band and not a Neal solo effort, MP is not the reason why I love their music. He's part of it but without Neal it wouldn't be what it is. I think Eric also contributes a ton with his vocals and amazing guitar work.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 07, 2019, 01:06:53 PM
Maybe I'm being too hard on them with this, but, aside from their vocals, I just don't perceive too many changes in the music aspect of things. TGE and TSOAD sound just like any other NM prog album, only with different vocalists in a couple parts. The albums, specially Similitude, are amazing, but they're that way BECAUSE they sound like Neal Morse prog albums, which is what they are.

Bill even uses the same exact keyboard patches Neal has been using for decades, making it harder to distinguish who's even playing the part when listening to the albums, and Eric, though he is a monster guitar player (no one's denying that), he is just, according to Mike Portnoy himself, "Petrucci Jr.". The other two members are Mike and Randy, both who have appeared on every Neal Morse prog album since One (iirc, Randy wasn't on Testimony), of course the albums are going to sound very similar.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on January 07, 2019, 01:30:48 PM
I've met Jaci briefly on multiple cruises, and while she is a very nice person, online she has gotten hostile with regards to Eric on more than one occasion. Frankly I've seen more instances of "helicopter spousing"or whatever you may want to call it from her than I've ever seen complaints from Eric. It may have already happened, but if not I'd hate to be the reviewer who gives a negative review to one of his solo albums if she gets involved.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 07, 2019, 02:53:58 PM
It-s getting interesting over the Eric Gillette forum on FB  :corn
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 07, 2019, 03:18:12 PM
It-s getting interesting over the Eric Gillette forum on FB  :corn

Any screenshots for us not on the EGF?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 07, 2019, 04:14:57 PM
It-s getting interesting over the Eric Gillette forum on FB  :corn

Any screenshots for us not on the EGF?

She deleted the entire post and I didnt take screenshots.
When I try to open one of the comments made by an user I got this message:

(http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah58/jorge_pozo1/EC475ECF-DDE7-43D2-9FEE-A9738D494EE3_zps96mheuwb.png) (http://s1377.photobucket.com/user/jorge_pozo1/media/EC475ECF-DDE7-43D2-9FEE-A9738D494EE3_zps96mheuwb.png.html)

For those non Spanish speakers it says something like: The post cant be loaded it is posible that the post its not longer available, or that it can only be read by a public you are not part of

HA!

But she wrote this and I sent it to Bosk1

Jorge Pozo please tell me that you also sent this response to Mike...

He is wrong. Period. He clearly states that he has reviewed this album as a solo album, which it is not. And, if he didnt know any better, then he should not be the one doing the reviewing, or he should have reached out and asked questions.

No one said that he was not positive enough and no one expects all reviews to be glowing. A review is someones opinion, and we understand that.

Ill share this response with the band, if you have not.

And before you ask, yes, I alas sent it to MP but he hasnt seen it/reply it. (Not expecting he replies if you ask me)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 07, 2019, 07:15:45 PM
https://myglobalmind.com/2019/01/06/neal-morse-on-the-bands-newest-cd-the-great-adventure-its-amazing-this-album-got-done/

Here's an interview with Neal discussing the creation of TGA, with some good insight regarding how the album went through some revisions before being finalized.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 07, 2019, 08:25:05 PM
Erics wife also taking shots at The Prog Report review

(http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah58/jorge_pozo1/74A9B966-A6A7-45C2-BE9A-062BA509C00B_zpsie5e73xw.png) (http://s1377.photobucket.com/user/jorge_pozo1/media/74A9B966-A6A7-45C2-BE9A-062BA509C00B_zpsie5e73xw.png.html)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 07, 2019, 08:54:38 PM
https://myglobalmind.com/2019/01/06/neal-morse-on-the-bands-newest-cd-the-great-adventure-its-amazing-this-album-got-done/

Here's an interview with Neal discussing the creation of TGA, with some good insight regarding how the album went through some revisions before being finalized.

-Marc.

Good find! Nice interview. :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 07, 2019, 08:55:42 PM
Erics wife also taking shots at The Prog Report review

(http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah58/jorge_pozo1/74A9B966-A6A7-45C2-BE9A-062BA509C00B_zpsie5e73xw.png) (http://s1377.photobucket.com/user/jorge_pozo1/media/74A9B966-A6A7-45C2-BE9A-062BA509C00B_zpsie5e73xw.png.html)

Unnecesary drama. Even Mikes reaction was better than hers, which is saying a lot.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on January 07, 2019, 09:07:31 PM
Man, so tempting to write a review basically saying how nice it was of Neal to teach Eric all the guitar parts after he wrote them for him.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 07, 2019, 09:10:23 PM
The worst part about this is that she could easily tell Eric that he needs to go on his own for him to ever get real credit for the music he makes, and boom, there goes the Neal Morse Band as they are currently constructed. >:( :facepalm:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 07, 2019, 09:45:29 PM
So I decided to pull out my copy of TSOAD and check the credits, and here's how it is printed on the packaging/in the booklet:

Quote
Written, Arranged and Produced by
Morse, Portnoy, George, Hubauer & Gillette
Lyrics by Neal Morse

If they are supposedly given equal credit, why aren't the names alphabetized, like you'd expect? George, Gillette, Hubauer, Morse & Portnoy? The way it seems makes it seem like that's the order of contributions, if there is any meaning to the order at all. Granted, it could be that Morse/Portnoy/George are listed that way because that's the order in which they joined Neal/the band, and listing the last two as "Hubauer & Gillette" rather than "Hubauer, and Gillette" makes sense as they joined at the same time.

Either way, when you take into account the fact that, even on the NMB albums, Neal probably still contributes the majority of the musical ideas and arrangements, and possibly almost all of the lyrics, it's not hard to think that someone might see it as a Neal Morse record with a band playing on it. As has been stated above, the transition from solo Neal records to NMB can seem only surface-level, with vocal contributions from Gillette and Hubauer, as some might find their performances near indistinguishable from Neal's, though I have gained more of an ear for Eric's guitar playing over the last two records.

It all seems very silly that they are making a fuss about this - of COURSE they all should be credited, that's why it's the Neal Morse BAND and not something like "Neal Morse And The Morsels" or something dumb where they feel like an appendage that can be easily replaced or chopped off. It's not like they have never heard an album/seen a movie or tv show and referred to them as a work by the main creator/director, right? Like, all those Stanley Kubrick films have other creators behind them, but he gets the credit, right? :lol

https://myglobalmind.com/2019/01/06/neal-morse-on-the-bands-newest-cd-the-great-adventure-its-amazing-this-album-got-done/

Here's an interview with Neal discussing the creation of TGA, with some good insight regarding how the album went through some revisions before being finalized.

-Marc.

Good find! Nice interview. :hat

I saw it posted by Mike on Facebook, oddly enough! It struck me as interesting considering how much work went into reshaping the album throughout 2018. We got hints of that in Neal's Inner Circle newsletters, but it sounds like a lot more went into re-working the album into a double concept than I had originally thought. Now I am really excited to watch the Making Of DVD that Randy has put together!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 08, 2019, 06:33:30 AM
Why would anyone feel the need to defend their husband's imput into a music album so strongly?

I think Bill's and Eric's influences on the last two albums are audible, but I'm personally not buying that all members contributed EQUALLY. I don't hear it when I contrast it to earlier Neal's albums. Even with Flying Colors I wouldn't argue there are equal contributions.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on January 08, 2019, 07:12:12 AM
Why would anyone feel the need to defend their husband's imput into a music album so strongly?

I'm not friends with her on FB, but see lots of stuff from her when she tags Eric and the sense I've gotten is she thinks that Eric professionally the hottest shit on Earth. Now I get it, she's his wife, he's insanely talented, and she wants to be supportive. But the disconnect seems to be that she doesn't understand that (for better or worse) that hard work and talent =/= success or songwriting ability, both of which Neal Morse has far more of. I have no doubt that all five guys pounded away on this album, and all were extremely dedicated to it. I also have no doubt that at the end of the day Neal Morse is the reason it'll all come together sounding as it does and being as good as it is. He has a long career and a track record in music and for good reason, and Eric has a lot of years to go to compete with that before they would be assumed equals on anything.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on January 08, 2019, 07:24:24 AM
So I decided to pull out my copy of TSOAD and check the credits, and here's how it is printed on the packaging/in the booklet:


Written, Arranged and Produced by
Morse, Portnoy, George, Hubauer & Gillette
Lyrics by Neal Morse

Not only this but it also depends on how the credits are submitted to the publishing company. So, even though it may have been a full blown band collaboration, the publishing credits is what dictates royalties and compensation.

Anyways, still on the fence with Neal. I'll have to stream the album first and decide then if I'll buy it.

Oddly enough, I keep spinning We Came From Space (the Bill Hubauer album). It's such a refreshing album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 08, 2019, 07:29:00 AM
I guess once we see how the credits are listed on the new album, we will see if the songwriting really was completely equal.  I will be shocked if any of the lyrics were written by anyone other than Neal Morse, and if Neal wrote all of the lyrics, that means he already has 50% of the songwriting credit (since lyrics and music/arranging generally are considered a 50/50 split).  Marc's post about the Similtude breakdown means Neal had 60% of the songwriting credit (100% of the lyrics and 20% of the music/arranging) and the others all had 10%.  I have a feeling the new album will have the same breakdown.  And that is not to diminish the impact and importance of the others.  The addition of Eric and Bill to the already existing trio (Neal/Randy/Portnoy) was awesome and I am personally a big fan of both, but, like Nick alluded to, Neal is ultimately the straw that stirs the murkiest part of the drink.  All five guys are important in the Neal Morse Band, but it is called the Neal Morse Band for a reason.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 08, 2019, 07:34:31 AM
All of this drama over a positive and respectful review is ridiculous.  I'd hate to see the response to a negative yet honest review.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 08, 2019, 08:00:51 AM
I guess once we see how the credits are listed on the new album, we will see if the songwriting really was completely equal.

"Music written & arranged by The Neal Morse Band. Lyrics written by Neal Morse." 

There are no separate song-by-song credits, at least not in the digital copies of the inside album art that I have.  (and I don't recall them having song-by-song credits within Similitude either, so that would be consistent)

And again, I don't want to take away from anyone's contribution.  But I also don't want to waste time getting into semantics arguments.  I again stand by what I wrote.  Neal is the face of the band, and as such, he will always receive the brunt of any praise or criticism for what they do.  In this case, I have nothing but unabashed praise for the album.  In the grand scheme of things, I have no problem with Mike and Jaci redirecting everyone's thoughts and word choices to remind us that this work is truly a band effort and not an individual effort.  And if and when the day ever comes that they put out something less than stellar that calls for criticism, I only hope both of them are just as vocal about reminding is that it was a band effort, and that any criticism should be directed toward and shared equally by the band.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 08, 2019, 09:44:58 AM
this is kinda deflating me on the album.....hate to say that.

but that's how stupid this is.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 08, 2019, 09:47:58 AM
this is kinda deflating me on the album.....hate to say that.

I hate to admit that I was starting to feel that way as well.  But I just had to put things in perspective and listen to the album again.  Regardless of any social media noise, this is a fantastic album that deserves to be listened to and enjoyed.  Do yourself a favor and don't let the noise be a distraction.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 08, 2019, 10:05:52 AM
this is kinda deflating me on the album.....hate to say that.

I hate to admit that I was starting to feel that way as well.  But I just had to put things in perspective and listen to the album again.  Regardless of any social media noise, this is a fantastic album that deserves to be listened to and enjoyed.  Do yourself a favor and don't let the noise be a distraction.

oh no doubt it's awesome.  i just need the album to drop before this sours me anymore.

it doesn't matter but Drama HAS colored records for me in the past.  i just never want that to happen with a NMB album
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 08, 2019, 10:13:57 AM
17 more days. And you'll still get my interview with Neal Morse to dive into before then!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 08, 2019, 11:39:57 AM
*Reads drama*

What a crazy thing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 08, 2019, 11:49:25 AM
Funny enough, this was one of the questions I asked Neal:

"A lot of articles about the band talk a lot about the chemistry between you and Mike and about the injection of energy from Eric, but lets talk about the unsung heroes of the NMB,  Randy George (bass), Bill Hubauer (keyboards, vocals) for a minute. How do they contribute to the overall sound of the band and the composition process?"
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 08, 2019, 12:00:46 PM
And he said...?  :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on January 08, 2019, 12:41:59 PM
Yeah, don't leave us hanging man!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 08, 2019, 12:44:03 PM
I will publish the interview soon enough. But you know Neal, he's the most polite person I've ever interviewed.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on January 08, 2019, 01:03:05 PM
For the first time in a while I was genuinely tempted to pick up this album after really enjoying Welcome to the World so much. Now I'm not so sure after Portnoy and Gillette's utterly unnecessary reactions to what was a great review. They should come up with a better more interesting name than The Neal Morse Band if that's what they decide to take issue with.

What I genuinely feel about Portnoy the man (as opposed to Portnoy the musician) will probably get me banned from the forum, so I'd better leave that be. I just hope he doesn't open his gob before Flying Colors III comes out because I'm genuinely looking forward to that. I just wish he'd realize he's not the centre of any bands he's in. He should just get back in the rank and file where drummers belong.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 08, 2019, 01:07:34 PM
I wouldn't hold any of this against Eric Gillette; he didn't say a word or do a thing.

Who else here is planning to go to Morsefest this year?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 08, 2019, 01:08:34 PM
What I genuinely feel about Portnoy the man (as opposed to Portnoy the musician) will probably get me banned from the forum, so I'd better leave that be.

Yeah, that is best.  You and I might not be far apart.  But here is not the place for it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Plasmastrike on January 08, 2019, 01:14:43 PM
Bought tickets to see NMB in February! I don't know his discography terribly well. Listened to Solo Scriptura a bit, Momentum, and songs here and there. I'm going to listen to Similitude and Adventure before the show just to familiarize. I've always really respected Neal's songwriting, the bassist's chops, Eric, and of course MP! I haven't seen MP since he was in DT. Should be a really cool night and experience.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nachtmerrie on January 08, 2019, 01:15:26 PM
Why would anyone feel the need to defend their husband's imput into a music album so strongly?

I think Bill's and Eric's influences on the last two albums are audible, but I'm personally not buying that all members contributed EQUALLY. I don't hear it when I contrast it to earlier Neal's albums. Even with Flying Colors I wouldn't argue there are equal contributions.

I really believe the intentions of Eric's wife are good but if I'm him I would tell her to shut up.
These comments are so childish without any reason. The album from you're husband band is getting fantastic reviews and you're focusing on some minor things that take away all the attention this album apparently deserves. ::)

I would love to hear Neal's opinion..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on January 08, 2019, 01:16:00 PM
I wouldn't hold any of this against Eric Gillette; he didn't say a word or do a thing.

Her surname's still Gillette though, right?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Hourglass Prison on January 08, 2019, 01:29:19 PM
I wouldn't hold any of this against Eric Gillette; he didn't say a word or do a thing.

Her surname's still Gillette though, right?

Thats what I was assuming you meant.
This whole situation is just...odd.

Looking forward to this album and tour!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on January 08, 2019, 01:36:02 PM
I think it's odd that people take comments from other media and post them here out of context. That's what I think is childish. It's not like Mike or Eric's wife came here to post their thoughts, so I shouldn't be seeing them here. I've been off Facebook for about a month now and it's shit like this that I don't miss one bit.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 08, 2019, 01:41:39 PM
What exactly is "childish" about posting comments here that are in response to a review that was posted by someone here?  I'm not sure how else to have legitimate discussion about that.  Since the comments were directly relevant to discussion being had here, it makes perfect sense to post them here. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 08, 2019, 01:42:12 PM
I think it's odd that people take comments from other media and post them here out of context. That's what I think is childish. It's not like Mike or Eric's wife came here to post their thoughts, so I shouldn't be seeing them here. I've been off Facebook for about a month now and it's shit like this that I don't miss one bit.

Except we DO have context - they are both referring to a review that was made by a forum member HERE, so it's not out of place to share their responses to said review here as well. And regardless of where it's post online,  once something is out on the net for all to see, it'll get seen by whoever wants to share it.

-Marc
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on January 08, 2019, 01:52:56 PM
I guess drama is something I need less of in my life. You guys enjoy it, and I will look forward to listening to the album when it comes out in a few weeks without it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 08, 2019, 02:11:51 PM
I guess drama is something I need less of in my life. You guys enjoy it, and I will look forward to listening to the album when it comes out in a few weeks without it.

I think we all would prefer less drama.  I know I would.  But sometimes we don't have a choice what other people say or do.  I don't think anyone here is "enjoying" it.  Kinda silly and in poor taste for you to come in here and call us  "childish" and then accuse us of "enjoying" drama when all we were trying to do was discuss the very POSITIVE reviews of the album, and then how odd it is for me to be attacked for writing a POSITIVE review in the first place.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 08, 2019, 02:13:09 PM
Rod, did you by any chance ask him about that one lyric that mentioned in my review as being odd?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 08, 2019, 02:20:03 PM
And sorry to triple post, but I finally had a moment to go back and read through the interview that was posted on the previous page, and found this to be pretty relevant to the recent discussion:

Quote from: Neal Morse
Neal Morse: Our 2016 album The Similitude of a Dream was inspired by the book; Pilgrims Progress from the 1600s. While on tour for that album I thought about doing a follow-up but realized I didnt have very much. I had a few extra songs from that album that were never used like Talking which was based on one of the characters and A Love That Never Dies. I wasnt sure what we wanted to say or how it could be different then Similitude. I started to read further in Pilgrims Progress, and in the second part, the wife of the main character has a change of heart and packs up her kids to go after her husband; taking the same route he did. Unfortunately, I didnt find much inspiration in it, so I just let it go. Last January the band and I wrote a version of this album that was not a concept album; it was a progressive rock album. It had many of the same themes from the currently completed album just in different pieces. I was rolling with it, just letting it happen, and the band was sounding great. When the smoke cleared after those sessions, Mike wanted to finish it, but I felt it wasnt what it supposed to be. He ended up having to leave without doing his final drums. I think he regretted it as he wanted to finish it as is. He and I were on the opposite end of the spectrum for the next step; the band was scattered somewhere in between. Mike was booked most of the year, so it was a tough decision to let it go unfinished. I said lets pray on it; if its supposed to be something else, Gods will make a way for it to happen. In between my dates on the Life and Time tour I was coming home to work on it; seeing if I could make it a two-disc album. Using ProTools, I was hacking old stuff out as well as writing new sections. It was a crazy process. I ended up with a two and a half hour version of The Great Adventure. Everybody liked it, and Mike was totally on board, which I thought was a miracle of God [laughing]. The next question was, When do we have the time to record it? This was in July, and I thought it would be great if we could have it completed in January 2019 to debut on Cruise to the Edge. Mikes first available was in August, and we would have to get all our parts done before Morsefest in September plus rehearse the Jesus Musical. We barely pulled it off in time.

When we got together in August, we made more changes as the band had a lot of other great ideas as well. Its amazing this album got done!

https://myglobalmind.com/2019/01/06/neal-morse-on-the-bands-newest-cd-the-great-adventure-its-amazing-this-album-got-done/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Samsara on January 08, 2019, 02:28:26 PM
He should just get back in the rank and file where drummers belong.

Say what?

(https://i2.wp.com/www.ghostcultmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/neil-peart-rush-2015-billboard-650.jpg)

 :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 08, 2019, 03:13:01 PM
And sorry to triple post, but I finally had a moment to go back and read through the interview that was posted on the previous page, and found this to be pretty relevant to the recent discussion:

Quote from: Neal Morse
Neal Morse: Our 2016 album The Similitude of a Dream was inspired by the book; Pilgrims Progress from the 1600s. While on tour for that album I thought about doing a follow-up but realized I didnt have very much. I had a few extra songs from that album that were never used like Talking which was based on one of the characters and A Love That Never Dies. I wasnt sure what we wanted to say or how it could be different then Similitude. I started to read further in Pilgrims Progress, and in the second part, the wife of the main character has a change of heart and packs up her kids to go after her husband; taking the same route he did. Unfortunately, I didnt find much inspiration in it, so I just let it go. Last January the band and I wrote a version of this album that was not a concept album; it was a progressive rock album. It had many of the same themes from the currently completed album just in different pieces. I was rolling with it, just letting it happen, and the band was sounding great. When the smoke cleared after those sessions, Mike wanted to finish it, but I felt it wasnt what it supposed to be. He ended up having to leave without doing his final drums. I think he regretted it as he wanted to finish it as is. He and I were on the opposite end of the spectrum for the next step; the band was scattered somewhere in between. Mike was booked most of the year, so it was a tough decision to let it go unfinished. I said lets pray on it; if its supposed to be something else, Gods will make a way for it to happen. In between my dates on the Life and Time tour I was coming home to work on it; seeing if I could make it a two-disc album. Using ProTools, I was hacking old stuff out as well as writing new sections. It was a crazy process. I ended up with a two and a half hour version of The Great Adventure. Everybody liked it, and Mike was totally on board, which I thought was a miracle of God [laughing]. The next question was, When do we have the time to record it? This was in July, and I thought it would be great if we could have it completed in January 2019 to debut on Cruise to the Edge. Mikes first available was in August, and we would have to get all our parts done before Morsefest in September plus rehearse the Jesus Musical. We barely pulled it off in time.

When we got together in August, we made more changes as the band had a lot of other great ideas as well. Its amazing this album got done!

https://myglobalmind.com/2019/01/06/neal-morse-on-the-bands-newest-cd-the-great-adventure-its-amazing-this-album-got-done/

This was the part of the interview that really struck me as the most interesting because, as I said above, we knew a BIT of what was going on through Neal's IC Newsletters, and that those January sessions almost made a complete album, but it's intriguing to hear that Mike wanted THAT to be the final album but Neal wanted more. I guess Mike (and the others) had heard the revised 2.5 Hour album that Neal had ProTool'ed and hacked together and were happy enough with it to record THAT version of the album instead, which makes me wonder how much of the original January-album was a full-band-effort and how much of that carried over into the completed album in August when they tracked drums and other parts?

I guess we'll know more once the album comes out and we get a glimpse of the process through the Making Of DVD!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on January 08, 2019, 03:25:19 PM
I wouldn't hold any of this against Eric Gillette; he didn't say a word or do a thing.

Who else here is planning to go to Morsefest this year?

I'm a maybe depending on what night 2 is. Hard to justify a flight to Nashville and a couple nights' stay somewhere if I'm not excited about the whole weekend.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 08, 2019, 03:57:46 PM
I made a playlist of Similitude and TGA.  I have to say that they flow into each other quite well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 08, 2019, 04:12:58 PM
I made a playlist of Similitude and TGA.  I have to say that they flow into each other quite well.

Nice! I bet that's quite a hefty 3.5 hour playlist to listen to. Do you reccomend listening to TSOAD right before the first listen of TGA?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 08, 2019, 04:28:46 PM
I didn't, but that would be a cool experience.  But if you don't have enough time or are too anxious to get right into it, maybe just listen to Broken Sky/Long Day just before TGA to set up the neat transition. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 08, 2019, 06:27:14 PM

I really believe the intentions of Eric's wife are good but if I'm him I would tell her to shut up.
These comments are so childish without any reason. The album from you're husband band is getting fantastic reviews and you're focusing on some minor things that take away all the attention this album apparently deserves. ::)

I would love to hear Neal's opinion..

I am pretty sure there is nicer way to accomplish that without telling your significant other to "shut up."

I wouldn't hold any of this against Eric Gillette; he didn't say a word or do a thing.

Who else here is planning to go to Morsefest this year?

I'm a maybe depending on what night 2 is. Hard to justify a flight to Nashville and a couple nights' stay somewhere if I'm not excited about the whole weekend.

While I understand that, to me, if you are a big fan, it doesn't matter what he plays; the experience of the entire weekend is pretty amazing.  Plus, who knows how many more years he will do this?  My brother and I are committed to going every single year now for as long as he does it. :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 09, 2019, 12:13:11 AM
Man, I was hoping this type of drama would stay within MP's Big-Balls-BBQ-Sauce Band. Of course, MP's comment, while a little childish, is nothing against this whining Jacy did.
Having heard the album, I agree that this is more of a band effort than probably anything else Neal has done before and I LOVE THAT. But as someone already correctly said, they shouldn't complain that the main focus is on Neal and people think the main contribution is coming from Neal (considering it has ALWAYS been that way in ALL OF Neals bands) when the band's name is Neal Morse band. OR they should have been more clear about the contributions.
Anyway, the album is one of Neal's - sorry: Neal's, Mike's, Bill's, Randy's and Eric's best efforts and you shouldn't be distracted by this pathetic drama around it. I remember a lot of people already being turned off Psychotic Symphony before it was even released (including me) - I hope this drama doesn't go on to have a similar effect on The Great Adventure.
Plus, I love that Eric apparently has simply nothing to say about this and I hope he keeps it this way  :lol Just the classiest, coolest thing to do right now (also very JP-ish ;) ).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 09, 2019, 10:52:15 AM
And sorry to triple post, but I finally had a moment to go back and read through the interview that was posted on the previous page, and found this to be pretty relevant to the recent discussion:

Quote from: Neal Morse
Neal Morse: Our 2016 album The Similitude of a Dream was inspired by the book; Pilgrims Progress from the 1600s. While on tour for that album I thought about doing a follow-up but realized I didnt have very much. I had a few extra songs from that album that were never used like Talking which was based on one of the characters and A Love That Never Dies. I wasnt sure what we wanted to say or how it could be different then Similitude. I started to read further in Pilgrims Progress, and in the second part, the wife of the main character has a change of heart and packs up her kids to go after her husband; taking the same route he did. Unfortunately, I didnt find much inspiration in it, so I just let it go. Last January the band and I wrote a version of this album that was not a concept album; it was a progressive rock album. It had many of the same themes from the currently completed album just in different pieces. I was rolling with it, just letting it happen, and the band was sounding great. When the smoke cleared after those sessions, Mike wanted to finish it, but I felt it wasnt what it supposed to be. He ended up having to leave without doing his final drums. I think he regretted it as he wanted to finish it as is. He and I were on the opposite end of the spectrum for the next step; the band was scattered somewhere in between. Mike was booked most of the year, so it was a tough decision to let it go unfinished. I said lets pray on it; if its supposed to be something else, Gods will make a way for it to happen. In between my dates on the Life and Time tour I was coming home to work on it; seeing if I could make it a two-disc album. Using ProTools, I was hacking old stuff out as well as writing new sections. It was a crazy process. I ended up with a two and a half hour version of The Great Adventure. Everybody liked it, and Mike was totally on board, which I thought was a miracle of God [laughing]. The next question was, When do we have the time to record it? This was in July, and I thought it would be great if we could have it completed in January 2019 to debut on Cruise to the Edge. Mikes first available was in August, and we would have to get all our parts done before Morsefest in September plus rehearse the Jesus Musical. We barely pulled it off in time.

When we got together in August, we made more changes as the band had a lot of other great ideas as well. Its amazing this album got done!

https://myglobalmind.com/2019/01/06/neal-morse-on-the-bands-newest-cd-the-great-adventure-its-amazing-this-album-got-done/

And this is why even if it is a more equal effort, Neal is the driving force. Nothing against the other dudes. Again silly and I'll leave it that. I don't view this drama as having an impact because I still feel this is Neal's band and I love his work and will continue to support it. The drama around Son's of Apollo was a different story and has permanently turned me off from anything that band does going forward.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 09, 2019, 12:14:06 PM
Yea i still Call NMB jstuff just Neal Morse....oops?

cause honestly i hear his influence most.....aside from Eric's guitar and trading vocals.  there is really not much difference.

don't ban me just an observation, lol

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nachtmerrie on January 09, 2019, 12:25:55 PM

I really believe the intentions of Eric's wife are good but if I'm him I would tell her to shut up.
These comments are so childish without any reason. The album from you're husband band is getting fantastic reviews and you're focusing on some minor things that take away all the attention this album apparently deserves. ::)

I would love to hear Neal's opinion..

I am pretty sure there is nicer way to accomplish that without telling your significant other to "shut up."

Sometimes I prefer to be clear instead of being nice...
I really like Eric as a musician having seen him with NMB en MP's Shattered Fortress. I bought his solo-album and really enjoyed it but I don't think many other people know about 'The Great Unknown'.
Despite all his talents he is primarily known as a member of the Neal Morse Band and I don't think his wife comments do him any good.

As stated in other posts and as the interview with Neal about the writing and recording of TGA make clear Neal is still the driving force behind the band.
It looks like it's gonna be another excellent album and I don't think many fans really care who made which contribution.
The focus of anyone who supports the band (including MP and Eric's wife) should be to sell as many album and tickets. Reviews like bosk1 can only be helpful so why start a discussion like they did.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 09, 2019, 12:26:19 PM
Yea i still Call NMB jstuff just Neal Morse....oops?

cause honestly i hear his influence most.....aside from Eric's guitar and trading vocals.  there is really not much difference.

don't ban me just an observation, lol

Same here. I have The Grand Experiment and TSOAD filed under Neal Morse on my music library and devices. The great Adventure will be no exception.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 09, 2019, 12:40:49 PM
Yea i still Call NMB jstuff just Neal Morse....oops?

cause honestly i hear his influence most.....aside from Eric's guitar and trading vocals.  there is really not much difference.

don't ban me just an observation, lol

Same here. I have The Grand Experiment and TSOAD filed under Neal Morse on my music library and devices. The great Adventure will be no exception.

Same as well - NMB albums are filed under my folder "Morse, Neal" but the Album Artist is credited as "(The) Neal Morse Band" under the tags.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 09, 2019, 06:37:46 PM

Sometimes I prefer to be clear instead of being nice...
I really like Eric as a musician having seen him with NMB en MP's Shattered Fortress. I bought his solo-album and really enjoyed it but I don't think many other people know about 'The Great Unknown'.
Despite all his talents he is primarily known as a member of the Neal Morse Band and I don't think his wife comments do him any good.

As stated in other posts and as the interview with Neal about the writing and recording of TGA make clear Neal is still the driving force behind the band.
It looks like it's gonna be another excellent album and I don't think many fans really care who made which contribution.
The focus of anyone who supports the band (including MP and Eric's wife) should be to sell as many album and tickets. Reviews like bosk1 can only be helpful so why start a discussion like they did.

First off, you misquoted me (quoting it the way you did makes it look like I said what you said, if someone didn't read the rest of the thread.

Secondly, even though I might agree with a lot of what you said here, I still think suggesting that someone tell his wife to "shut up" is poor form. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mebert78 on January 10, 2019, 10:26:41 AM
I had a vision this morning that Neal will be turning the Similitude of a Dream/Great Adventure story into a trilogy.  I'm expecting another epic 2CD concept album in 2022.  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 10, 2019, 10:42:59 AM
New song & video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2Y8DXcjOQY&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1Z_0FbD2RAbgHyKrCPeTiD_ouKwAYxRtRA8pQZ2wAuIHdLPtytE1HkBeI
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 10, 2019, 10:48:47 AM
Interesting that they posted that.  I was just coming in here to post that the "welcome to the world" them basically serves the same role as the "city of destruction" theme in Similitude, but that I think the "welcome to the world" theme is better.  But it is SO weird to hear Welcome To the World 2 out of context of the album.  It makes so much sense where they have it inserted in the album as the first track in chapter 5.  But it feels odd as a standalone.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 10, 2019, 10:58:54 AM
Interesting that they posted that.  I was just coming in here to post that the "welcome to the world" them basically serves the same role as the "city of destruction" theme in Similitude, but that I think the "welcome to the world" theme is better.  But it is SO weird to hear Welcome To the World 2 out of context of the album.  It makes so much sense where they have it inserted in the album as the first track in chapter 5.  But it feels odd as a standalone.

Agreed. I probably wouldn't even like it as a standalone track. But it works very well in the context of the album. So this is an odd choice for a single in my opinion.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nachtmerrie on January 10, 2019, 11:53:59 AM

Sometimes I prefer to be clear instead of being nice...
I really like Eric as a musician having seen him with NMB en MP's Shattered Fortress. I bought his solo-album and really enjoyed it but I don't think many other people know about 'The Great Unknown'.
Despite all his talents he is primarily known as a member of the Neal Morse Band and I don't think his wife comments do him any good.

As stated in other posts and as the interview with Neal about the writing and recording of TGA make clear Neal is still the driving force behind the band.
It looks like it's gonna be another excellent album and I don't think many fans really care who made which contribution.
The focus of anyone who supports the band (including MP and Eric's wife) should be to sell as many album and tickets. Reviews like bosk1 can only be helpful so why start a discussion like they did.

First off, you misquoted me (quoting it the way you did makes it look like I said what you said, if someone didn't read the rest of the thread.

Secondly, even though I might agree with a lot of what you said here, I still think suggesting that someone tell his wife to "shut up" is poor form.

Sorry for the misquote (wasn't intented, just poor computer skills).

I guess us Dutch are a little too 'straightforward' at times.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 10, 2019, 12:42:39 PM
To each their own. ;)

New song & video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2Y8DXcjOQY&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1Z_0FbD2RAbgHyKrCPeTiD_ouKwAYxRtRA8pQZ2wAuIHdLPtytE1HkBeI

That seems like an odd choice to release as the third "single," for obvious reasons.  I am sure it will be fine within the context of the record, but on its own, it was just okay.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mebert78 on January 10, 2019, 01:55:15 PM
For others who haven't seen it, I just stumbled across an old video of Neal performing in an '80s cover band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FZJK67RXp8
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Thoughtspart3 on January 10, 2019, 02:11:14 PM
One thing I am really excited about so far is the production.  The wave forms are not hyper compressed.  You almost never see this kind of dynamic range preserved in today's music.  Both early downloads we this way.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 10, 2019, 02:48:23 PM
For others who haven't seen it, I just stumbled across an old video of Neal performing in an '80s cover band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FZJK67RXp8
Whoa! That's something I never thought I'd see.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on January 10, 2019, 03:50:10 PM
For others who haven't seen it, I just stumbled across an old video of Neal performing in an '80s cover band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FZJK67RXp8
Whoa! That's something I never thought I'd see.

Unfortunately won't be able to "unsee or unhear" that! :facepalm:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 10, 2019, 07:55:45 PM
For others who haven't seen it, I just stumbled across an old video of Neal performing in an '80s cover band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FZJK67RXp8

Haha, that was hilarious to watch.  Neal randomly banging his arms away at the keys to the rhythm of She Drives Me Crazy made me LOL for real.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 10, 2019, 11:54:11 PM
For others who haven't seen it, I just stumbled across an old video of Neal performing in an '80s cover band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FZJK67RXp8

Haha, that was hilarious to watch.  Neal randomly banging his arms away at the keys to the rhythm of She Drives Me Crazy made me LOL for real.

Had to laugh at that too :D

BUT, I am (still) in a huge CSNY phase right now, so I noticed they absolutely nailed the harmonies in Judy Blue Eyes!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bill1971 on January 11, 2019, 10:15:09 AM
Nice review!  :tup I'm trying not to read too many reviews of the album as I want to dive into it fresh, but MAN, it's exciting to read that folks think it's equal to or better than Similitude, because TSOAD is as close to a perfect Neal album as one could get (still not my favorite album he's worked on ever, but it's high up there). In the coming week, I'll start putting TSOAD back into my listening rotation to get ready for TGA, especially if there are hints of lyrical and musical themes being shared between the two, it'll help me spot them easier!

-Marc.

Be careful with how your phrase or you could possible displease Mike Portnoy :facepalm:

I think Bosk1 wrote a great review, and he praised EVERYONE involved in the new album. Yet, Portnoy its not at all happy:

(http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah58/jorge_pozo1/280D67E9-F123-4854-8105-79051CCE7C56_zpsuvxlu9hl.png) (http://s1377.photobucket.com/user/jorge_pozo1/media/280D67E9-F123-4854-8105-79051CCE7C56_zpsuvxlu9hl.png.html)

I am a little late to this, but this is typical MP. I remember how important it was for everyone to know how much he contributed to DT. I have no doubt he has ideas and has input but the writing is always done by others and I think he knows that. I was watching the making of The Whirlwind, which shows MP giving suggestions and saying this theme can repeat itself at the end or build but without people writing the music there would be nothing to work with. I wish MP would try to write an album on his own and maybe it would dawn on him how hard it is to write.  Anyhow, unlike SOA this does not tarnish me looking forward to the new album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on January 11, 2019, 11:17:13 PM
Nice review!  :tup I'm trying not to read too many reviews of the album as I want to dive into it fresh, but MAN, it's exciting to read that folks think it's equal to or better than Similitude, because TSOAD is as close to a perfect Neal album as one could get (still not my favorite album he's worked on ever, but it's high up there). In the coming week, I'll start putting TSOAD back into my listening rotation to get ready for TGA, especially if there are hints of lyrical and musical themes being shared between the two, it'll help me spot them easier!

-Marc.

Be careful with how your phrase or you could possible displease Mike Portnoy :facepalm:

I think Bosk1 wrote a great review, and he praised EVERYONE involved in the new album. Yet, Portnoy its not at all happy:

(http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah58/jorge_pozo1/280D67E9-F123-4854-8105-79051CCE7C56_zpsuvxlu9hl.png) (http://s1377.photobucket.com/user/jorge_pozo1/media/280D67E9-F123-4854-8105-79051CCE7C56_zpsuvxlu9hl.png.html)

I am a little late to this, but this is typical MP. I remember how important it was for everyone to know how much he contributed to DT. I have no doubt he has ideas and has input but the writing is always done by others and I think he knows that. I was watching the making of The Whirlwind, which shows MP giving suggestions and saying this theme can repeat itself at the end or build but without people writing the music there would be nothing to work with. I wish MP would try to write an album on his own and maybe it would dawn on him how hard it is to write.  Anyhow, unlike SOA this does not tarnish me looking forward to the new album.

 :tdwn :censored :loser:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 12, 2019, 02:04:42 AM
Neal Morse started tracking keyboards for the new Flying Colors today!

Source: https://www.facebook.com/nealmorse/photos/a.421834371415/10157301802526416/?type=3&theater
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 12, 2019, 09:01:31 AM
Neal Morse started tracking keyboards for the new Flying Colors today!

Source: https://www.facebook.com/nealmorse/photos/a.421834371415/10157301802526416/?type=3&theater

man I can't wait, for this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: cglb321 on January 14, 2019, 10:52:45 AM
I'm contemplating not listening to the album before the show next month and taking it all in live. What do you guys think? I think it could be interesting since I already kinda know what to expect given that it's a NM album (which isn't a bad thing) and a sequel at that. Haven't seen them since the TGE tour and I'm excited to see how they've grown over the past few years!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on January 14, 2019, 05:41:34 PM
I'm contemplating not listening to the album before the show next month and taking it all in live. What do you guys think? I think it could be interesting since I already kinda know what to expect given that it's a NM album (which isn't a bad thing) and a sequel at that. Haven't seen them since the TGE tour and I'm excited to see how they've grown over the past few years!

Go for it.

I'm not listening until it arrives in the mail.

Generally, I like to be familiar with what I'm going to hear live, but there have been times when I see a live show and the album has not been released yet and it does have its own rewards.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 14, 2019, 05:48:25 PM
There is no way I can do that.  I am a fairly patient person in general, but not when it comes to new music by a favorite artist.  In those cases, I have to hear it NOW. :biggrin: :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on January 14, 2019, 06:56:40 PM
If you can hold out, go for it.  I was skeptical of seeing a concert of material I didn't know when I saw Neal's Jesus Christ the Exorcist at last year's Morsefest.  One of my favorite concerts ever (granted I don't go to many concerts and this was the only one I got to take my daughter too so take it with a grain of salt)

But I'm sure you'll enjoy it just as much if you cave and listen to the album.  I stand by my first statement though, IF YOU CAN wait, do it and you won't regret it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on January 15, 2019, 04:36:11 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/v7Hp1JU.png)

Is this going to be a requirement to not get yelled at by MP / JG now? :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on January 15, 2019, 05:03:43 AM
So I'm pretty sure I'm pretty sure I'm going to the Neal Morse show in a month. What would be a good place to start with him, ideally I'd like to check out some stuff that he'll probably play live.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on January 15, 2019, 06:26:04 AM
So I'm pretty sure I'm pretty sure I'm going to the Neal Morse show in a month. What would be a good place to start with him, ideally I'd like to check out some stuff that he'll probably play live.

Pick up the new album when it comes out, because that's what he'll be playing. I'm guessing the encore will be mostly stuff from Similitude of a Dream.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 15, 2019, 07:41:00 AM
I'm contemplating not listening to the album before the show next month and taking it all in live. What do you guys think? I think it could be interesting since I already kinda know what to expect given that it's a NM album (which isn't a bad thing) and a sequel at that. Haven't seen them since the TGE tour and I'm excited to see how they've grown over the past few years!
(https://i.imgur.com/v7Hp1JU.png)

Is this going to be a requirement to not get yelled at by MP / JG now? :P

This is pathetic. I'd be close to embarrassed if I were Eric. It's almost like a kid's mom going to the mean kinds of the class and telling them to stop being mean to her kid.
Eric is a wonderful musician and probably an awesome dude. His band and he are about to release an awesome album. He doesn't need this.


I'm contemplating not listening to the album before the show next month and taking it all in live. What do you guys think? I think it could be interesting since I already kinda know what to expect given that it's a NM album (which isn't a bad thing) and a sequel at that. Haven't seen them since the TGE tour and I'm excited to see how they've grown over the past few years!

Well, to be honest, this might not be the perfect album to do that. While it's still unmistakably a Neal Morse album (I believe I'm safe from Jacy here) , there are indeed a lot of influences from the other musician, I believe especially Bill and Eric. So it's not you typical Morse album 100%.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 15, 2019, 08:15:27 AM
So I'm pretty sure I'm pretty sure I'm going to the Neal Morse show in a month. What would be a good place to start with him, ideally I'd like to check out some stuff that he'll probably play live.

Pick up the new album when it comes out, because that's what he'll be playing. I'm guessing the encore will be mostly stuff from Similitude of a Dream.

I hope they bring back Alive Again as the encore on the tour. Considering that has yet to be played at a Morsefest, it would be a natural, as they could play it the whole tour, and then it would be well-rehearsed and on point for the Morsefest performance. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on January 15, 2019, 01:03:23 PM
So I'm pretty sure I'm pretty sure I'm going to the Neal Morse show in a month. What would be a good place to start with him, ideally I'd like to check out some stuff that he'll probably play live.

Pick up the new album when it comes out, because that's what he'll be playing. I'm guessing the encore will be mostly stuff from Similitude of a Dream.

Definitely the new album Reaper, since that's going to make up the bulk of the setlist. I'm hoping that the encore isn't stuff from TSOAD though. As much as I love that album, we got two tour runs and two official live releases from it (plus I saw another Inner Circle only show went up either today or yesterday). Time to give some other material a chance to shine live.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on January 15, 2019, 01:49:24 PM
So I just listened to a song called "A Place in Your World" by Flying Colors, and I think it is really awesome!  Can somebody tell me which album that is off of ?
Also is there any 'must have' live dvd's/bluray concerts of Flying Colors. I've never listened to this band until yesterday.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 15, 2019, 01:51:14 PM
I hope they bring back Alive Again as the encore on the tour. Considering that has yet to be played at a Morsefest, it would be a natural, as they could play it the whole tour, and then it would be well-rehearsed and on point for the Morsefest performance. 

Time to give some other material a chance to shine live.


Yes to both of these. Almost all of The Grand Experiment has been performed live at Morsefest (even 2 of the 3 bonus tracks), except "Alive Again", so it would be a great encore, even though they played it on tour just 4 years ago. Of Neal's epics, I really don't see them busting out "World Without End" as it is pretty long, but they have played half-hour encores on their last major tour, so it's possible. Of the two, though, I'd rather see them bring back "Alive Again", but either would be fine. Playing "Alive Again" just gives them a bit more time to sneak in another song into the encore (anything but an SB tune, "Agenda", "King Jesus", "Reunion", or "The Call", please...).

As for the other night of Morsefest this year, I still retain my theory that it'll be a Flying Colors concert as they plan to release the third album around that time, and I could see it as a warm-up gig before they tour in the fall. The guys in FC could even guest on the TGA night of Morsefest, allowing more shared vocals with Casey guesting! Having both the NMB and FC there could also allow for some fun shenanigans during the Inner Circle concert as well!

So I just listened to a song called "A Place in Your World" by Flying Colors, and I think it is really awesome!  Can somebody tell me which album that is off of ?
Also is there any 'must have' live dvd's/bluray concerts of Flying Colors. I've never listened to this band until yesterday.
"A Place In Your World" is off of Flying Colors' second studio album, Second Nature. One of their best tracks, too, IMO. Flying Colors only has 2 studio albums so far, and 2 live albums/DVDs/BDs release, one from each tour. Check Mascot Records for their stuff!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on January 15, 2019, 01:59:31 PM
Thanks Marc !  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on January 15, 2019, 02:13:48 PM
A Similitude encore would be a buzzkill imo. It's been the focal point of nearly everything Morse for the past 3 years, plus I'm sure the new album will reuse themes pretty heavily so it feels a bit saturated at this point. Alive Again is a pretty obvious and likely choice, though I feel like there will be a short "fun" song too. Maybe the live debut of Children of The Chosen will finally happen...  ;D ::)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 15, 2019, 02:56:28 PM
Alive Again coming back would be sweet.

I remember being lukewarm on TGE  on first listen (it has since grown on me) but when Alive Again came on.  it made up for that entire first listen. one of Neal's best epics.

World without End would be ok  but i wouldn't cry if it's never brought back again.it IS overlong i agree there.  Actually when you think on it it's almost a beat for beat twin of So Many Roads ALMOST, lol. it does drag more than Roads does,

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 15, 2019, 03:15:07 PM
A Similitude encore would be a buzzkill imo. It's been the focal point of nearly everything Morse for the past 3 years, plus I'm sure the new album will reuse themes pretty heavily so it feels a bit saturated at this point. Alive Again is a pretty obvious and likely choice, though I feel like there will be a short "fun" song too. Maybe the live debut of Children of The Chosen will finally happen...  ;D ::)

Eh?

Neal did his solo tour last year where Similitude was not the focal point (I think So Far Gone was the only song played from it, and that was in medley form).

Nothing from it was played at Morsefest '18.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bill1971 on January 15, 2019, 05:28:53 PM
So I'm pretty sure I'm pretty sure I'm going to the Neal Morse show in a month. What would be a good place to start with him, ideally I'd like to check out some stuff that he'll probably play live.

Don't you mean the Eric Gilette, Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Randy George and Bill Hubauer show??!!"  >:(

-Jaci Lynn Gillette
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 15, 2019, 05:56:33 PM
I'm contemplating not listening to the album before the show next month and taking it all in live. What do you guys think? I think it could be interesting since I already kinda know what to expect given that it's a NM album (which isn't a bad thing) and a sequel at that. Haven't seen them since the TGE tour and I'm excited to see how they've grown over the past few years!
(https://i.imgur.com/v7Hp1JU.png)

Is this going to be a requirement to not get yelled at by MP / JG now? :P

This is pathetic. I'd be close to embarrassed if I were Eric. It's almost like a kid's mom going to the mean kinds of the class and telling them to stop being mean to her kid.
Eric is a wonderful musician and probably an awesome dude. His band and he are about to release an awesome album. He doesn't need this.


I'm contemplating not listening to the album before the show next month and taking it all in live. What do you guys think? I think it could be interesting since I already kinda know what to expect given that it's a NM album (which isn't a bad thing) and a sequel at that. Haven't seen them since the TGE tour and I'm excited to see how they've grown over the past few years!

Well, to be honest, this might not be the perfect album to do that. While it's still unmistakably a Neal Morse album (I believe I'm safe from Jacy here) , there are indeed a lot of influences from the other musician, I believe especially Bill and Eric. So it's not you typical Morse album 100%.

Poor Eric
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 16, 2019, 12:28:03 AM
Funny, I disagree with most of the thoughts on Place In You World, WWE and Alive Again  :lol

I think A Place In Your World is actually one of the weaker FC songs, as the intro feels kinda random to me.. instead of the notes played, it could have been completely different notes, no one would have complained. In my opinion, Lost Without You and The Storm are more consequent with the poppy approach. Lost Without You might actually be my favourite FC song (I think I mentioned this before).

Alive Again is cool, but I like World Without End better. Both, however, are a lot better than So Many Roads imo, which is probably Neal's weakest 20 min+ song. I wouldn't be crazy about hearing Alive Alive again live, though it wouldn't bother me. Why not bring something "similar" to TGA into the encore, something more heavy? Something from Sola Scriptura? The Conclusion would be awesome.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on January 16, 2019, 05:42:57 AM
A Similitude encore would be a buzzkill imo. It's been the focal point of nearly everything Morse for the past 3 years, plus I'm sure the new album will reuse themes pretty heavily so it feels a bit saturated at this point. Alive Again is a pretty obvious and likely choice, though I feel like there will be a short "fun" song too. Maybe the live debut of Children of The Chosen will finally happen...  ;D ::)

Eh?

Neal did his solo tour last year where Similitude was not the focal point (I think So Far Gone was the only song played from it, and that was in medley form).

Nothing from it was played at Morsefest '18.

Forgot about the solo tour. Oh well, I'm not sure anyone's dying to see Similitude performed again for awhile.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 16, 2019, 08:06:41 AM


Alive Again is cool, but I like World Without End better. Both, however, are a lot better than So Many Roads imo, which is probably Neal's weakest 20 min+ song. I wouldn't be crazy about hearing Alive Alive again live, though it wouldn't bother me. Why not bring something "similar" to TGA into the encore, something more heavy? Something from Sola Scriptura? The Conclusion would be awesome.

Well, as we have been reminded lately, the new album is by the Neal Morse Band, and the tour is the Neal Morse Band, so it would only make sense for them to play songs by the Neal Morse Band, right?  ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 17, 2019, 06:32:06 AM
New lyric video Vanity Fair

https://progreport.com/neal-morse-band-premiere-lyric-video-for-vanity-fair/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 17, 2019, 08:19:47 AM
Nice little quirky tune. I dig it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 17, 2019, 08:50:02 AM
Oh, cool!  I didn't know they were going to release that.  Great, fun track.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on January 17, 2019, 10:51:55 AM
A little too quirky for me, but I'm sure it will grow on me in the context of the album. At least it doesn't over stay it's welcome.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 17, 2019, 11:31:14 AM
Yeah, it's a song I would kind of expect to be divisive.  It does make sense in the context of the story.  But if people don't like it, I wouldn't imagine that hearing it in the context of the album would change that either. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on January 17, 2019, 12:04:55 PM
I will say this about it, it gets stuck in your head after the first listen for a while. That means it's a very memorable song.  There has been a lot of songs that I didn't like on the first listen, but I loved later.  I don't know if that will be the case with Vanity Fair,  it was pretty easy to digest on the first listen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 17, 2019, 12:27:42 PM
I'll reiterate that I trust Neal and that he and the gang will deliver a great album. With that being said, none of the three releases do a thing for me. Pretty 'blah' to me and were it not for the track record that Neal has in my eyes/mind with what he's given me over the years.....I'd be really worried about this album.

Being that I 'know' how he writes I understand that these songs are out of context and will 'fit' in the story/album......but on their own I would never intentionally seek them out to listen to them again. Just 'run of the mill' to my ears being the fact of who's involved in the project....these are really rudimentary songs that don't stand out to me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 17, 2019, 12:29:22 PM
Well, some people just don't like awesome things.  :dunno:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 17, 2019, 12:31:43 PM
Well, some people just don't like awesome things.  :dunno:

I think they've just spoiled me over the years. I lean toward the real proggy side of Neal and the gang.....some of these more 'basic' songs just miss the mark for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on January 17, 2019, 01:15:10 PM
Well, some people just don't like awesome things.  :dunno:
That's how I feel when people say they don't like Rush.    :mehlin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 17, 2019, 01:24:33 PM
I'm still holding to not listening till i have it in my hands.

the first single underwhelmed me so no more till i have it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 17, 2019, 01:48:55 PM
I haven't listened to anything outside of first single because I'm assuming that until you hear each song in it's proper place on the album it'll make no sense. If I would have heard I'm Running from SOAD on it's own I would have hated it. It now makes sense to me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 17, 2019, 01:56:38 PM
Yeah, that makes sense.  There are definitely some standout individual songs.  But for the most part, they are better within the context of the album.  It's like what I always say about SFAM--the whole is MUCH greater than the sum of the parts to me. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 17, 2019, 02:19:53 PM
That song kind of reminds me of old Spock's Beard, where there's some silliness and humor. I've always appreciated that side of Neal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on January 17, 2019, 02:26:03 PM
That song kind of reminds me of old Spock's Beard, where there's some silliness and humor. I've always appreciated that side of Neal.

EXACTLY! :tup

My question is how do these lyrics fit in at all with the "Similitude/Adventure" vibe? Just sounds like a stand alone track???
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 17, 2019, 08:42:59 PM
I wasn't blown away by the pre-release Similitude songs, and then I got the album and the whole thing slayed, so I suspect these songs so far I find merely "good" will become a lot better once I hear the new album in a week. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 18, 2019, 08:45:31 AM
I wasn't blown away by the pre-release Similitude songs, and then I got the album and the whole thing slayed, so I suspect these songs so far I find merely "good" will become a lot better once I hear the new album in a week.

pretty much my sentiment. I loved the album as a whole....then....saw it live and was FLOORED by it. After the live show the album/songs increased in 'power' ten fold
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 18, 2019, 09:21:50 AM
I haven't listened to anything outside of first single because I'm assuming that until you hear each song in it's proper place on the album it'll make no sense. If I would have heard I'm Running from SOAD on it's own I would have hated it. It now makes sense to me.

I see what you did there ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 18, 2019, 10:05:26 AM
If I can engage in some minor spoilerage for a second, that's actually a pretty major theme on TGA and is actually reflected in the lyrics.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 18, 2019, 05:18:29 PM
If I can engage in some minor spoilerage for a second, that's actually a pretty major theme on TGA and is actually reflected in the lyrics.

 :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 18, 2019, 09:45:06 PM
Good interview with Neal:

https://jesuswired.com/2019/01/17/interview-progressive-rock-legend-neal-morse/?fbclid=IwAR3MKy6sz8gK_3Okyw_ALVf9BZkq6gih1xy6hk4fQqRAF497WdiZFWOcEZg

Don't let the link scare ya (OMG, Jesus!! :lol).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 19, 2019, 11:40:06 AM
Good interview with Neal:

https://jesuswired.com/2019/01/17/interview-progressive-rock-legend-neal-morse/?fbclid=IwAR3MKy6sz8gK_3Okyw_ALVf9BZkq6gih1xy6hk4fQqRAF497WdiZFWOcEZg

Don't let the link scare ya (OMG, Jesus!! :lol).

Great interview....very interesting. Cant wait to see them live in about a month.....see you there  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 19, 2019, 03:12:39 PM
Anyone else get their shipping notification from Radiant? Looks like my copy of TGA should arrive on Tuesday and I can't wait!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on January 19, 2019, 04:07:15 PM
There is no way I can do that.  I am a fairly patient person in general, but not when it comes to new music by a favorite artist.  In those cases, I have to hear it NOW. :biggrin: :lol

There was a time I probably couldn't wait for stuff like this, but that was a while ago.

With so much music out there to enjoy, I just take the zen approach and let it all come to me when it's ready. It's not like there's a shortage of music out there now. There's more than there ever was.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on January 19, 2019, 04:13:09 PM
I just  popped in Life and Times again earlier today and it's probably been a good few months since I've listened to it, but it was really great to hear it again. I forgot how good lyrically it is too. I realize it's nothing too serious, but I really enjoy how laid back this album is....
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 19, 2019, 08:51:38 PM
I was listening to some Neal era Spocks Beard songs today, and I had never thought about this before, but now I think Nick DVirgilios style/playing suits Neals writing much better than MPs.

This isnt a dig at MP at all, he plays everything flawlessly, but Nick has something special in his drumming that compliments Neals music in a way that MPs doesnt. Anyone here feels the same?

Call me crazy if you want, but I dare to say the NMB would be even better with Nick on drums :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 19, 2019, 09:21:36 PM
I was listening to some Neal era Spocks Beard songs today, and I had never thought about this before, but now I think Nick DVirgilios style/playing suits Neals writing much better than MPs.

This isnt a dig at MP at all, he plays everything flawlessly, but Nick has something special in his drumming that compliments Neals music in a way that MPs doesnt. Anyone here feels the same?

Call me crazy if you want, but I dare to say the NMB would be even better with Nick on drums :hefdaddy

That's a very interesting idea, which has prompted me to see if Nick has ever covered any of Neal's Post-Spock's solo songs, and I've found two that I could think of right away from Morsefest 2016 during the Storytellers Concert - "Jayda" and "Sing It High", which is funny considering my first thought after reading your post was to compare Snow and Testimony, both are double albums by Neal but one for SB and one with Portnoy drumming, and they came out so close to each other, but it almost feels unfair considering that by that point, Nick had been drumming with Neal for nearly a decade over 6 albums, and Mike had just started drumming with Neal only a few years prior, so their musical relationship was just beginning.

I think Nick has a play style that certainly suits some of Neal's music, but I can't really imagine him playing songs like "Author Of Confusion" or some of Neal's heavier stuff, especially like parts of Sola Scriptura. Likewise, it always sounded odd to hear Mike play SB songs with Neal, mostly because I had heard those songs so much with Nick.

I think at this point in his career, Neal's music definitely suits Mike's playing, and vice versa, because they have developed such a great relationship and I think Neal tends to cater his songs to fit Mike's playing style as much as Mike caters his style to Neal's songs. I will say, though, that it was great to hear Nick play on "Falling For Forever" with Neal's writing again, though I am sure having the Snow Live show definitely reignites the urge to see Neal and Nick reunite for a band again (whether it's SB or not).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 20, 2019, 08:29:11 AM
It took me a few listens before I figured it out, but those harmonies at the end of the chorus in Vanity Fair are very reminiscent of those in The Who's Christmas. I knew it sounded like something and then it finally hit me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 20, 2019, 12:01:21 PM
@Marc:

Youre right about the heavier stuff, Portnoy suits that style better, but I still think Nick is the ultimate drummer for Neals music, specially the more progressive stuff. As you say, I hope playing Snow live made them want to collaborate again on something.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 21, 2019, 07:20:47 AM
I'm still on the fence about taking the trek to Lawrence to see them in March. If the album is as good as the reviews are saying I may have to just do it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 21, 2019, 07:34:23 PM
Regarding the drummer discussion, I will simplify it: 

NDV is a great drummer.

Mike Portnoy is a great drummer.

Both do a tremendous job when playing Neal's music.

See, sometimes the answer is that easy. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 22, 2019, 10:34:06 AM
I'm still on the fence about taking the trek to Lawrence to see them in March. If the album is as good as the reviews are saying I may have to just do it.

Well I decided to pull the trigger and got tickets and meet & greet for the Lawrence show. I would have deeply regretted not going. Now I just have to cross my fingers that the weather cooperates for my 3.5 hour drive.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: thunderdog10 on January 22, 2019, 12:37:31 PM
My cd arrived today!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 22, 2019, 01:12:28 PM
My cd arrived today!!!

Mine is out for delivery right now, but I am stuck at work til at least 5, so just a couple more hours until I can hold it in my hands!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 22, 2019, 01:18:49 PM
:caffeine:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Joshgirouard on January 22, 2019, 03:12:47 PM
Mines stuck at customs (Canada) :'(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 22, 2019, 11:00:22 PM
It's almost 1AM, but here I am, watching the Making Of DVD for TGA, about a third of the way through it's hour-long run time. I've only heard the first few songs from the album so far, but I wanted to watch this DVD first! Some funny and interesting moments so far, like Neal singing "Broadway Melody of 1974" during the jam session of "I Got To Run".

I will try to give the whole album a solid listen tomorrow after work! I've just been watching a lot of other stuff lately, so I just gotta squeeze in a good 105 minutes to devote to this album! Loving what I am hearing so far, though!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on January 23, 2019, 03:36:38 PM
Friday morning CANNOT get here quick enough!!!! :corn
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on January 24, 2019, 09:01:11 AM
Got my copy in the mail yesterday and listened to it last night. First impression was that although it's not at the level of Similitude, it was still a fantastic album to listen through for the first time. To me the singles they've released so far sound so much better in their place/flow of the album as opposed to just being stand-alone tracks. MP says something along the lines of that TGA is not as great as what Similitude is, but that it is a worthy companion to sit next to it on the Making Of DVD. I think that's a pretty good way of describing it. NM/NMB fans should be quite happy with this and I can't wait to see it live next month.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 24, 2019, 09:04:31 AM
Personally, I liked Similitude and love TGA.  But to each their own.  I think most would agree that it is at least a "very good" album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on January 24, 2019, 09:12:36 AM
I'm trying to show some restraint in not saying that it's the best thing they've ever done based off of just 1 listen. I really enjoyed it and will sure that in time the 2 albums will be on par with each other as time goes on and I give it more listens. I just personally liked some of the recurring themes in Similitude better and think Broken Sky/Long Day had a more emotional impact for an ending than what A Love That Never Dies has.

That all said, I'm sure Similitude and TGA will be on equal footing in time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on January 24, 2019, 12:30:59 PM
"I Got To Run" released today. Pretty cool song, but I assume it fits in with the structure of the album. Sounds like a song from the son's anguish. One more day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 24, 2019, 12:58:40 PM
I love the "music box" and chimes parts in Dark Melody and I Got To Run that remind me of the Daredevil opening credits music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 24, 2019, 01:15:20 PM
Over the last couple of busy days, I've managed one casual listen of the whole album, and I've got to say, I do enjoy it. It hasn't clicked with me in the same way that TSOAD has, but that album has had 3 years to settle in my mind, so I've got to give TGA some time before I can form any super-solid opinions on it, but over-all I didn't dislike any part of it! I did remember thinking that the album has more memorable choruses and verses than solos, as it felt like some of the solos were very typical, and none stood out to me (yet). Maybe with more time, I'll discover just how good they are...

As was stated already, and as MP said on the DVD, this is a perfect companion to TSOAD, so if it doesn't top it, it definitely walks beside it.

On another note, I may burn a 3-CDr version of TSOAD and TGA:
Disc 1 - Tracks 1-17 of TSOAD (up to "Sloth")
Disc 2 - Tracks 18-23 of TSOAD, Chapters 1 & 2 of TGA
Disc 3 - Chapters 3-5 of TGA

It'd save me the trouble of having to change discs in my car one less time  :lol And it would maximize the disc space as well!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 24, 2019, 01:53:43 PM
"I Got To Run" released today. Pretty cool song, but I assume it fits in with the structure of the album. Sounds like a song from the son's anguish. One more day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Loved it!! Can't wait until tomorrow....
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on January 24, 2019, 02:29:45 PM
Woohoo...once again my local record store hooks me up and I now have TGA in my greedy and impatient hands :hefdaddy From now until I go to sleep (probably around 2AM), I'll be listening to this...."Let The Great Adventure Begin" indeed!!!!!!!!!!! ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 24, 2019, 02:58:22 PM
Woohoo...once again my local record store hooks me up and I now have TGA in my greedy and impatient hands :hefdaddy From now until I go to sleep (probably around 2AM), I'll be listening to this...."Let The Great Adventure Begin" indeed!!!!!!!!!!! ;D

i have a hook up as well.  i've had it a couple days......shhhh, lol

i'm waiting for tomorrow but i have thoughts.

do i like it......does it suck.....you'll see.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: nattmorker on January 24, 2019, 04:14:33 PM
I just completed my first complete listen of the new album. It's a lot to digest, but it sounds good so far. The last album took me a couple of weeks to really click, so I will reserve my judgement until I have many listens.

But again, it sounds really good!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on January 24, 2019, 06:32:32 PM
After ONLY ONE complete listen, I'll just say (IMVHO) that TGA is a VERY STRONG album, but NOT in the class of SOAD. That's not a "knock", just that for me, SOAD was PERFECTION! If I were to pick out one big difference, it would be that I didn't find TGA as "emotional" as SOAD. Even after the first listen through Similitude, I was choked up twice. Many MANY more listens to follow.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 24, 2019, 09:51:35 PM
Got my copy in the mail yesterday and listened to it last night. First impression was that although it's not at the level of Similitude, it was still a fantastic album to listen through for the first time. To me the singles they've released so far sound so much better in their place/flow of the album as opposed to just being stand-alone tracks. MP says something along the lines of that TGA is not as great as what Similitude is, but that it is a worthy companion to sit next to it on the Making Of DVD. I think that's a pretty good way of describing it. NM/NMB fans should be quite happy with this and I can't wait to see it live next month.

Does he really?  Wow, that is surprising.  Seems like his hype is pretty subdued for this album compared to what it was for Similitude.

I will have it tomorrow, but I am seeing a lot of positive reviews so far and a fair amount of reviews that are not overly positive thus far, so we shall see.

Let's face it, though: topping or even equaling Similitude is a near-impossible task.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 24, 2019, 09:59:19 PM
all i'll say for right now is i agree with MP.

TGA falls just short of Similitude.

i'll say more later.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 25, 2019, 06:18:31 AM
Got my copy in the mail yesterday and listened to it last night. First impression was that although it's not at the level of Similitude, it was still a fantastic album to listen through for the first time. To me the singles they've released so far sound so much better in their place/flow of the album as opposed to just being stand-alone tracks. MP says something along the lines of that TGA is not as great as what Similitude is, but that it is a worthy companion to sit next to it on the Making Of DVD. I think that's a pretty good way of describing it. NM/NMB fans should be quite happy with this and I can't wait to see it live next month.

Does he really?  Wow, that is surprising.  Seems like his hype is pretty subdued for this album compared to what it was for Similitude.

I will have it tomorrow, but I am seeing a lot of positive reviews so far and a fair amount of reviews that are not overly positive thus far, so we shall see.

Let's face it, though: topping or even equaling Similitude is a near-impossible task.

In my opinion they did it. TGA needs more listens still, but I think I might like it even a little more than TSOAD.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on January 25, 2019, 06:39:08 AM
Got my copy in the mail yesterday and listened to it last night. First impression was that although it's not at the level of Similitude, it was still a fantastic album to listen through for the first time. To me the singles they've released so far sound so much better in their place/flow of the album as opposed to just being stand-alone tracks. MP says something along the lines of that TGA is not as great as what Similitude is, but that it is a worthy companion to sit next to it on the Making Of DVD. I think that's a pretty good way of describing it. NM/NMB fans should be quite happy with this and I can't wait to see it live next month.

Does he really?  Wow, that is surprising.  Seems like his hype is pretty subdued for this album compared to what it was for Similitude.

I will have it tomorrow, but I am seeing a lot of positive reviews so far and a fair amount of reviews that are not overly positive thus far, so we shall see.

Let's face it, though: topping or even equaling Similitude is a near-impossible task.

I can't remember the exact phrasing he used as I only watched the DVD once (and was working while watching it so my full attention wasn't given to it). He wasn't trashing TGA by any means, but he wasn't proclaiming it to be the next Tommy or The Wall like he did with Similitude. At least that's how I remember that part of the DVD (last few minutes of the movie) - hope my memory isn't failing me!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 25, 2019, 06:42:55 AM
My copy is out for delivery! Very excited for this. TSOAD has become my favorite album of all time. I very personal connection to the album from somethings that happened in my life around the time it was released so it's going to be hard for TGA to surpass it. We'll see.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 25, 2019, 06:55:51 AM
Got my copy in the mail yesterday and listened to it last night. First impression was that although it's not at the level of Similitude, it was still a fantastic album to listen through for the first time. To me the singles they've released so far sound so much better in their place/flow of the album as opposed to just being stand-alone tracks. MP says something along the lines of that TGA is not as great as what Similitude is, but that it is a worthy companion to sit next to it on the Making Of DVD. I think that's a pretty good way of describing it. NM/NMB fans should be quite happy with this and I can't wait to see it live next month.

Does he really?  Wow, that is surprising.  Seems like his hype is pretty subdued for this album compared to what it was for Similitude.

I will have it tomorrow, but I am seeing a lot of positive reviews so far and a fair amount of reviews that are not overly positive thus far, so we shall see.

Let's face it, though: topping or even equaling Similitude is a near-impossible task.

I can't remember the exact phrasing he used as I only watched the DVD once (and was working while watching it so my full attention wasn't given to it). He wasn't trashing TGA by any means, but he wasn't proclaiming it to be the next Tommy or The Wall like he did with Similitude. At least that's how I remember that part of the DVD (last few minutes of the movie) - hope my memory isn't failing me!

Maybe he's just finally learning that no one believes him anymore when he promotes every album or project like this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 25, 2019, 07:21:32 AM
Regarding MP's comment that TGA doesn't surpass TSOAD, but merely compliments it as an equal/companion, I got the feeling that he grew to accept the album as a sequel to TSOAD. Throughout the video, he seemed the most resistant and reluctant to turn their follow-up into a sequel, especially in the beginning. I think he (and maybe the others) eventually let Neal have his way with the album, but as we all know, it was a BAND effort, so despite Neal steering the ship towards sequel-land, he could not have done it without the rest of his crew.

Also, Eric was oddly quiet throughout the whole video as well. He barely spoke or at least he wasn't shown as talking as much as the others... I wonder why that is? Now I'm curious if he spoke more on the DVDs for TGE and TSOAD...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 25, 2019, 07:54:42 AM
I've been with the album a couple days now.  I know a guy.....anyway I really like this record. Really like it.

First thing i liked the darker vibe this album has.  granted....it's not the dark heavier sola Scriptura thing i pictured when it was first announced but the vibe change was just enough to notice it.  also i was able to follow the story just fine having never read the book and not intending too, lol

as i suspected i actually liked welcome to the world more within the album.....i really wasn't too hot on it at release.  The great stuff on here my actually be some of my fav stuff he's put out. Actually  on first listen i was highly let down.  but things revealed themselves a lot and now I really do enjoy this album.  so this makes this album more of a grower than TSOAD.  which for me was instant love.  Anyway some highlights.

Overture (love the echo of the ending of Similitude here)
Dark Melody
I got to run
To the River (this is beautiful)
Venture In Black (this has a great hook and dark groove)
Fighting with Destiny (kick ASS)
Vanity Fair (this sounds like a Neal Era Spock's ditty)
Child of Wonder (why oh why is this song so short?)
The Great Despair ( um....... :metal :metal :metal)
Freedom Calling.

So that's a LOT of great meterial  and the band is on fire playing it.....AND I love the little musical nods to TSOAD throughout.

now......having said that.......i do think this album is a tad weaker. 

First thing.  and the number 1 thing that popped out......"Damn they are really leaning on this Love That Never Dies theme HARD, lol.  it pops up so many many times.  to the point that the album becomes way less varied.  and this then directly impacts the Finale to the point when i get to it.......and i hear the theme......AGAIN.  it sounds anti-climactic and tossed off.

in fact both finales to both discs are kind of a let down.

Also i just don't think this flows as well as TSOAD.  some transitions  just seem kinda clunky. Like they should have let some stuff cook a little more before calling it finished.

I've had over a dozen plays.  and i can say.......this really does not beat Similitude.....BUT.  it's a great companion.  and i will play it a whole lot........but Similitude will just get played more.

so after multiple plays......i go

8/10.



Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 25, 2019, 10:26:53 AM
lso i just don't think this flows as well as TSOAD.  some transitions  just seem kinda clunky.

Really?  I think the transitions are really cool.  But in some ways, they are very different.  One thing I noticed right off the bat was that quite a few songs have major transitions right in the middle, and then that ending half flows right into the next song, and then that next one will do the same thing, and on and on...  So it's almost like the actual track/song breaks occur right in the middle of songs.  Do you understand what I am saying?  Listen for it and tell me whether you agree. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 25, 2019, 10:51:45 AM
I've had my first listen and all in all I like it. I didn't care for the singles when they were released but dig them WAY more now that I've heard them in context. With any Neal release....this is going to take multiple listens to digest and appreciate but I do like what I've heard. I can say that it's not quite on the level of TSOAD but that's not exactly a bad thing. TSOAD is pretty incredible in my eyes and will always be a tough one to surpass. BUT...I'm seeing this performed live in a month and if it's anything like my experience with TSOAD.....after I saw that live my 'like' increased greatly....so I'm expecting after seeing this live I'll have more appreciation as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 25, 2019, 10:52:10 AM
lso i just don't think this flows as well as TSOAD.  some transitions  just seem kinda clunky.

Really?  I think the transitions are really cool.  But in some ways, they are very different.  One thing I noticed right off the bat was that quite a few songs have major transitions right in the middle, and then that ending half flows right into the next song, and then that next one will do the same thing, and on and on...  So it's almost like the actual track/song breaks occur right in the middle of songs.  Do you understand what I am saying?  Listen for it and tell me whether you agree.

Oh really....maybe that's what came off as Clunky....i'll listen again.  nothing says it all won't grow on me more.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 25, 2019, 11:21:32 AM
For those who got the bonus edition with the DVD documentary, is there a section with Jaci Gillette telling everyone how this is a BAND effort? :corn
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 25, 2019, 11:27:45 AM
:rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on January 25, 2019, 12:05:20 PM
I've been with the album a couple days now.  I know a guy.....anyway I really like this record. Really like it.

First thing i liked the darker vibe this album has.  granted....it's not the dark heavier sola Scriptura thing i pictured when it was first announced but the vibe change was just enough to notice it.  also i was able to follow the story just fine having never read the book and not intending too, lol

as i suspected i actually liked welcome to the world more within the album.....i really wasn't too hot on it at release.  The great stuff on here my actually be some of my fav stuff he's put out. Actually  on first listen i was highly let down.  but things revealed themselves a lot and now I really do enjoy this album.  so this makes this album more of a grower than TSOAD.  which for me was instant love.  Anyway some highlights.

Overture (love the echo of the ending of Similitude here)
Dark Melody
I got to run
To the River (this is beautiful)
Venture In Black (this has a great hook and dark groove)
Fighting with Destiny (kick ASS)
Vanity Fair (this sounds like a Neal Era Spock's ditty)
Child of Wonder (why oh why is this song so short?)
The Great Despair ( um....... :metal :metal :metal)
Freedom Calling.

So that's a LOT of great meterial  and the band is on fire playing it.....AND I love the little musical nods to TSOAD throughout.

now......having said that.......i do think this album is a tad weaker. 

First thing.  and the number 1 thing that popped out......"Damn they are really leaning on this Love That Never Dies theme HARD, lol.  it pops up so many many times.  to the point that the album becomes way less varied.  and this then directly impacts the Finale to the point when i get to it.......and i hear the theme......AGAIN.  it sounds anti-climactic and tossed off.

in fact both finales to both discs are kind of a let down.

Also i just don't think this flows as well as TSOAD.  some transitions  just seem kinda clunky. Like they should have let some stuff cook a little more before calling it finished.

I've had over a dozen plays.  and i can say.......this really does not beat Similitude.....BUT.  it's a great companion.  and i will play it a whole lot........but Similitude will just get played more.

so after multiple plays......i go

8/10.

I could not have said this better. I agree almost word for word. Two things I'll add. First, for me, NOT ENOUGH Eric Gillette lead vocals. Secondly, TGA is much less emotional than SOAD. I also would rate this an 8/10 while SOAD is a clear cut 10/10!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on January 25, 2019, 12:07:02 PM
For those who got the bonus edition with the DVD documentary, is there a section with Jaci Gillette telling everyone how this is a BAND effort? :corn
:facepalm:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 25, 2019, 12:45:21 PM
I've been with the album a couple days now.  I know a guy.....anyway I really like this record. Really like it.

First thing i liked the darker vibe this album has.  granted....it's not the dark heavier sola Scriptura thing i pictured when it was first announced but the vibe change was just enough to notice it.  also i was able to follow the story just fine having never read the book and not intending too, lol

as i suspected i actually liked welcome to the world more within the album.....i really wasn't too hot on it at release.  The great stuff on here my actually be some of my fav stuff he's put out. Actually  on first listen i was highly let down.  but things revealed themselves a lot and now I really do enjoy this album.  so this makes this album more of a grower than TSOAD.  which for me was instant love.  Anyway some highlights.

Overture (love the echo of the ending of Similitude here)
Dark Melody
I got to run
To the River (this is beautiful)
Venture In Black (this has a great hook and dark groove)
Fighting with Destiny (kick ASS)
Vanity Fair (this sounds like a Neal Era Spock's ditty)
Child of Wonder (why oh why is this song so short?)
The Great Despair ( um....... :metal :metal :metal)
Freedom Calling.

So that's a LOT of great meterial  and the band is on fire playing it.....AND I love the little musical nods to TSOAD throughout.

now......having said that.......i do think this album is a tad weaker. 

First thing.  and the number 1 thing that popped out......"Damn they are really leaning on this Love That Never Dies theme HARD, lol.  it pops up so many many times.  to the point that the album becomes way less varied.  and this then directly impacts the Finale to the point when i get to it.......and i hear the theme......AGAIN.  it sounds anti-climactic and tossed off.

in fact both finales to both discs are kind of a let down.

Also i just don't think this flows as well as TSOAD.  some transitions  just seem kinda clunky. Like they should have let some stuff cook a little more before calling it finished.

I've had over a dozen plays.  and i can say.......this really does not beat Similitude.....BUT.  it's a great companion.  and i will play it a whole lot........but Similitude will just get played more.

so after multiple plays......i go

8/10.

I could not have said this better. I agree almost word for word. Two things I'll add. First, for me, NOT ENOUGH Eric Gillette lead vocals. Secondly, TGA is much less emotional than SOAD. I also would rate this an 8/10 while SOAD is a clear cut 10/10!

Agreed.  totally.  and like i said the biggest offender is the Love that Never Dies theme.  i just completed another listen.  and it's a pretty melody but you hear it near constantly on the record.  it's almost funny to me, lol  but that DOES to my ears drain the emotional impact of the finale cause by that time it's about the 7th time we've heard it, lol.

i could almost hear them.  "what do you do for an ending.  uh......stick the theme in!!!"

but it's still a great record.  just my eyes were dry in the end, lol.

and i was kinda miffed at no Bill solo number. he was singing all over but no SOLO number.

but that's minor.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 25, 2019, 12:49:02 PM
I've been with the album a couple days now.  I know a guy.....anyway I really like this record. Really like it.

First thing i liked the darker vibe this album has.  granted....it's not the dark heavier sola Scriptura thing i pictured when it was first announced but the vibe change was just enough to notice it.  also i was able to follow the story just fine having never read the book and not intending too, lol

as i suspected i actually liked welcome to the world more within the album.....i really wasn't too hot on it at release.  The great stuff on here my actually be some of my fav stuff he's put out. Actually  on first listen i was highly let down.  but things revealed themselves a lot and now I really do enjoy this album.  so this makes this album more of a grower than TSOAD.  which for me was instant love.  Anyway some highlights.

Overture (love the echo of the ending of Similitude here)
Dark Melody
I got to run
To the River (this is beautiful)
Venture In Black (this has a great hook and dark groove)
Fighting with Destiny (kick ASS)
Vanity Fair (this sounds like a Neal Era Spock's ditty)
Child of Wonder (why oh why is this song so short?)
The Great Despair ( um....... :metal :metal :metal)
Freedom Calling.

So that's a LOT of great meterial  and the band is on fire playing it.....AND I love the little musical nods to TSOAD throughout.

now......having said that.......i do think this album is a tad weaker. 

First thing.  and the number 1 thing that popped out......"Damn they are really leaning on this Love That Never Dies theme HARD, lol.  it pops up so many many times.  to the point that the album becomes way less varied.  and this then directly impacts the Finale to the point when i get to it.......and i hear the theme......AGAIN.  it sounds anti-climactic and tossed off.

in fact both finales to both discs are kind of a let down.

Also i just don't think this flows as well as TSOAD.  some transitions  just seem kinda clunky. Like they should have let some stuff cook a little more before calling it finished.

I've had over a dozen plays.  and i can say.......this really does not beat Similitude.....BUT.  it's a great companion.  and i will play it a whole lot........but Similitude will just get played more.

so after multiple plays......i go

8/10.

I could not have said this better. I agree almost word for word. Two things I'll add. First, for me, NOT ENOUGH Eric Gillette lead vocals. Secondly, TGA is much less emotional than SOAD. I also would rate this an 8/10 while SOAD is a clear cut 10/10!

Agreed.  totally.  and like i said the biggest offender is the Love that Never Dies theme.  i just completed another listen.  and it's a pretty melody but you hear it near constantly on the record.  it's almost funny to me, lol  but that DOES to my ears drain the emotional impact of the finale cause by that time it's about the 7th time we've heard it, lol.

i could almost hear them.  "what do you do for an ending.  uh......stick the theme in!!!"

but it's still a great record.  just my eyes were dry in the end, lol.

and i was kinda miffed at no Bill solo number. he was singing all over but no SOLO number. and i don't count that wimpy end to disc 1. lol.

but that's minor.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 25, 2019, 01:22:04 PM
For those who got the bonus edition with the DVD documentary, is there a section with Jaci Gillette telling everyone how this is a BAND effort? :corn
I'm on my first listen and there's a spoken word piece by Eric's wife about this very particular subject if you let the first disc play long after Beyond the borders ends. Always good to discover a hidden track.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 25, 2019, 02:41:57 PM
After one listen, which was an off-an-on one at work today on the ear buds when I had time, I can tell this will be a grower.  It has an odd and different feel to it at times, but it will just take some getting used to.  Hard to pick out bright spots already, but I can safely say that A Love That Never Dies is gonna be ridiculous live.  The live crowds will eat that one up.

Many more listens to come...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 25, 2019, 02:58:24 PM
I think The Great Despair is going to be outrageous live as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on January 25, 2019, 03:11:07 PM
I think The Great Despair is going to be outrageous live as well.

ABSOLUTELY! I agree that BOTH TGD and ALTND will both be live showstoppers! Basically, anything that Eric is deeply involved in is PURE GOLD! What an amazing musician! :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy And NO, this isn't JACI hacking As I Am's post :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 25, 2019, 03:29:22 PM
I think The Great Despair is going to be outrageous live as well.

This i can't wait for!!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 25, 2019, 03:42:24 PM
For those who got the bonus edition with the DVD documentary, is there a section with Jaci Gillette telling everyone how this is a BAND effort? :corn
I'm on my first listen and there's a spoken word piece by Eric's wife about this very particular subject if you let the first disc play long after Beyond the borders ends. Always good to discover a hidden track.

I think The Great Despair is going to be outrageous live as well.

ABSOLUTELY! I agree that BOTH TGD and ALTND will both be live showstoppers! Basically, anything that Eric is deeply involved in is PURE GOLD! What an amazing musician! :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy And NO, this isn't JACI hacking As I Am's post :rollin

 :rollin to both posts
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 25, 2019, 03:55:00 PM
I guess its time I have a listen to both SOAD and TGA.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 25, 2019, 03:57:22 PM
So, I can't be the only one bothered by this but... it bugs me that people are abbreviate The Similitude Of A Dream as "SOAD" without the "T", but will abbreviate The Great Adventure as TGA, *including* the T. Like...where's your consistency?! Either use SOAD and GA, or TSOAD and TGA, and if you use SOAD, start using GE for the first NMB album abbreviation! AHHHHH!!!!! :facepalm: :lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 25, 2019, 04:10:26 PM
Yeah.  There are certain people who rightly get VERY bothered if you omit the T.  :ipitythefool:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on January 25, 2019, 05:05:02 PM
Yeah.  There are certain people who rightly get VERY bothered if you omit the T.  :ipitythefool:
:rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 25, 2019, 05:36:00 PM
Yeah.  There are certain people who rightly get VERY bothered if you omit the T.  :ipitythefool:

 :omg: :rollin

Fools will be pitied...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on January 25, 2019, 06:31:49 PM
Finally....  starting my first listen to The Great Adventure.  I have not gotten myself overly hyped for this.  TSOAD was actually not something I was head over heels for.  I mean, I like it, it's great, but I prefer most of Neal's catalog over it.  Can't wait to see what I think of this one!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on January 25, 2019, 10:33:32 PM
Received my copy yesterday. Watched the Documentary last night but decided to wait until tonight to listen to it and TSOAD together to set the scene. After 3.5 hours of music I'm finally done so here's some of my initial thoughts.

I agree that this is a worthy follow up and sequel to TSOAD but it's definitely not better. It's not bad though, I really enjoyed this album.
TSOAD has a better flow to it. The first disc(Of TSOAD) especially flows very well and doesn't feel like almost an hour's worth of music. Of course I've had a little over 2 years to digest TSOAD and I'm a lot more familiar with it, but TGA definitely feels like an hour and 45 minutes. Perhaps that will change over time. This album is a lot to digest though, and initially, not a lot of individual songs stand out to me yet. I think Hey Ho Let's Go could've been left off the album and it wouldn't hurt. I think I Got to Run's chorus is catchy, but in an annoying way. Now it's stuck in my head again dammit

The recurring theme "Love that never dies" is repeated waaaaay too many times throughout the album. By the time the finale comes along the message has been said so many times that, to me, it lacks the emotional punch they were looking for.

With the past two albums, I've realized that Neal's strength as a songwriter lies not in his many epics, but in the shorter songs. Both albums could've easily had the same concept behind them, but with 5-6 epic songs 10+ minutes each, but I like this shorter song approach. It allows the songs to be more fleshed out and to have their own identity, whereas with the Epic approach, some of these songs would be relegated to just be a 3-4 minute section shoved into a 30 minute song just for the sake of having a longer song. I think when the next album comes along, we're probably in for an album of longer songs. Or maybe we'll get The Similitude of a THREEm. it's late and that joke sounded better in my head
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 26, 2019, 06:10:59 AM
I listened again last night and while I like it so far, it is a bit underwhelming in a lot of spots.  The light bulb could go on at any moment with this kind of music, so I am still reserving judgment until I have lived with it for a bit. I agree with those saying that A Love That Never Dies melody is a bit overcooked, but that finale, with Eric singing, is pretty killer.  The Great Despair is the obvious standout thus far.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: dedSurroun on January 26, 2019, 07:09:45 AM
I must be the only one (or one of the few) who considers this to be stronger, better, more fun to listen to, and not as musically clich as TSOAD is.

Yeah, TSOAD didn't age well. It's a Neal Morse stock sound library.

TGA, on the other hand? Fresh and refreshing. Far better.

TSOAD is a 7/10.

TGA is a 9/10.

Well done, Neal and band. Much better than TSOAD.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 26, 2019, 07:32:36 AM
I don't know if I should be thanking or hating you all because ever since you all started mentioning the overly-repetitive nature of the "Love Never Dies" theme, I keep hearing it more and more as I venture through my follow-up listens. It sticks out to me a LOT more and I can't un-feel that feeling of "Ugh, again?" thanks to you. :facepalm:

Just between listening to most of Chapters 2 and 3 in my shower/getting dressed routine this morning before work, I heard it no less than 4 times in the span of, what, like 40 minutes? That's one iteration every TEN MINUTES! AHHHH! Now it's going to bother me more than it has any right to.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on January 26, 2019, 08:19:56 AM
I got the album on Thursday and I'm on the beginning of my second play through it. So far I think it's ok but there's a lot to absorb. The criticisms about Neal's music sounding "samey" are well founded in my opinion. You know what to expect and the result is excellent, but there's not much different than what he's done previously .The old "I love steak but can't eat it every day" analogy kind of applies here. I believe if you have the first 4 NM prog albums (Testimony, One, ? and Sola Scriptura) you basically have the NM sound and everything after that is kind of repeating the formula. I love Neal but I have felt for a while that he needs to break out of his comfort zone and see what he can do.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on January 26, 2019, 08:28:03 AM
One listen through....and I'm not sure. I feel like there's a lot less Eric vocals on this album which is definitely a negative as his voice is a highlight of the NMB. Everything sounded pretty good, if not a bit predictable, and I thought both Overtures were great. I think Venture In Black was my favorite song from the first run-through. I need a few long car rides to really listen and absorb this thing so I can form a solid opinion, but the initial impression was a bit underwhelmed (more of the same), but I felt the same way about Similitude and that really grew hard on me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 26, 2019, 08:34:26 AM
I got the album on Thursday and I'm on the beginning of my second play through it. So far I think it's ok but there's a lot to absorb. The criticisms about Neal's music sounding "samey" are well founded in my opinion. You know what to expect and the result is excellent, but there's not much different than what he's done previously .The old "I love steak but can't eat it every day" analogy kind of applies here. I believe if you have the first 4 NM prog albums (Testimony, One, ? and Sola Scriptura) you basically have the NM sound and everything after that is kind of repeating the formula. I love Neal but I have felt for a while that he needs to break out of his comfort zone and see what he can do.

You mean as far as prog, or for music in general? Because outside of prog, he has his singer-songwriter stuff like with the Life & Times album from a year ago, and he's got Flying Colors 3 coming out later this year, which, while still sounding proggy, is different enough from his typical prog fare to stand on its own. Outside of that, though, I could agree with that sentiment, though I would say Lifeline is still further different enough to be included in the "you basically have the NM sound" group, considering Testimony 2 is a literal sequel (though you would be remiss to neglect "Seeds Of Gold"). Momentum and TGE are pretty much THE NM sound, though, just slightly tweaked and improved in spots (more so TGE than Momentum), and both are very similar in terms of structure and sound as well.

New question for everyone! As I was updating my iPod last night (deleting the old NM live albums and finally putting on the Morsefest shows), I had made a playlist for TSOAD and TGA, which is around the same length as my Testimony & Testimony 2 (disc 1) playlist, which makes me ask the question:

Which do you prefer? Testimony 1 & 2 (disc 1 only) OR TSOAD & TGA?

I know it's a bit early to figure out how we all feel about TGA, but I figure the strength of TSOAD might compel people to pick the latter over the former, but I want to see what others think!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on January 26, 2019, 08:39:55 AM
I got the album on Thursday and I'm on the beginning of my second play through it. So far I think it's ok but there's a lot to absorb. The criticisms about Neal's music sounding "samey" are well founded in my opinion. You know what to expect and the result is excellent, but there's not much different than what he's done previously .The old "I love steak but can't eat it every day" analogy kind of applies here. I believe if you have the first 4 NM prog albums (Testimony, One, ? and Sola Scriptura) you basically have the NM sound and everything after that is kind of repeating the formula. I love Neal but I have felt for a while that he needs to break out of his comfort zone and see what he can do.

You mean as far as prog, or for music in general? Because outside of prog, he has his singer-songwriter stuff like with the Life & Times album from a year ago, and he's got Flying Colors 3 coming out later this year, which, while still sounding proggy, is different enough from his typical prog fare to stand on its own. Outside of that, though, I could agree with that sentiment, though I would say Lifeline is still further different enough to be included in the "you basically have the NM sound" group, considering Testimony 2 is a literal sequel (though you would be remiss to neglect "Seeds Of Gold"). Momentum and TGE are pretty much THE NM sound, though, just slightly tweaked and improved in spots (more so TGE than Momentum), and both are very similar in terms of structure and sound as well.



Life & Times is a really fantastic album. Definitely worth hearing and a huge departure from the Neal Morse "prog" sound.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 26, 2019, 09:02:14 AM


Which do you prefer? Testimony 1 & 2 (disc 1 only) OR TSOAD & TGA?


Too early to make that call since the new album is still too new.

I think it goes without saying that Similitude > T2 > T1, so it is just a matter of where TGA falls in there.  Even if it ends up being my least favorite of the four, the strength of Similitude could still give that pair the edge, especially if you are going to arbitrarily eliminate T2's 2nd disc. :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 26, 2019, 09:30:06 AM
Received my copy yesterday. Watched the Documentary last night but decided to wait until tonight to listen to it and TSOAD together to set the scene. After 3.5 hours of music I'm finally done so here's some of my initial thoughts.

I agree that this is a worthy follow up and sequel to TSOAD but it's definitely not better. It's not bad though, I really enjoyed this album.
TSOAD has a better flow to it. The first disc(Of TSOAD) especially flows very well and doesn't feel like almost an hour's worth of music. Of course I've had a little over 2 years to digest TSOAD and I'm a lot more familiar with it, but TGA definitely feels like an hour and 45 minutes. Perhaps that will change over time. This album is a lot to digest though, and initially, not a lot of individual songs stand out to me yet. I think Hey Ho Let's Go could've been left off the album and it wouldn't hurt. I think I Got to Run's chorus is catchy, but in an annoying way. Now it's stuck in my head again dammit

The recurring theme "Love that never dies" is repeated waaaaay too many times throughout the album. By the time the finale comes along the message has been said so many times that, to me, it lacks the emotional punch they were looking for.

With the past two albums, I've realized that Neal's strength as a songwriter lies not in his many epics, but in the shorter songs. Both albums could've easily had the same concept behind them, but with 5-6 epic songs 10+ minutes each, but I like this shorter song approach. It allows the songs to be more fleshed out and to have their own identity, whereas with the Epic approach, some of these songs would be relegated to just be a 3-4 minute section shoved into a 30 minute song just for the sake of having a longer song. I think when the next album comes along, we're probably in for an album of longer songs. Or maybe we'll get The Similitude of a THREEm. it's late and that joke sounded better in my head

the bold is still my biggest problem.  i played Similitude last night and STILL cried.  Because Long day is sung about 3 times prior.  whereas Love that never Dies is sung about 9 or 10 (i'm exaggerating but it's close, lol)  and by the finale i honestly don't care as much.

i don't know if it was a lack of musical ideas but they sound like they didn't come in as prepared. and i now conclude i HATE hey Ho, lol

this Still gets a solid 8/10 though.  so it's ok.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 26, 2019, 09:33:12 AM
I don't know if I should be thanking or hating you all because ever since you all started mentioning the overly-repetitive nature of the "Love Never Dies" theme, I keep hearing it more and more as I venture through my follow-up listens. It sticks out to me a LOT more and I can't un-feel that feeling of "Ugh, again?" thanks to you. :facepalm:

Just between listening to most of Chapters 2 and 3 in my shower/getting dressed routine this morning before work, I heard it no less than 4 times in the span of, what, like 40 minutes? That's one iteration every TEN MINUTES! AHHHH! Now it's going to bother me more than it has any right to.

-Marc.

Sorry Marc, lol.  yea if you had a driking game with that theme you'd be plastered in 25 minutes, lol

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 26, 2019, 09:48:54 AM
I wasn't enamored with the "Welcome to the World" melody on either of the pre-release singles/videos, but I figured it would resonate more once I heard the whole album, but, nope, not yet.

And as much as I love Neal's music, I am still mostly bored with his overture tracks, and this one is too long and reminds me of the Whirlwind one where it seems like they tried to jam as many ideas from the album into the overture as possible, and it ends up being too long and bouncing from theme to theme, almost like they had to make sure they featured as many ideas as possible.  The Similitude Overture worked well because it was concise and flowed naturally, but this one feels disjointed as heck.

Note: I still love The Whirlwind to death even though I am not wild about track 1 (tracks 2-12 rule).

All that said, I really like Fighting with Destiny.  That one really stands out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on January 26, 2019, 09:51:44 AM
I must be the only one (or one of the few) who considers this to be stronger, better, more fun to listen to, and not as musically clich as TSOAD is.

Yeah, TSOAD didn't age well. It's a Neal Morse stock sound library.

TGA, on the other hand? Fresh and refreshing. Far better.

TSOAD is a 7/10.

TGA is a 9/10.

Well done, Neal and band. Much better than TSOAD.

Glad you're loving TGA and of course you are entitled to your opinion.............no matter how ridiculously wrong you are :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 26, 2019, 09:58:37 AM
There is a lot to Love on TGA.  stuff like To the River, I got to  Run, and the Great Despair i could play on a loop.

but i can't shake the feeling like they weren't REALLY into a sequel.  TSOAD i felt there affection for it through my speakers.

i don't feel that here.  and while even that kinda album from neal and Company is still great.  i just don't feel the glow on this album and i Want too.

could be just me projecting.  but it's a feeling that nudges me each play.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 26, 2019, 10:10:37 AM


Which do you prefer? Testimony 1 & 2 (disc 1 only) OR TSOAD & TGA?


Too early to make that call since the new album is still too new.

I think it goes without saying that Similitude > T2 > T1, so it is just a matter of where TGA falls in there.  Even if it ends up being my least favorite of the four, the strength of Similitude could still give that pair the edge, especially if you are going to arbitrarily eliminate T2's 2nd disc. :P

It's not arbitrary! The second disc of T2 has nothing to do with the Testimony concept. I know they aren't BONUS songs, per se, but I did not want to include them simply because I wanted the match-up to be between two sets of CONCEPT albums, and so, the second disc of T2 (not part of the concept) had to be excluded.

Though I kind of agree with you on that ranking, Similitude is definitely above the Testimony albums for me, but TGA will still take some time, but my initial impressions are good (LTND theme over-exposure notwithstanding...).

I don't know if I should be thanking or hating you all because ever since you all started mentioning the overly-repetitive nature of the "Love Never Dies" theme, I keep hearing it more and more as I venture through my follow-up listens. It sticks out to me a LOT more and I can't un-feel that feeling of "Ugh, again?" thanks to you. :facepalm:

Just between listening to most of Chapters 2 and 3 in my shower/getting dressed routine this morning before work, I heard it no less than 4 times in the span of, what, like 40 minutes? That's one iteration every TEN MINUTES! AHHHH! Now it's going to bother me more than it has any right to.

-Marc.

Sorry Marc, lol.  yea if you had a driking game with that theme you'd be plastered in 25 minutes, lol

 :lol It's alright, but you're right, doing a drinking game would be awful for Spot-The-Theme on this one. I still need to listen to the album with all attention just to make sure I can pick all of them out. Does anyone know exactly where and when the LTND theme pops up, like with time-stamps and all? It would be interesting to see if it's actually 9 or 10 times as you suggest!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 26, 2019, 10:14:29 AM
but i can't shake the feeling like they weren't REALLY into a sequel.

Exactly, I feel the same way after 2 or 3 full listens to the album. It feels just like Neal described it, a finished, unrelated to TSOAD album that he tinkered with using pro tools to make a sequel. That's why the biggest complaint we've seen here is that the "Love That Never Dies" theme is repeated way too much, they worked a concept album on paper instead of writing a concept album.

It's still a great album and need more listens to enjoy it more, since still the songs are a blur in my head (I don't know which song is which, but that's common for me on big NM double concept albums). The only two spots I actively dislike so far are Hey ho whatever and Vanity Fair (which is very catchy, but annoys me, specially the circus music thing at the end, Haken did it SO MUCH BETTER back in the day :P)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on January 26, 2019, 10:20:24 AM
There is a lot to Love on TGA.  stuff like To the River, I got to  Run, and the Great Despair i could play on a loop.

but i can't shake the feeling like they weren't REALLY into a sequel.  TSOAD i felt there affection for it through my speakers.

i don't feel that here.  and while even that kinda album from neal and Company is still great.  i just don't feel the glow on this album and i Want too.

could be just me projecting.  but it's a feeling that nudges me each play.

That's a really good observation, and upon a second listen, I think I agree. Similitude felt like a real milestone/accomplishment, whereas this one feels a bit "phoned-in" for lack of a better word. Maybe they should've done an unrelated album or two first, then saved this sequel for when they felt more inspired to revisit it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 26, 2019, 10:23:31 AM
i tell ya guys i STILL am interesting in the inevitable live album of this.  is is gonna make it better.  is it gonna bring out it's repetitive nature more?

this album live will be something for sure, lol

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 26, 2019, 10:27:26 AM
Which do you prefer? Testimony 1 & 2 (disc 1 only) OR TSOAD & TGA?

Man, that's a tough one.  Testimony is one of my favorite albums ever.  But then T2 is SO far below Neal standards, even without the bonus disk dragging it down even farther, that it really weakens the T1/T2 combo.  TGA is fantastic, and TSOAD is really good too.  But I'm not sure either rises to Testimony level.  I can't decide!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 26, 2019, 10:29:14 AM
but i can't shake the feeling like they weren't REALLY into a sequel.

Exactly, I feel the same way after 2 or 3 full listens to the album. It feels just like Neal described it, a finished, unrelated to TSOAD album that he tinkered with using pro tools to make a sequel. That's why the biggest complaint we've seen here is that the "Love That Never Dies" theme is repeated way too much, they worked a concept album on paper instead of writing a concept album.

It's still a great album and need more listens to enjoy it more, since still the songs are a blur in my head (I don't know which song is which, but that's common for me on big NM double concept albums). The only two spots I actively dislike so far are Hey ho whatever and Vanity Fair (which is very catchy, but annoys me, specially the circus music thing at the end, Haken did it SO MUCH BETTER back in the day :P)

Having seen the Making of DVD, I definitely got the sense that the rest of the band were very reluctant to do a sequel to TSOAD, especially Mike in the beginning, but they all seemed to let Neal do what he wanted - I mean, it *IS* the Neal Morse Band after all...  :lol

Either way, it does make sense that Neal would try and copy-paste the LTND theme to make the album a bit more "cohesive" and have that musical thread throughout. Mike says on the DVD that had they known Neal was going to push hard for a TSOAD sequel, they would have written in themes from TSOAD into TGA, and to be honest, I don't hear a lot of them, and the couple that I do do not feature Mike on drums, which makes sense because he probably cut his drum tracks BEFORE Neal had decided the album was going to be a TSOAD sequel (I think? Maybe I am misremembering the timeline of events wrong...). It's definitely not as good of a sequel, musically speaking, as Testimony 2 was to Testimony, in the way that it included themes and ideas from the previous album.

However, that is not to say TGA isn't full of interesting and unique musical ideas itself, and given the narrative (that it is the son and not the father this time), I can see why there might not be a LOT of returning themes, but I would have liked to have heard more. Does anyone know exactly which themes do come back and where? I recognize a couple, but I haven't listened to TGA enough yet to pinpoint more.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 26, 2019, 10:31:33 AM
Which do you prefer? Testimony 1 & 2 (disc 1 only) OR TSOAD & TGA?

Man, that's a tough one.  Testimony is one of my favorite albums ever.  But then T2 is SO far below Neal standards, even without the bonus disk dragging it down even farther, that it really weakens the T1/T2 combo.  TGA is fantastic, and TSOAD is really good too.  But I'm not sure either rises to Testimony level.  I can't decide!

this is why i love music discussion.  T2 is my 3rd fav Neal album.  while T1 is further down my list.  (It DID  rank up more at morsefest 2014 for me but it's STILL not a record I visit often) 

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on January 26, 2019, 03:14:53 PM
There is a lot to Love on TGA.  stuff like To the River, I got to  Run, and the Great Despair i could play on a loop.

but i can't shake the feeling like they weren't REALLY into a sequel.  TSOAD i felt there affection for it through my speakers.

i don't feel that here.  and while even that kinda album from neal and Company is still great.  i just don't feel the glow on this album and i Want too.

could be just me projecting.  but it's a feeling that nudges me each play.

Obviously this could just be me, but I don't see how from "Vanity Fair" through "The Element Of Fear" fit in to the story of Joseph. Anyone want to help me? ;)

Also, one of the things I mull over after every new album is if "I" think things should have been done different on said albums. With TSOAD (see what I did there ;)) there wasn't ONE THING I thought could have been done better. With TGA, There are numerous changes I would have suggested (who sings certain parts, extending or editing of songs, etc). One of the main reasons I see Similitude as a MUCH stronger album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on January 26, 2019, 06:52:13 PM
Only got the album today and will listen to TSOAD and TGA back to back on a long car journey tomorrow. Im one of the few who wasnt head over heels for TSOAD. Its a really good album as all Neals albums are and there are some amazing moments but there is also stuff I didnt care for like City Of Destruction for example. Its not near the top of his discography imo so this album doesnt have as much to live up to for me as some of you.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on January 26, 2019, 07:30:03 PM

Which do you prefer? Testimony 1 & 2 (disc 1 only) OR TSOAD & TGA?


Easy for me.  Testimony 1 & 2 win.  I like the Neal Morse Band and like every album, but the T1 to T2 era (including One, Sola, etc) really hasn't been matched.  Obviously just an opinion.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 26, 2019, 09:50:56 PM
I just gave this its first spin.

I feel I have heard this album a thousand times before. I dont know if it has to do with the idea that production-wise I feel sounds exactly the same as the past 6 Neal Morse releases, that I (IMHO) feel that Mike Portnoy has become a kinda formulaic and repetitive drummer (I swear I can hear his fills and grooves before they happen) or that I also feel that musically this still sounds like something Spocks Beard couldve made 20 years ago. I dont mean to sound bitchy or that Im mindlessly complaining because Neals music holds a very big place in my heart but I definitely havent loved it so far.

I enjoyed Similtude, maybe not as much as lots of people did but definitely I thought it was an album a tad too long but with some beautiful melodies and themes throughout (which in my very humble opinion has always been Neals greatest strength as a songwriter), but with this one I didnt feel that. As some of you fine folks have already said, the main theme comes around way too many times for it to feel special and I also feel that a lots of times the songs land in a kinda heavy-riffy mood that never really grabbed my interest.

Im gonna listen to this more and try to come up with a real review/opinion, but even though I dearly love Neal with all my heart I kinda wish he stopped with the massive 2 CD concept albums for a while and maybe do something simple and kinda refresh his whole sonic palette. Maybe some modern keyboard patches and creative sound design could be a nice start? Or maybe a fully acoustic album in the vein of Songs of November? I dunno, but thats my two cents. Ill keep listening and supporting the guy because hes awesome but I feel that he has put out so much music in the past few years and I find it very hard to emotionally feel attached to all of his material.

As always, my favorite track was the last one. Neal rocks at writing memorable conclusions.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on January 27, 2019, 01:46:39 AM
I just picked up the album from my local record store today. When I got there it was surreal, the owner of the store was spinning it through the house system ( I told him to give it a listen before I came and picked it up).   
 He had never heard of this band before and he was digging the sound. I stayed for a while since he was playing it, and some of the customers browsing in there seemed to be enjoying the music. I over-heard one of the people in there asking who this was that was playing, then requested to order a copy..  That made my day!!   If I hadn't ordered that myself and let the record store owner open it and listen to it,  that album would have never reached this new person to want to order it.  :metal
 Btw, I'm loving the album after the first listen. Not quite as good as Similitude, but that could change in time.. Alot to absorb..lol!
 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 27, 2019, 03:22:51 AM
I seriously don't understand what you guys are talking about. The Great Adventure is a phenomenal album! I'm completely with Bosk here.

So, in conclusion: you guys are all high
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on January 27, 2019, 05:39:30 AM
I seriously don't understand what you guys are talking about. The Great Adventure is a phenomenal album! I'm completely with Bosk here.

So, in conclusion: you guys are all high
Maybe that's the problem, I'm not high.    :justjen
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 27, 2019, 08:24:29 AM
I just picked up the album from my local record store today. When I got there it was surreal, the owner of the store was spinning it through the house system ( I told him to give it a listen before I came and picked it up).   
 He had never heard of this band before and he was digging the sound. I stayed for a while since he was playing it, and some of the customers browsing in there seemed to be enjoying the music. I over-heard one of the people in there asking who this was that was playing, then requested to order a copy..  That made my day!!   If I hadn't ordered that myself and let the record store owner open it and listen to it,  that album would have never reached this new person to want to order it.  :metal
 Btw, I'm loving the album after the first listen. Not quite as good as Similitude, but that could change in time.. Alot to absorb..lol!

Great story!  :tup :tup

  As some of you fine folks have already said, the main theme comes around way too many times for it to feel special and I also feel that a lots of times the songs land in a kinda heavy-riffy mood that never really grabbed my interest.

To touch on this point, this is something I have noticed.  There are a lot of moments that rock pretty hard (by Neal standards) and I find myself thinking "Where is the melody?" way too often, which is usually unheard of on an album that features Neal Morse.  I am sure they are there and will sink in as I listen more, but it's pretty different for me to walk away from hearing a new Neal Morse (Band) album and not have 19 different melodies stuck in my head immediately.  And it goes without saying that the melodies that have stuck with me are tremendous.

I seriously don't understand what you guys are talking about. The Great Adventure is a phenomenal album! I'm completely with Bosk here.

So, in conclusion: you guys are all high

Woah, simmer down there, Sparky. ;)

I do like the album; I just don't love it.  But that could certainly change as I keep listening.  I am hoping.  :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 27, 2019, 08:26:15 AM
Ive gotten a solid 5 or 6 listens in now and Im still of the opinion that its good, yet Im not blown away. I think its a fine partner to TSOAD but Im questioning whether or not TSOAD needed that partner? Neals storytelling is on display in this album and I think they do a good job of walking you through the journey but the continuation of TSOAD didnt seem necessary for that. A new fresh album would have been just as good.

My largest disappointment though is the lack of prog. I know that sounds crazy considering whos in that band but I dont think there are enough moments of killer prog jams.....and when they do arrive its only 1-2 minutes and for me thats just not enough. TSOAD satisfied my desire for those technical prog moments.....TGA doesnt.

Good album, Im stoked to see them play it in a month but its just not quite there for me for this to be a go to. Ill spin it a few more times in preparation for the concert but it hasnt garnered my devotion yet.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on January 27, 2019, 09:34:29 AM


My largest disappointment though is the lack of prog. I know that sounds crazy considering whos in that band but I dont think there are enough moments of killer prog jams.....and when they do arrive its only 1-2 minutes and for me thats just not enough. TSOAD satisfied my desire for those technical prog moments.....TGA doesnt.



 Interesting.  I think TGA is a bit too proggy at times where they go off on weird tangents, even though very well done. Similitude on the other hand flows nicer and is more melodic and cohesive.
 I also think TGA is a little too Bill Hubauer heavy. I think he is a fantastic musician and sings technically well, but he needs to step away from the microphone a bit more. It seems as this album doesn't have enough Neal and Eric on lead vocals, which are both nicer on the ears tone-wise. That being said, I still like the BH parts of the album.
 I'm more excited about seeing this album live, I'm sure it will be a great show.  :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 27, 2019, 09:57:49 AM
Repeated listenings here are not raising the album.......but they aren't lowering it either. ok maybe that's a lie, lol.  it dipped slightly. now it's a flat out case of what  i love i love.  and then there's stuff i really don't/is just ok.

LOVE
Overture
Dark Melody
I Got to run
To the River
A Venture in black
Fighting With Destiny
Vanity Fair
Child of Wonder
The Great Despair

MEH

The great Adventure
Welcome to the World 1 and 2
Beyond the borders (this is your disc 1 finale?....sigh....ok)
The Element of Fear
A love that never Dies (it WOULD work....cept i know the melody and I knew it was coming......from the other infinity times you've played....sigh, lol)

HATE
Hey ho let's Go (horrible earworm)

So that's only 1 hate......not baad, lol

again i had to keep harping on it.  but the biggest offense......is this record is SOOOO short on melodies.  and that's a let down coming from neal.

 8/10 though if i were to non generous it'd be more a 7.

this doesn't touch the league of Similitude but it's a nice companion more than a focused sequel.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 27, 2019, 12:10:05 PM
While kinda silly, Hey Ho Let's Go works as a combo piece with Venture in Black (I would combine those together as a single track if I were trying to make mp3's for the sake of shuffle).  I do agree that Beyond the Borders is a very anti-climatic way to end disc 1, especially when you consider how amazing the disc 1 closer was on Similitude.

I need a few long drives to give this record the car treatment. :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 27, 2019, 12:16:17 PM
While kinda silly, Hey Ho Let's Go works as a combo piece with Venture in Black (I would combine those together as a single track if I were trying to make mp3's for the sake of shuffle).  I do agree that Beyond the Borders is a very anti-climatic way to end disc 1, especially when you consider how amazing the disc 1 closer was on Similitude.

I need a few long drives to give this record the car treatment. :hat

That's right.  i got spoiled by Similitude's disc 1 finale.  it leaves you on such a high.  Especially live.  this is kinda like....ok half 1 is done come back....if ya feel like it.

lol.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on January 27, 2019, 03:49:40 PM

MEH
Beyond the borders (this is your disc 1 finale?....sigh....ok)


I completely agree, but comparing this to "Breath Of Angels"  :hefdaddy just isn't fair. It's comparing a "good" song against possibly the greatest and most emotional song Neal & co ever created!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on January 27, 2019, 06:00:04 PM
Its very early days but my early impression is that it is a close run thing between TSOAD and TGA. I agree that the two disc finales on the new album do not pack the emotional punch of those on TSOAD. Thats not to say that The Love That Never Dies is not, by anyone elses standards, an incredible song but just that Broken Sky/Long Day (Reprise) is one of Neals very best epic finales. Where TGA scores over TSOAD though is that there is not anything I actively dislike such as City Of Destruction, Sloth (the first 3 min at least) and not crazy about Freedom Song either. Basically then, the highs arent quite as high and the lows arent as low so its difficult for me to decide.

All comparisons aside though, its pretty clear that its another phenomenal record from Neal in a long line of phenomenal records.

As a final comment those people dissing Testimony 2 are crazy, the 2nd disc alone beats most albums in my collection, incredible album and possibly his best outside of SB/TA imo.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on January 27, 2019, 09:23:46 PM
Looks like I am in the minority here. While I enjoyed the first 2 albums, neither blew me away or really grabbed me. So I expected this to be the same. So much so, that for the first time ever when buying something from Neal, I settled for the plain 2 disc version and didn't bother with the deluxe with the DVD.

Well, after one listen I absolutely love this album. Easily my favorite from them. It's actually tempting me to buy tickets to the show in February now. I would have no problem seeing this thing performed in its entirety.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 28, 2019, 01:14:38 AM
Got my copy over the weekend and didn't really have the time to listen to it, so can't comment on that. But the little that I heard sounded good.

But what I found strange, the CD has a little sticker on it:

The Neal Morse Band
featuring
Mike Portnoy (Sons Of Apollo, Winery Dogs)
and
Neal Morse (Flying Colors, Transatlantic)

Nice to know that the Neal Morse Band features Neal Morse  :lol, but why is Portnoy mentioned first and where are the others? Wonder if Eric's wife has seen this?  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on January 28, 2019, 01:58:17 AM
Probably because the others arent really known for anything else, at least as far as Im aware. The sticker is just to make you aware that, if you like these other bands, this is the same guy who was in them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 28, 2019, 03:29:29 AM

I need a few long drives to give this record the car treatment. :hat
See, I listen to this album during my long drives to work. First disc on my way to work, the second on my way back.  :lol

I was only on a second listen, but I already feel that the Dark Melody theme will be THE theme of the album for me. It hit me like a ton of bricks the first time it kicked in in Overture.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on January 28, 2019, 06:58:00 AM
Listening to disc one this morning in the car and its pretty much flawless to me. Ok the finale is not a huge epic but its still a good song so it doesnt bother me too much. I even love Hey Ho, Lets Go, really nice catchy little pop tune.

Parts of disc 2 will take longer to sink in but its incredible how Neal manages to produce new material this imaginative and inspired time after time.  Still remember my horror when I heard hed quit SB and thought he was quitting music full stop and my joy when Testimony was released. A true musical genius.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 28, 2019, 07:27:34 AM
Almost through my third listen and I'm liking it more and more with each listen. After the first listen I had some of the same criticisms as others have listed (too much bill/not enough eric, not as many themes, too proggy, etc.). However, after my second listen those went away. I think Eric and Bill actually have a pretty equal share of the vocals. If anyone is less noticeable it's Neal. In regards to the themes, obviously the Love Never Dies theme is the big one and it's such a beautiful and catchy melody that I have no problems if they sing it a million times. This is just a dense album and is going to take a ton of listens to absorb it all. I don't know if it will pass TSOMAD but it may equal it. So glad I got tickets to see them March 1st!

Does anyone have an idea about what is going on plot/story wise? I know it's about Joseph going on a similar journey as his father but a song by song story break down would be awesome.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 28, 2019, 07:28:26 AM
Got my copy over the weekend and didn't really have the time to listen to it, so can't comment on that. But the little that I heard sounded good.

But what I found strange, the CD has a little sticker on it:

The Neal Morse Band
featuring
Mike Portnoy (Sons Of Apollo, Winery Dogs)
and
Neal Morse (Flying Colors, Transatlantic)

Nice to know that the Neal Morse Band features Neal Morse  :lol, but why is Portnoy mentioned first and where are the others? Wonder if Eric's wife has seen this?  :biggrin:

 :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 28, 2019, 07:52:47 AM
I'm glad people are liking this album.  I am not surprised that many rank it slightly behind TSOAD.  But here are two general reasons why I do not:

1.  The endings of both disks on TSOAD were underwhelming to me, especially Breath of Angels.  I always felt like that song was trying to be huge and emotional rather than simply being huge and emotional, if that makes sense.  I don't dislike it at all.  But as far as what it is trying to be, I felt like it fell short in terms of impact.

2.  Other than having it on in the background at work, I rarely have time to just sit and listen to a double disk.  That sort of thing just doesn't really fit into my life right now.  When I would get around to listening to TSOAD, I would always enjoy it.  In contrast, when I don't listen to TGA, I miss it and find myself wanting to listen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 28, 2019, 08:04:06 AM
Probably because the others arent really known for anything else, at least as far as Im aware. The sticker is just to make you aware that, if you like these other bands, this is the same guy who was in them.

Yep, that is SOP. The biggest "names" from a band will always be mentioned on the sticker, just like the sticker might mention a prior hit and/or well known song.  A DT sticker might still refer to them as the band that once did Pull Me Under, for example.

Still remember my horror when I heard hed quit SB and thought he was quitting music full stop and my joy when Testimony was released. A true musical genius.

Oh man, I remember that.  It was like someone died when we found out that Neal was leaving Spock's.  The future was so unknown.  And to think about what he has done since musically...my goodness. :hefdaddy :hefdaddy

Almost through my third listen and I'm liking it more and more with each listen. After the first listen I had some of the same criticisms as others have listed (too much bill/not enough eric, not as many themes, too proggy, etc.). However, after my second listen those went away. I think Eric and Bill actually have a pretty equal share of the vocals. If anyone is less noticeable it's Neal. In regards to the themes, obviously the Love Never Dies theme is the big one and it's such a beautiful and catchy melody that I have no problems if they sing it a million times. This is just a dense album and is going to take a ton of listens to absorb it all. I don't know if it will pass TSOMAD but it may equal it. So glad I got tickets to see them March 1st!

Does anyone have an idea about what is going on plot/story wise? I know it's about Joseph going on a similar journey as his father but a song by song story break down would be awesome.

That is a good way to put it.  More of it is slowly growing on me and I definitely like it more each time I listen to parts of it (I never have time to digest it all in one sitting, so I might listen to 3-5 songs here, 2-3 there, etc.).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 28, 2019, 08:14:25 AM
Other than having it on in the background at work, I rarely have time to just sit and listen to a double disk. 

This is always the tough thing about double disks. I felt the same way with The Astonishing. But, I like TGA and I had the chance over this past weekend to get a solid (4) listens beginning to end (was putting together some shelving/desks/ etc. for one of my sons room) so I feel like I've got a grasp on it. And, I've heard extended sections here and there also. Any of my criticisms thus far are really just nit picking and not meant to suggest I don't dig the album because I do. It's a really well done album with great storytelling going on.

I recall feeling the same way about TSOAD after a handful of listens....i really liked it but wasn't in love with it. But then, I saw it live and just fell in love with the album!! It was incredible to see performed live. I have a hunch this may happen with TGA for me as well. I'll let you know on 2/28 cuz me and my two older sons are seeing them on 2/27. Full night of fun....meet and greet and then the concert  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 28, 2019, 08:49:17 AM
Probably because the others arent really known for anything else, at least as far as Im aware. The sticker is just to make you aware that, if you like these other bands, this is the same guy who was in them.

Yep, that is SOP. The biggest "names" from a band will always be mentioned on the sticker, just like the sticker might mention a prior hit and/or well known song.  A DT sticker might still refer to them as the band that once did Pull Me Under, for example.


Guys, I surely know that. That's not what I found strange/funny about the sticker.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 28, 2019, 09:06:15 AM
1.  The endings of both disks on TSOAD were underwhelming to me, especially Breath of Angels.  I always felt like that song was trying to be huge and emotional rather than simply being huge and emotional, if that makes sense.  I don't dislike it at all.  But as far as what it is trying to be, I felt like it fell short in terms of impact.

Im with you on this one. My first thought when I heard Breath of Angels for the first time was that they tried SO HARD to copy what Peaceful Harbor did on FCs Second Nature.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 28, 2019, 10:03:18 AM
So, my interview with Neal FINALLY got published today. Check it out:

https://www.sonicperspectives.com/interviews/interview-with-neal-morse/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on January 28, 2019, 10:05:34 AM
I am loving this album.  All of the specific critiques I have read I dont feel the same way with. As someone else wrote, I also feel this is the best album so far with this lineup. The only song I wasnt digging at first was hey ho, but the song redeemed itself at the end. Boogie woogie.

A couple parts made me think of the Astonishing a bit.

Cant wait to see this in Chicago next month!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on January 28, 2019, 01:07:44 PM
I'm glad people are liking this album.  I am not surprised that many rank it slightly behind TSOAD.  But here are two general reasons why I do not:

1.  The endings of both disks on TSOAD were underwhelming to me, especially Breath of Angels.  I always felt like that song was trying to be huge and emotional rather than simply being huge and emotional, if that makes sense.  I don't dislike it at all.  But as far as what it is trying to be, I felt like it fell short in terms of impact.

2.  Other than having it on in the background at work, I rarely have time to just sit and listen to a double disk.  That sort of thing just doesn't really fit into my life right now.  When I would get around to listening to TSOAD, I would always enjoy it.  In contrast, when I don't listen to TGA, I miss it and find myself wanting to listen.

I cant believe that anyone could find Broken Sky/Long Day Reprise underwhelming. Im not someone who puts TSOAD at the top of Neals releases but even I am consistently brought to tears or close to it whenever I hear that song.  Crazy how tastes vary so much even within a fan base.

Breath Of Angels I get as it did take me a long time to fully appreciate that song and, if Im being honest, I only really love the final epic moments of the song.

Still really loving the new one and I have to say I was very sceptical after hearing the first 2 or 3 songs released. I actually didnt bother listening to the later ones and was not all that excited about the album. Happy to be proved wrong!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 28, 2019, 01:12:15 PM
I'm glad people are liking this album.  I am not surprised that many rank it slightly behind TSOAD.  But here are two general reasons why I do not:

1.  The endings of both disks on TSOAD were underwhelming to me, especially Breath of Angels.  I always felt like that song was trying to be huge and emotional rather than simply being huge and emotional, if that makes sense.  I don't dislike it at all.  But as far as what it is trying to be, I felt like it fell short in terms of impact.

2.  Other than having it on in the background at work, I rarely have time to just sit and listen to a double disk.  That sort of thing just doesn't really fit into my life right now.  When I would get around to listening to TSOAD, I would always enjoy it.  In contrast, when I don't listen to TGA, I miss it and find myself wanting to listen.

I cant believe that anyone could find Broken Sky/Long Day Reprise underwhelming. Im not someone who puts TSOAD at the top of Neals releases but even I am consistently brought to tears or close to it whenever I hear that song.  Crazy how tastes vary so much even within a fan base.

Breath Of Angels I get as it did take me a long time to fully appreciate that song and, if Im being honest, I only really love the final epic moments of the song.

Still really loving the new one and I have to say I was very sceptical after hearing the first 2 or 3 songs released. I actually didnt bother listening to the later ones and was not all that excited about the album. Happy to be proved wrong!

Yea Broken sky/Long Day is my fav Neal/NMB finale.  i played Similitude the other day.  i was STILL a mess, lol

so i don't get that either but it's all good,
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 28, 2019, 01:41:22 PM
So, my interview with Neal FINALLY got published today. Check it out:

https://www.sonicperspectives.com/interviews/interview-with-neal-morse/

Nice interview, well done!  :tup :tup


I cant believe that anyone could find Broken Sky/Long Day Reprise underwhelming. Im not someone who puts TSOAD at the top of Neals releases but even I am consistently brought to tears or close to it whenever I hear that song.  Crazy how tastes vary so much even within a fan base.


Agreed.  Broken Sky/Long Day Reprise is one of the best endings to any album ever. 


Breath Of Angels I get as it did take me a long time to fully appreciate that song and, if Im being honest, I only really love the final epic moments of the song.

I always liked Breath of Angels a lot, but over time it became one of my favorites. The Morsefest performance, with the way Eric's solo concludes and then leads back in the chorus with the choir, was just unbelievable.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 28, 2019, 06:38:15 PM
MP liked my interview with Neal so much that he reposted it. Boooyah!!!!

(https://i.postimg.cc/XNTdhkYD/Mike-Portnoy-Liked-my-interview-with-Neal-Morse.png)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 28, 2019, 07:28:02 PM
Yeah, but just wait till he finds out that you post at the depths of internet hell, otherwise known as the Dream Theater Forums. :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 28, 2019, 07:59:24 PM
Yeah, but just wait till he finds out that you post at the depths of internet hell, otherwise known as the Dream Theater Forums. :P

Hahah...I think he's past that now, man. One of my biggest dreams as an interviewer is to get to talk to him. But hey...one dream at a time!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Thoughtspart3 on January 29, 2019, 10:04:36 AM
I really liked it on my first listen.  Too much to digest.  Didn't have a problem with love never dies them.  The finale will be awesome live.  My only real disappointment is that Neal does not sing the love never dies finale!  Bill and then Eric finishes.  I kept waiting thinking "ok now it is Neal's turn" but it never came.  Eric is great but I think it is sad to see them live and not have Neal belting out those emotional closing lines.  I am sure he will probably join in though.  He won't be able to help himself.  Overall I just think Neal and the band are getting better and better.

This is probably my only criticism of the Neal Morse band era.  The choice of when to utilize whose vocals seems off sometimes.  In stories where you have characters it is confusing when different vocalists sing the same character.  It makes it harder to follow the story and also makes it harder to emotionally connect with the character when he has three different voices.  I wish they had made Neal the main character and the other guys sing leads only on the other characters or possibly the narrator. (providing harmonies is fine)  It would feel more like your following one persons journey as he encounters all these other characters.   

Does anyone else find it jarring at times when they switching of vocalist mid-song? 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 29, 2019, 10:47:29 AM
Nah, I think the way they do it is perfect.  Neal has said in several different interviews recently that often all three will sing everything and then decide who sounds best for each part and then go with that.  I think it's great to hear it bounce around from singer to singer, instead of "here, you sing this song," and "now, I sing this song."

As for the finale, Neal isn't as young as he used to be (his voice still sounds great, but I definitely sense that he can't belt it out live on a nightly basis like he used to), and it is much better having Eric sing that finale, since he will be able to do it justice live every night on the tour.  Now to mention that Eric sounds so damn great singing it that I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on January 29, 2019, 11:31:53 AM
Does anyone else find it jarring at times when they switching of vocalist mid-song?

Honestly, I do. Eric is a fantastic singer and Bill has a distinct sounding voice but I love Neal as a singer and wish he would sing everything! I think I would rather have either Eric or Bill sing full songs instead of swtching back and forth, which I find to be unusual. Not too many bands have "dueling" lead vocalists on the same song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 29, 2019, 12:23:12 PM
It IS suppose to be a band not just Neal.  so i like they switch lead vocals. because honestly the 2 things  don't sound much different otherwise
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on January 29, 2019, 12:37:57 PM
Neal and Eric both have nice sounding vocals that sound natural and unique. Bills vocals are on key but sound a bit forced at times. It almost sounds like he has a bubble in his throat tonewise especially on the high notes.  His musicianship is excellent though, and his voice sounds much better during the harmonies.  Neal and Eric are easier on the ears for the lead vocal spot.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on January 29, 2019, 01:11:53 PM
Has anyone seen or signed up for the new Neal Morse streaming app, "waterfall?" Looks really cool, and is only $2.99 for IC members ($6.99 for everyone else). I haven't signed up yet since I haven't updated my iPhone to iOS 12 yet. Plus I'm looking for feedback before I sign up.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 29, 2019, 01:13:57 PM
Neal and Eric both have nice sounding vocals that sound natural and unique. Bills vocals are on key but sound a bit forced at times. It almost sounds like he has a bubble in his throat tonewise especially on the high notes.  His musicianship is excellent though, and his voice sounds much better during the harmonies.  Neal and Eric are easier on the ears for the lead vocal spot.

Thats the soft way of saying it. Bill sounds just BAD when singing the high notes, as if hes at the max of his range and he keeps pushing it, sounds forced and harsh :tdwn
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 29, 2019, 01:26:05 PM
Hmmmm Bill's my fav member.....not counting Neal, lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 29, 2019, 01:33:15 PM
I like that the vocals are divided between them BUT I would definiteley want each character be handled by one vocalist.
This is my main complaint on both TSOAD and TGA.

I actually think it's easier to follow which character sings what in The Astonishing than in either The Similitude of a Dream or The Great Adventure even though TA is just one vocalist.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 29, 2019, 01:34:24 PM
Hmmmm Bill's my fav member.....not counting Neal, lol

As a musician, definitely. As a vocalist...  :eek
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 29, 2019, 01:35:40 PM
Hmmmm Bill's my fav member.....not counting Neal, lol

As a musician, definitely. As a vocalist...  :eek

i like his vocals, lol.  then again my fav artist is Tom Waits so...yea, lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 29, 2019, 01:41:40 PM
Are we talking about the same "Bill"?  The guy who plays keyboards and fancies newsboy caps ala Brian Johnson of AC/DC?

Because when I saw them live - Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield CT - there didn't seem to be that kind of strain and he sounded eerily like Peter Gabriel, thus providing a (pretty cool) contrast to Neal and Eric. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 29, 2019, 01:42:54 PM
No he didn't.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: TAC on January 29, 2019, 01:45:21 PM
There is nothing "pretty cool" about sounding like Peter Gabriel. ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 29, 2019, 01:46:03 PM
Love Bill Hubhauers vocals.... and Erics.... and Neals, I think they complement each other niceley.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: TAC on January 29, 2019, 01:48:06 PM
Is the Live at Tillburg 2017 available on CD or just the DVD?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 29, 2019, 02:01:36 PM
Is the Live at Tillburg 2017 available on CD or just the DVD?

There is a DVD + 2CD version at least
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on January 29, 2019, 02:28:43 PM
I like that the vocals are divided between them BUT I would definiteley want each character be handled by one vocalist.
This is my main complaint on both TSOAD and TGA.

I actually think it's easier to follow which character sings what in The Astonishing than in either The Similitude of a Dream or The Great Adventure even though TA is just one vocalist.

To be honest, apart from Snow and Testimony, I dont really attempt to follow the story of Neals albums in the same way as The Astonishing or SFAM so I have no idea which character is singing at any one time, I just enjoy listening to the music and dont really concern myself with the story. Thats not to say there arent plenty of concept albums where I absolutely do follow the story, just not any of the recent Neal Morse ones.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Thoughtspart3 on January 29, 2019, 02:38:12 PM
Nah, I think the way they do it is perfect.  Neal has said in several different interviews recently that often all three will sing everything and then decide who sounds best for each part and then go with that.  I think it's great to hear it bounce around from singer to singer, instead of "here, you sing this song," and "now, I sing this song."

As for the finale, Neal isn't as young as he used to be (his voice still sounds great, but I definitely sense that he can't belt it out live on a nightly basis like he used to), and it is much better having Eric sing that finale, since he will be able to do it justice live every night on the tour.  Now to mention that Eric sounds so damn great singing it that I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. :coolio

I think the way they choose the vocals works generally speaking but doesn't work as well on a concept album with a story and multiple characters.  Think of it this way.  What if you had actors read a play out loud to an audience but told them to read for different characters in each new scene.  If you are a listener woudln't that be very confusing given that each human has a distinct voice and style?  You would have to keep reorienting yourself to figure our who is who. 

I don't know, I think Neal can still do it.  Might have to adjust a little.  It is just weird following Neal all these years and not have him signing key parts, especially the emotional finale.  I know it is now The Neal Morse BAND but there is a reason it is called The NEAL MORSE band.  I do think Eric does a great job, but there is an emotional quality to Neal's voice and the way he sings that Eric doesn't have. 

I don't want to focus just on the negative.  I think having a consistent band has bumped up the quality and variety of the musicianship and composition in many ways.  I hope they stay together for awhile.  I am really loving the last couple of albums. (Well, I love all of them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Thoughtspart3 on January 29, 2019, 02:40:37 PM
I like that the vocals are divided between them BUT I would definiteley want each character be handled by one vocalist.
This is my main complaint on both TSOAD and TGA.

I actually think it's easier to follow which character sings what in The Astonishing than in either The Similitude of a Dream or The Great Adventure even though TA is just one vocalist.

To be honest, apart from Snow and Testimony, I dont really attempt to follow the story of Neals albums in the same way as The Astonishing or SFAM so I have no idea which character is singing at any one time, I just enjoy listening to the music and dont really concern myself with the story. Thats not to say there arent plenty of concept albums where I absolutely do follow the story, just not any of the recent Neal Morse ones.

Maybe the lack of vocal consistency has something to do with that?  Are you just not interested in the overall concept?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on January 29, 2019, 03:57:31 PM
I dont really know the source material and not a particularly religious person so Im just not that interested, same with Sola Scriptura which I believe was based on another religious story. Testimony did interest me as it was Neals story and quite inspiring even if I dont have that faith in my life. I really couldnt tell you what TSOAD is about other than Im guessing its about someone who finds religion and gets out of a bad situation which is kind of Neals own story and the story of One as well I think. This new one seems to be about the family he left behind maybe and them ultimately joining him?

Its nothing to do with whos singing what, Im just not that invested to delve into the story that much, I just love listening to the songs but dont really know how they fit into the grand story and Im fine with that.  The music alone is just so beautiful and uplifting to listen to and hes one of the few artists that can regularly bring me to tears of pure joy and emotional overload.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 29, 2019, 05:29:57 PM

To be honest, apart from Snow and Testimony, I dont really attempt to follow the story of Neals albums in the same way as The Astonishing or SFAM so I have no idea which character is singing at any one time, I just enjoy listening to the music and dont really concern myself with the story. Thats not to say there arent plenty of concept albums where I absolutely do follow the story, just not any of the recent Neal Morse ones.

I am the same way.  Similitude is easily one of my all-time favorites now and I still have mostly no idea what the story is (except for the obvious parts).


I think the way they choose the vocals works generally speaking but doesn't work as well on a concept album with a story and multiple characters.  Think of it this way.  What if you had actors read a play out loud to an audience but told them to read for different characters in each new scene.  If you are a listener woudln't that be very confusing given that each human has a distinct voice and style?  You would have to keep reorienting yourself to figure our who is who. 

Apples and oranges. ;)


I don't know, I think Neal can still do it.  Might have to adjust a little.  It is just weird following Neal all these years and not have him signing key parts, especially the emotional finale.  I know it is now The Neal Morse BAND but there is a reason it is called The NEAL MORSE band.  I do think Eric does a great job, but there is an emotional quality to Neal's voice and the way he sings that Eric doesn't have. 

Honestly, that threw me off at first as well when I first heard The Grand Experiment.  If you dig back through this thread, you will see that at the time I was not a fan of The Call, and I know the reason was, I was thrown by these other guys singing.  I was like, "I want Neal singing, nobody else!!"  Then I pulled my head out of my ass :lol and all was well.  Not saying your head is up yours, just offering a personal story. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 29, 2019, 05:45:22 PM
Oh yeah, and remember when I said I found the new album underwhelming?  Seems like a long time ago (it was days :lol).  I have only been listening for five days and it is already one I would call a major grower.  NMB delivers again!  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on January 29, 2019, 06:02:32 PM
Generally speaking, Im happy with how the vocals are divided out on the NMB albums and it seems that Eric does get given the really big powerful moments as he can really hit those big notes and sounds awesome singing them imo, that was clear to me straight away on the first NMB album.  There is a lengthy section on TGE though, maybe in Alive Again, where Bill sings lead and it just doesnt work for me, it really drags and wouldve sounded much better with Neal singing. Mostly though Bill is used really well and his voice suits certain parts.

I can understand the desire for Neal to sing everything and I ultimately gave up with Flying Colours because I really disliked the main singers voice and the album jumped up several notches every time Neal took over on lead vocals. I ultimately found it too frustrating that Neal was not singing more as it wouldve improved the songs for me and I did not buy the second album. I totally get that Mike already had Transatlantic and NMB with Neal singing lead and they wanted another singer but hes just not my cup of tea unfortunately.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Thoughtspart3 on January 29, 2019, 08:40:30 PM
I dont really know the source material and not a particularly religious person so Im just not that interested, same with Sola Scriptura which I believe was based on another religious story. Testimony did interest me as it was Neals story and quite inspiring even if I dont have that faith in my life. I really couldnt tell you what TSOAD is about other than Im guessing its about someone who finds religion and gets out of a bad situation which is kind of Neals own story and the story of One as well I think. This new one seems to be about the family he left behind maybe and them ultimately joining him?

Its nothing to do with whos singing what, Im just not that invested to delve into the story that much, I just love listening to the songs but dont really know how they fit into the grand story and Im fine with that.  The music alone is just so beautiful and uplifting to listen to and hes one of the few artists that can regularly bring me to tears of pure joy and emotional overload.

That is cool man.  One of the great things about Neal's music is that you can get real enjoyment out of it even if you are not a Christian or religious. 

You are basically right about the story.  It is loosely based on the book The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan.  It is an allegory about a man named Christian who comes to faith and walks the path of life through all the trials and difficulties.  The end goal is to get to the celestial city(heaven) The different people Christian meets like sloth, the fool, and Apollyon(a demon) others who try to get him to go back to the city of destruction. 

The Great Adventure is based of part 2 where Christian's family go on their own journeys.  It looks like they made the decision to focus on Joseph the third son.  They have a similar journey but also meet new challenges not mentioned in the first book like vanity fair and new places like the river of God.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Moor on January 30, 2019, 04:57:01 AM
Here is a summary of part II of the Pilgrim's Progress book

https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-summary-pilgrims-progress-part-2-690466

Not sure how it matches the story told in the album; maybe we have to emphasize on the fact that TGA is just "inspired" by the PP book.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 30, 2019, 05:35:35 AM
Here is a summary of part II of the Pilgrim's Progress book

https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-summary-pilgrims-progress-part-2-690466

Not sure how it matches the story told in the album; maybe we have to emphasize on the fact that TGA is just "inspired" by the PP book.

As per Neal, TGA is loosely based on the story.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 30, 2019, 08:22:56 AM
That is another great thing about Neal: as into religion as he is, he still seems to get that the music is what counts the most.  Very rarely do I come away from his songs thinking that he took the "lyrics first, music second" approach, worship albums notwithstanding (I've only heard one, but I can't imagine the others are dissimilar in that regard).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Hourglass Prison on January 30, 2019, 08:54:46 AM
Are we talking about the same "Bill"?  The guy who plays keyboards and fancies newsboy caps ala Brian Johnson of AC/DC?

Because when I saw them live - Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield CT - there didn't seem to be that kind of strain and he sounded eerily like Peter Gabriel, thus providing a (pretty cool) contrast to Neal and Eric.

I kinda had this same thought when I saw them as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 30, 2019, 10:33:40 AM
Oh yeah, and remember when I said I found the new album underwhelming?  Seems like a long time ago (it was days :lol).  I have only been listening for five days and it is already one I would call a major grower.  NMB delivers again!  :tup :tup

Im digging it more and more with each listen. Had a bunch of travel time the past two days and have had a chance to listen uninterrupted and on a system other than ear buds and its helpwd me appreciate it even more.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DT2003 on January 30, 2019, 05:16:41 PM
Absolutely love the album already. TSoaD is one of my all time favorite albums and time will tell how this holds up to that, but so far Im loving it.

In regards to Bills vocals, I love them. When I first heard NMB I wasnt sure how I felt about other singers taking vocal spots away from Neal as I love his voice so much, but I think Neal, Eric, and Bills vocals compliment each other so well that it adds a new dynamic to their music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 30, 2019, 08:26:37 PM
Oh yeah, and remember when I said I found the new album underwhelming?  Seems like a long time ago (it was days :lol).  I have only been listening for five days and it is already one I would call a major grower.  NMB delivers again!  :tup :tup

Im digging it more and more with each listen. Had a bunch of travel time the past two days and have had a chance to listen uninterrupted and on a system other than ear buds and its helpwd me appreciate it even more.

Cranking it up in the car this week has helped, although this damn cold weather and snow put the kabosh on that for today. >:(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: dedSurroun on January 31, 2019, 03:01:35 AM
And so, little by little, and with each passing listen...

TGA > TSOAD, any day of the week.

This will be true for 99 out of 100 fans of NMB.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 31, 2019, 07:39:04 AM
I probably have a solid 10 listens in and I don't think I can say TGA>TSOAD. I really like Mikes comment on it being a great companion piece. I need to get a better feeling for the story but I just see this surpassing TSOAD for me personally. I really like TGA and we'll see how it comes off live but I think TSOAD has a bit more of an emotional punch than TGA. Either way, the two together are better than 99% of the rest of my music collection.  I'm going to do a listen of them both back to back now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Thoughtspart3 on January 31, 2019, 07:50:27 AM
Has anyone bought the hi-res versions from the Radiant site?  How was the mix mastering on them? 

The CD version and other downloads have been some of the least compressed of any of Neal's albums since the Spock's Beard days.  It has been an encouraging trend. I think the mix is very solid as well.  Overall I really like the production.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 31, 2019, 08:24:58 AM
And so, little by little, and with each passing listen...

TGA > TSOAD, any day of the week.

This will be true for 99 out of 100 fans of NMB.

I highly doubt it.

Has anyone bought the hi-res versions from the Radiant site?  How was the mix mastering on them? 

The CD version and other downloads have been some of the least compressed of any of Neal's albums since the Spock's Beard days.  It has been an encouraging trend. I think the mix is very solid as well.  Overall I really like the production.

The first four Spock's albums do not sound bad per se (although Kindness is kinda loud and cluttery-sounding at times), but the leap from Day for Night to the first Transatlantic album and V (which came out months apart) was significant as far as sound quality goes, and it has been consistently really good ever since.  I never have to worry about a Neal Morse(-related) album sounding too loud or compressed or noisy.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 31, 2019, 10:37:40 AM
And so, little by little, and with each passing listen...

TGA > TSOAD, any day of the week.

This will be true for 99 out of 100 fans of NMB.

well not me, lol.  i think it's a great album.  and what i love i REALLY love.  but i still think it's a tad rushed and inferior to TSOAD.  which is perfect and now my fav double album.

TGA is stuck at 8/10 for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 31, 2019, 11:20:59 AM
I definitely don't think TGA is rushed considering how much time and re-work they put into it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 31, 2019, 01:58:10 PM
I'm liking it so far but can't imagine it being more than 8/10. Then again, no point in such numbers. It's still an album I enjoy putting on.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 31, 2019, 06:22:08 PM
Talk is that they have something really special planned for the encore on the upcoming tour. Can't wait to see what it is.  Our show is in 27 days and the tour starts in two!! :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on January 31, 2019, 06:52:55 PM
And so, little by little, and with each passing listen...

TGA > TSOAD, any day of the week.

This will be true for 99 out of 100 fans of NMB.

THAT is some statement....... :facepalm:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 31, 2019, 06:56:40 PM
And so, little by little, and with each passing listen...

TGA > TSOAD, any day of the week.

This will be true for 99 out of 100 fans of NMB.

THAT is some statement....... :facepalm:

and the last part is probably just flt flase.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Thoughtspart3 on January 31, 2019, 07:36:41 PM
Talk is that they have something really special planned for the encore on the upcoming tour. Can't wait to see what it is.  Our show is in 27 days and the tour starts in two!! :hat

That is exciting!  On the SOAD tour what did they do as the encore?

 I am kicking myself that I missed it.  Not making the same mistake this year.   :metal 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 31, 2019, 07:44:15 PM
   On the SOAD tour what did they do as the encore?


IIRC, The Call was played every night as the final encore, and some nights also had Author of Confusion and Agenda.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on January 31, 2019, 08:01:16 PM
   On the SOAD tour what did they do as the encore?


IIRC, The Call was played every night as the final encore, and some nights also had Author Confusion and Agenda.

Yeah, a combination of Momentum, Author of Confusion, Agenda, and The Call. Not all were played every night. (I think only Tilburg had all four)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 31, 2019, 08:06:40 PM
Oh yeah, I forgot about Momentum. :facepalm:

I am pretty sure The Call was played every night no matter what.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DT2003 on January 31, 2019, 09:23:37 PM
And so, little by little, and with each passing listen...

TGA > TSOAD, any day of the week.

This will be true for 99 out of 100 fans of NMB.

THAT is some statement....... :facepalm:

and the last part is probably just flt flase.
Yeah its incredibly innacurate. Nothing against TGA as its a masterpiece as well, but TSoaD is perfect.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 31, 2019, 10:25:08 PM
   On the SOAD tour what did they do as the encore?


IIRC, The Call was played every night as the final encore, and some nights also had Author Confusion and Agenda.

Yeah, a combination of Momentum, Author of Confusion, Agenda, and The Call. Not all were played every night. (I think only Tilburg had all four)

This seems correct. At Morsefest, they did not play all four, but all four were rotated in and out for the encore, with The Call being played every night at the end. Both Mike and Neal know how much the Tilburg audience LOVES their encores, and so it seems like every time they tour there, they get a bigger encore (or a double encore) than anywhere else on tour, so the TSOAD Live show from Tilburg features all four songs (despite what the erroneous packaging says).

For the The Great AdvenTOUR encore, I can see them doing something similar, but hopefully with DIFFERENT songs, though I would NOT put it past them to do a 15-25 minute medley of TSOAD songs, which would be a nice way to end the night if they close out with "Broken Sky / Long Day (Reprise)" since the opening of the TGA "Overture" features the closing lyrics to that song, it would be a fitting bookend!

Now that I think about it, I honestly expect them to arrange a 20-ish minute TSOAD Medley as the encore, though I would love to be wrong and be surprised with something else entirely!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 31, 2019, 10:37:29 PM
Id love to see The Door from Sola Scriptura as the encore song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Moor on February 01, 2019, 07:14:12 AM
I probably have a solid 10 listens in and I don't think I can say TGA>TSOAD. I really like Mikes comment on it being a great companion piece. I need to get a better feeling for the story but I just see this surpassing TSOAD for me personally. I really like TGA and we'll see how it comes off live but I think TSOAD has a bit more of an emotional punch than TGA. Either way, the two together are better than 99% of the rest of my music collection.  I'm going to do a listen of them both back to back now.

Totally agree with this, in particular I believe that the main and probably only difference is that TSOAD is somehow more emotional. I listened this morning to 'Broken Sky/Long Day Reprise' and it brought tears to my eyes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 01, 2019, 07:27:17 AM
Id love to see The Door from Sola Scriptura as the encore song.

That would be amazing. It does seem that TGA is shorter than TSOAD so it would make sense that they'd have more time for a 30 minute encore. Plus, the heaviness would fit in nice with the darker TGA.

All that said, I bet it's Alive Again.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 01, 2019, 08:28:39 AM
As awesome as Similitude is, because the last tour saw it played in full every night, I don't think any of it being part of the encore is something they would refer to as "special" in this context. I am expecting an epic like Alive Again, The Door or maybe even one of the early Transatlantic ones.  I am sure I will be way off. :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on February 01, 2019, 08:30:16 AM
As awesome as Similitude is, because the last tour saw it played in full every night, I don't think any of it being part of the encore is something they would refer to as "special" in this context. I am expecting an epic like Alive Again, The Door or maybe even one of the early Transatlantic ones.  I am sure I will be way off. :lol :lol

Itll be a (4) song Pantera set.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 01, 2019, 08:32:40 AM


Itll be a (4) song Pantera set.

(https://media.giphy.com/media/O5NyCibf93upy/giphy.gif)

:P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on February 01, 2019, 03:20:52 PM
Id love to see The Door from Sola Scriptura as the encore song.

Yes please. Would very much like to see Eric rip on that Paul Gilbert solo in person.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 01, 2019, 05:54:04 PM
So while I think TSOAD had some stand-out tracks, I think TGA has some strong clusters itself. One of my favorite runs has to be all of Chapter 2, particularly the "Dark Melody"/"I Got To Run"/"To The River". I also really love the pair of "Fighting With Destiny"/"Vanity Fair", with the latter of the two reminding me of some of the quirky bits of Genesis' The Lamb. Heck, "I Got To Run" is so similar to "Broadway Melody of 1974", it's all I can think of when I hear it, but it's got that soaring chorus with Eric singing, so it is definitely different enough!

Whoever said that TGA isn't as proggy as TSOAD probably doesn't know what to look for, as I feel like this is as proggy as TSOAD, if not MORE so. The structures, meter changes, melodic choices, instrument arrangements and uses, lots of powerful playing throughout, makes parts of this record stand out to me. It's only been a couple of weeks since I've started listening to it, but it's beginning to sink in, its themes and motifs are growing within me. I am sort of glad that this album has its own set of themes to stand on, as if it had reused a lot of ones from TSOAD, I feel like it wouldn't have its own identity, despite being a sequel, it's still a different story. Doing what they did with Testimony 2 made sense, because it was still Neal's personal story, but this one needed to have a fresh set of ideas, and I'm glad they churned out a sequel that has a lot of unique ideas apart from TSOAD!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on February 01, 2019, 10:38:57 PM
Id love to see The Door from Sola Scriptura as the encore song.

Yes please. Would very much like to see Eric rip on that Paul Gilbert solo in person.

That would be beautiful to see.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on February 02, 2019, 11:57:04 AM
A half-dozen listens in and I still like disc two better than disc one and I find I like this a lot better without any context as a concept album and and close ties to Similitude.  Don't know what that means yet. Hopefully, I'll have this solved before the show in two weeks.

One question I have:  Are Mike's vocals really auto-tuned?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on February 02, 2019, 05:13:26 PM
Whoever said that TGA isn't as proggy as TSOAD probably doesn't know what to look for, as I feel like this is as proggy as TSOAD, if not MORE so.

Yeah....that was me and I no longer agree with myself.  :lol    When I mentioned that I had only two or three listens in....maybe one start to finish listen. The comment was based off of that (outiside of the Overatures) there are no real long extended instrumental breaks of prog jamming. Minute or two here and there.....but nothing real long.
 Anyway....after multiple listens and being able to absorb this album more....it certainly hits the quota for prog rock. Loving the album and today I had the chance to listen to it all again I and what stuck out today was the guitar work/solos of Eric. He really friggin brings it again.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DT2003 on February 02, 2019, 11:51:06 PM
And so, little by little, and with each passing listen...

TGA > TSOAD, any day of the week.

This will be true for 99 out of 100 fans of NMB.

THAT is some statement....... :facepalm:


and the last part is probably just flt flase.
Yeah its incredibly innacurate. Nothing against TGA as its a masterpiece as well, but TSoaD is perfect.
I have to apologize for this post. I now have about 10 listens and I am absolutely in love with this album. I honestly thought TSoaD was the peak for this band as that album is simply perfect, but man TGA is possibly just as good. It amazes me the quality of music Neal consistently puts out. I have always said that anything involving Neal and Mike is amazing and this album shows that once again. And the addition of Eric and Bill (and of course Randy) makes it even better.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on February 03, 2019, 01:41:43 AM
I've listened about four times now and I agree that it's right up there with TSOAD. I love the curve balls in the musical direction for TGA, it keeps it fresh in the continuation of the story.
So here's the question:  If you combine these two albums into one big album, would this be the biggest, most grand, and epic concept album in the history of Rock-n-Roll??
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on February 03, 2019, 01:57:22 AM
I've listened about four times now and I agree that it's right up there with TSOAD. I love the curve balls in the musical direction for TGA, it keeps it fresh in the continuation of the story.
So here's the question:  If you combine these two albums into one big album, would this be the biggest, most grand, and epic concept album in the history of Rock-n-Roll??

Definiteley not.... there are a lot of bands who have done concepts over multiple albums. The 9 Ayreon albums are all part of one grand epic for instance.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on February 03, 2019, 04:52:59 AM
I've listened about four times now and I agree that it's right up there with TSOAD. I love the curve balls in the musical direction for TGA, it keeps it fresh in the continuation of the story.
So here's the question:  If you combine these two albums into one big album, would this be the biggest, most grand, and epic concept album in the history of Rock-n-Roll??

Definiteley not.... there are a lot of bands who have done concepts over multiple albums. The 9 Ayreon albums are all part of one grand epic for instance.
Whoa!!  I did not know that.  Are the Ayreon albums as good of quality? If so,  I need to check them out..  :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on February 03, 2019, 06:07:52 AM
So, now that we've had the album for a week, what are your favorite song? These are the ones I like the best:

Welcome to the world
Vanity fair
Dark melody
Fighting with destiny
Welcome to the world 2
A Love that never dies
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on February 03, 2019, 06:12:17 AM
Venture In Black stands out to me above all the others. I also like Fighting With Destiny, The Element Of Fear, and Freedom Calling. Honestly, Ive listened probably about 10 times so far and the album is just not grabbing me yet as a whole. I could use a few more throwbacks to some of the Similitude themes for overall conceptual cohesion, and fewer repetitions of the Love Never Dies theme.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on February 03, 2019, 06:18:27 AM
I've spent the weekend almost exclusively with the album, and it's getting better with each listen. I'm really loving it. Can't decide if it's better than TSOAD yet though.

The favourites so far:

Welcome To The World
The Great Adventure
Venture In Black
Fighting With Destiny
Vanity Fair (perhaps my very favourite at the moment, I love the "poppy" feel of it)
The Great Despair
Freedom Calling
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 03, 2019, 07:40:39 AM
I like Vanity Fair, but I don't love it. Feels like the hook isn't as strong as it could be. 

Favorites so far:

The Great Despair (I suspect this will hold up as the most popular song from the record)
To the River
Dark Melody
Freedom Calling
A Love That Never Dies
Fighting with Destiny

Looking at my number of plays for the record so far (which updates every time I plug my phone into my computer since I listen to the songs in my car through my phone which is synched up to iTunes), the one song that is clearly the skipper so far is Welcome to the World 2, which has a grand total of 2 listens (every other song ranges from 8 to 14 so far in a little over a week).

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 03, 2019, 08:07:51 AM
Looks like the encore last night was..........


SPOILERS BELOW














A chronological medley of songs from every Neal Morse solo prog album and both prior Neal Morse Band albums.

The Land of Beginning Again & California Nights (Testimony)
Reunion (One)
The Temple of the Living God - part 1, segueing into the guitar solo for Part 2 (Question Mark album)
The Conflict - Do You Know My Name section (Sola Scriptura)
Leviathan (Lifeline)
Its For You (Testimony 2)
Momentum (Momentum)
The Call (The Grand Experiment)
Broken Sky / Long Day Reprise (The Similitude of a Dream)

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on February 03, 2019, 08:20:21 AM
Looks like the encore last night was..........


SPOILERS BELOW














A chronological medley of songs from every Neal Morse solo prog album and both prior Neal Morse Band albums.

The Land of Beginning Again & California Nights (Testimony)
Reunion (One)
The Temple of the Living God - part 1, segueing into the guitar solo for Part 2 (Question Mark album)
The Conflict - Do You Know My Name section (Sola Scriptura)
Leviathan (Lifeline)
Its For You (Testimony 2)
Momentum (Momentum)
The Call (The Grand Experiment)
Broken Sky / Long Day Reprise (The Similitude of a Dream)






Thats going to be insane to see!!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 03, 2019, 08:23:27 AM
For sure.

It makes me wonder if they will expand that idea at Morsefest for night 1.

They could do all of the new album night 2 like expected, and then night 1 could be a run-through of the entire NM prog solo/NMB catalogue:

Set 1 (songs from):

Testimony
One
?
Sola Scriptura

Set 2 (songs from):

Lifeline
Testimony 2
Momentum
The Grant Experiment

Encore (songs from):

Similitude

And then they could pull out something really special for the encore on night 2.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 03, 2019, 09:00:05 AM
Well, that is a wild encore, but I totally called the use of "Broken Sky / Long Day Reprise" to end the show, which is a great bookend to the whole night! Now the question is, will they expand it at Tilburg, or play a pre-Testimony song before the rest it?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on February 03, 2019, 11:20:31 AM
Gosh I hope they play the Broken Sky/Long Day reprise at the Seattle show!  This is gonna be one epic concert.. I know it's not metal, but   :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on February 03, 2019, 11:46:46 AM
What? I thought this was the Neal Morse Band, why are they playing songs from Neals solo caralog? Jaci needs to know about this asap :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 03, 2019, 11:48:51 AM
What? I thought this was the Neal Morse Band, why are they playing songs from Neals solo caralog? Jaci needs to know about this asap :P

 :rollin

They really should change Morsefest to NealMorseBandfest, as well!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on February 03, 2019, 12:05:59 PM
Did Jaci come flying onstage and tackle neal.....rhose are a LOT of solo songs, lol

but really.......those are insane!!!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: countoftuscany42 on February 03, 2019, 12:59:37 PM
Is there some joke about Erics wife Im missing here?  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on February 03, 2019, 02:13:02 PM
What? I thought this was the Neal Morse Band, why are they playing songs from Neals solo caralog? Jaci needs to know about this asap :P

They really should change Morsefest to NealMorseBandfest, as well!

Did Jaci come flying onstage and tackle neal.....rhose are a LOT of solo songs, lol

 :rollin :rollin

Is there some joke about Erics wife Im missing here?  :lol

Basically she had a tantrum in reaction to a couple reviews of the album (one of them being Bosks) because they were giving a lot of credit to Neal for TGA. She just made sure everybody knew this is a BAND effort, how dare them give the credit to Neal Morse for an album released by the NEAL MORSE Band :lol Its all in the last few pages of this thread.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on February 03, 2019, 02:49:18 PM
At least she's zealous for the band and obviously supportive of Erics musical endeavors. I guess it's better than being indifferent and passive about how talented Eric really is.  It's nice to have your significant other in your corner.. :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on February 03, 2019, 08:58:14 PM
Is there some joke about Erics wife Im missing here?  :lol

Yeah....ridiculously bad ones! :facepalm:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on February 04, 2019, 01:02:14 AM
DT is really going to bring it with Distance Over Time, if they're going to top this as Album Of The Year for me  :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 04, 2019, 08:13:08 AM
Regarding TGA, I have zero problem with the number of Love Never Dies references.  It's a good theme, the references are well-done, and it is important to the overall story.  I'm not sure why they wouldn't be there.  I also don't see a need for more TSOAD references.  There are enough to tie TGA back to Similitude, and the ones we have are pretty well done. 

Regarding the encore, that's really cool.  :tup

DT is really going to bring it with Distance Over Time, if they're going to top this as Album Of The Year for me  :P
  Yeah, you know, as much as I like Distance Over Time, I think TGA beats it for me.

And lastly, I think the title of this thread needs to be changed.  I'm going to change it to "Official Neal Morse BAND Appreciation Thread."  I think it's best to acknowledge that everything Neal does is truly a band effort.  And besides, nobody wants any trouble with Jaci.  Nobody.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on February 04, 2019, 12:01:46 PM
I'm slightly confused by all the talk about the Love that never dies theme. If I recall correctly, there are actually three recurring themes that feature the "Love that never dies" line when they're performed with vocals. One of them is great, the other one is fine, and the third one is quite underwhelming. I'm still having a hard time pin pointing at which point which one of the three themes appears.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on February 04, 2019, 01:28:00 PM
The Love That Never Dies theme seems to occur in what feels like every single song on the first disc, I'm not sure what you mean by three different ones. It's all part of the same theme. A Momentary Change, I Got To Run, To The River, The Great Adventure, Venture In Black, Beyond The Borders all contain the same theme with slight variation and that's just what I remember on disc 1. It just seems like overkill and feels more like a lack of ideas and development.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on February 04, 2019, 02:22:11 PM
Honestly the Love Never dies beat down (it's what i call it, lol)  is what keeps this album stuck at an 8/10.

it's just a tad lazy.....i mean he always references things but this is a bit much.  it makes this album in a smaller box musically.

if people like it cool....but i hear it at the finale and the impact is DOA for me.

it's my main grip.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on February 04, 2019, 10:20:02 PM

DT is really going to bring it with Distance Over Time, if they're going to top this as Album Of The Year for me  :P
  Yeah, you know, as much as I like Distance Over Time, I think TGA beats it for me.

Having listened too both albums, I agree 100%
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on February 05, 2019, 07:38:19 AM
How are the meet & greet packages? I'm thinking of doing it since I've never done one in my life and this is within my reach to do one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on February 05, 2019, 08:33:07 AM
How are the meet & greet packages? I'm thinking of doing it since I've never done one in my life and this is within my reach to do one.

$85 USD to me that's a bargain. The Haken VIP was $75 USD
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on February 05, 2019, 08:43:33 AM
Right I know the cost. I'm asking what is the experience like. How long does it last and how much interaction is allowed? Can you bring anything to sign?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on February 05, 2019, 08:55:32 AM
Right I know the cost. I'm asking what is the experience like. How long does it last and how much interaction is allowed? Can you bring anything to sign?

I have meet and greet Passes for the show in St. Louis. I didn't see that they specifically said one way or the other if you could bring anything to sign. The description did say they had 'frameable album art' that would be signed by the band.

I'm curious about how much/what type of interaction it's going to be. My oldest son is stoked to see MP.....like...super excited. My only 'wish' for the interaction is that he has some type of 'cool' interaction with MP....maybe a bit more than the standard 'lunch line' drive by handshake. I'm trying not to get my hopes up for him....but he digs MP so much it's just the father in me really wanting his experience to be awesome. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 05, 2019, 08:57:24 AM
Outside of DT, I have only been to a handful of meet-&-greets.  But every one I have ever been to, people brought things to get signed.  I cannot imagine that not being allowed.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on February 05, 2019, 11:25:54 AM

DT is really going to bring it with Distance Over Time, if they're going to top this as Album Of The Year for me  :P
  Yeah, you know, as much as I like Distance Over Time, I think TGA beats it for me.

Having listened too both albums, I agree 100%
Yeah TGA will be pretty hard to top, but it's hard to compare the two being that Dream Theater is going for something completely different from a concept album. 
 I do however, think Dream Theater will totally bring it with D/T and I will easily enjoy it as much as TGA, but in a different way.   :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 05, 2019, 11:59:29 AM
So after having the album for a couple weeks, I put the Making Of DVD back on and watched it last night as I was doing laundry, and it's interesting hearing those songs and themes again now that I am a bit more familiar with them and where they ended up on the album. It's also more striking just how reluctant Mike was to do a sequel to TSOAD, both in the beginning and during their Skype call back in March 2018. I went back and re-read Neal's IC Newsletters from March, May, and August when those moments came up in the documentary, and it's was neat to see just how much Neal was sharing with IC members back then, and just how much he was withholding. The story about him and Bill having 3 hours to finish Disc 2's arrangements before Mike arrived one morning was astounding, and it goes to show just how well Neal can work with others in a time crunch, so props to them!

And as much as we have joked about Jaci's tantrums about the album being a BAND EFFORT, it really feels like there was a LOT less of Eric features in this documentary - he barely spoke, you didn't hear a lot of him and his input with regards to the music, and Mike only mentioned that he liked Eric's "two songs" (which I suppose he wrote and brought to the table), so I am not sure what, if any, was his that made it to the final album. He does some TASTY playing throughout the DVD, though, but there was one heavy, chugging riff-y part that got left off the album, as well as a fast 9/8 groove that sounded really cool (I hope these sections are saved for NMB4!). Maybe that's why Neal gave Eric more to sing on this album, perhaps because he had less to bring to the table, especially after Neal chopped up the album in March and re-arranged it to be a double-album sequel to TSOAD? Hmm...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 05, 2019, 12:40:03 PM
Eric seems like he has a quieter guy and not a camera hog, so none of that surprises me.  There was a recent interview with Neal and Eric where he was also pretty understated (although the interviewer focused a lot more on Neal), and there was that video from a few months ago where it showed the band (minus Randy) out eating and stuff, and both Eric and Bill pretty much hung in the background while Neal and Portnoy, THE two camera hogs in the band :lol, did all of the talking to the camera.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on February 05, 2019, 12:51:39 PM
So, after about 4 listens, I think TGA is really a great album! It doesn't surpass TSOAD and I wasn't expecting so. TSOAD is my favourite NM/TNMB album, hands down. It's truly perfect all the way through. It's a rare case that the songs works amazingly not only for themselves but even more in the context of the album. And also it has that kind of an "acessible for everybody" feel that only classic rock albums have.
Anyway, about the new album, I like more the CD2 than CD1. CD2 is almost flawless, it has a really good flow and to me, it does sound a bit more of a band effort than CD1. CD1 has songs like Welcome to the World and The Great Adventure, although good, sound a lot more like somenthing already heard from Neal or Transatlantic.  Hey Ho and Beyond the Borders also aren't very strong closers IMO.  And I agree that the lyrical repetition of "love tha never dies" is a bit too much, but it's the only relative flaw of a great album!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on February 05, 2019, 01:50:33 PM
So after having the album for a couple weeks, I put the Making Of DVD back on and watched it last night as I was doing laundry, and it's interesting hearing those songs and themes again now that I am a bit more familiar with them and where they ended up on the album. It's also more striking just how reluctant Mike was to do a sequel to TSOAD, both in the beginning and during their Skype call back in March 2018. I went back and re-read Neal's IC Newsletters from March, May, and August when those moments came up in the documentary, and it's was neat to see just how much Neal was sharing with IC members back then, and just how much he was withholding. The story about him and Bill having 3 hours to finish Disc 2's arrangements before Mike arrived one morning was astounding, and it goes to show just how well Neal can work with others in a time crunch, so props to them!

And as much as we have joked about Jaci's tantrums about the album being a BAND EFFORT, it really feels like there was a LOT less of Eric features in this documentary - he barely spoke, you didn't hear a lot of him and his input with regards to the music, and Mike only mentioned that he liked Eric's "two songs" (which I suppose he wrote and brought to the table), so I am not sure what, if any, was his that made it to the final album. He does some TASTY playing throughout the DVD, though, but there was one heavy, chugging riff-y part that got left off the album, as well as a fast 9/8 groove that sounded really cool (I hope these sections are saved for NMB4!). Maybe that's why Neal gave Eric more to sing on this album, perhaps because he had less to bring to the table, especially after Neal chopped up the album in March and re-arranged it to be a double-album sequel to TSOAD? Hmm...

-Marc.

Maybe I haven't listened enough, but I feel like there's a lot less Eric vocals on this album overall. In fact, besides the overuse of the "Love" theme, it's my biggest regret with the album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on February 05, 2019, 02:11:46 PM
Yea after another listen last night......i say this album sounds like the sequel wasn't what the ALL wanted and something NEAL patched together...which he really did.

it just sounds so i don't know......not LAZY but just rushed to get an album out.

sorry to say that but it's a vibe i can shake.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 05, 2019, 02:34:56 PM
Yea after another listen last night......i say this album sounds like the sequel wasn't what the ALL wanted and something NEAL patched together...which he really did.

it just sounds so i don't know......not LAZY but just rushed to get an album out.

sorry to say that but it's a vibe i can shake.

In the DVD, Mike even points out that Neal wanted to write their next album even while on tour for TSOAD! He was pretty gung-ho about getting a new album done ASAP and I'd believe it. The way he seems insistent on making the new album a double when the rest of the band seemed to want a single, or how he insisted on making it a sequel to TSOAD, it all really drives the idea that TGA was more Neal Morse and less Band, at least compared to the previous 2 NMB albums. Neal does state in the video that he did let go of a few parts he liked, so it seems the democracy was there near the end to tighten up the album. I'd love to hear their cutting-room-floor demos on an upcoming IC release!

Hopefully for the next one, Neal loosens up a bit and welcomes more material from Randy, Bill, and Eric.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on February 05, 2019, 02:53:47 PM
Yea after another listen last night......i say this album sounds like the sequel wasn't what the ALL wanted and something NEAL patched together...which he really did.

it just sounds so i don't know......not LAZY but just rushed to get an album out.

sorry to say that but it's a vibe i can shake.

In the DVD, Mike even points out that Neal wanted to write their next album even while on tour for TSOAD! He was pretty gung-ho about getting a new album done ASAP and I'd believe it. The way he seems insistent on making the new album a double when the rest of the band seemed to want a single, or how he insisted on making it a sequel to TSOAD, it all really drives the idea that TGA was more Neal Morse and less Band, at least compared to the previous 2 NMB albums. Neal does state in the video that he did let go of a few parts he liked, so it seems the democracy was there near the end to tighten up the album. I'd love to hear their cutting-room-floor demos on an upcoming IC release!

Hopefully for the next one, Neal loosens up a bit and welcomes more material from Randy, Bill, and Eric.

-Marc.

and i'm not saying this is a bad album far from it.  it STILL rates at an 8/10 with me.....but my ears picked up on this on the first spin.

i just didn't hear as much of the joy radiating out as i did with TSOAD.

hopefully next time they get together and hammer out a project they all feel passionate about.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 05, 2019, 03:12:44 PM
Yea after another listen last night......i say this album sounds like the sequel wasn't what the ALL wanted and something NEAL patched together...which he really did.

it just sounds so i don't know......not LAZY but just rushed to get an album out.

sorry to say that but it's a vibe i can shake.

In the DVD, Mike even points out that Neal wanted to write their next album even while on tour for TSOAD! He was pretty gung-ho about getting a new album done ASAP and I'd believe it. The way he seems insistent on making the new album a double when the rest of the band seemed to want a single, or how he insisted on making it a sequel to TSOAD, it all really drives the idea that TGA was more Neal Morse and less Band, at least compared to the previous 2 NMB albums. Neal does state in the video that he did let go of a few parts he liked, so it seems the democracy was there near the end to tighten up the album. I'd love to hear their cutting-room-floor demos on an upcoming IC release!

Hopefully for the next one, Neal loosens up a bit and welcomes more material from Randy, Bill, and Eric.

-Marc.

and i'm not saying this is a bad album far from it.  it STILL rates at an 8/10 with me.....but my ears picked up on this on the first spin.

i just didn't hear as much of the joy radiating out as i did with TSOAD.

hopefully next time they get together and hammer out a project they all feel passionate about.

Oh, I'm not disagreeing at all, I kind of get those vibes as well (feeling like it wasn't what they all wanted), and the DVD kind of shows that to an extent. Neal really seeemed like the driving force behind this one, despite it being a "band effort". I guess, compared to his Testimony-to-Momentum works, it definitely is more of a band album, since the music isn't almost entirely Neal's (though Randy would bring up ideas and Mike would arrange things, most of the music back then came from Neal, which you can hear in his demos of his albums).

It's just interesting to me that TSOAD also had some "drama", where Mike was afraid of releasing a double concept album the same year that Dream Theater was doing one, and of having to hear people compare the two, especially when they had only just started writing TSOAD when The Astonishing had come out (January 2016). I just remember in the Making Of video for TSOAD that a good chunk of the sessions wasn't filmed because of the tension that occurred in the latter half of their time in the studio, so a lot of the process wasn't shown. But eventually, as we all know, Mike was convinced/persuaded otherwise, and Neal (and the band) agreed to release what would become of their best works ever!

I guess what I'm saying is, no matter what happens in their sessions, it always seems to work out, and Neal seems to bring them together on things. I'm not sure if they 100% trust him on everything, or let him steer the ship because he's the captain (it IS the NEAL MORSE Band, after all), or if they just want to do what they think Neal thinks is best for the music. No matter the process, the result ends up being some of the best music of the year every time Neal and company blast one out!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 05, 2019, 03:49:48 PM
it IS the NEAL MORSE Band, after all

:omg:  NO!  You are just WRONG!  Your post marginalizes the clear contributions by the other band members, their spouses, their household pets, and their second cousins!  :dangerwillrobinson:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 05, 2019, 04:14:35 PM
Given how prolific Neal is and how often he releases music, I would imagine he was a bit bummed having so little "real band" time last year to work on the album while Portnoy was off wasting time with Sons of Apollo (although he'd never say it, since Neal is far too classy to publicize it).  I mean, Neal Morse Band is supposed to be a full-time band now, yet they basically had to take a big chunk of time off while one member formed another new full-time band that took a lot of his time.  My theory was always that the Life & Times album and subsequent tour was merely to keep himself busy until the next NMB album was ready to go. 

And to further illustrate how quickly he can work when up against the clock, he even said the Exorcist musical wasn't finished till the 11th hour last summer and then it came out pretty damn amazing at Morsefest.  I will be curious to see if he reworks some of that from the demos (which I have from when I was an IC member last fall) once he finishes it up for its official release later this year.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 05, 2019, 04:14:48 PM
it IS the NEAL MORSE Band, after all

:omg:  NO!  You are just WRONG!  Your post marginalizes the clear contributions by the other band members, their spouses, their household pets, and their second cousins!  :dangerwillrobinson:

Jaci?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 05, 2019, 04:21:56 PM
Given how prolific Neal is and how often he releases music, I would imagine he was a bit bummed having so little "real band" time last year to work on the album while Portnoy was off wasting time with Sons of Apollo (although he'd never say it, since Neal is far too classy to publicize it).  I mean, Neal Morse Band is supposed to be a full-time band now, yet they basically had to take a big chunk of time off while one member formed another new full-time band that took a lot of his time.  My theory was always that the Life & Times album and subsequent tour was merely to keep himself busy until the next NMB album was ready to go. 

And to further illustrate how quickly he can work when up against the clock, he even said the Exorcist musical wasn't finished till the 11th hour last summer and then it came out pretty damn amazing at Morsefest.  I will be curious to see if he reworks some of that from the demos (which I have from when I was an IC member last fall) once he finishes it up for its official release later this year.

I think, like Mike, Neal likes to stay busy. In fact, I don't think there has been a year in the last two decades where Neal hasn't worked on at LEAST one new studio or live album, or touring, sometimes doing multiple ones for multiple bands! But it has come to a point where 3 of Neal's bands have Mike IN them, so when he's away playing with TWD or SOA or MA or who knows who else, Neal is stuck doing things like Jesus The Exorcist musical, or a Snow reunion with Spock's beard, both of which are spectacular in their own right, but I have to wonder if Neal is starting to feel slighted by Mike's OVER-abundance of work that doesn't include him.

Does anyone remember that when Eric and Bill joined the band, along with Adson, they had hired a drummer as well, as a way to replace Mike for gigs he couldn't make? Then it turned out that Mike COULD play with them, leading up to the Momentum Tour, but I have to wonder why that idea faded away? Surely, the others would love to play their music with Neal any time they can, even if it meant doing it without Mike, but I wonder if Mike felt like he was being pushed out because Neal had auditioned a temp-drummer for gigs without him?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on February 05, 2019, 04:41:45 PM
MP is almost as big a draw as Neal is though, if not the bigger draw. You can't deny that whenever MP is at an event he has a crowd of people around him bugging him and trying to talk to him. So I'm sure that the businessman in Neal realizes that recording/touring without MP is just not as lucrative and it's better for his career not to alienate MP. A pessimistic and greedy view sure, but money is money. I kind of wish Neal would branch out with some other musicians and start another band kind of like Roine Stolt has with The Sea Within and Kaipa Da Capo.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on February 05, 2019, 08:25:57 PM
Given how prolific Neal is and how often he releases music, I would imagine he was a bit bummed having so little "real band" time last year to work on the album while Portnoy was off wasting time with Sons of Apollo (although he'd never say it, since Neal is far too classy to publicize it).  I mean, Neal Morse Band is supposed to be a full-time band now, yet they basically had to take a big chunk of time off while one member formed another new full-time band that took a lot of his time.  My theory was always that the Life & Times album and subsequent tour was merely to keep himself busy until the next NMB album was ready to go. 

And to further illustrate how quickly he can work when up against the clock, he even said the Exorcist musical wasn't finished till the 11th hour last summer and then it came out pretty damn amazing at Morsefest.  I will be curious to see if he reworks some of that from the demos (which I have from when I was an IC member last fall) once he finishes it up for its official release later this year.

I think, like Mike, Neal likes to stay busy. In fact, I don't think there has been a year in the last two decades where Neal hasn't worked on at LEAST one new studio or live album, or touring, sometimes doing multiple ones for multiple bands! But it has come to a point where 3 of Neal's bands have Mike IN them, so when he's away playing with TWD or SOA or MA or who knows who else, Neal is stuck doing things like Jesus The Exorcist musical, or a Snow reunion with Spock's beard, both of which are spectacular in their own right, but I have to wonder if Neal is starting to feel slighted by Mike's OVER-abundance of work that doesn't include him.

Does anyone remember that when Eric and Bill joined the band, along with Adson, they had hired a drummer as well, as a way to replace Mike for gigs he couldn't make? Then it turned out that Mike COULD play with them, leading up to the Momentum Tour, but I have to wonder why that idea faded away? Surely, the others would love to play their music with Neal any time they can, even if it meant doing it without Mike, but I wonder if Mike felt like he was being pushed out because Neal had auditioned a temp-drummer for gigs without him?

-Marc.

What happens is that Mikes I can manage to be in 87 bands at the same time keeps HIM busy and happy but it forces the other members of his bands to wait for him to have time availability in between gigs. As you said, NMB is Neals, Randys, Bills and Erics main thing now and they probably cant or at least shouldnt have to wait for Mike to decide its time for them to work again. And Mike, being the control freak that he is, wouldnt allow them to do the bulk of the writing/pre production process without him being there. The same applies to Derek and Bumblefoot on SOA. This is ultimately why the writing for Psychotic Symphony was so rushed (with a similar thing happening with their 2nd) and NMB couldnt work longer on TGA, among other things.

This way of doing things certainly works for side projects like TA or FC where every member has a main band outside, but its in scenarios where its supposed to be the main thing for the members that problems appear, like Mike leaving AMOB for treating it like a side thing while Allen and Orlando expected it to be everybodys only focus. The same happened with TWD when Richie decided to take a break to do his solo stuff and Mike couldnt get what he wanted anymore. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 06, 2019, 07:23:01 AM
All of the talk about Eric has reminded me that I still haven't checked out his solo albums. Are they worth the purchase? Also, isn't Neal's rock opera coming out soon?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 06, 2019, 07:56:17 AM
All of the talk about Eric has reminded me that I still haven't checked out his solo albums. Are they worth the purchase?

I've only heard The Great Unknown, but it is good.  There are a few really good songs on it.

Also, isn't Neal's rock opera coming out soon?

I think that is supposed to come out sometime this summer.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on February 06, 2019, 08:30:28 AM


All of the talk about Eric has reminded me that I still haven't checked out his solo albums. Are they worth the purchase?

I've only heard The Great Unknown, but it is good.  There are a few really good songs on it.


Eric has a few videos on his Youtube channel where he said he was practicing his drumming parts for an album called 'Tree of Life' It's not a bad album.....I believe he plays all the drum parts on it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 06, 2019, 08:47:31 AM
Eric could make a good living being a drummer in a rock band; he is that good.  I am pretty sure, like he did at Morsefest last year, that he will be playing all of the drums on the forthcoming Exorcist record that Neal will be releasing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on February 06, 2019, 08:53:53 AM
All of the talk about Eric has reminded me that I still haven't checked out his solo albums. Are they worth the purchase? Also, isn't Neal's rock opera coming out soon?
The great unknown is a great album! Its like a mix of DT with Spocks Beard. And it has Connor and Diego from Haken and Thomas Lang playing in all tracks :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on February 06, 2019, 09:04:46 PM
Listening to "Long Ago" now, am I the only one that hears Transatlantic's All of the Above when Neal starts to sing? The melodies are so similar my brain just thinks this is AOTA lol. There's a few other moments as well that sound very similar to previous Neal-related songs, but don't remember where right now, need to give this album more listens.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on February 07, 2019, 07:32:34 AM
I was listening to TGA this morning in the car and stopped at To The River when I got to work. It hit me today that I wish they would have ended the album with the musical passage from the Welcome To The World reprise through the end of the song. I felt a better emotional connection to that part with the reprise lyrics (re-work the 'To the River' part of the lyrics to wrap the story up) that it would have been a more impactful conclusion than A Love That Never Dies.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on February 07, 2019, 09:42:37 AM
http://montrealrampage.com/a-great-musical-adventure-an-interview-with-neal-morse/

He also says that Transatlantic will get together later this year to start working on a new project.

😮
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 07, 2019, 10:11:06 AM
http://montrealrampage.com/a-great-musical-adventure-an-interview-with-neal-morse/

He also says that Transatlantic will get together later this year to start working on a new project.

😮

Well, if they do the usual 7-14 days single session thing, I think we can expect a mid-2020 release, depending on how late in the year they get together. Hopefully the others are aware of this, as I haven't seen any news from Roine or Pete with regards to Transatlantic!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: As I Am on February 07, 2019, 10:18:13 AM
http://montrealrampage.com/a-great-musical-adventure-an-interview-with-neal-morse/

He also says that Transatlantic will get together later this year to start working on a new project.

😮

That was a great read. Thanks. :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on February 08, 2019, 12:28:43 AM
I simply can't understand the whole clamor about TSOAD. (Maybe I'm the only one...)

I can't see anything different than what NM had done before, several times. In addition, I think he had produced several albuns better than TSOAD, throughout his career (Snow, The Light, V, The Whirlwind, Testimony, One, ?, etc). It's just a good album. More of the same.

I haven't listen to the TGA yet (except the two first singles), but I'll do it soon enough.

That said, any chance to listen to the new album and get to enjoy it more than TSOAD?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on February 08, 2019, 08:57:29 AM
I like The Great Adventure just as much if not more than TSOAD. I've listened to it several times and it keeps getting better and better. It's quite different musically even though it's a continuation of the story.
Btw,  has anyone noticed the Clint Eastwood and Alex Lifeson references on disc two of TGA??  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on February 08, 2019, 09:17:53 AM
I decided to check out "Question Mark" earlier this week, and I've especially been spinning The Temple Of The Living God a lot since. Such a great song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on February 08, 2019, 09:26:38 AM
If you ask me, ? is still my favorite Neal Morse record.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on February 08, 2019, 09:55:35 AM
All of the talk about Eric has reminded me that I still haven't checked out his solo albums. Are they worth the purchase? Also, isn't Neal's rock opera coming out soon?

June 14th
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Thoughtspart3 on February 08, 2019, 10:23:11 PM
Like others have said the TGA just gets better with each listen.  Disc 2 is fantastic, especially the last half.  I was brought to tears a few times with the finale.  It beautifully builds and feels just the right length.  "To the ri-ver, I am go-ing!" Love the cord progressions.  Can't wait to see this live in Philly.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on February 10, 2019, 07:37:03 PM
More of a fan of disc two as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: dedSurroun on February 11, 2019, 09:57:40 AM
If you ask me, ? is still my favorite Neal Morse record.

It's his best, by far. Better than any solo work (including Testimony).

In my opinion, of course.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on February 11, 2019, 12:06:25 PM
I'm watching this clip of 'The Light', from a festival in 2008 with Spock's Beard. Such a great song, and they seem to be having a blast up there together with Neal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdfN3Qe9wZQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdfN3Qe9wZQ)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on February 11, 2019, 01:26:05 PM
I have to say, The Great Adventure is clicking with me faster than TSOAD did when it was first released. Similtude was really helped by seeing it performed live, so I'm curious to see how I feel after my two NMB shows this week (Wednesday in NJ and Saturday in Philly).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 11, 2019, 08:18:07 PM
3/5 of the band performs 'Vanity Fair' at the WCCB-TV studios in Charlotte, North Carolina:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqJ-U2Ou08o&feature=player_embedded
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on February 13, 2019, 01:07:40 PM
That was awesome!   :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 13, 2019, 01:42:20 PM
Q & A with the band from Cruise to the Edge below. I watched this last night and it was highly entertaining.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m5cXQ6g1WM
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mebert78 on February 13, 2019, 02:37:16 PM
Q & A with the band from Cruise to the Edge below. I watched this last night and it was highly entertaining.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m5cXQ6g1WM

Thanks for sharing!  Really enjoying this so far.  Can't wait for Sunday's show in Westbury, NY! :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on February 13, 2019, 03:47:31 PM
That was very cool. Randy strikes me as a funny guy.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 13, 2019, 06:40:38 PM
Yep, Randy definitely seems like the jokester of the band, and Neal is pretty good with the one-liners as well.  I have seen and heard enough interviews recently to deduce that Eric is a very quiet guy.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on February 13, 2019, 06:42:49 PM
Yep, Randy definitely seems like the jokester of the band, and Neal is pretty good with the one-liners as well.  I have seen and heard enough interviews recently to deduce that Eric is a very quiet guy.

Did you see Neal's Instagram post yesterday where Eric sings the country version of "The Great Adventure"? That was funny :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on February 13, 2019, 07:24:03 PM
I'm still on cloud nine since I saw the band on Saturday and did the meet and greet package. Meeting Mike was an experience I will never forget. I can't believe I went all fanboy and was giddy like a little girl. I got some stuff signed and had small talk with them all. Neal was so kind and generous and spoke the most.

I never saw the band live before and had only seen their video performances, I have all their blurays and almost all live DVDs. They are such a fun band to watch and the album is amazing to hear live. I've got to make a huge effort to try and see them live for morsefest this year.

I've been on a binge on all the albums for days now and it keeps getting better and better on every listen.
Not sure about any rankings but I just have to say Alive again on the live show is absolutely transcendent to watch. The middle section with them all switching instruments is a riot.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: frogprog on February 14, 2019, 07:59:29 AM
Nice double neck in the tv appearence! Just have been too early for MP. Even Neal has bed head!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on February 14, 2019, 10:47:09 AM
The Jersey City show last night was great. I got to the venue at 6:30 for 7pm doors and 8pm show and there were only 4 people lined up already. Combined with only 8 or 9 for VIP and I got a prime seat in the second row on Eric's side :hat (the tickets were GA but they put out chairs in the front of the venue). The new album slays live, and my god that encore medley :metal They took a bunch of awesome parts from awesome songs and jammed it all into one 20 minute prog speedball. I think they might have been a little disappointed that we were sitting for the whole show, at Mike's little talking point he mentioned that we looked too comfortable :lol  But everybody at least stood for the whole of the encore. Very excited to be catching this show again Saturday in PA.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 14, 2019, 11:01:31 AM
The Jersey City show last night was great. I got to the venue at 6:30 for 7pm doors and 8pm show and there were only 4 people lined up already. Combined with only 8 or 9 for VIP and I got a prime seat in the second row on Eric's side :hat (the tickets were GA but they put out chairs in the front of the venue). The new album slays live, and my god that encore medley :metal They took a bunch of awesome parts from awesome songs and jammed it all into one 20 minute prog speedball. I think they might have been a little disappointed that we were sitting for the whole show, at Mike's little talking point he mentioned that we looked too comfortable :lol  But everybody at least stood for the whole of the encore. Very excited to be catching this show again Saturday in PA.

When I saw them a couple of years ago the audience sat the whole time as well (except for encore). Not my preference. I believe when I see them in Lawrence it will be standing room. I'm doing the VIP so I have concerns about being in the front.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on February 14, 2019, 04:01:41 PM
The meet and greet in Orlando had about 25 people I think. Though they were supposed to start it around 6 pm, soundcheck was still going on up until 6:30 and we didn't get in until 7 to meet everything. I was very thankful there were chairs because by that point I was so tired from the wait plus the 2 hour drive and didn't have time to get any food.

The VIP people get in first regardless of how long the line is, they called our names out and gave the lanyards and posters. I was able to sit right up front in front of the subwoofer literally one foot away from Randy.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on February 14, 2019, 07:34:31 PM
Nice double neck in the tv appearence! Just have been too early for MP. Even Neal has bed head!

Irony is everywhere.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DT2003 on February 14, 2019, 07:42:59 PM
The Jersey City show last night was great. I got to the venue at 6:30 for 7pm doors and 8pm show and there were only 4 people lined up already. Combined with only 8 or 9 for VIP and I got a prime seat in the second row on Eric's side :hat (the tickets were GA but they put out chairs in the front of the venue). The new album slays live, and my god that encore medley :metal They took a bunch of awesome parts from awesome songs and jammed it all into one 20 minute prog speedball. I think they might have been a little disappointed that we were sitting for the whole show, at Mike's little talking point he mentioned that we looked too comfortable :lol  But everybody at least stood for the whole of the encore. Very excited to be catching this show again Saturday in PA.
Definitely a great show. Was a bit shocked at how small the crowd was. I drove around for a half hour trying to find parking and finally found a spot and got to the door right at 7 and was shocked how few people were there. I got there at the time the doors opened and was able to get a seat in the front row right in front of Eric. With that said the guys put on an incredible show. It was great seeing TGA live and the encore was phenomenal. One thing I noticed being right in front of Eric is that he does not look at or interact with the crowd and even the other guys in the band at all.  He also left the stage often in between songs and sometimes even during songs. I dont recall ever noticing those things before when Ive seen them so not sure if he was just under the weather or if this was normal. With that said, his playing and singing were great!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DT2003 on February 14, 2019, 07:50:54 PM
Given how prolific Neal is and how often he releases music, I would imagine he was a bit bummed having so little "real band" time last year to work on the album while Portnoy was off wasting time with Sons of Apollo (although he'd never say it, since Neal is far too classy to publicize it).  I mean, Neal Morse Band is supposed to be a full-time band now, yet they basically had to take a big chunk of time off while one member formed another new full-time band that took a lot of his time.  My theory was always that the Life & Times album and subsequent tour was merely to keep himself busy until the next NMB album was ready to go. 

And to further illustrate how quickly he can work when up against the clock, he even said the Exorcist musical wasn't finished till the 11th hour last summer and then it came out pretty damn amazing at Morsefest.  I will be curious to see if he reworks some of that from the demos (which I have from when I was an IC member last fall) once he finishes it up for its official release later this year.

I think, like Mike, Neal likes to stay busy. In fact, I don't think there has been a year in the last two decades where Neal hasn't worked on at LEAST one new studio or live album, or touring, sometimes doing multiple ones for multiple bands! But it has come to a point where 3 of Neal's bands have Mike IN them, so when he's away playing with TWD or SOA or MA or who knows who else, Neal is stuck doing things like Jesus The Exorcist musical, or a Snow reunion with Spock's beard, both of which are spectacular in their own right, but I have to wonder if Neal is starting to feel slighted by Mike's OVER-abundance of work that doesn't include him.

Does anyone remember that when Eric and Bill joined the band, along with Adson, they had hired a drummer as well, as a way to replace Mike for gigs he couldn't make? Then it turned out that Mike COULD play with them, leading up to the Momentum Tour, but I have to wonder why that idea faded away? Surely, the others would love to play their music with Neal any time they can, even if it meant doing it without Mike, but I wonder if Mike felt like he was being pushed out because Neal had auditioned a temp-drummer for gigs without him?

-Marc.
What happens is that Mikes I can manage to be in 87 bands at the same time keeps HIM busy and happy but it forces the other members of his bands to wait for him to have time availability in between gigs. As you said, NMB is Neals, Randys, Bills and Erics main thing now and they probably cant or at least shouldnt have to wait for Mike to decide its time for them to work again. And Mike, being the control freak that he is, wouldnt allow them to do the bulk of the writing/pre production process without him being there. The same applies to Derek and Bumblefoot on SOA. This is ultimately why the writing for Psychotic Symphony was so rushed (with a similar thing happening with their 2nd) and NMB couldnt work longer on TGA, among other things.

This way of doing things certainly works for side projects like TA or FC where every member has a main band outside, but its in scenarios where its supposed to be the main thing for the members that problems appear, like Mike leaving AMOB for treating it like a side thing while Allen and Orlando expected it to be everybodys only focus. The same happened with TWD when Richie decided to take a break to do his solo stuff and Mike couldnt get what he wanted anymore.
I know Mike likes to stay busy, but part of me wonders if he has so many bands partly for monetary reasons to be able to keep up with the lifestyle hes used to. Im sure DT provided Mike with a heck of a lot more money than any of his current bands do.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: jadiggerdt on February 15, 2019, 04:40:12 AM

how many people were there?

In Europe i think they plays for 300-600 every night ca!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on February 15, 2019, 05:58:16 AM
I looked at the capacity for the Orlando club and it said 500 and I'm positive it was packed. Not sure about the other shows.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: thunderdog10 on February 15, 2019, 07:57:35 AM
yes Orlando was packed and was a sell out. I know they ran out of chairs as I was one of the ones standing  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on February 15, 2019, 08:30:30 AM
Seeing them tonight in Cambridge, Mass!! :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: rumborak on February 15, 2019, 09:34:56 AM
Same here!

I must confess that after having listened to the latest album a few times, I am somewhat less excited.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on February 15, 2019, 09:36:28 AM
Same here!

I must confess that after having listened to the latest album a few times, I am somewhat less excited.


I'm hoping seeing it live will change my mind as well.  I loved the last album before seeing it played live.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 15, 2019, 04:43:41 PM
Have fun, fellas!  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DT2003 on February 15, 2019, 07:12:58 PM

how many people were there?

In Europe i think they plays for 300-600 every night ca!
In NJ Id say there were probably about 100 people.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: rumborak on February 16, 2019, 10:26:26 AM
I enjoyed yesterday's concert, but somebody needs to explain to me why they put chairs into one of Boston's very few pure-GA venues. The venue is really popular because of its live energy, why would you actively hinder that?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on February 17, 2019, 07:38:37 AM
The show last night at Keswick was amazing!! The band was on fire and Neal was bopping and dancing all over the stage. Everyone in this band is an MVP. I was hesitant about another double album performed live but boy did they deliver! The ending of TGA is EPIC!!

The encore was amazing too, all those albums stacked up one after the other and makes you realize how prolific and talented Mr. Morse is. Just fantastic. Run, don't walk if you have a chance to see this show!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: frogprog on February 17, 2019, 08:08:04 AM
Great show last night at the Keswick (philly). The guys sounded great and seemed to be having a lot of fun. A couple of quick thoughts:


* Randy has more pedals on his footboard than most guitarists I've seen!
* Bill is very ta!ented, great singer, great keyboardist
* Eric is EXTREMELY talented. The soaring voice of an angel and the guitar chops of JP. Not just the shredding but also the soulful, melodic leads that can make you smile from ear to ear while bringing tears to your eyes!
* I've been supporting\seeing Neal live since 2000 and the older he gets the more energy he has. His voice and playing sounded great and he was dancing and running around all night. Do you realize how much music this man has given us over the years?!!
* MP is the best. I have probably seen him live 20-25 times over the years since 1993 and he NEVER fails to entertain. I noticed last night that his current NMB Tama set has concert toms ( no bottom heads of hardware) for his rack toms. Being a drummer and gear head, I'm really curious as to the reason for bucking conventional equipment tends. To my knowledge, Mike has never played a set with concert toms, except maybe(?) His Keith Moon replica that was reproducing a 70's trend.
Thing that make you go hmmm...
* I was a little disappointed at the attendance. The Keswick Theater holds about 1100 and there was probably only 600 or so. I have certainly seen it more packed for a NMB show.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on February 17, 2019, 08:43:57 AM
Great show last night at the Keswick (philly). The guys sounded great and seemed to be having a lot of fun. A couple of quick thoughts:


* Randy has more pedals on his footboard than most guitarists I've seen!
* Bill is very ta!ented, great singer, great keyboardist
* Eric is EXTREMELY talented. The soaring voice of an angel and the guitar chops of JP. Not just the shredding but also the soulful, melodic leads that can make you smile from ear to ear while bringing tears to your eyes!
* I've been supporting\seeing Neal live since 2000 and the older he gets the more energy he has. His voice and playing sounded great and he was dancing and running around all night. Do you realize how much music this man has given us over the years?!!
* MP is the best. I have probably seen him live 20-25 times over the years since 1993 and he NEVER fails to entertain. I noticed last night that his current NMB Tama set has concert toms ( no bottom heads of hardware) for his rack toms. Being a drummer and gear head, I'm really curious as to the reason for bucking conventional equipment tends. To my knowledge, Mike has never played a set with concert toms, except maybe(?) His Keith Moon replica that was reproducing a 70's trend.
Thing that make you go hmmm...
* I was a little disappointed at the attendance. The Keswick Theater holds about 1100 and there was probably only 600 or so. I have certainly seen it more packed for a NMB show.

Dammit...I'm local to Philly and I just totally blanked on this show. I'm pretty sick so I would not likely have wanted to attend had I actually had tickets but it sucks the place wasn't full. Finding Eric/Bill has been Neal's greatest career move in a very long time IMO. They have rejuvenated everything about his sound and have brought such a life to his music. MP used concert toms with The Winery Dogs on their last tour so it's probably just a way to change up the set-up he's used for years.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DT2003 on February 17, 2019, 10:31:47 AM
* Bill is very ta!ented, great singer, great keyboardist
I think how good Bill is gets overlooked by a lot of people. His keyboard playing is great and I love his voice and think its the perfect compliment to Neal and Erics voice. A lot of people say how it sounds like he really strains his voice to sing like that, but when you watch him live he looks like its effortless.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on February 17, 2019, 01:31:24 PM
* Bill is very ta!ented, great singer, great keyboardist
I think how good Bill is gets overlooked by a lot of people. His keyboard playing is great and I love his voice and think its the perfect compliment to Neal and Erics voice. A lot of people say how it sounds like he really strains his voice to sing like that, but when you watch him live he looks like its effortless.
You are right!  Earlier in this thread I said Bill needs to step away from the microphone and that I didn't like his tone that much. I even said that it sounds like he has a bubble in his throat.  I now regret saying that and I take it all back. He actually compliments the band quite well and his harmonies sound great.
  Bill kind of has a Genesis (Collins) type sound to his voice which is a good thing. His vocals really grew on me and I've been able to appreciate him alot more. He is definitely a integral part in the sound of the band.   :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ben_Jamin on February 17, 2019, 05:35:03 PM
For some reason, Neal and Eric have a similar tone and they compliment each other. Bill and Mike also have similar tones.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on February 18, 2019, 10:07:01 AM
I caught the Keswick show on Saturday and it was fantastic. Definitely a bigger crowd/better venue than Jersey City a few days earlier (though I definitely think there were more than 100 people in JC), the little fog cannons on stage were a nice addition to the set that we didn't get in Jersey. The band was on fire all night, and I have to say that seeing A Love That Never Dies live is the closest I've come to being moved to tears by music (and I know that several people around me were). Eric's voice is just sublime on that song. I've gone from "I'll only go to Morsefest if I like what's announced for night 1" to "I'll likely go unless I actively don't like what's announced for night 1". And that medley needs to be captured on an official live release.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DT2003 on February 18, 2019, 11:25:09 AM
I caught the Keswick show on Saturday and it was fantastic. Definitely a bigger crowd/better venue than Jersey City a few days earlier (though I definitely think there were more than 100 people in JC),
Just looked back at my pictures of the NJ show and it looks like they had just over 100 chairs set up and they definitely werent all filled. I also talked with someone before the show that said either the band or venue told him there was just over 100 tickets sold.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on February 18, 2019, 11:57:37 AM
interesting. Me and the person next to me guessed more like 150-200. I know there were some people standing behind the chairs they had set up. Either way, kind of cool to get that intimate of a show. I was surprised they didn't have an NYC date, and I'm thinking they expected more people to make the trek over from the city.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on February 18, 2019, 12:03:02 PM
I enjoyed yesterday's concert, but somebody needs to explain to me why they put chairs into one of Boston's very few pure-GA venues. The venue is really popular because of its live energy, why would you actively hinder that?

I think if it was GA without the seats the venue would look half filled.  I was joking about the seats were for the old people because that's what they draw but honestly, the venue was really only half filled.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mebert78 on February 18, 2019, 12:06:20 PM
Went to last night's show in Westbury, NY, and it was absolutely fantastic.  The band was on point and sounded incredible.  Had fifth row seats in front of Eric Gillette -- he is so freaking talented, it's ridiculous.  I wish this band could just keep on cranking out new music and never stop.   I can't get enough.

Edit: Stupid question, but what is the meaning behind the curvy symbol on The Great Adventure's cover beneath "The Neal Morse Band"?  It looks like Evergrey has the same symbol beneath the band's name on their cover for The Atlantic.  Does it denote the end of a sequence of albums?   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Thoughtspart3 on February 19, 2019, 06:44:12 PM
I caught the Keswick show on Saturday and it was fantastic.

I was there too and totally agree. Neal is great and so were the other guys.  He said that they have enjoyed the tour so far and that they felt the TGA was an album that was delivering every night.  Amen to that!

One funny moment was when Neal forgot the lyrics during the second verse of the song TGA.  He just stopped singing and started smiling as he was racing his brain and all the guys looked at him. He then picked it up about five seconds later.  He handled it well and it made for a good laugh.

I waved everyone to their feat at the end of the sick instrumental section the last half of Freedom Calling.  It was so Epic.  I felt it was morally wrong to stay seated for that.  A Love that Never Dies was so emotional.  I love the build and crescendo. It could have moved to the top of list for favorite closer. 


   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on February 19, 2019, 07:51:12 PM
The show last night at Keswick was amazing!! The band was on fire and Neal was bopping and dancing all over the stage. Everyone in this band is an MVP. I was hesitant about another double album performed live but boy did they deliver! The ending of TGA is EPIC!!

The encore was amazing too, all those albums stacked up one after the other and makes you realize how prolific and talented Mr. Morse is. Just fantastic. Run, don't walk if you have a chance to see this show!

I think they were kind of holding back until the second set and the encore. I thought they really caught fire after that. Definitely cemented  my feeling that Disc 2 is better. (There are some good ones on Disc 1 too.) The Great Despair was unreal. I don't know why it took me until that moment to realize the nod to Squonk. and Like Father, Like son. Can't believe it didn't hit me until then.

Has Mike posted the pre-show music he chose for this tour somewhere?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on February 19, 2019, 07:54:25 PM
Has Mike posted the pre-show music he chose for this tour somewhere?
Yup, it's because of this list that I got hooked into Haken.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DyVkua4VYAAs0NY.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on February 19, 2019, 07:58:42 PM
I caught the Keswick show on Saturday and it was fantastic. Definitely a bigger crowd/better venue than Jersey City a few days earlier (though I definitely think there were more than 100 people in JC), the little fog cannons on stage were a nice addition to the set that we didn't get in Jersey. The band was on fire all night, and I have to say that seeing A Love That Never Dies live is the closest I've come to being moved to tears by music (and I know that several people around me were). Eric's voice is just sublime on that song. I've gone from "I'll only go to Morsefest if I like what's announced for night 1" to "I'll likely go unless I actively don't like what's announced for night 1". And that medley needs to be captured on an official live release.

The fog was cool and all, but I don't think it was all that necessary although it looks nice in some pictures.  That was a great encore, wasn't it?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on February 19, 2019, 08:03:08 PM
Has Mike posted the pre-show music he chose for this tour somewhere?
Yup, it's because of this list that I got hooked into Haken.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DyVkua4VYAAs0NY.jpg)

Thanks. So I know about 65 percent of that.

I'm not going to say I'm hooked on Haken, but I watched their cruise sets from last week and I'm kind of into the fusion part of it. I'm going to guess there isn't a record that features that side of it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on February 19, 2019, 08:17:34 PM
Their first two albums tend to have a lot of fusion stuff, not so much the later albums though. Still, I'm loving the journey into all their albums. Check out the track 1985 if you haven't already.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 19, 2019, 08:56:39 PM
So many Haken songs to choose from and he picks that one? *shakes head*
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on February 19, 2019, 09:48:12 PM
I'm assuming you're referring to MP picking Nil by Mouth and not my pick of 1985. I scoured the Haken thread and was kinda surprised by the general indifference to Nil By Mouth by most here. I even checked other forums to see a similar reaction. Honestly, it's one of my absolute favorite tracks of the band and really wished I had gotten into them earlier. I missed their tour when they came by and missed out on seeing the new album live.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 19, 2019, 09:56:24 PM
Guys,

I will interview "an undisclosed number of members of the NMB" this week. I think it's going to be "Neal+2", but they haven't confirmed who exactly will be available. It could even be MP! It would be awesome if you could help me with a few questions for them. Can anyone chime in?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on February 20, 2019, 08:12:40 AM
Ask them if they will be filming for a live dvd in Tilburg or somewhere else besides Morsefest.
  Also ask them if they have any plans for their next album and what direction they will be taking after two monster concept albums?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 20, 2019, 08:58:02 AM
Ask them if they will be filming for a live dvd in Tilburg or somewhere else besides Morsefest.
  Also ask them if they have any plans for their next album and what direction they will be taking after two monster concept albums?

Two great questions. Thanks!!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 20, 2019, 09:24:45 AM
I'm assuming you're referring to MP picking Nil by Mouth and not my pick of 1985. I scoured the Haken thread and was kinda surprised by the general indifference to Nil By Mouth by most here. I even checked other forums to see a similar reaction. Honestly, it's one of my absolute favorite tracks of the band and really wished I had gotten into them earlier. I missed their tour when they came by and missed out on seeing the new album live.

That is correct, yes.

Guys,

I will interview "an undisclosed number of members of the NMB" this week. I think it's going to be "Neal+2", but they haven't confirmed who exactly will be available. It could even be MP! It would be awesome if you could help me with a few questions for them. Can anyone chime in?

How is this:

What are your favorite modern day (1990 till now) prog albums (that you did not play on)?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on February 20, 2019, 11:46:51 AM
If you get a chance, please post the interview or a link. That would be awesome!  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 20, 2019, 12:15:47 PM
Ask them what a Bluegy Woogy is.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 20, 2019, 01:40:09 PM
If you get a chance, please post the interview or a link. That would be awesome!  :tup

It will be posted on the Sonic Perspectives website!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 20, 2019, 01:41:48 PM
Ask them what a Bluegy Woogy is.

Isn't it "Boogie Woogie" but pronounced as "Boo-zhee Woo-zhee"? Like people who say bougie as slang for Bougiouse?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 20, 2019, 06:54:20 PM
Ask them what a Bluegy Woogy is.

Isn't it "Boogie Woogie" but pronounced as "Boo-zhee Woo-zhee"? Like people who say bougie as slang for Bougiouse?

-Marc.

I want to ask them (him?) about that and also the pantacle pantry line. The "taciturn iconoclast" I already asked Neal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 21, 2019, 07:23:39 AM
Ask them what a Bluegy Woogy is.

Isn't it "Boogie Woogie" but pronounced as "Boo-zhee Woo-zhee"? Like people who say bougie as slang for Bougiouse?

-Marc.

I don't know but my kids find it hilarious.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 21, 2019, 04:11:22 PM
I am AMAZED. This was the first time ever that they did an interview with all of the band members present. They all were genuinely excited and replied to all my questions. This one will sound great, guys!!! I'll post it here soon.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 21, 2019, 05:01:11 PM
Odd question: what does everyone think the height is of everyone in the band?

For some reason, I always thought Neal was taller than he really is, but when I met him last year, I was stunned that I was a little taller than him (and I am 5'10", 5"11" with the hair :P).  And he is taller then both Randy George and Mike Portnoy. Bill is the tallest of the bunch, and Eric looks around the same height as Neal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on February 21, 2019, 06:15:54 PM
I am AMAZED. This was the first time ever that they did an interview with all of the band members present. They all were genuinely excited and replied to all my questions. This one will sound great, guys!!! I'll post it here soon.
Hey that's great!  Look forward to hearing it.  :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 21, 2019, 06:29:37 PM
Just saw Neal post today that he is offering the first part of a concert recorded in Offenbach, Germany from November 1st 1998 (different than the one used on the Europe 98 live official bootleg released by SB a few years ago) on his streaming service, Waterfall. This comes from the second European leg of the The Kindness Of Strangers tour, which swaps out some TKOS songs, so for the first time, we get live versions of "The Good Don't Last", "Strange World", and "Harm's Way" from the TKOS Tour, which, if you have the first Offenbach show, completes a live version of TKOS (as that show has "Flow" and "Cakewalk On Easy Street", both shows feature "June" and "In The Mouth Of Madness").

I wasn't really in to the idea of his streaming service, but I may try it out for a month or so to hear this concert. I love TKOS and to get to hear a never-before-released concert from that tour is exciting to me! Judging on the shows played around the November 1st date, here's the setlist for the concert:
The Good Don't Last
In the Mouth of Madness
Thoughts
Strange World
Go the Way You Go
June
Harm's Way
Ryo's Solo
The Light
Squonk
Waste Away
The Doorway

The currently-released part 1 ends at "Go The Way You Go", so I presume the second part (to be released next week) will continue with "June" to the end of the show.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 22, 2019, 06:50:12 PM
A pic just after the interview with the whole band. MP was so tired...I felt for him, guys. The relentless touring does take its toll. He was really kind though, answered all my questions with interest and really engaged. The whole band was great, and even chimed in in questions directed to other members.

(https://i.postimg.cc/pdxnKD9b/20190221-154014.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on February 22, 2019, 06:56:19 PM
It must've been an unreal experience. Congrats, Rodrigo!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on February 22, 2019, 07:06:54 PM
MP was so tired...I felt for him

The man is a legend and just pure amazing. He was really under the weather when I saw him in Orlando with the band yet didn't skip a beat during the entire show. Magical night seeing him and the band.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on February 23, 2019, 05:51:43 PM
At the Cleveland show right now and have to admit I was a little concerned whem I read above about the low attemdance at other shows. But this place - although smaller - is prerry packed so far so glad to see a good turnout for the band. Can't wait foe the show to start!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 23, 2019, 08:27:11 PM
At the Cleveland show right now and have to admit I was a little concerned whem I read above about the low attemdance at other shows. But this place - although smaller - is prerry packed so far so glad to see a good turnout for the band. Can't wait foe the show to start!

Enjoy it!!! I loved the show here, and brought my wife as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on February 23, 2019, 10:34:50 PM
At the Cleveland show right now and have to admit I was a little concerned whem I read above about the low attemdance at other shows. But this place - although smaller - is prerry packed so far so glad to see a good turnout for the band. Can't wait foe the show to start!

Enjoy it!!! I loved the show here, and brought my wife as well.

It was great. Neal has to be my favorite artist by now. Admitted MP fanboy so I always love seeing him.  I just wish they were able to draw a larger audience than just a couple of hundred people a night. But at the same time it's great to see them in an intimate setting. Will be on a high now until I see DT in April. Great show tonight.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PowerSlave on February 24, 2019, 02:43:44 AM
Tonight was my first time seeing Neal live. It certainly won't be my last. This show ranks very high for all of the concerts that I've seen over the years. I can't be certain about the number of people in attendance, but as another poster has already said, I'd put it around 150-200 range. Most shows that I attend aren't seated shows, and I admit that I was a little bit wary about that beforehand. However, I really enjoyed that. There were people lined up on either side of the room that didn't make it into the room in time to get a chair, but I'm assuming that they still had a fair view of the stage. The PA at either side of the stage probably blocked their view of the corners, though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on February 24, 2019, 07:46:02 AM
Anybody going to the Dallas gig?

Is Bill selling his We Came from Space album in CD format?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on February 24, 2019, 08:29:55 AM
Once again I will contend that Neal Morse is the greatest artist that "nobody" has heard of. I mean, the talent and everything he brings and he can't draw more than 200 people in some cities? It's really depressing. I'm thankful that means that I can sit up close but wish he could sell out 2000 seat theaters.

I was watching NMB at Keswick and thinking how can it get better? How doesn't everyone know about him and this incredible band?


Rant over  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Big Hath on February 24, 2019, 08:35:49 AM
Anybody going to the Dallas gig?

Is Bill selling his We Came from Space album in CD format?

my wife and I will be there!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on February 24, 2019, 11:33:11 AM
Once again I will contend that Neal Morse is the greatest artist that "nobody" has heard of. I mean, the talent and everything he brings and he can't draw more than 200 people in some cities? It's really depressing. I'm thankful that means that I can sit up close but wish he could sell out 2000 seat theaters.

I was watching NMB at Keswick and thinking how can it get better? How doesn't everyone know about him and this incredible band?


Rant over  ;D
I completely agree!  The Neal Morse Band has enough stand alone tracks off their last two albums that should be all over the radio in a perfect world. They should be selling out arenas like The Who with no problem.  Same goes for Dream Theater!
  People's minds are clouded with what they are force-fed through mainstream media and don't take the time to really look for something with depth.  Rant over.  :chill
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on February 24, 2019, 03:14:46 PM
Anybody going to the Dallas gig?

Is Bill selling his We Came from Space album in CD format?

my wife and I will be there!

Sent you a PM.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on February 24, 2019, 03:16:59 PM
So, it sounds like it could well be worthwhile for me to drive about 5 hours to the Denver show this upcoming Saturday? Trying to decide if I want to commit to that haul.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on February 24, 2019, 03:34:46 PM
Anybody going to the Dallas gig?

Is Bill selling his We Came from Space album in CD format?

my wife and I will be there!

Nevermind. Seems like Bill is not selling anything. Just got a reply from him in FB

Sent you a PM.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Hourglass Prison on February 24, 2019, 10:02:38 PM
So, it sounds like it could well be worthwhile for me to drive about 5 hours to the Denver show this upcoming Saturday? Trying to decide if I want to commit to that haul.

Well, my wife and I just got back home from tonights show, and we had a pretty damn great time.
We did the meet and greet and sat front row, but honestly there wasnt really a bad seat in the house from what I saw. There were some transcendent moments tonight, and thats coming from someone who doesnt like the album as much as the last one.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 25, 2019, 04:02:25 PM
I've barely listened to the new album in weeks, so my excitement level for Wednesday's show isn't sky high, but I am sure once the day of the show arrives, I will get amped up.  :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 26, 2019, 06:51:33 AM
Anyone going to the show Friday in Lawrence?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on February 26, 2019, 08:18:21 AM
Anyone going to the show Friday in Lawrence?

Going tomorrow (Wed Night) in St. Louis.....VIP Meet and Greet as well. I think I'm more jazzed about the meet and greet than anything. Starting to get a little nervous about actually meeting them. I notoriously say really dumb things if I'm nervous so who knows what kind of fool I'll make of myself. All I really wish for out of the experience though is that my kids have a cool interaction with them. My two oldest are going to the Meet and Greet and concert and they are pumped. My oldest LOVES Portnoy so I'm hoping he gets a neat experience. We shall see.....
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 26, 2019, 10:44:42 AM
I'm seeing them in just over a week.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 26, 2019, 11:48:01 AM
I'm seeing them in just over a week.

Prepare to be amazed!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on February 26, 2019, 11:52:03 AM
I'm seeing them in just over a week.
Where at?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 26, 2019, 12:13:13 PM
I'm seeing them in just over a week.
Where at?

S.F.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 26, 2019, 12:48:05 PM
Anyone going to the show Friday in Lawrence?

Going tomorrow (Wed Night) in St. Louis.....VIP Meet and Greet as well. I think I'm more jazzed about the meet and greet than anything. Starting to get a little nervous about actually meeting them. I notoriously say really dumb things if I'm nervous so who knows what kind of fool I'll make of myself. All I really wish for out of the experience though is that my kids have a cool interaction with them. My two oldest are going to the Meet and Greet and concert and they are pumped. My oldest LOVES Portnoy so I'm hoping he gets a neat experience. We shall see.....

I did the Meet & Greet on the last tour and it was fun. I too have a hard time having conversations with them because it is a bit awkward. I honestly paid for the meet & greet again to get an amazing place (hopefully front row). The last show I was front row and center in front of Neal and it was the best concert experience ever.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on February 26, 2019, 02:13:04 PM
I'm seeing them in just over a week.
Where at?

S.F.
Cool!  I'll be at the Seattle show next Tuesday.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 26, 2019, 02:30:38 PM
I would consider Seattle.  But as a friend of mine once said, "You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on February 27, 2019, 10:25:33 AM
I would consider Seattle.  But as a friend of mine once said, "You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious."
   :omg:
 There are parts of Seattle where that rings true, but overall it's a nice city. I've never had any trouble over there. Every once in a while I'll go to a concert by myself and I have to walk through part of the city from the ferry dock. If that's the case I just walk fast and look kind of pissed off,  that way people leave me alone..  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 27, 2019, 10:31:34 AM
The only show I've ever seen in Seattle was day 2 of the Live Evolution shows at the Moore.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on February 27, 2019, 10:38:53 AM
This day can't go fast enough.....cannot wait for tonight....getting really excited. This VIP Meet and greet is really jazzing me up right now.....I didn't think I'd be this giddy honestly. I've spent the entire time waiting for this more concerned that my two boys would really appreciate it and have a great experience that i totally 'forgot' that I'm actually going to meet Neal and the gang tonight!!!! :omg:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on February 27, 2019, 10:55:41 AM
So Gary, you are a kid too! :lol

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on February 27, 2019, 11:06:12 AM
So Gary, you are a kid too! :lol

Pretty much. Just ask my wife.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on February 27, 2019, 08:20:25 PM
This day can't go fast enough.....cannot wait for tonight....getting really excited. This VIP Meet and greet is really jazzing me up right now.....I didn't think I'd be this giddy honestly. I've spent the entire time waiting for this more concerned that my two boys would really appreciate it and have a great experience that i totally 'forgot' that I'm actually going to meet Neal and the gang tonight!!!! :omg:

This was me when I met them. Still can't forget that day. That was like almost 3 weeks ago, still fresh in my mind and will be etched in forever.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 28, 2019, 07:19:46 AM
Front row center last night!!  Excellent show.  My takeaways:

-For a 58-year old guy, Neal's energy level is pretty amazing.
-The Great Adventure is a very good album, but not only does it not touch Similitude, it doesn't come close.
-Randy George is the king of hilarious facial expressions.
-While generally not a big fan of medleys, the one they are doing in the encore on this tour is pretty sweet.  The Conflict section had me rocking out like there was no tomorrow. :metal :metal
-Neal Morse's improvement as an electric guitar player over the years is remarkable. While Eric plays the solo at the end, Neal handles all of the lead guitar work in The Great Despair prior to that, and absolutely killed it last night.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 28, 2019, 07:25:58 AM
Front row center last night!!  Excellent show.  My takeaways:

-For a 58-year old guy, Neal's energy level is pretty amazing.
-The Great Adventure is a very good album, but not only does it not touch Similitude, it doesn't come close.
-Randy George is the king of hilarious facial expressions.
-While generally not a big fan of medleys, the one they are doing in the encore on this tour is pretty sweet.  The Conflict section had me rocking out like there was no tomorrow. :metal :metal
-Neal Morse's improvement as an electric guitar player over the years is remarkable. While Eric plays the solo at the end, Neal handles all of the lead guitar work in The Great Despair prior to that, and absolutely killed it last night.

How was the turn out and did you do the meet and greet? Can't wait until tomorrow!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 28, 2019, 07:31:26 AM
I did not do the meet and greet, but Gary did. I am sure he will chime in here this morning...;)

The venue is small, but looked like it was mostly full, from what I could tell.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on February 28, 2019, 07:41:54 AM
The meet and greet was really cool. In an ideal world we'd have all gotten 5 or 10 minutes to chat with the band but in reality it was really only a minute or two....which was just fine. My kiddos got to speak with them....we got to get a pick with them.....all in all it was a pretty cool experience.

Our seats were third row which in this venue is still right on top of the stage. We weren't like Kev who practically was sitting on Neal's keyboard  :lol  but we were directly in front of Randy and Mike. The entire show Randy was having a blast....he and my boys were pointing and making faces at one another. At one point he motioned to my oldest to come to the stage so he did, then Randy flipped him a pick. Small thing for Randy to do but I tell you what it lit my son up like a candle. He was stoked.

Concert was incredible as usual. Neal has the energy of a 20 year old. He was so emotional and in to it....you could tell he wasn't just performing or putting on a show....he puts his all into playing this music for us.

My only bummer was that where we were sitting Neal's rig blocked us from seeing Bill. I could see the top of his head but that was it....so didn't get to see hardly any of him until the encore when everyone stayed standing.

Eric is a monster player....there's just no denying how incredible that dude is on guitar.

And, the venue was packed. If there was an empty seat it was in small company because the place was full.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on February 28, 2019, 07:44:43 AM
Good to hear! I'm curious as to how the turnout in Lawrence will be. I've been to one show there years ago, (Nightwish) and there was good turnout but I'm curious as to what the draw for Neal will in a college town. I'm doing the meet & greet so I'm not worried about getting a good spot but I hope there is a solid turn out for the bands sake.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: JPX on February 28, 2019, 07:47:37 AM
I know this is a Neal thread (we all love him) but can we please add some appreciation for Eric Gilette. I mean, the dude is phenomenal in every way but holy cow his solo on Dark Melody is some of the most tasteful playing I've heard in years.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 28, 2019, 08:01:32 AM
Our seats were third row which in this venue is still right on top of the stage. We weren't like Kev who practically was sitting on Neal's keyboard  :lol

 :lol :lol :biggrin: :biggrin:

Good to hear! I'm curious as to how the turnout in Lawrence will be. I've been to one show there years ago, (Nightwish) and there was good turnout but I'm curious as to what the draw for Neal will in a college town. I'm doing the meet & greet so I'm not worried about getting a good spot but I hope there is a solid turn out for the bands sake.

Did they come there, or anywhere close, on the Similitude tour? 

I know this is a Neal thread (we all love him) but can we please add some appreciation for Eric Gilette. I mean, the dude is phenomenal in every way but holy cow his solo on Dark Melody is some of the most tasteful playing I've heard in years.

Yep, he is a fantastic player.  :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 28, 2019, 08:03:02 AM
I know this is a Neal thread (we all love him) but can we please add some appreciation for Eric Gilette. I mean, the dude is phenomenal in every way but holy cow his solo on Dark Melody is some of the most tasteful playing I've heard in years.

Well, it is truly a band effort, so I don't think any one specific member should be singled out. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: mikeyd23 on February 28, 2019, 08:54:25 AM
I know this is a Neal thread (we all love him) but can we please add some appreciation for Eric Gilette. I mean, the dude is phenomenal in every way but holy cow his solo on Dark Melody is some of the most tasteful playing I've heard in years.

Well, it is truly a band effort, so I don't think any one specific member should be singled out.

 :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on February 28, 2019, 10:26:15 AM
The meet and greet was really cool. In an ideal world we'd have all gotten 5 or 10 minutes to chat with the band but in reality it was really only a minute or two....which was just fine. My kiddos got to speak with them....we got to get a pick with them.....all in all it was a pretty cool experience.

Our seats were third row which in this venue is still right on top of the stage. We weren't like Kev who practically was sitting on Neal's keyboard  :lol  but we were directly in front of Randy and Mike. The entire show Randy was having a blast....he and my boys were pointing and making faces at one another. At one point he motioned to my oldest to come to the stage so he did, then Randy flipped him a pick. Small thing for Randy to do but I tell you what it lit my son up like a candle. He was stoked.

Concert was incredible as usual. Neal has the energy of a 20 year old. He was so emotional and in to it....you could tell he wasn't just performing or putting on a show....he puts his all into playing this music for us.

My only bummer was that where we were sitting Neal's rig blocked us from seeing Bill. I could see the top of his head but that was it....so didn't get to see hardly any of him until the encore when everyone stayed standing.

Eric is a monster player....there's just no denying how incredible that dude is on guitar.

And, the venue was packed. If there was an empty seat it was in small company because the place was full.

Hey, look who got a retweet from MP. You're famous now!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on February 28, 2019, 10:27:04 AM
I know this is a Neal thread (we all love him) but can we please add some appreciation for Eric Gilette. I mean, the dude is phenomenal in every way but holy cow his solo on Dark Melody is some of the most tasteful playing I've heard in years.

Jaci Gillette is it you?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on February 28, 2019, 10:28:05 AM
I know this is a Neal thread (we all love him) but can we please add some appreciation for Eric Gilette. I mean, the dude is phenomenal in every way but holy cow his solo on Dark Melody is some of the most tasteful playing I've heard in years.

Jacy?


Sorry couldn't resist.









In all seriousness, Eric is an amazing player. And yes his playing on Dark Melody is awesome. I also loved what he did on The Great Despair! Especially his singing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on February 28, 2019, 10:43:21 AM
The meet and greet was really cool. In an ideal world we'd have all gotten 5 or 10 minutes to chat with the band but in reality it was really only a minute or two....which was just fine. My kiddos got to speak with them....we got to get a pick with them.....all in all it was a pretty cool experience.

Our seats were third row which in this venue is still right on top of the stage. We weren't like Kev who practically was sitting on Neal's keyboard  :lol  but we were directly in front of Randy and Mike. The entire show Randy was having a blast....he and my boys were pointing and making faces at one another. At one point he motioned to my oldest to come to the stage so he did, then Randy flipped him a pick. Small thing for Randy to do but I tell you what it lit my son up like a candle. He was stoked.

Concert was incredible as usual. Neal has the energy of a 20 year old. He was so emotional and in to it....you could tell he wasn't just performing or putting on a show....he puts his all into playing this music for us.

My only bummer was that where we were sitting Neal's rig blocked us from seeing Bill. I could see the top of his head but that was it....so didn't get to see hardly any of him until the encore when everyone stayed standing.

Eric is a monster player....there's just no denying how incredible that dude is on guitar.

And, the venue was packed. If there was an empty seat it was in small company because the place was full.

Hey, look who got a retweet from MP. You're famous now!

Ill be signing autographs at lunch. Ha ha
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 28, 2019, 01:48:57 PM

Ill be signing autographs at lunch. Ha ha

(https://i.imgflip.com/1updpr.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 28, 2019, 06:15:03 PM
Some pics I took last night:

(https://i.ibb.co/gWGGJJB/52987188-10217991162561752-6119898990264713216-n.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/y4zKhn0/53066233-10217991165241819-8966500101694423040-n.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/2cQ8Mq8/52977050-10217991163401773-1616850080780779520-n.jpg)

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 28, 2019, 06:22:34 PM
Also, in light of last night's show, I have narrowed the new album down to the perfect single disc for myself. Granted, that means the playlist I will have my phone to listen to in the car and at work, but you get the gist. ;)

I know some will quibble about the story being incomplete and not having either overture, but for me this is the best stuff, without any of the fat, and tones down the reprises (which I did realize last night were overdone a bit).

Welcome to the World
A Momentary Change
Dark Melody
I Got to Run
To the River
The Great Adventure
Venture in Black
Hey Hey Let's Go
Vanity Fair
The Element of Fear
Child of Wonder
The Great Despair
Freedom Calling
A Love That Never Dies
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on February 28, 2019, 06:32:16 PM
I'm making a playlist from this and playing it tomorrow.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 28, 2019, 06:49:44 PM
 :tup :tup

I hate losing the opening track with the Breath of Angels reprise, but the song as a whole goes on way too long and I always skip past it now anyway.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: H2 on February 28, 2019, 09:17:28 PM
Wait, KevShmev and gmillerdrake were there? What?! I was in the fifth row, center, from the stage.

I do remember seeing a guy with two kids...must've been gmillerdrake!

KevShmev, were you the guy with the Shattered Fortress Mike Portnoy shirt?

I had a great time. I went by myself and hung out with this older couple sitting next to me. ("Older" as in...50+?) Come to think of it, I was one of the youngest guys there, at 27...Anyway, they were telling me how they were fans of Neal since the Spock's Beard days.

Neal has so much energy and heart. Costumes for many different songs. He freakin' cried at the end of the album, too.

Portnoy was awesome. He gave a speech midway through the second act on how "even though we've all been enjoying ourselves, I'm gonna change that!" I had to retrain myself from yelling "Drum solo!", but I think he was referring to the fact that they were about to play The Great Despair.

The encore was a medley of songs from Testimony to Momentum, then from the NMB's first two albums, then closed with a bit from TGA.

- H2 (yeah, I lost my information for my previous account "H")
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 28, 2019, 09:27:20 PM
No, I was wearing my Broncos Super Bowl 50 championship hoodie last night. :hat

And yeah, Neal did have a few tears running down his face at the end of A Love That Never Dies.  Neal definitely wears his heart on his sleeve and the power of that song got to him.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on February 28, 2019, 11:01:36 PM
I saw Neal cry a couple of times on stage, it always gets me. First time in 2010 in Berlin with Transatlantic during Bridge Across Forever. Incredible performer!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on March 01, 2019, 07:47:25 AM
That's the thing that really stuck out to me about the concert....Neal was VERY emotional. He was in full blown crying mode at the end of the first act.....and like Kev mentioned he was crying at the end of 'A Love That Never Dies'. But I also noticed that he was genuinely 'happy' and smiling and energetic in the other sections of the concert. He was having a blast....I don't see how one could 'fake' that....we were right on top of him and you can tell when someone is going through the motions or not. He wasn't.

As my boys recounted their experience to my wife....(her and I saw the Similitude of a Dream show together) she said to me "I know you're going to be mad about this...but Neal's concert was way better than Dream Theaters". We took the boys to see DT in Peoria last summer. I told her I wasn't mad that it was true! I love DT to death.....appreciate their concerts and music.....BUT....especially the venue Neal has played the last two times through St Louis.....you are right there in the thick of it with him. HAKEN was the same way....this venue is just designed for intimate experience and the sound is incredible in there. So, I totally get why she said that because with Neal's shows you're a part of them. With DT....you're a tad more disconnected.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 01, 2019, 08:23:31 AM
I think he really identifies with this part of the story told from the son's point of view.  Even though it is fictional, I think there are parts of it that he identifies with closely from his own life experiences, and as I mentioned in my album review, I think there might be some very subtle hints dropped throughout the album about that. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: El Barto on March 01, 2019, 08:24:59 AM
Well that was god damned fantastic. I saw the Similitude tour two years ago and was definitely unimpressed. Last night's show was superb. At the first break in the first act we're already making plans to go and see them somewhere else.   :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 01, 2019, 08:32:12 AM
Come to Morsefest!! We will be there.  That is a show unlike any other Neal does, and the experience with other fans is pretty awesome.

I have seen some great frontmen over the years (Matt Bellamy, Bono, etc.), but Neal is the best I have seen live.  I made a point to watch all five guys as much as I could, constantly shifting my head from one to the other, but I know that Neal got the lion's share. He is such a great performer that your eyes almost get glued to him.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 01, 2019, 08:32:55 AM
I've only ever seen him with Transatlantic.  I'm really looking forward to the show next week.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on March 01, 2019, 08:34:02 AM
Well that was god damned fantastic. I saw the Similitude tour two years ago and was definitely unimpressed. Last night's show was superb. At the first break in the first act we're already making plans to go and see them somewhere else.   :tup

MP shared some video and pics on Instagram of the Venue.....that place looked AWESOME!!!  Was it packed?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 01, 2019, 08:34:50 AM

MP shared some video and pics on Instagram of the Venue.....that place looked AWESOME!!!  Was it packed?

I saw those on FB, too. I was like, damn, that stage was way bigger than ours.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on March 01, 2019, 08:35:18 AM
I've only ever seen him with Transatlantic.  I'm really looking forward to the show next week.

Aw man....I think it goes without saying you're in for a treat  :tup

I think he really identifies with this part of the story told from the son's point of view.  Even though it is fictional, I think there are parts of it that he identifies with closely from his own life experiences, and as I mentioned in my album review, I think there might be some very subtle hints dropped throughout the album about that. 

This makes total sense then.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on March 01, 2019, 08:35:52 AM

MP shared some video and pics on Instagram of the Venue.....that place looked AWESOME!!!  Was it packed?

I saw those on FB, too. I was like, damn, that stage was way bigger than ours.

Well it was in Texas....you know what they say.....
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: El Barto on March 01, 2019, 08:59:04 AM
I can only find one picture. Where are y'all seeing these?

The picture I saw (venue, empty, stage lighting) only shows about 20% of the venue. It is indeed huge. I think cap is 3K. This is what packed looks like:
(http://www.myk104.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Migos-at-Gas-Monkey-Live-68.jpg)

Neal didn't sell quite that many. I suspect he had about 300 seats available and sold 250 of them. I've never actually been to a seated show there before. Sadly, those seats were likely bought from an elementary school yard sale. They were the tiniest seats I've seen at a show. Which is unfortunate, as plenty of prog fans tend to be on the portly side.  :lol

We were shooting for Denver Sat night. Unfortunately there's a Class IV kill storm baring down on Colorado right now. Now we're leaning towards Phoenix for the last night in the US. Morsefest is a long ways off. Depending on the lineup I might well be interested now.

Personally, I'm still a bigger TA fan. From what I gather this album is more of a group effort than the last, which is probably why I enjoyed the show so much. While I really missed Pete Trewavas, this was certainly similar to what I've seen out of TA. This band is tighter, though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 01, 2019, 08:59:07 AM


Well it was in Texas....you know what they say.....

What do they say? :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 01, 2019, 09:03:15 AM


Personally, I'm still a bigger TA fan. From what I gather this album is more of a group effort than the last, which is probably why I enjoyed the show so much. While I really missed Pete Trewavas, this was certainly similar to what I've seen out of TA. This band is tighter, though.

Pushback from band members and wives of band members notwithstanding :P, I actually thought the new album* was less of a band effort than Similitude, since Neal kind of rewrote the whole thing on the road last year before presenting it to the band as a reworked sequel.  Meanwhile, Similitude seemed very much like a total band effort, based on comments by the band at the time and the making of DVD. 

*Note: still a band effort, by and large, but I am speaking in relative terms.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on March 01, 2019, 10:11:28 AM
Has anything about Morsefest been announced besides the dates?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 01, 2019, 10:18:25 AM
No, but at the Q&A on the Cruise to the Edge, Neal said the announcement will be in mid-March, so we should know more here pretty soon.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on March 01, 2019, 11:21:54 AM
Excellent. I feel safe in assuming that one night will be the current tour's set and I enjoyed this run so much that it'd have to be something severely underwhelming for me to not be in for this year.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on March 01, 2019, 11:48:18 AM
Here's the interview with all members of the Neal Morse Band:

https://www.sonicperspectives.com/interviews/interview-with-the-neal-morse-band/?fbclid=IwAR35d3Z3lca3j4Gb0mJLo-y5_cReSBjuLj-6nqn4thEUL6US7Z5voU4u5fA
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 01, 2019, 12:25:22 PM
Here's the interview with all members of the Neal Morse Band:

https://www.sonicperspectives.com/interviews/interview-with-the-neal-morse-band/?fbclid=IwAR35d3Z3lca3j4Gb0mJLo-y5_cReSBjuLj-6nqn4thEUL6US7Z5voU4u5fA

Great GREAT interview man. Way to do it!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 01, 2019, 05:15:02 PM
Yep, great job.  :tup :tup

Neal being a wiseacre numerous times cracked me up. :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on March 01, 2019, 05:42:06 PM
Yep, great job.  :tup :tup

Neal being a wiseacre numerous times cracked me up. :lol :lol

That kind of thing is GOLD for the end result of the interview. But while you're actually conducting it, it's extra tough. With me not being a native speaker, it's hard sometimes to embrace that kind of unpredictability while I'm recording it. But I'm glad this one turned out well!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 02, 2019, 08:12:51 AM
kaos2900, how was the show last night? I saw some pics on FB and the venue looked pretty packed!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Hourglass Prison on March 02, 2019, 11:07:29 AM
I've only ever seen him with Transatlantic.  I'm really looking forward to the show next week.

Im really hoping I GET to see Transatlantic one day. Bucket list band for me, and my favorite band with Neal in it.
NMB is damn impressive though, both on this tour and the last one. We had a blast at the shows.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on March 02, 2019, 02:26:08 PM
We were shooting for Denver Sat night. Unfortunately there's a Class IV kill storm baring down on Colorado right now. Now we're leaning towards Phoenix for the last night in the US. Morsefest is a long ways off. Depending on the lineup I might well be interested now.

Yeah, I was gearing up to drive to Denver until I learned about the same storm.

Shame, because it would be my first time seeing Neal (or MP, for that matter), and I'm really enjoying The Great Adventure, more than Similitude. Oh well, I guess I may have Transatlantic to look forward to not too long from now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 02, 2019, 07:00:14 PM
25 months ago, I had never seen Neal Morse in concert...and have seen him seven times (!!) since.  Lucky me. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PowerSlave on March 03, 2019, 02:36:28 AM
Yep, great job.  :tup :tup

Neal being a wiseacre numerous times cracked me up. :lol :lol

That kind of thing is GOLD for the end result of the interview. But while you're actually conducting it, it's extra tough. With me not being a native speaker, it's hard sometimes to embrace that kind of unpredictability while I'm recording it. But I'm glad this one turned out well!


I often have a hard time understanding some accents that I'm not familiar with hearing, but you were very clear and well-spoken. Great Job!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on March 03, 2019, 04:04:34 AM
Thanks, man!

Hey, Neal was actually having fun and filmed all of us during parts of the interview. I asked my editor to see if he could sens it to me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on March 03, 2019, 08:46:58 AM
Taking a break from D/T so went back to listening to all Neal Morse stuff, watched the Snow concert and it was so much fun to watch and listen. Though I wished they planned better for the blue lights on camera. Whenever they came on it looked awful. Only sound on the bluray was the stereo option, no complaints from me on that.

Then watched the making of The Grand Experiment and TSOAD back to back. Man I had no idea how intense the disagreement/fight was when deciding between a 2 CD vs 1 CD release. Neal was visibly super upset and had a totally different demeanor after that.

I am really kicking myself for not getting the deluxe version of The Great Adventure. I've already double dipped on so many of the releases and have to decide if the making of doc is worth it to double dip TGA.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 03, 2019, 09:02:41 AM
I am really kicking myself for not getting the deluxe version of The Great Adventure. I've already double dipped on so many of the releases and have to decide if the making of doc is worth it to double dip TGA.

The documentary for TGA is pretty good. It's not as heated as TSOAD got to be, but there's a lot of insight into the creating of what would end up being the TSOAD sequel, and there's some disagreements and resolutions that really flesh out the making of the album for me. You really learn a lot about the album-making process here and, well, I won't spoil much more for ya if you decide to buy it. Definitely worth it, but then again, I love pretty much every behind-the-scene doc that Neal has put out (from Spock's Beard, to TA, to his solo stuff).

You could always sell your regular copy of TGA to a friend, or even gift it, just to spread the gospel that is Neal's music!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on March 03, 2019, 10:40:19 AM
Well I have the whole band sign the booklet for the regular edition so not sure I want to get rid of it. 🙂
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on March 03, 2019, 11:59:17 AM


You could always sell your regular copy of TGA to a friend, or even gift it, just to spread the gospel that is Neal's music!

-Marc.
I've done that before with friends. I bought two copies of The Astonishing and gave one to a friend. I asked him if he listened to it a few weeks later and he said he still never opened it out of the cellophane package. 
 I asked him again a few months later and be said he lost it.   Bottom line,, people suck and don't ever gift them any music they haven't heard. Chances are they will shine it on and never give it the time of day..  :censored :chill
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 03, 2019, 12:21:59 PM


You could always sell your regular copy of TGA to a friend, or even gift it, just to spread the gospel that is Neal's music!

-Marc.
I've done that before with friends. I bought two copies of The Astonishing and gave one to a friend. I asked him if he listened to it a few weeks later and he said he still never opened it out of the cellophane package. 
 I asked him again a few months later and be said he lost it.   Bottom line,, people suck and don't ever gift them any music they haven't heard. Chances are they will shine it on and never give it the time of day..  :censored :chill
You might want to fix your quote formatting, it's really confusing. :facepalm: :lol Just remember to always check the bottom of your new post and start typing AFTER the /quote brackets, just to be sure you're starting a new statement away from the quoted post!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on March 03, 2019, 01:06:13 PM
Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.  :blush
 I get in a hurry sometimes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 03, 2019, 08:58:42 PM
Quote
Quote


You could always sell your regular copy of TGA to a friend, or even gift it, just to spread the gospel that is Neal's music!

-Marc.
I've done that before with friends. I bought two copies of The Astonishing and gave one to a friend. I asked him if he listened to it a few weeks later and he said he still never opened it out of the cellophane package. 
 I asked him again a few months later and be said he lost it.   Bottom line,, people suck and don't ever gift them any music they haven't heard. Chances are they will shine it on and never give it the time of day..  :censored :chill
You might want to fix your quote formatting, it's really confusing. :facepalm: :lol Just remember to always check the bottom of your new post and start typing AFTER the /quote brackets, just to be sure you're starting a new statement away from the quoted post!

-Marc.
I totally agree.  It is confusing and annoying.
Oh, and hard to read as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on March 03, 2019, 10:29:34 PM
Good one Bosk!  :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on March 04, 2019, 08:03:34 AM
kaos2900, how was the show last night? I saw some pics on FB and the venue looked pretty packed!

The Lawrence show on Friday was simply amazing! I was front row right in front of Neal and Eric. It just doesn't get much better than that. The crowd in the front section stood the whole time and even MP commented on that. Neal is just such an amazing performer and was so emotional towards the end of the show. The meet and greet cool and the band was nice as always. The only problem was the venue was absolutely freezing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 04, 2019, 09:39:17 AM
Not surprising, but I've been listening to The Great Adventure a LOT lately.  This may seem a bit controversial, but honestly, as I've listened to this album more and more in the last couple of months, Similitude just keeps fading farther and farther into the background.  That isn't nearly as much of a knock on Similitude as it may sound.  It's just that The Great Adventure is SO good!  [Roine Stoldt voice]No, I can't get it out of my head... [/Roine Stoldt voice] 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 04, 2019, 10:09:18 AM
kaos2900, how was the show last night? I saw some pics on FB and the venue looked pretty packed!

The Lawrence show on Friday was simply amazing! I was front row right in front of Neal and Eric. It just doesn't get much better than that. The crowd in the front section stood the whole time and even MP commented on that. Neal is just such an amazing performer and was so emotional towards the end of the show. The meet and greet cool and the band was nice as always. The only problem was the venue was absolutely freezing.

Good to hear!  Well, not about the cold :lol, but the rest. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on March 04, 2019, 10:29:56 AM
I was front row right in front of Neal and Eric. It just doesn't get much better than that.

Assuming they keep the same stage arrangement in the future.....this is where I'm purchasing seats from now on should they continue to come through St. Louis and play Delmar Hall. I picked seats in front of MP and Randy this last time because my oldest loves MP so I wanted him to have a straight shot at seeing him play....but next time I HAVE to get in front of Eric to watch him play. He's simply an incredible guitarist.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on March 04, 2019, 02:45:21 PM
I was front row right in front of Neal and Eric. It just doesn't get much better than that.

Assuming they keep the same stage arrangement in the future.....this is where I'm purchasing seats from now on should they continue to come through St. Louis and play Delmar Hall. I picked seats in front of MP and Randy this last time because my oldest loves MP so I wanted him to have a straight shot at seeing him play....but next time I HAVE to get in front of Eric to watch him play. He's simply an incredible guitarist.

I have some amazing pics and videos of Eric shredding literally feet from my face. Guy is AMAZING live.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 04, 2019, 03:28:34 PM
I was front row right in front of Neal and Eric. It just doesn't get much better than that.

Assuming they keep the same stage arrangement in the future.....this is where I'm purchasing seats from now on should they continue to come through St. Louis and play Delmar Hall. I picked seats in front of MP and Randy this last time because my oldest loves MP so I wanted him to have a straight shot at seeing him play....but next time I HAVE to get in front of Eric to watch him play. He's simply an incredible guitarist.

So basically, you want to be exactly where I was last week. ;) :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 04, 2019, 06:29:19 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/vz2rvqm/53563600-2215139548529520-6835744505203785728-o.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 04, 2019, 06:30:34 PM
I see the Transatlantic blimp in the 't' of Morsefest, so maybe that is a clue that Transatlantic will be featured this year at Morsefest.  I think it'd be cool to see the NMB do an entire night of Transatlantic music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on March 04, 2019, 06:30:54 PM
So on my birthday.  Thanks Neil.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 04, 2019, 06:33:33 PM
So on my birthday.  Thanks Neil.

Neil Peart is retired. :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on March 04, 2019, 06:35:38 PM
Neal.  *nee ner, nee ner*
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 04, 2019, 07:02:37 PM
I see the Transatlantic blimp in the 't' of Morsefest, so maybe that is a clue that Transatlantic will be featured this year at Morsefest.  I think it'd be cool to see the NMB do an entire night of Transatlantic music.

AFAIK, that's been the Morsefest logo since 2014, exactly the same with each album art in those exact letters.

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_tvQJALAPzA/VdUcbvlON-I/AAAAAAAAHTY/51cnQ464uqQ/w1200-h630-p-k-no-nu/NealMorse_Morsefest2014_4CD%252B2DVD%2BSet_cover.jpg)

Sorry to burst your bubble!

Too bad this new graphic doesn't supply ANY new details, though, but I think we can surmise that ONE of the two nights will be TGA performed in its entirety, perhaps as the last show of the tour (just like TSOAD was).

The other night will probably be Flying Colors, if I had to guess. The album will be out in late summer/fall, so the timing lines up right for FC to get together and rehearse for a tour on their new album. They could play the whole new album as one set, then do a mix of songs from their first two as the second set/encore. Mike would already be there, and the NMB would only have to play what they're already playing. Flying Colors would already need to be learning the new songs for the new tour anyway, so playing them first at Morsefest would be a great warm-up for the tour.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on March 04, 2019, 07:27:41 PM
So on my birthday.  Thanks Neil.

Thinking about going down for it this year?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on March 04, 2019, 07:28:46 PM
Not this year but it's in the plans. I will keep you in the loop.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on March 04, 2019, 07:28:51 PM
Has anyone gotten the Blu-ray version of Live Momentum? Is it worth the upgrade from the DVD? I would guess the audio would be similar in sound, the video might be a mild upgrade since I don't think it would make much of a difference presentation wise.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 04, 2019, 08:14:36 PM


AFAIK, that's been the Morsefest logo since 2014, exactly the same with each album art in those exact letters.

Hmmmm.

Then again, one of the mods on the Neal Morse FB forum, who is usually in the loop, hinted that there are clues if you look hard enough.

Honesty, I'll be surprised if Flying Colors is one of the two nights, since Morsefest is always very Neal music-centric, and while Flying Colors has Neal, it is not a project where he is the front man/main songwriter.  It is hard to imagine an entire night of Morsefest featuring someone else as the front man (which Casey is in Flying Colors). Even when they did the Exorcist thing last year, while Neal didn't sing a lot, he was still front and center while playing a long conceptual that he alone wrote. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 04, 2019, 10:27:36 PM


AFAIK, that's been the Morsefest logo since 2014, exactly the same with each album art in those exact letters.

Hmmmm.

Then again, one of the mods on the Neal Morse FB forum, who is usually in the loop, hinted that there are clues if you look hard enough.

Clues? My best guess would be something to do with the "9" being in red rather than blue, like the rest of the year in 2019. What significance could 9 hold for Neal? His 9th solo album would be Momentum, so maybe a full live performance of Momenutm? It would technically be next since he did Testimony 2 in 2017, and it doesn't seem like he'll go back and play all of Lifeline, so Momentum is the next album in line. I wouldn't be opposed to this, even though the Neal Morse Band has already played (and released) most of those songs live, so it would be for "Freak" and "Smoke And Mirrors", which I don't think have even been played live by the band (maybe by Neal in some capacity), but one album wouldn't been enough to fill out a whole night, so what else could they play? Other tunes from TGE they hadn't played/released live, like "Doomsday Destiny"?


Honesty, I'll be surprised if Flying Colors is one of the two nights, since Morsefest is always very Neal music-centric, and while Flying Colors has Neal, it is not a project where he is the front man/main songwriter.  It is hard to imagine an entire night of Morsefest featuring someone else as the front man (which Casey is in Flying Colors). Even when they did the Exorcist thing last year, while Neal didn't sing a lot, he was still front and center while playing a long conceptual that he alone wrote.

Hmm, you do have a point, unless Neal takes more of a lead-role on the new album, which might showcase his vocals and keys more than they had been on the previous two albums. But you're right, whether it's Spock's Beard or The Neal Morse Band, Morsefest is typically focused on Neal and his work, so for Flying Colors, where he is less of a lead and more of a contributor to the whole, to appear there would be a bit odd.

I guess we will all find out in a week!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on March 04, 2019, 11:02:45 PM
As I'm already committed to Ayreon in September MorseFest is definitely out of the cards this year, so that being said I hope the announcement doesn't feature anything I'm going to hate missing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on March 05, 2019, 06:53:49 AM
I was talking to the merch guy and he said that Neal and Mike recorded a video on Friday for the Morsefest 2019 announcement. Should be coming soon.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 05, 2019, 07:47:04 AM

Clues? My best guess would be something to do with the "9" being in red rather than blue, like the rest of the year in 2019. What significance could 9 hold for Neal? His 9th solo album would be Momentum, so maybe a full live performance of Momenutm? It would technically be next since he did Testimony 2 in 2017, and it doesn't seem like he'll go back and play all of Lifeline, so Momentum is the next album in line. I wouldn't be opposed to this, even though the Neal Morse Band has already played (and released) most of those songs live, so it would be for "Freak" and "Smoke And Mirrors", which I don't think have even been played live by the band (maybe by Neal in some capacity), but one album wouldn't been enough to fill out a whole night, so what else could they play? Other tunes from TGE they hadn't played/released live, like "Doomsday Destiny"?

I think Neal probably only views his albums that are conceptual from start to finish as ones that need to be played from start to finish (Disc 2 of T2 notwithstanding) at Morsefest.  Notice that none of his non-conceptual albums have been played at Morsefest yet.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on March 05, 2019, 08:10:23 AM
I was front row right in front of Neal and Eric. It just doesn't get much better than that.

Assuming they keep the same stage arrangement in the future.....this is where I'm purchasing seats from now on should they continue to come through St. Louis and play Delmar Hall. I picked seats in front of MP and Randy this last time because my oldest loves MP so I wanted him to have a straight shot at seeing him play....but next time I HAVE to get in front of Eric to watch him play. He's simply an incredible guitarist.

So basically, you want to be exactly where I was last week. ;) :biggrin:

Pretty much...yes.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 05, 2019, 09:31:34 AM
I was front row right in front of Neal and Eric. It just doesn't get much better than that.

Assuming they keep the same stage arrangement in the future.....this is where I'm purchasing seats from now on should they continue to come through St. Louis and play Delmar Hall. I picked seats in front of MP and Randy this last time because my oldest loves MP so I wanted him to have a straight shot at seeing him play....but next time I HAVE to get in front of Eric to watch him play. He's simply an incredible guitarist.

So basically, you want to be exactly where I was last week. ;) :biggrin:

Pretty much...yes.  :lol

 :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 05, 2019, 10:31:33 AM
Rod, I finally just listened to your interview with the entire band.  That was really cool.  Kind of a double-edged sword was aiming specific questions at specific band members.  On one hand, it was limiting in that you may have questions aimed at one person, where another might have a lot more useful information to contribute.  There were a few questions where I thought to myself, "Oh, man! I wish he would have opened that up to everybody." or "I wish that was aimed at so-and-so instead."  But the flip side is that Neal and Mike are the far more outspoken personalities.  Doing it the way you did forced kind of equal time to Randy, Bill, and Eric, and forced them to talk more than they likely otherwise might have.  Overall, I think that was the best approach.  It was great hearing some of the perspectives from the other guys.  Really well done.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on March 05, 2019, 05:37:16 PM
Rod, I finally just listened to your interview with the entire band.  That was really cool.  Kind of a double-edged sword was aiming specific questions at specific band members.  On one hand, it was limiting in that you may have questions aimed at one person, where another might have a lot more useful information to contribute.  There were a few questions where I thought to myself, "Oh, man! I wish he would have opened that up to everybody." or "I wish that was aimed at so-and-so instead."  But the flip side is that Neal and Mike are the far more outspoken personalities.  Doing it the way you did forced kind of equal time to Randy, Bill, and Eric, and forced them to talk more than they likely otherwise might have.  Overall, I think that was the best approach.  It was great hearing some of the perspectives from the other guys.  Really well done.

Thanks so much, man! The preparation for that interview was a mess, because like I said before in this thread, they never confirmed who was going to be available to talk. I had questions for all of them, and when I realized it was going to be all five members, I made sure all of them had a somewhat equal time to reply. I was surprised at how willing Bill and Randy were to contribute too. One mistake I made towards the end was ask them if "a Transatlantic album is still scheduled for the end of summer" - I was meaning to ask about Flying Colors!  :facepalm: . It's all good though. I'm really happy with the end result, and hope I can get an exclusive with MP some time in the future.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on March 05, 2019, 06:17:22 PM
Due to how much I've been loving The Great Adventure, I rejoined Neal's Inner Circle this weekend (I was previously a member from approx. 2007 to 2013).  I just now got the waterfall app.  Looking forward to checking out a bunch of new (to me) music tomorrow while I work.  I don't have any of the worship albums, only a couple of the live albums (and no live Transatlantic albums).  Going to be schweet.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 05, 2019, 08:46:07 PM

I think Neal probably only views his albums that are conceptual from start to finish as ones that need to be played from start to finish (Disc 2 of T2 notwithstanding) at Morsefest.  Notice that none of his non-conceptual albums have been played at Morsefest yet.

Well, that doesn't leave very many full albums he could play, then. I can only think of The Whirlwind as being the only full-on concept album he hasn't played live yet at Morsefest, but I would think he would do that with Transatlantic and not NMB, but I would like to be surprised. Then again, I have said before, if Neal gets TA back together for Morsefest, that would be the perfect time for them to write a new album after rehearsing and performing together, they would be in prime condition to write and arrange a new album together.

Other than that, I guess Neal could do another variety show like the Storytellers one he did opposite of Snow Live a couple years ago.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 06, 2019, 08:08:56 AM
I doubt he'll do a storytellers thing again this year, since the Voices of Spock's Beard thing last year was basically that.  As cool as it was, I'd rather get the full power of the band going all-out both nights like they did in 2017 when we got T2 night 1 and Similitude night 2.

I still like the idea I had a few weeks ago, where they take the current tour's medley idea, and then expand it into a full set for night 1 (playing songs in full from each Neal/NMB prog album in chronological order, with the Similitude songs being the encore).  The new album can then be night 2, with the encore that night being a total wild card.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 06, 2019, 08:41:14 AM
The preparation for that interview was a mess, because like I said before in this thread, they never confirmed who was going to be available to talk.

Yeah, I'll bet that was a challenge.  I was thinking about that very fact as I was listening.  Again, great job to be able to pull that off and to get all of them comfortable talking.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 06, 2019, 10:17:05 AM
Neal shared this link earlier this morning:

http://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/social_annotation?permalink_uri=2EHRVdN&image_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb4de226201%2Fdcbdf410-bf45-4d03-a32a-b54e123b2b39.jpg%3Fver%3D1551888775000&fbclid=IwAR2s9ys7L_Zt3vVwtbcv8ExUlW4tQbYC0ZGmtQI_0RC_YyNjjfG2C2Yt0b4

Quote
Mark your calendars! It's a BIG month at Radiant Records!

Morsefest 2019 tickets go on sale next Tuesday, 3/12 at 9AM CST. We're keeping the details of this year's Morsefest closely guarded until then, but trust us... you'll want to grab your tickets and VIP packages fast! This is a BIG ONE and it will sell out.

JESUS CHRIST: THE EXORCIST  is almost here! Pre-orders for Neal Morse's long-awaited progressive rock opera begin Tuesday, 3/19 at 9AM CST. Special pre-order offer! Details to come.

I'm not sure if Neal is just hyping up Morsefest as he usually does, or if he truly has something spectacular planned. This waiting to find out is KILLING me. I know I probably won't be able to go, but just knowing what the gig is (and that we will eventually get a live release of it) is exciting enough for me!

Also, I wonder what kind of special pre-order offer will come with the rock opera, probably a signed print or signed album? I'm not sure if I am interested enough in it to order it on Day 1. For anyone who was at Morsefest last year, how was it? Will it be worth buying? How does it compare to Neal's other concept albums like Snow, Testimony, and TSOAD?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on March 06, 2019, 10:28:24 AM
Could Morsefest be the TGA in its entirety with the full horns and extras, much like last year's TSOAD?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on March 06, 2019, 10:30:04 AM
Could Morsefest be the TGA in its entirety with the full horns and extras, much like last year's TSOAD?
Could Morsefest be the TGA in its entirety with the full horns and extras, much like last year's TSOAD?

I mean, it's kinda assumed that will be one night. Real question is what the other night will be.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 06, 2019, 10:32:27 AM
Maybe it will be TA and NMB coming together as a 7-piece band to play Transatlantic music one night! ;)

As for the Exorcist, it was pretty great. I have the demos that were released through the Inner Circle last fall and they are good, and of course the final album versions will be better.  It will be worth it alone for the vocal performances.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 06, 2019, 10:40:19 AM
Could Morsefest be the TGA in its entirety with the full horns and extras, much like last year's TSOAD?
Could Morsefest be the TGA in its entirety with the full horns and extras, much like last year's TSOAD?

I mean, it's kinda assumed that will be one night. Real question is what the other night will be.

Exactly, it seems like a given that one night will be TGA with all the bells and whistles that Neal typically brings to Morsefest (brass, string and winds, choir, dancers, and maybe some guests). The opposite night is what we've all been trying to guess, and it seems like Neal might be hyping it up to be something BIG, so what could be bigger than TGA?

Honestly, if it ends up being TSOAD on night one and TGA on night two, I'd feel a little let down. Neal hasn't repeated more than a few songs across all of the Morsefests so far, and now that we're at his 6th Morsefest, it would be weird if he finally repeated a concert like TSOAD when there's still so much more he could possibly do.

Maybe it will be TA and NMB coming together as a 7-piece band to play Transatlantic music one night! ;)

 :lol That would be insane, seeing Pete and Roine up there with the Neal Morse Band, but I wouldn't rule it out as a possibility. Would Ted be there, too, as the current 5th member of TA, or would Bill/Eric substitute all of Ted's parts?

As for the Exorcist, it was pretty great. I have the demos that were released through the Inner Circle last fall and they are good, and of course the final album versions will be better.  It will be worth it alone for the vocal performances.
I do remember seeing that the demos were released, but also reading that the vocalists for the final album would be stellar. I never did get around to listening to those demos, though, so maybe I'll try to give it a spin before pre-orders for the album go up, just to see if I like it enough to pre-order.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on March 06, 2019, 10:48:56 AM
The Seattle show was phenomenal last night!  MP went out of his way to thank the enthusiastic audience for a sold out show and the place was packed as far as I could tell.
 The sound guy was a little over zealous on the mains for the first set, way louder than it needed to be for that venue. That problem seemed to be resolved as the second set sounded just right. I think somebody might have said something, or the sound man took a hint when the venue was handing out free earplugs.  :lol
 Such much talent in this band, one of the best concerts I've ever seen!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 06, 2019, 11:01:31 AM

Maybe it will be TA and NMB coming together as a 7-piece band to play Transatlantic music one night! ;)

 :lol That would be insane, seeing Pete and Roine up there with the Neal Morse Band, but I wouldn't rule it out as a possibility. Would Ted be there, too, as the current 5th member of TA, or would Bill/Eric substitute all of Ted's parts?

I would think Bill could handle most of the keyboard parts, which would free up Neal to be the front man and really have fun with it, unlike every other TA concert where he is stuck behind the keyboards for almost all of the show because there is never a second keyboardist (or the 5th guy handling very little of it).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on March 06, 2019, 11:28:47 AM
Maybe it will be TA and NMB coming together as a 7-piece band to play Transatlantic music one night! ;)

As for the Exorcist, it was pretty great. I have the demos that were released through the Inner Circle last fall and they are good, and of course the final album versions will be better.  It will be worth it alone for the vocal performances.

Nick D'Virgilio sang on this too, right? I am so happy to hear him sing again. I love his participation in BBT (a real win for the band), but I also think he is the best of all 3 SB singers.
One example: The Snow Live version of Falling For Forever, where all the 3 frontmen sang. When Nick kicks in with that "oooOOOOOHHH WHITE HOT CONTENDER", I always go "aw hell yeah!".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 06, 2019, 11:43:17 AM
I think it could be one of these 4:

Transatlantic
Flying Colors
Spock's Beard
Yellow Matter Custard

 :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 06, 2019, 12:30:12 PM
Maybe it will be TA and NMB coming together as a 7-piece band to play Transatlantic music one night! ;)

As for the Exorcist, it was pretty great. I have the demos that were released through the Inner Circle last fall and they are good, and of course the final album versions will be better.  It will be worth it alone for the vocal performances.

Nick D'Virgilio sang on this too, right? I am so happy to hear him sing again. I love his participation in BBT (a real win for the band), but I also think he is the best of all 3 SB singers.
One example: The Snow Live version of Falling For Forever, where all the 3 frontmen sang. When Nick kicks in with that "oooOOOOOHHH WHITE HOT CONTENDER", I always go "aw hell yeah!".

Yes.

I think it could be one of these 4:

Transatlantic
Flying Colors
Spock's Beard
Yellow Matter Custard

 :metal

Eh, I would reconsider going if Yellow Matter Custard was the main attraction of night 1.  I am not driving 5 hours one way on a Friday to see all covers.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on March 06, 2019, 04:00:39 PM
I'm guessing all of the SB epics that he wrote except TGN since that was done already, plus maybe a couple other random songs to fill up the time.

The Light
The Water
Time Has Come
Flow
The Healing Colors Of Sound
At The End Of The Day
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on March 06, 2019, 06:35:00 PM
I like Neal....love his music.....will be a lifelong fan and purchaser of all he does. I always buy a physical copy. BUT Im super ticked that all his music that finally hit Apple Music a few months ago is systematically being taken off. Hes leaving like one song an album. I know he has his Waterfall streaming deal but theres no way Im paying a subscription service for just Neal songs.

Even though its a pain in the butt Ill go old school and listen to the CDs.....but it sucks to not have them on my phone any longer.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on March 06, 2019, 08:13:06 PM
I like Neal....love his music.....will be a lifelong fan and purchaser of all he does. I always buy a physical copy. BUT Im super ticked that all his music that finally hit Apple Music a few months ago is systematically being taken off. Hes leaving like one song an album. I know he has his Waterfall streaming deal but theres no way Im paying a subscription service for just Neal songs.

Even though its a pain in the butt Ill go old school and listen to the CDs.....but it sucks to not have them on my phone any longer.

You can still rip the audio from your CDs, though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on March 06, 2019, 08:15:11 PM
I like Neal....love his music.....will be a lifelong fan and purchaser of all he does. I always buy a physical copy. BUT Im super ticked that all his music that finally hit Apple Music a few months ago is systematically being taken off. Hes leaving like one song an album. I know he has his Waterfall streaming deal but theres no way Im paying a subscription service for just Neal songs.

Even though its a pain in the butt Ill go old school and listen to the CDs.....but it sucks to not have them on my phone any longer.

You can still rip the audio from your CDs, though.

True. Ill probably have to do that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on March 07, 2019, 04:56:16 AM
If Neal is saying this year's MorseFest announcement is a 'BIG ONE', I don't know how it couldn't be anything but Transatlantic. What else is left for him to do at this point? He's done all of his major prog albums and has also played the SB album live that SB fans were waiting for. Short of another SB album that fans want, I don't know what else he has left in his arsenal where he is the main/primary singer that hasn't yet been featured.

Of course that thought is the TA fan in me hoping that they come to MorseFest so that I can finally see the band live. But still, don't know what else could be the 'big one' at this point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 07, 2019, 08:33:47 AM
I like Neal....love his music.....will be a lifelong fan and purchaser of all he does. I always buy a physical copy. BUT Im super ticked that all his music that finally hit Apple Music a few months ago is systematically being taken off. Hes leaving like one song an album. I know he has his Waterfall streaming deal but theres no way Im paying a subscription service for just Neal songs.

Even though its a pain in the butt Ill go old school and listen to the CDs.....but it sucks to not have them on my phone any longer.

You can still rip the audio from your CDs, though.

True. Ill probably have to do that.

If you have iTunes and an iPhone, it is easy to do and great to work with.  Rip them all at the highest mp3 quality possible and then just transfer the songs from your iTunes to your iPhone and presto you are good to go!  :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 07, 2019, 09:59:52 AM
So excited for the show tonight!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on March 07, 2019, 12:08:34 PM
So excited for the show tonight!
You're gonna love it, the Seattle show was amazing!  Like I said above, you might want to bring ear plugs just in case. The sound guy really cranked the mains on the first set,  The second set was much more balanced. Somebody must have said something.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 07, 2019, 12:31:21 PM
Yeah, I bring my Hear-O's to every show.  I'm set.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: El Barto on March 07, 2019, 01:04:25 PM
So excited for the show tonight!
You're gonna love it, the Seattle show was amazing!  Like I said above, you might want to bring ear plugs just in case. The sound guy really cranked the mains on the first set,  The second set was much more balanced. Somebody must have said something.
That's interesting. For the Dallas show they definitely used less sound than that venue is capable of. The volume was adequate for the most part, you've effectively got 10+ instruments up there. There could have been a little more oomph from the bass pedals, though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on March 08, 2019, 02:54:35 AM
DT is really going to bring it with Distance Over Time, if they're going to top this as Album Of The Year for me  :P
OH THEY BROUGHT IT!!!   :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Moor on March 08, 2019, 03:21:19 AM
DT is really going to bring it with Distance Over Time, if they're going to top this as Album Of The Year for me  :P
OH THEY BROUGHT IT!!!   :metal
Big time!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on March 08, 2019, 03:57:38 AM
DT is really going to bring it with Distance Over Time, if they're going to top this as Album Of The Year for me  :P
OH THEY BROUGHT IT!!!   :metal
Big time!

Far from topping The Great Adventure for me though...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on March 08, 2019, 04:13:24 AM
It's kind of a tie game for me, honestly.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on March 08, 2019, 06:11:15 AM
Yeah they are both fantastic albums for sure!  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on March 08, 2019, 06:45:31 AM
DT is really going to bring it with Distance Over Time, if they're going to top this as Album Of The Year for me  :P
OH THEY BROUGHT IT!!!   :metal
Big time!

Far from topping The Great Adventure for me though...

Ehh.....D/T takes it for me. TGA is fantastic but I give the nod to D/T. Both great albums though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on March 08, 2019, 07:17:39 AM
DT is really going to bring it with Distance Over Time, if they're going to top this as Album Of The Year for me  :P
OH THEY BROUGHT IT!!!   :metal
Big time!

Far from topping The Great Adventure for me though...

Ehh.....D/T takes it for me. TGA is fantastic but I give the nod to D/T. Both great albums though.

This is kind of where I'm leaning right now too. Both amazing and probably depends on my mood for the day. I give the nod to DT simply because D/T is the best thing they've put out in over a decade while TGA is great it's not as good a SOAD.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 08, 2019, 08:45:28 AM
I give the nod to DT because it is a better album. ;)

I still like The Great Adventure a lot, regardless.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 08, 2019, 08:49:18 AM
Ehh.....D/T takes it for me. TGA is fantastic but I give the nod to D/T. Both great albums though.

Welp...that's where I was too...up until about 11:00 last night when Neal's show ended.  Now I think I'm back on the side of TGA.  :lol  I'm glad I have the rest of the year to let these two albums marinate to decide which one will ultimately take the title. 

What I CAN say with no hesitation whatsoever is that while I was already feeling that TGA topped TSOAD, I came away from last night pretty firmly feeling that the margin is pretty wide.  TSOAD is fantastic.  But TGA is even more...um...fantasticker.  :lol

What a show these guys put on.  I'm so glad I finally got to see Neal after all these years.  And the venue was pretty cool.  It was a pretty intimate little club in S.F.  Mike commented during the first break in the music that this was the only venue that was not seated, which made them a little nervous at first about whether people would come.  But we were packed in, and everybody was rocking and very engaged.  I was parked firmly center stage right in front of Neal, with only one person separating me from the barricade.  And the stage was not very big, so EVERYBODY was pretty close.

A few highlights are:  Vanity Fair.  SO MUCH goofy fun in a live setting.  And Neal's costume took it over the top!  Freedom calling.  WOW!  So much more epic and huge in a live setting.  The encore medley.  I'm kind of hit-or-miss when it comes to medleys.  All told, this one was pretty good.  Bill did a great job of putting this together, other than choosing Leviathan to represent Lifeline.  There are so many great moments on that album.  Oh well. 

After the show, when all five of them came to the front of the stage and took their bow, I yelled out "Play Drive My Car!  Drive My Car!"  Neal heard it and started giggling like crazy.  :lol

Anyhow, if anyone is on the fence about going to see him this tour, JUST GO!  I can almost guarantee you'll love it.  But I guess the sad thing is, there probably isn't anybody who is on the fence.  If you know Neal's music, then you already know.  I swear, Neal is the greatest musician nobody has ever heard of.  It's really too bad that huge crowds aren't clamoring to see him in big theaters, because that's what he and the band deserve.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on March 08, 2019, 09:42:58 AM
Nice review Bosk!  I agree the band deserves to be selling out arenas, in a perfect world.  So glad you enjoyed the show. I'm still coming down from the night in Seattle.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 08, 2019, 09:47:45 AM
Yep, it is a shame that they aren't playing to bigger crowds, but you can tell Neal is grateful for every fan he has and gives his all.  A true professional. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on March 08, 2019, 09:50:20 AM
Absolutely! :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 08, 2019, 10:25:52 AM
Yeah, that really showed last night.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 09, 2019, 08:34:23 AM
Architeuthis, did they sing the second chorus of The Great Adventure country and western style at your show?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on March 09, 2019, 08:57:19 AM
Architeuthis, did they sing the second chorus of The Great Adventure country and western style at your show?
Yes they did. Then they joked about it and said "don't worry folks, we're not gonna go all country on you". Everyone got a good laugh.. :lol

Btw, I also bought one of Eric Gillette's solo cd's at the merch counter. It's called "The Great Unknown" which came out in 2016.  It is really good, I've listened to it three times allready. Very epic and melodic sounding. :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 09, 2019, 09:33:18 AM


Btw, I also bought one of Eric Gillette's solo cd's at the merch counter. It's called "The Great Unknown" which came out in 2016.  It is really good, I've listened to it three times allready. Very epic and melodic sounding. :tup

Yep, I like that quite a bit.  Damage Is Done is my favorite, and I am really fond of All I Am as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on March 09, 2019, 12:47:21 PM
I think it could be one of these 4:

Transatlantic
Flying Colors
Spock's Beard
Yellow Matter Custard

 :metal

I was thinking about this just now, and it occurred to me that 2019 is the 10th anniversary of The Whirlwind...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 09, 2019, 02:39:33 PM
I think it could be one of these 4:

Transatlantic
Flying Colors
Spock's Beard
Yellow Matter Custard

 :metal

I was thinking about this just now, and it occurred to me that 2019 is the 10th anniversary of The Whirlwind...

Oh wow, you're right. I didn't think of that. Also, in the logo for Morsefest 2019, the 9 is red, while the 201 is blue, which gives the 9 more emphasis and makes it stand out, so it could refer to 2009, or perhaps 9 years since the Whirld Tour. Either way, it would be awesome to see Transatlantic come back after 5 years of being apart and play The Whirlwind in its entirety for the first time in 9 years, and HOPEFULLY play some of the 2nd disc songs from that album, like "Spinning" or "For Such A Time" in the encore.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 10, 2019, 10:14:19 AM
I think it could be one of these 4:

Transatlantic
Flying Colors
Spock's Beard
Yellow Matter Custard

 :metal

I was thinking about this just now, and it occurred to me that 2019 is the 10th anniversary of The Whirlwind...

Oh wow, you're right. I didn't think of that. Also, in the logo for Morsefest 2019, the 9 is red, while the 201 is blue, which gives the 9 more emphasis and makes it stand out, so it could refer to 2009, or perhaps 9 years since the Whirld Tour. Either way, it would be awesome to see Transatlantic come back after 5 years of being apart and play The Whirlwind in its entirety for the first time in 9 years, and HOPEFULLY play some of the 2nd disc songs from that album, like "Spinning" or "For Such A Time" in the encore.

-Marc.

Sadly, none of that would be happening.
But what is happening I think its GREAT by itself.

MM
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on March 11, 2019, 07:21:30 PM
Well my guess, however unlikely, just in case I happen to be correct, is 20th anniversary of Day For Night.  Why not, it's a fun album, better than seeing Flying Colors any day (just an opinion of course!), Transatlantic has been played live to death (granted not in 5 or so years).

However, if it's TA and they happen to write some songs while in town, I won't complain.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 11, 2019, 07:52:04 PM
We will know in just over 12 hours from now...the anticipation is killing me. For those of you who are able to afford going, I hope you all get your tickets and accommodations booked in time tomorrow morning!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on March 11, 2019, 08:03:17 PM
Sadly, none of that would be happening.
But what is happening I think its GREAT by itself.

The Great Adventure played both nights :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 11, 2019, 09:48:56 PM
Well my guess, however unlikely, just in case I happen to be correct, is 20th anniversary of Day For Night.  Why not, it's a fun album, better than seeing Flying Colorsany day (just an opinion of course!), Transatlantic has been played live to death (granted not in 5 or so years).

However, if it's TA and they happen to write some songs while in town, I won't complain.

 ::)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 11, 2019, 09:50:44 PM
Sadly, none of that would be happening.
But what is happening I think its GREAT by itself.

The Great Adventure played both nights :lol

Lol not really. Morsefest
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 12, 2019, 06:58:32 AM
Watch it end up being something that no one predicted. :lol :lol

I do find it more than a bit odd that they are not announcing what will be on the docket prior to tickets going on sale, but it is what it is.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 12, 2019, 08:09:13 AM
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/radiant_records/images/MF19+Promo+Poster+(For+Magazines+and+Online+Promotion).jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 12, 2019, 08:15:13 AM
As for further discussion on Morsefest 2019 - I think the idea of doing Flying Colors on Night 1 and TGA with the Neal Morse Band on Night 2 sounds like a decent idea, but that would require getting the schedules of 8 musicians (between FC and NMB) to line up together and set aside for a week or more of rehearsals and performance. With the new Flying Colors set to come out next year, they may already be touring around the time a Morsefest would come around, so it might be easy to just work it into the touring schedule. They could play their regular touring set list of whatever they decide to play on the next tour for the first night, and then the NMB would play The Great Adventure on the second night, perhaps with some guest appearances from members of Flying Colors.

-Marc.

Called it. :lol

Well, I guess we can expect a Flying Colors tour to start not long after Morsefest.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on March 12, 2019, 08:24:37 AM
What's the deal with the dinners each night, is that with the band or something?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: El Barto on March 12, 2019, 08:27:49 AM
So this thing happens in a church? Is it one of those big-ass megachurches, or Neal's family church with 18 pews?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 12, 2019, 08:33:58 AM
What's the deal with the dinners each night, is that with the band or something?

Neal and Bill come out and actually cook the meal and serve it to you, like you're at a Japanese steakhouse. :P

So this thing happens in a church? Is it one of those big-ass megachurches, or Neal's family church with 18 pews?

Neal's church, which I believe is non-denominational, and they do a good job of making the atmosphere very much like a rock concert.  And it probably is no more than 20 pews deep (two center sections, two side sections).  And fortunately, the pews are super comfortable; they aren't those wooden ones you probably still find at a lot of Catholic churches. :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on March 12, 2019, 08:36:09 AM
So we'll be getting TGA on a DVD/BluRay then from this? Since every Morsefest seems to get a DVD release, if I'm not mistaken.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on March 12, 2019, 08:37:02 AM
Booked for both nights :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 12, 2019, 08:41:15 AM
So we'll be getting TGA on a DVD/BluRay then from this? Since every Morsefest seems to get a DVD release, if I'm not mistaken.

Most likely, yes. But this presents an interesting release format. I doubt we will get a double-night release like Testimony Of A Dream, from Morsefest 2017, since the first night isn't NMB, so if we get another art book, it'll be just for night 2 (like Snow Live).

If they officially release night 1 as a stand alone live album, Flying Colors will be like Transatlantic in that they will have more live albums than studio ones (assuming they release a live album from their FC3 Tour).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 12, 2019, 08:48:09 AM
Booked for both nights :hat

Likewise.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: El Barto on March 12, 2019, 08:49:01 AM
Quote
with the band being enhanced by horns, strings, BGVs, and more!
Gotta say, I'm kind of disappointed by this. IMO these things are rarely as good as just a good, ole fashioned rock concert.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 12, 2019, 08:52:27 AM
What's the deal with the dinners each night, is that with the band or something?

No, it is for you to have dinner before the show
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 12, 2019, 09:44:53 AM
Quote
with the band being enhanced by horns, strings, BGVs, and more!
Gotta say, I'm kind of disappointed by this. IMO these things are rarely as good as just a good, ole fashioned rock concert.

I wouldn't fret.  The horns, strings, etc. are there to enhance the show, not overtake it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on March 12, 2019, 09:55:04 AM
So we'll be getting TGA on a DVD/BluRay then from this? Since every Morsefest seems to get a DVD release, if I'm not mistaken.
I'd prefer a dvd from somewhere like Tilburg for TGA tour. No extra bells and whistles, just the five band members putting on a great rock show!
 On the last tour (TSOAD) the Live in Tilburg dvd blows the Morsefest version out of the broken blue skies imo..  No comparison!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: El Barto on March 12, 2019, 10:03:24 AM
Quote
with the band being enhanced by horns, strings, BGVs, and more!
Gotta say, I'm kind of disappointed by this. IMO these things are rarely as good as just a good, ole fashioned rock concert.

I wouldn't fret.  The horns, strings, etc. are there to enhance the show, not overtake it.
Yeah, it never seems to work that way, though. Also, part of what left me so gobsmacked by the whole thing was five guys doing it all themselves. I'll probably still go, mostly because it'll be something of an, well, adventure. Plus there's some BBQ up there that I'm kind of keen on. My expectations are a bit diminished, though. I was really wanting to see the same show I saw two weeks ago.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 12, 2019, 11:34:24 AM
FRIDAY, 8/30

      2:30 PM | VIP #1 doors open

      3:00 - 5:00 PM | Exclusive VIP Experience #1 (VIP #1 ticket required)

      5:00 - 6:30 PM | Pre-show dinner (advanced purchase necessary) (included in VIP #1 package)

      6:30 PM | Doors open (VIP guests enter first)

      7:30 PM | Concert (An Evening with Flying Colors)

 

SATURDAY, 8/31

      10:00 - 11:00 AM | Inner Circle doors open

      11:00 AM - 12:00 NOON | Inner Circle Performance (FREE and for Inner Circle members ONLY!)

      12:30 PM | VIP #3 doors open

      1:00 - 3:00 PM | Exclusive VIP Experience #3 (VIP #3 ticket required)


      2:30 PM | VIP #2 doors open

      3:00 - 5:00 PM | Exclusive VIP Experience #2 (VIP #2 ticket required)

      5:00 - 6:30 PM | Pre-show dinner (advanced purchase necessary) (included in VIP #2 and VIP #3 packages)

      6:30 PM | Doors open (VIP guests enter first)

      7:30 PM | Concert (The Neal Morse Band: The Great Adventure performance & DVD filming)

See the bolded part.

So, there won't be a DVD filming of FC's night

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on March 12, 2019, 11:48:39 AM
An evening with Flying Colors sounds great, that must be spectacular.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 12, 2019, 12:33:47 PM
So we'll be getting TGA on a DVD/BluRay then from this? Since every Morsefest seems to get a DVD release, if I'm not mistaken.
I'd prefer a dvd from somewhere like Tilburg for TGA tour. No extra bells and whistles, just the five band members putting on a great rock show!
 On the last tour (TSOAD) the Live in Tilburg dvd blows the Morsefest version out of the broken blue skies imo..  No comparison!

I think they will likely record and release a show from the TGA European tour and release it as a more budget-version of the live show, like the Tilburg show was for TSOAD. Considering how much Neal likes to milk live releases (TSOAD, Transatlantic's Whirld Tour), I'm sure he'll consider, if not already plan on releasing a live show from the European tour (if not specifically Tilburg).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on March 12, 2019, 01:04:13 PM
So we'll be getting TGA on a DVD/BluRay then from this? Since every Morsefest seems to get a DVD release, if I'm not mistaken.
I'd prefer a dvd from somewhere like Tilburg for TGA tour. No extra bells and whistles, just the five band members putting on a great rock show!
 On the last tour (TSOAD) the Live in Tilburg dvd blows the Morsefest version out of the broken blue skies imo..  No comparison!

I think they will likely record and release a show from the TGA European tour and release it as a more budget-version of the live show, like the Tilburg show was for TSOAD. Considering how much Neal likes to milk live releases (TSOAD, Transatlantic's Whirld Tour), I'm sure he'll consider, if not already plan on releasing a live show from the European tour (if not specifically Tilburg).

-Marc.
In that interview by Rodrigo a few pages back, MP and Neal both said they would like to film somewhere else than Tilburg this time around.  I really don't know why since Tilburg is allready set up for it which makes it alot easier.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on March 12, 2019, 05:31:16 PM
Flying Colors it is!  I wasn't going to go this year anyway due to using up my years' worth of vacation elsewhere already.  Should be a great trip for all who go (I'm excited for all who's going!).  Luckily, I've already seen TGA (in Chicago), so I'm not too bummed.  I've only gone to Morsefest twice.  First year, couldn't pass up the opportunity to see T1 and One.  And I have been wanting to hear JC the Exorcist since hearing partial demos in 2009 (inner circle), so I went last year also. 

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 12, 2019, 07:12:53 PM
So we'll be getting TGA on a DVD/BluRay then from this? Since every Morsefest seems to get a DVD release, if I'm not mistaken.
I'd prefer a dvd from somewhere like Tilburg for TGA tour. No extra bells and whistles, just the five band members putting on a great rock show!
 On the last tour (TSOAD) the Live in Tilburg dvd blows the Morsefest version out of the broken blue skies imo..  No comparison!

I think they will likely record and release a show from the TGA European tour and release it as a more budget-version of the live show, like the Tilburg show was for TSOAD. Considering how much Neal likes to milk live releases (TSOAD, Transatlantic's Whirld Tour), I'm sure he'll consider, if not already plan on releasing a live show from the European tour (if not specifically Tilburg).

-Marc.
In that interview by Rodrigo a few pages back, MP and Neal both said they would like to film somewhere else than Tilburg this time around.  I really don't know why since Tilburg is allready set up for it which makes it alot easier.

That is pretty interesting, though understandably so - Neal has SO many albums released that were recorded in Tilburg:
Spock's Beard - Don't Try This At Home
Transatlantic - Live In Europe CD & DVD
Transatlantic - More Never Is Enough DVD
Transatlantic - KaLIVEoscope CD
Flying Colors - Live In Europe CD/DVD/BD
Neal Morse - Testimony Live DVD
The Neal Morse Band - The Similitude Of A Dream: Live In Tilburg 2017

And most of these have been in the last 10 years. As great a venue as the 013 is, I think Neal would like a change of pace for his live albums, at least for now.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 12, 2019, 07:25:35 PM
The DVD's filmed in Tillburg seem to always turn out great, so I get why Neal keeps filming shows there.  I get thinking another city deserves a shot, but remember when they did the T2 tour one from LA?  That one turned out very poorly for a variety of reasons. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on March 13, 2019, 07:31:11 PM
So we'll be getting TGA on a DVD/BluRay then from this? Since every Morsefest seems to get a DVD release, if I'm not mistaken.
I'd prefer a dvd from somewhere like Tilburg for TGA tour. No extra bells and whistles, just the five band members putting on a great rock show!
 On the last tour (TSOAD) the Live in Tilburg dvd blows the Morsefest version out of the broken blue skies imo..  No comparison!

I think they will likely record and release a show from the TGA European tour and release it as a more budget-version of the live show, like the Tilburg show was for TSOAD. Considering how much Neal likes to milk live releases (TSOAD, Transatlantic's Whirld Tour), I'm sure he'll consider, if not already plan on releasing a live show from the European tour (if not specifically Tilburg).

-Marc.
In that interview by Rodrigo a few pages back, MP and Neal both said they would like to film somewhere else than Tilburg this time around.  I really don't know why since Tilburg is allready set up for it which makes it alot easier.

That is pretty interesting, though understandably so - Neal has SO many albums released that were recorded in Tilburg:
Spock's Beard - Don't Try This At Home
Transatlantic - Live In Europe CD & DVD
Transatlantic - More Never Is Enough DVD
Transatlantic - KaLIVEoscope CD
Flying Colors - Live In Europe CD/DVD/BD
Neal Morse - Testimony Live DVD
The Neal Morse Band - The Similitude Of A Dream: Live In Tilburg 2017

And most of these have been in the last 10 years. As great a venue as the 013 is, I think Neal would like a change of pace for his live albums, at least for now.

-Marc.

That's why I asked them!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ben_Jamin on March 13, 2019, 08:55:45 PM
This would be fun as night 2 is on my birthday. Sadly, most likely cant go either way.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on March 14, 2019, 01:12:42 PM
Think I'm going to pass on Morsefest despite hearing about how great it's been. I like a handful of 'Flying Colors' songs.....and really liked TGA show I just saw.....but neither really prompt me to want to drop $150 on tix for both nights and then added expenses for the trip. Will just be satisfied with the certain DVD that will come from it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 18, 2019, 09:42:41 AM
Radiant just released the March IC download - a video of the band doing a listen-thru of TGA, similar to what Neal did for TSOAD but with everyone this time!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 18, 2019, 08:06:51 PM
Apologies for the back-to-back posts, but Neal just reminded me that the pre-orders for Jesus Christ The Exorcist go live tomorrow morning. Not sure if I'll jump on it, but I know some here might be interested in it! He also says a new video with Ted Leonard will be released as well!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 19, 2019, 09:16:26 AM
New video for GET BEHIND ME SATAN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTHSLOqzmLg

Preorders here: http://www.radiantrecords.com/products/771-jesus-christ-the-exorcist.aspx
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 19, 2019, 09:25:19 AM
Interesting choice for the first "single." I would have thought that There's a Highway would have been the first, but what do I know? :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on March 19, 2019, 09:29:36 AM
Oh goodie, we get another Overture :lol

Listening to Get Behind Me Satan now. Very strange to see Eric on drums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 19, 2019, 09:30:15 AM
Wow, that's pretty good!  I'm definitely in on this one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on March 19, 2019, 09:41:26 AM
Okay. 3LPs 35,99$, fine.

Shipping: 103$. Bye Radiant. This label is making me more and more pissed.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 19, 2019, 10:03:57 AM
Okay. 3LPs 35,99$, fine.

Shipping: 103$. Bye Radiant. This label is making me more and more pissed.
Ask Joel to get it for you, I think he can ship it to you for less than that!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 19, 2019, 10:18:04 AM
Radiant just continues to fail.  Just buy it from Amazon.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on March 19, 2019, 11:34:54 AM
Wow, that's pretty good!  I'm definitely in on this one.
Wow, Neal was shredding guitar pretty good on this one and Eric is a good drummer!  Randy and Bill are tearing it up too.
 Who is that on vocals? The dude can belt it out.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on March 19, 2019, 11:38:29 AM
Who is that on vocals? The dude can belt it out.  :tup

Ted Leonard, singer for Spock's Beard. He has a great voice :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 19, 2019, 11:41:01 AM
Wow, that's pretty good!  I'm definitely in on this one.
Wow, Neal was shredding guitar pretty good on this one and Eric is a good drummer!  Randy and Bill are tearing it up too.
 Who is that on vocals? The dude can belt it out.  :tup

Ted Leonard (current lead singer of Spock's Beard).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 19, 2019, 12:32:46 PM
Wow, that's pretty good!  I'm definitely in on this one.
Wow, Neal was shredding guitar pretty good on this one and Eric is a good drummer!  Randy and Bill are tearing it up too.
 Who is that on vocals? The dude can belt it out.  :tup

That's Ted Leonard, lead singer for Enchant, and the current 5th live member of Transatlantic.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on March 19, 2019, 01:14:26 PM
Anyone know who's singing on the new single?  :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on March 19, 2019, 03:13:02 PM
Anyone know who's singing on the new single?  :rollin
Yeah, how could anyone possibly ask a question like that?  He must be NEW or something.. :mehlin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 19, 2019, 03:21:29 PM
Anyone know who's singing on the new single?  :rollin
Yeah, how could anyone possibly ask a question like that?  He must be NEW or something.. :mehlin

I bet OpenYourEyes "question" was due to the multiple replies that your question got stating who the singer is
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on March 19, 2019, 04:28:47 PM
Anyone know who's singing on the new single?  :rollin
Yeah, how could anyone possibly ask a question like that?  He must be NEW or something.. :mehlin

I bet OpenYourEyes "question" was due to the multiple replies that your question got stating who the singer is

In my defense, I replied first :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 19, 2019, 04:33:14 PM
Anyone know who's singing on the new single?  :rollin
Yeah, how could anyone possibly ask a question like that?  He must be NEW or something.. :mehlin

I bet OpenYourEyes "question" was due to the multiple replies that your question got stating who the singer is

In my defense, I replied first :P

That is true, but to be fair, the answer was also in the video's description:

Quote
Today, the first song from this masterpiece has been unveiled, "Get Behind Me Satan". "I dont know why it came to me in quite this way, but definitely the influences on this song are Black Sabbath and Deep Purple primarily. I even asked Rich Mouser when he was mixing the song to listen to Paranoid because I thought that vocal effect would be cool on Teds (Leonard) voice," says Morse of the track.

He's also the current lead singer of Spock's Beard!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on March 19, 2019, 04:47:23 PM
Anyone know who's singing on the new single?  :rollin
Yeah, how could anyone possibly ask a question like that?  He must be NEW or something.. :mehlin

I bet OpenYourEyes "question" was due to the multiple replies that your question got stating who the singer is
Oh yeah, good point!   :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on March 19, 2019, 06:30:53 PM
Plebs.

Ted Leonard is a powerhouse solo artist, as well as lead singer for Xen, Thought Chamber, and Affector.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 19, 2019, 07:02:35 PM
Psh, that's nothing.

He's also the lead singer of Rolling Heads, a California cover band with his wife Denise, and two guys named Dave Meros and Jimmy Keegan.

For crying out loud, they've played for Google and Comcast!!!

(Not going to lie, looking at their master song list (https://dmeros.wixsite.com/rollingheads/song-list), it sounds like they put on a kickass show with some great cover tunes. Would LOVE to hear them play these songs!)

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on March 19, 2019, 10:17:53 PM
It's honestly on my todo list if I make it to the West coast.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on March 20, 2019, 01:22:58 AM
Okay. 3LPs 35,99$, fine.

Shipping: 103$. Bye Radiant. This label is making me more and more pissed.
Ask Joel to get it for you, I think he can ship it to you for less than that!

Thanks Jorge! But I think I'll order it from Amazon.. Or maybe there will be another limited edition on a German online store like EMP or JPC.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 20, 2019, 11:40:45 AM
https://www.loudersound.com/news/neal-morse-details-rock-opera-album-jesus-christ-the-exorcist

Quote
Neal Morse
Neal Morse has revealed that hell release his rock opera album Jesus Christ: The Exorcist this summer.

Morse revealed he was working on the double album in September last year and that he would be joined on the record by his former Spocks Beard bandmate Nick D'Virgilio, current Spocks Beard frontman Ted Leonard, Eric Gillette, Randy George, Bill Hubauer and Matt Smith.

Jesus Christ: The Exorcist will launch on June 14 via Frontiers Music srl on 2CD, 3LP and on digital and streaming platforms.

Morse says on the albums sound: Its completely diverse. There are touching ballads, rousing ensemble pieces, classical elements and dramatic Broadway musical type songs as well.

Its really meant to be listened and experienced all the way through as you would a play or an opera. I hope that people will experience it in that way because I think thats where they will really find the power in it.

Its meant to be listened and experienced all the way through as you would a play or an opera

Neal Morse
These songs and pieces of music were all written specifically for this project. I wrote the first draft in 2008 and 2009, I believe. Then, last year in preparation for a performance at MorseFest I rewrote the whole musical again."

Morse adds: "I couldnt be happier with the final outcome and I am thrilled that it is coming out on Frontiers this June.

To mark the album announcement, Morse has released a video for Get Behind Me Satan featuring guest vocals from Leonard.

Morse explains: I dont know why it came to me in quite this way, but definitely the influences on this song are Black Sabbath and Deep Purple primarily. I even asked Rich Mouser when he was mixing the song to listen to Paranoid because I thought that vocal effect would be cool on Teds voice.

Jesus Christ: The Exorcist is now available for pre-order. Find further details below.


Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on March 20, 2019, 03:12:08 PM
I guess this means Neal is now part of the Frontier's factory  :biggrin:

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=29408.msg2529596#msg2529596
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on March 20, 2019, 04:21:58 PM
Ordered mine through Radiant. Rolled the dice (I got TSOAD late...). But amazon was just as expensive. Ill pay for the shipping and hope I get it earlier this way.

Cant wait, live it was awesome hopefully album version will be too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 21, 2019, 07:38:57 AM
Radiant just released the March IC download - a video of the band doing a listen-thru of TGA, similar to what Neal did for TSOAD but with everyone this time!

-Marc.

I watched all of this last night finally...very entertaining!!  I was a bit worried that it would be the Neal and Portnoy show since they are the too most talkative and loudest personalities in the band, but Bill was very chatty, and Eric even talked a bit more than I expected, while Neal was his usual jokey self ("Fun With Themes!"  :lol :lol).  Honestly, it is cool just to hear the five talk about how they put it all together, made changes here and there, how this little part here has this little note there, etc.  The amount of talent and skill in the room was something to behold.  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 21, 2019, 08:43:38 PM
Jesus Christ The Exorcist DIGITAL ALBUM it's ONLY $5.99 USD at Google Play now

https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Neal_Morse_Jesus_Christ_the_Exorcist?id=Bnj2kxsybmm276ymgywzogivga4

 :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on March 22, 2019, 06:58:00 AM
Is that a mistake?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 22, 2019, 09:07:33 AM
Is that a mistake?

IDK
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Big Hath on March 22, 2019, 05:02:13 PM
Jesus Christ The Exorcist DIGITAL ALBUM it's ONLY $5.99 USD at Google Play now

https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Neal_Morse_Jesus_Christ_the_Exorcist?id=Bnj2kxsybmm276ymgywzogivga4

 :metal

anybody else read that as:

Jesus Christ! The Exorcist digital album is only $5.99 at Google Play!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 22, 2019, 05:31:12 PM
:lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 22, 2019, 05:48:31 PM
Jesus Christ The Exorcist DIGITAL ALBUM it's ONLY $5.99 USD at Google Play now

https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Neal_Morse_Jesus_Christ_the_Exorcist?id=Bnj2kxsybmm276ymgywzogivga4

 :metal

anybody else read that as:

Jesus Christ! The Exorcist digital album is only $5.99 at Google Play!!

LOL  :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on March 22, 2019, 08:40:41 PM
Psh, that's nothing.

He's also the lead singer of Rolling Heads, a California cover band with his wife Denise, and two guys named Dave Meros and Jimmy Keegan.

For crying out loud, they've played for Google and Comcast!!!

(Not going to lie, looking at their master song list (https://dmeros.wixsite.com/rollingheads/song-list), it sounds like they put on a kickass show with some great cover tunes. Would LOVE to hear them play these songs!)

-Marc.

This I did not know. Wouldn't mind seeing this myself.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on March 24, 2019, 05:35:23 AM
As it always is for me with new albums, The Great Adventure is having its "second spring". Shame that this is happening right before one of the hardest exams in my whole studies, though. I always have the melodies in my head, but I never have time to listen to it :D

Anyway, I think it's truly a grandiose album. A few more months may be needed to determine if I even like it better than the Similitude. But I think I do. More cohesive. Amazing album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 24, 2019, 10:09:49 AM
It will never touch Similitude in my eyes, but I still like it a lot. The Great Despair is the clear standout for me, and the song I listen to the most is probably Hey Ho Let's Go.  That is such a fun little song!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 26, 2019, 10:25:04 AM
OFFICIAL VIDEO - THE GREAT DESPAIR

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viNCPH6OR10

 :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 26, 2019, 05:45:38 PM
Really good job with the video, but making it a single edit to where Eric's entire guitar solo at the end is cut out? Ouch.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on March 26, 2019, 08:34:52 PM
Anyway, I think it's truly a grandiose album. A few more months may be needed to determine if I even like it better than the Similitude. But I think I do. More cohesive. Amazing album.

Yeah, I have to say, after several weeks with it, I think I'm in the Bosk camp on this one. I think it's greater than Similtude and a very strong contender for the best Neal Morse/NMB album.

The second disc in particular is fantastic. The run from Vanity Fair to the end is simply spectacular.

(To be fair, I never was quite on board with the level of enthusiasm that Similitude received. I find it strong, certainly in the top third or so of Neal's discography, but I think it has some less-than-excellent passages as well. The popular opinion of TSOAD is my opinion of TGA).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dreamdrummer on March 28, 2019, 04:26:47 AM
I went to the Tilburg show last tuesday.
What an amazing show, again.
This was the 3rd time I saw this line-up.
They never dissapoint.

I cried my eyes out during A Love That Never Dies.
I'm dealing with some struggles in life right now and this song gave me some light I needed.
So beautiful...

And the encore... that medley was insane :hefdaddy haha!


Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on March 28, 2019, 04:57:58 AM
After finally having listened several times to The Great Adventure, I can say I really like it a lot, it's a great record, but I like Similitude just a little bit more, it's more diverse.

And my favorite is still "?", but I'm glad that after a couple of records I didn't find that good, that he (they) are delivering really good music again.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on March 28, 2019, 08:31:57 AM
I went to the Tilburg show last tuesday.
What an amazing show, again.
This was the 3rd time I saw this line-up.
They never dissapoint.

I cried my eyes out during A Love That Never Dies.
I'm dealing with some struggles in life right now and this song gave me some light I needed.
So beautiful...

And the encore... that medley was insane :hefdaddy haha!

Yeah, the encore was really well done. 

Did they film that show?  I seem to remember either Mike or Neal saying they would like to film somewhere else in the future, but I don't recall whether they were saying they wouldn't film there this tour.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dreamdrummer on March 29, 2019, 05:09:51 AM
Well, I definitely saw some camera's, now that you mention it!

Both left and right on stage and 2 camera's at front of house. (manned)

So who knows...  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on April 07, 2019, 08:20:14 AM
Mike Portnoy wrote on his FB:

(https://i.ibb.co/1LRqWHM/E0888236-FCEF-4356-97-DF-C33-F04564-DB5.jpg) (https://ibb.co/474TrB2)

Super cool venue here in Brno, Czech Republic!! We also have a film crew here tonight to film for a possible Live Blu-ray release as well 😎

 :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on April 07, 2019, 09:03:05 AM
Nice!  I would like to get a blu-ray of this show outside of Morsefest. On the previous Similitude tour, I liked the Tilburg show miles better than the Morsefest release.  This is great news to me!  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on April 07, 2019, 09:07:22 AM
I was considering going to this gig, but being that I have another trip next weekend, two crazy weekends in a row would be a bit much.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on April 07, 2019, 03:01:31 PM
So I'll me at the M&G on Tuesday to meet the guys (on my birthday, yey!!). Obviously, I'll bring some vinyls to sign. Will Mike have any problems with signing my Metropolis Pt. 2 record? What do you guys think?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on April 07, 2019, 03:18:38 PM
So I'll me at the M&G on Tuesday to meet the guys (on my birthday, yey!!). Obviously, I'll bring some vinyls to sign. Will Mike have any problems with signing my Metropolis Pt. 2 record? What do you guys think?
I went to the M&G in Orlando and had him sign my SFAM & IAW CD booklets. He seemed to be ok for that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on April 07, 2019, 03:19:13 PM
So I'll me at the M&G on Tuesday to meet the guys (on my birthday, yey!!). Obviously, I'll bring some vinyls to sign. Will Mike have any problems with signing my Metropolis Pt. 2 record? What do you guys think?

Hed only have a problem if you bring your D/T record to sign :lol
Seriously, tho, any MP era DT is fair game for the signing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on April 08, 2019, 03:03:59 AM
Thanks guys!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on April 11, 2019, 11:01:26 AM
Randy George interview: https://musicplayers.com/2019/04/randy-george-nothing-basic-about-neal-morses-bassist/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on April 11, 2019, 12:43:51 PM
The Neal Morse Band concert on Tuesday was absolutely mind-blowing. The M&G was short but awesome. The guys were very nice and signed everything we brought :) I now have all NMB albums singed by everyone!!

Plus, MP loved the shirts we had made for him and even remembered the last time we did that!

This was on Tuesday:
(https://i.ibb.co/FqfJxjm/Bildschirmfoto-2019-04-11-um-20-36-45.png)

And this one was 4 years ago:
(https://i.ibb.co/5GMzLbh/1939835-756308527720125-121100528-n.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on April 11, 2019, 12:53:47 PM
Awesome man! I am glad you had a great time
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: erwinrafael on April 13, 2019, 04:35:46 AM
I finally gave in and purchased SOAD and TGA to finally listen to the much-praised NMB. I usually listen to concept albums in the evening so that I can listen nonstop, without work and family duties to intervene. It's been a week and I really fall asleep before I finish any of the two albums. The music is good, but it just doesn't resonate with me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 13, 2019, 07:48:00 AM
I finally gave in and purchased SOAD and TGA to finally listen to the much-praised NMB. I usually listen to concept albums in the evening so that I can listen nonstop, without work and family duties to intervene. It's been a week and I really fall asleep before I finish any of the two albums. The music is good, but it just doesn't resonate with me.

You're listening to both right off the bat?  Yowza, I can't imagine trying to get into two double albums at once.  Personally, I'd focus on just one for now before moving on to the other.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: erwinrafael on April 13, 2019, 08:03:14 AM
Yeah, I alternate them every other night. For now, I am liking SOAD better. The Overture of TGA is just too long for an intro.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on April 13, 2019, 02:06:24 PM
The Overture of TGA is just too long for an intro.

And that's why I skip it every single time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on April 13, 2019, 02:46:05 PM
The Overture of TGA is just too long for an intro.

And that's why I skip it every single time.
Same here, it's just not that interesting. The album really takes off with "Welcome to the World".  I like the second version on disc two almost more..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: erwinrafael on April 15, 2019, 02:02:02 AM
Finally finished The Great Adventure. I am alone in my faculty office room today so I played it full blast. Music is beautiful. I keep on getting distracted by Eric Gillette, though. He really wears his JP influence on his sleeve, don't you think?

Portnoy's drumming is good, reminds me of his SDOIT work. I did get distracted by some of the fills in Freedom Calling because they are fills he has used many times in the past, but other than that, solid work.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on April 15, 2019, 08:25:25 AM
I keep on getting distracted by Eric Gillette, though. He really wears his JP influence on his sleeve, don't you think?

Be careful, I was saying something similar some time ago, and people here didn't like that :lol

Seriously, though, I was listening to TGA yesterday too and, being honest, I was a bit let down and distracted by all the epic JP-ish guitar solo moments throughout the album. I get that Eric is a very different musician than JP, as he's also a great singer, but no one can deny he's pretty much a second JP when it comes to guitar playing. Even MP called him Petrucci Jr. at some point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 15, 2019, 08:33:14 AM
I don't see the issue with Eric wearing his JP influence on his sleeve, and it seems weird for a Dream Theater fan to take issue with it, considering they have worn their influences on their sleeves for as long as I can remember.  If it bothers you, then it bothers you, but it just seems odd to me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on April 15, 2019, 10:14:53 AM
I don't see the issue with Eric wearing his JP influence on his sleeve, and it seems weird for a Dream Theater fan to take issue with it, considering they have worn their influences on their sleeves for as long as I can remember.  If it bothers you, then it bothers you, but it just seems odd to me.

I just wish he had more of his own guitar voice. JP is my favorite guitar player of all time, but I don't want all the other guitarists in the genere to sound just like him. For example, I'd say Guthrie Govan is my 2nd favorite after JP, and they sound nothing alike.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 15, 2019, 12:09:58 PM

I just wish he had more of his own guitar voice. JP is my favorite guitar player of all time, but I don't want all the other guitarists in the genere to sound just like him. For example, I'd say Guthrie Govan is my 2nd favorite after JP, and they sound nothing alike.

I get what you mean, but in the context of NMB's music, it isn't an issue at all for me because Neal plays plenty of guitar as well (both electric and acoustic), so there is a diversity of sounds from the instrument in general in their music between the two.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: erwinrafael on April 16, 2019, 12:37:28 AM
Shared TGA to a friend of mine who plays Christian rock. I told him this is Christian prog.  :lol He has been playing the album with gusto.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on April 16, 2019, 02:47:36 AM
Shared TGA to a friend of mine who plays Christian rock. I told him this is Christian prog.  :lol He has been playing the album with gusto.
To me, Similitude and TGA don't come across as Christian rock. It has elements but it is not preachy and doesn't sound like religious music. These two albums are more accessible to the general public and prog rock enthusiasts, unlike alot of Neals other stuff outside of The Neal Morse Band. Its just great music that everyone can enjoy and is not polarizing..  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 16, 2019, 08:16:02 AM
Shared TGA to a friend of mine who plays Christian rock. I told him this is Christian prog.  :lol He has been playing the album with gusto.
To me, Similitude and TGA don't come across as Christian rock. It has elements but it is not preachy and doesn't sound like religious music. These two albums are more accessible to the general public and prog rock enthusiasts, unlike alot of Neals other stuff outside of The Neal Morse Band. Its just great music that everyone can enjoy and is not polarizing..  :tup

Agreed.  It is similar to the first two Transatlantic records in that it is overly spiritual, but not obviously christian, if that makes sense.  The words "God" and "Jesus" are heard far less on the NMB albums than they were on Neal's solo prog albums from Testimony through Testimony 2.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 20, 2019, 07:35:28 AM
Another song has been released from the forthcoming Exorcist record.  This is the one I thought would have been the first one released. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ1m1h8G3HI&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR05dJtfVU3um45MIRDIdhKkkrY8DXjqTfz8yVqwe4-nugjJPakbfPmvcWE
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on May 07, 2019, 07:19:59 AM
I just heard Kiss I Love It Loud for the first time in many years and noticed how much it reminded me of Agenda. Was this intentional or ever mentioned by Neal or the band?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Max Kuehnau on May 07, 2019, 07:38:55 AM
I just heard Kiss I Love It Loud for the first time in many years and noticed how much it reminded me of Agenda. Was this intentional or ever mentioned by Neal or the band?
I don't know, but MP is as big of a Kiss fan as you can go, so it's not far fetched I think (Hell, he played Erotomania wearing one of these hideously ridiculous (but apparently iconic) masks at my first DT concert 19 years ago.)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 07, 2019, 08:34:35 AM
I just heard Kiss I Love It Loud for the first time in many years and noticed how much it reminded me of Agenda. Was this intentional or ever mentioned by Neal or the band?

I find it very hard to believe that Neal Morse would borrow from a band as bad as Kiss.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Max Kuehnau on May 07, 2019, 09:56:41 AM
I just heard Kiss I Love It Loud for the first time in many years and noticed how much it reminded me of Agenda. Was this intentional or ever mentioned by Neal or the band?

I find it very hard to believe that Neal Morse would borrow from a band as bad as Kiss.
that is true though OTOH.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on May 07, 2019, 11:13:45 AM
Thats why Agenda sucks :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on May 07, 2019, 11:44:45 AM
Agenda is in the lower 3% of Neal Morse's compositions in my opinion, but it has that neat post-chorus (?) thingy ("hey hey Joe, there's a place I know") and is therefore still a far better tune than that embarrassment of a song I Love It Loud.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 07, 2019, 12:02:41 PM
I agree that it is in the top 3%.  But you spelled "top" wrong.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on May 08, 2019, 12:51:17 AM
To make it clear, a song in Neal's lower top 3% is still at least an okay song  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 09, 2019, 11:00:10 PM
Coming on May 15th, looks like Inner Circle members will get access to the new May release, "Beginning The Adventure: The Great Adventure Sessions". Looks like it'll be the first draft of the album that they wrote and recorded during their first sessions before Neal decided to make it a follow-up to TSOAD, so there's going to be different versions of songs we've gotten, as well songs and ideas that were cut from the final album! Sounds like it'll be exciting to hear!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on May 10, 2019, 04:41:25 AM
Damn, Im no Inner Circle member but Id really like to hear that. Im assuming theres no way for non-IC members to buy it?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 10, 2019, 07:35:19 AM
Damn, Im no Inner Circle member but Id really like to hear that. Im assuming theres no way for non-IC members to buy it?

Only way it's to be an IC member, OR getting a leaked copy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 10, 2019, 03:38:38 PM
Im cancelling my IC membership as soon as I download this. Been a member for four months and still have never gotten a single monthly newsletter. Ive contacted them a few times about it and still havent gotten a response. I think the only way to get a response is to whine on Facebook but I dont feel like doing that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 10, 2019, 03:39:47 PM
Im cancelling my IC membership as soon as I download this. Been a member for three months and still have never gotten a single monthly newsletter. Ive contacted them a few times about it and still havent gotten a response. I think the only way to get a response is to whine on Facebook but I dont feel like doing that.

Haha tried to modify my post as Ive been a member for three not four months but accidentally hit quote instead of modify. Didnt see a delete button haha.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 10, 2019, 06:09:33 PM
Ive been a member since last January and the newsletters have never failed to be sent to me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 10, 2019, 07:54:07 PM
Ive been a member since last January and the newsletters have never failed to be sent to me.

Consider yourself one of the lucky ones. Or maybe Im just an unlucky one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 11, 2019, 08:56:13 AM
Hmmm, I guess I never thought about it, but I rejoined back in March because I wanted to watch the commentary thing about the new album, and I have never received any monthly newsletter or anything either.  Radiant strikes again.  :tdwn :tdwn
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 11, 2019, 12:26:32 PM
Hmmm, I guess I never thought about it, but I rejoined back in March because I wanted to watch the commentary thing about the new album, and I have never received any monthly newsletter or anything either.  Radiant strikes again.  :tdwn :tdwn

you guys should check your SPAM folders
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 11, 2019, 02:10:56 PM
Checked all that many times. Spam, junk, trash, every possible folder. Based on past experience with Radiant I have no reason to believe that Ive missed them. And I get all my other Radiant emails just fine so I know the email address is fine.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on May 11, 2019, 04:04:54 PM
Neal should really consider changing this situation. It's cool to do it all on your own (and he might earn more money than if he went to insideout - which he deserves 110%!) but this seems to piss off a lot of fans. And that's not cool at all. He's such a great, professional, enthusiastic musician and these problems shouldn't worsen fan's views on him in my opinion.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on May 11, 2019, 07:12:21 PM
Neal should really consider changing this situation. It's cool to do it all on your own (and he might earn more money than if he went to insideout - which he deserves 110%!) but this seems to piss off a lot of fans. And that's not cool at all. He's such a great, professional, enthusiastic musician and these problems shouldn't worsen fan's views on him in my opinion.

It will only change if people stop forking over money for it. Unfortunately, a large portion of the fanbase that buys stuff like this will follow Neal to the ends of the earth and put up with it. I bought a cd from Radiant last year and it took forever to come with no communication from them at all about why it took so long even after sending emails. I eventually posted on their facebook page and basically was told this is how slow it always is and the woman who runs it is "really overworked and busy" and other bullshit from fans who have just learned to accept it. This is a business, and I'm not going to buy from Radiant again due to that type of ineptitude. Run a business properly or don't. If enough people cancel this, then maybe things will start to change for the better instead of just accepting it because Neal's a cool guy.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 11, 2019, 07:18:56 PM
Hmmm, I guess I never thought about it, but I rejoined back in March because I wanted to watch the commentary thing about the new album, and I have never received any monthly newsletter or anything either.  Radiant strikes again.  :tdwn :tdwn

you guys should check your SPAM folders

I have and no dice.

It will only change if people stop forking over money for it. Unfortunately, a large portion of the fanbase that buys stuff like this will follow Neal to the ends of the earth and put up with it. I bought a cd from Radiant last year and it took forever to come with no communication from them at all about why it took so long even after sending emails. I eventually posted on their facebook page and basically was told this is how slow it always is and the woman who runs it is "really overworked and busy" and other bullshit from fans who have just learned to accept it. This is a business, and I'm not going to buy from Radiant again due to that type of ineptitude. Run a business properly or don't. If enough people cancel this, then maybe things will start to change for the better instead of just accepting it because Neal's a cool guy.

Truth.  Fans with legit complaints are basically told me to be patient, Radiant is awesome, and that the lady who runs it does a great job despite being overworked.  :\ :\  I know I sound like a broken record about this, but it really is a shame that a musician as classy and gracious as Neal Morse is represented so poorly by Radiant Records.  He deserves better than to have his fans get such subpar customer service.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 13, 2019, 08:28:59 AM
I have not been an IC member for YEARS and have not ordered anything directly from Radiant for YEARS simply because they are so unreliable.  I love Neal's music, but the bottom line is, he's losing money because his organization doesn't have its act together. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 13, 2019, 09:50:35 AM
I guess I just must be one of the lucky ones. I've never had any issues with getting his Newsletters, or making/completing orders from the store. In fact, I even cancelled an order once and they accidentally sent it to me ANYWAY, AFTER i received my refund.

That sucks that you guys have all had these issues and I'm sure a lot of them are just simple mistakes, but they sure do add up over time, which is a shame. I do agree, though, that I feel like Radiant should have a bigger staff to help run things a bit more smoothly, rather than the mom-and-pop-style small business that it continues to be, but I guess that's just how Neal and his staff like to run things, which seems to have mixed reviews.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 16, 2019, 06:37:40 PM
I have not been an IC member for YEARS and have not ordered anything directly from Radiant for YEARS simply because they are so unreliable.  I love Neal's music, but the bottom line is, he's losing money because his organization doesn't have its act together.

Truth.

Apparently they released the mp3's of the original Great Adventure demos this week, but I never got an email about it, just like I never get Neal's monthly newsletter anymore.  Such awful customer service.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 16, 2019, 08:41:53 PM
Its very agitating. Theres discussion going on right now on FB regarding the not getting the newsletters. I think most people just think Im doing something wrong. Oh, and contacting and emailing Radiant isnt enough, theres some woman I should have known to private message about the issues. Honestly its become humorous at this point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 16, 2019, 09:22:59 PM
But wait, you can get the newsletters by going to the Radiant site and logging in...except that they haven't been updated since January. :lol :lol :lol :lol

Like you said, it's simply humorous at this point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 19, 2019, 12:05:40 PM
So I finally downloaded the "NMB 3 - Beginning The Adventure" Demo album, and it's pretty interesting so far. The familiar TGA themes are very present, but it's got a different vibe over-all. I'm only partly through the first track, a 24:31 epic. The rest of the "album" looks VERY much like a Transatlantic album, with 2 huge epics (24 and 28 minutes each), a 16-minute epic, and a shorter 6-minute piece as Track 3 (looking at you, BAF and SS).

I'm honestly glad they didn't go the TA-esque album route and gave us another concept, and a follow-up to TSOAD to boot!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on May 19, 2019, 02:16:21 PM
So I finally downloaded the "NMB 3 - Beginning The Adventure" Demo album, and it's pretty interesting so far. The familiar TGA themes are very present, but it's got a different vibe over-all. I'm only partly through the first track, a 24:31 epic. The rest of the "album" looks VERY much like a Transatlantic album, with 2 huge epics (24 and 28 minutes each), a 16-minute epic, and a shorter 6-minute piece as Track 3 (looking at you, BAF and SS).

I'm honestly glad they didn't go the TA-esque album route and gave us another concept, and a follow-up to TSOAD to boot!

-Marc.

I remember one of MP's early updates about the album and he described it the same way as you just did, an album similar in structure to TA.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on May 21, 2019, 06:54:52 PM
Neal should really consider changing this situation. It's cool to do it all on your own (and he might earn more money than if he went to insideout - which he deserves 110%!) but this seems to piss off a lot of fans. And that's not cool at all. He's such a great, professional, enthusiastic musician and these problems shouldn't worsen fan's views on him in my opinion.

It will only change if people stop forking over money for it. Unfortunately, a large portion of the fanbase that buys stuff like this will follow Neal to the ends of the earth and put up with it. I bought a cd from Radiant last year and it took forever to come with no communication from them at all about why it took so long even after sending emails. I eventually posted on their facebook page and basically was told this is how slow it always is and the woman who runs it is "really overworked and busy" and other bullshit from fans who have just learned to accept it. This is a business, and I'm not going to buy from Radiant again due to that type of ineptitude. Run a business properly or don't. If enough people cancel this, then maybe things will start to change for the better instead of just accepting it because Neal's a cool guy.

There really isn't a staff. Probably figures it's too expensive to hire one.  I was a member from the beginning until I dropped it last year when they went download only.
 Never really had a problem with it, although I could have just been lucky because its obvious it's not a priority. (But I understand that because Neal doesn't seem to put much thought into the business side of things - which I understand again.)

In the beginning, Neal would answer the phone himself and sometimes I got the impression I was interrupting something (Like maybe a writing session.) He's a musician. I completely get why he doesn't want to deal with the business side. Robert Fripp was forced into it after being screwed by his record label and that's really one of the better models out there.

There's also Fish and Marillion although again Fish is not the most business savvy mind out there whereas Marillion got more involved in it becuase their fans kind of pushed them that way. Rush hired trusted people to run their fan club, but they kind of divested so I'm not totally sure how it is run anymore. I think they sold off to MusicToday so it's not as in-house as it used to be.

The part I never liked about Radiant was the shipping cost is is usually kind of a gauge which I would accept if an item was signed of if some other incentive was included.  Without that, I'd just get it somewhere else.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 28, 2019, 12:03:56 PM
New Neal Morse interview:

https://www.sonicperspectives.com/interviews/interview-with-neal-robert-morse/

In the link there's an audio option and a transcript
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 28, 2019, 05:08:48 PM
Good interview.  Interesting that the Exorcist was played last year almost because Neal felt like, "what else are we going to play?"  An oversimplification, for sure, but that is how it came off to me.  If nothing else, it gave him an excuse to finish it.  I doubt it will be an album I listen to a lot, largely because of the directness of the lyrics, but I know it will be extremely well done, and it was a joy to see last September.  :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 30, 2019, 02:42:31 PM
New IC letter delivered today
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 02, 2019, 09:17:01 PM
Sadly it seems that Neal Morse doesn't realize that this people are hurting his business:

(https://i.ibb.co/drLpFT1/IC.png) (https://ibb.co/80dxqCT)

 :facepalm:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on June 03, 2019, 04:18:57 AM
Talk about customer service eh..... working even when vacationing in an RV without reception  :eek
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 03, 2019, 12:22:44 PM
LOL, nothing says good customer service like "I hope to get back to you in a couple weeks, and be sure to remind me in case I forget."  :facepalm: :facepalm:

Fortunately for Neal, it seems like many of his fans are in the "I want to support Neal no matter what" camp which means they are coughing up their dough to Radiant no matter how poor the service is.  Not me, though...I bailed.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on June 04, 2019, 10:07:17 PM
I dont get it, is she like a family member? Is she doing this as a hobby, that type of comment would piss me off.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 05, 2019, 06:33:27 AM
I dont get it, is she like a family member? Is she doing this as a hobby, that type of comment would piss me off.

She is Will Morse (NM's son) mother in law
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 05, 2019, 05:26:55 PM
Right. In other words, the way Radiant is currently run isn't changing any time soon.  And while I doubt Neal dives too far into the inner workings of it anymore, which is why he hired someone else to run it, I am sure enough fans ante up on a regular basis to where it's profitable, meaning, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."  It is what it is.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 10, 2019, 07:48:07 PM
I got my (signed!) copy of Neal's Jesus Christ The Exorcist double album in the mail today. I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet because I've been busy with a lot of stuff (including keeping up with today's E3 conferences), so I haven't had time to spin it yet. I might get a chance tomorrow afternoon, so if I do, I'll come back here with some thoughts on the album!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on June 11, 2019, 08:22:08 AM
Seems like Neal's mother in law passed away.

From Neal's FB:
"My mother-in-law, Sharon Turrentine passed away last night. She was a wonderful, loving support to me, my family and everyone she came in contact with. She was the backbone of our family, Radiant Records, and Radiant Studios! She served every band that ever came through the studio with love and kindness. I wrote a song about her recently that says, she always encouraged me even when I was wrong.
In my entire life, I cant think of anyone else I could say that about. She ALWAYS encouraged me.. and I am grateful to have known her.

She drew her last breath with her daughter, grandkids and I holding her hand and singing Amazing Grace. I praise the Lord today for such a beautiful passing and such a beautiful life lived in his glory."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on June 11, 2019, 06:24:25 PM
Got the musical in the mail yesterday so listened a few times at work today.  I'm digging it.  First listen, I was a little underwhelmed with the sound, not sure if it is just the mix being so different from other Neal albums, or what.  But that complaint aside, it's a great album.  I'm growing to appreciate the "cheesy musical" feeling it has in parts haha.

I love the singing.  Neal, Ted, and Nick on the same album is great.  And then Matt Smith from Theocracy is a nice bonus as I'm a fan of theirs.  The female singer does great also.  I was lucky enough to see this concert, and she ended up being one of the highlights.  Nick is the other highlight, he really brings it (concert and also the recording).  Kind of bummed that the singer of Petra didn't make it on the album since he had a decent sized role at the concert.  Maybe the timing just didn't work out.  Oh, and the guy that played Satan was also a highlight at the concert and he brought it on the album too.

Story wise, I basically know the story already but admittedly haven't read it in a loooong time.  I thought many parts of it were very moving and the musical really works well in terms of story telling.  It brought the emotion in a few different parts based on the story presentation alone.

Favorite songs:  Seven Devils & Free at Last (together they're amazing!),  Jesus' Temptation, and then two of Nick's songs Heart Full of Holes and Judas' Death.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 12, 2019, 07:52:55 AM
Regarding the sound, I noticed on the pre-release songs that the sound was a little dry and flat; I was expecting a significant upgrade in sound over the demo versions I am used to, but it was a slight upgrade at best.  Once I get the album later this week, maybe I will hear more of a difference.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on June 13, 2019, 05:25:08 PM
I got it today......and have spun it. 

obviously i'll need way more listens but i can tell you i do.....on one listen........prefer the this too TGA.

and also will say Nick was underused as Judas on this record.  as someone already said.  his 2 songs on two of the best on here.

i'll have more thoughts as i absorb.  but i LOVE this so far.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on June 13, 2019, 07:53:48 PM
Not sure if it will surpass TGA for me, but glad Im not the only one enjoying it. Still getting better with each listen. New favorite track is Gethsemane.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on June 13, 2019, 08:06:43 PM
Early Favs

Jesus Temptation
The Woman of Seven Devils
Free At last
He must go To the Cross
Hearts Full Of Holes
Jesus Before Pilate

As a broadway kid first and foremost who did theater in HS and does community theater.  this is cheesy as hell and hits ALL my theater loving buttons.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on June 14, 2019, 05:29:55 PM
This keeps growing on me, and it about equal with TGA, which was my fav new Neal album in quite some time.  I feel the same way about this one.  No idea how Neal does it!!! I just can't stop listening to this.

edit:  Also wanted to add that I for sure prefer the ending of this to TGA.  The Greatest Love of All > A Love That Never Dies.  And yes, it is almost an eye roll writing that as it feels like the themes are so repeating with Neal's music.  But they sound nothing alike lol.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on June 14, 2019, 09:36:52 PM
This keeps growing on me, and it about equal with TGA, which was my fav new Neal album in quite some time.  I feel the same way about this one.  No idea how Neal does it!!! I just can't stop listening to this.

edit:  Also wanted to add that I for sure prefer the ending of this to TGA.  The Greatest Love of All > A Love That Never Dies.  And yes, it is almost an eye roll writing that as it feels like the themes are so repeating with Neal's music.  But they sound nothing alike lol.

I like The greatest Love of All more.

1. i just like the song more.

2.  it's theme is not repeated Ad Nauseum over the album as is A Love that never Dies.  that theme repeated SO much that the finale had little to no impact on me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 14, 2019, 10:28:25 PM
2.  it's theme is not repeated Ad Nauseum over the album as is A Love that never Dies.  that theme repeated SO much that the finale had little to no impact on me.

This. That theme on TGA is repeated so much that I just laugh every time I hear it again, can't take it seriously anymore.

As for JCTE, I haven't had time to listen to too much from it, but I really the songs that I've listened so far. The mix sounds muddy and not good enough for Neal Morse standards, though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 15, 2019, 08:54:31 AM
Yeah, the mix does seem a bit muddy and not as pristine as normal.  At first, I couldn't tell if it was my ears or the mix, but I played one of the new songs and then a song from both Similitude and The Great Adventure, and the Exorcist mix is definitely not as excellent as those on most of Neal's other albums.  It's not bad, just not as excellent as usual.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 15, 2019, 08:57:19 AM
I have to admit am not the biggest fan of the Exorcist. For my taste it's too much bombast, too much rejoice and Jesus. Maybe I'm not getting it (yet)... but I think this will be the first Neal Morse album since .. ever? .. to not stand on my shelf.

Also - am I the only one who is not a fan of Eric's drumming? Sure, he can do awesome fills and definitely has some chops. It works when he sits behind the kit during Stranger In Your Soul and blows everyone away because no one knew the shy guitar virtuoso doesn't only have a great voice but also can beat the hell out of some drums. But in my opinion, it's not enough for keeping it interesting over a 2h double concept album..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 15, 2019, 02:03:23 PM
Also - am I the only one who is not a fan of Eric's drumming? Sure, he can do awesome fills and definitely has some chops. It works when he sits behind the kit during Stranger In Your Soul and blows everyone away because no one knew the shy guitar virtuoso doesn't only have a great voice but also can beat the hell out of some drums. But in my opinion, it's not enough for keeping it interesting over a 2h double concept album..

Completely agree. I get Neal wanted this to be different than the NM band albums, so Mike didnt record the drums, but Eric wasnt the best choice for the album, specially when you already have Nick freaking DVirgilio already doing vocals for it. Such a missed opportunity.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 15, 2019, 08:04:49 PM
Also - am I the only one who is not a fan of Eric's drumming? Sure, he can do awesome fills and definitely has some chops. It works when he sits behind the kit during Stranger In Your Soul and blows everyone away because no one knew the shy guitar virtuoso doesn't only have a great voice but also can beat the hell out of some drums. But in my opinion, it's not enough for keeping it interesting over a 2h double concept album..

Completely agree. I get Neal wanted this to be different than the NM band albums, so Mike didnt record the drums, but Eric wasnt the best choice for the album, specially when you already have Nick freaking DVirgilio already doing vocals for it. Such a missed opportunity.

MP isn't on this album because he was touring SoA when the session took place.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 15, 2019, 08:12:58 PM
Also - am I the only one who is not a fan of Eric's drumming? Sure, he can do awesome fills and definitely has some chops. It works when he sits behind the kit during Stranger In Your Soul and blows everyone away because no one knew the shy guitar virtuoso doesn't only have a great voice but also can beat the hell out of some drums. But in my opinion, it's not enough for keeping it interesting over a 2h double concept album..

Completely agree. I get Neal wanted this to be different than the NM band albums, so Mike didnt record the drums, but Eric wasnt the best choice for the album, specially when you already have Nick freaking DVirgilio already doing vocals for it. Such a missed opportunity.

MP isn'y on this abum because he was touring SoA when the session took place.

But that's not my point. What I'm saying is that Eric wasn't the best choice for drummer out there. He surely can play, but drums aren't his main instrument and his playing sounds uninspired, specially on a long album like this one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on June 15, 2019, 08:13:15 PM
After listening to the album many times, I feel that if the mix was different, the drums would sound better.  I'm not convinced the drumming itself is lacking (I'm no musician, I could be wrong, this is just my hillbilly opinion).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 15, 2019, 09:14:02 PM
Also - am I the only one who is not a fan of Eric's drumming? Sure, he can do awesome fills and definitely has some chops. It works when he sits behind the kit during Stranger In Your Soul and blows everyone away because no one knew the shy guitar virtuoso doesn't only have a great voice but also can beat the hell out of some drums. But in my opinion, it's not enough for keeping it interesting over a 2h double concept album..

Completely agree. I get Neal wanted this to be different than the NM band albums, so Mike didnt record the drums, but Eric wasnt the best choice for the album, specially when you already have Nick freaking DVirgilio already doing vocals for it. Such a missed opportunity.

MP isn'y on this abum because he was touring SoA when the session took place.

But that's not my point. What I'm saying is that Eric wasn't the best choice for drummer out there. He surely can play, but drums aren't his main instrument and his playing sounds uninspired, specially on a long album like this one.

No, but you are saying that MP isn't on the album because NM wanted this to be different than the NM band
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 15, 2019, 10:07:47 PM
Also - am I the only one who is not a fan of Eric's drumming? Sure, he can do awesome fills and definitely has some chops. It works when he sits behind the kit during Stranger In Your Soul and blows everyone away because no one knew the shy guitar virtuoso doesn't only have a great voice but also can beat the hell out of some drums. But in my opinion, it's not enough for keeping it interesting over a 2h double concept album..

Completely agree. I get Neal wanted this to be different than the NM band albums, so Mike didnt record the drums, but Eric wasnt the best choice for the album, specially when you already have Nick freaking DVirgilio already doing vocals for it. Such a missed opportunity.

MP isn'y on this abum because he was touring SoA when the session took place.

But that's not my point. What I'm saying is that Eric wasn't the best choice for drummer out there. He surely can play, but drums aren't his main instrument and his playing sounds uninspired, specially on a long album like this one.

No, but you are saying that MP isn't on the album because NM wanted this to be different than the NM band

Yes, I did, and I was wrong on that, but my point is that Eric's drumming sounds bad here. Nick could've recorded this and the result would've been 1000 times better.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 16, 2019, 08:40:33 AM
No offense, but I have no idea what you are talking about.  No, Eric is not the drummer that NDV is, and he is not the drummer that Portnoy is, but he does a good job on this record.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on June 16, 2019, 09:34:53 AM
Well my take on this is........Eric may not be the Drummer Mike is.

but honestly it  was a nice break from the familiar portnoy stylr/fills we hear album after album......granted it works tremendoulsy for Neal/NMB.  but it was a refreashing change.

Re: the mix.

it is slightly muddy.  but i've heard Worse and it does not detract from the album for me.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on June 16, 2019, 10:57:45 AM
One listen through and it almost sounded like Eric has MP's style in regards to fills/beats. Makes sense since he was clearly really influenced by Petrucci on guitar, and he most likely was heavily influenced by Portnoy on drums as well. I don't hear anything bad drum-wise, he's holding it together fine and letting the vocals/story be the focus which is what this particular album calls for.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 16, 2019, 01:00:43 PM
Message from the artwork creator of JCTE:

It's been brought to my attention that many of your are having trouble reading the booklet lyrics. I'm including a PDF file with them here. Please note we had no control whatsoever about the quality of the printing in the CD booklet and the vinyl inside area. I asked for the vinyl to be a triple gate-fold instead of a double, so the lyrics will be more readable, but my request was turned down. Anyway, here they are for all of you who purchased this amazing piece of music. And Happy Father's Day for all the fathers around here!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/edu4bvgmvwjj95f/Jesus%20Christ%20-%20The%20Exorcist%20(Lyrics).pdf?dl=0
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 17, 2019, 10:59:50 AM
One listen through and it almost sounded like Eric has MP's style in regards to fills/beats. Makes sense since he was clearly really influenced by Petrucci on guitar, and he most likely was heavily influenced by Portnoy on drums as well. I don't hear anything bad drum-wise, he's holding it together fine and letting the vocals/story be the focus which is what this particular album calls for.

Well my take on this is........Eric may not be the Drummer Mike is.

but honestly it  was a nice break from the familiar portnoy stylr/fills we hear album after album......granted it works tremendoulsy for Neal/NMB.  but it was a refreashing change.

Re: the mix.

it is slightly muddy.  but i've heard Worse and it does not detract from the album for me.

Agreed, with all points in both of the above posts. 

It feels like most of the best musical moments are on Disc 1, which happens a lot with double disc albums, but the whole thing is highly enjoyable.  It won't be one of my favorites by Neal, but it is a most worthy addition to his ridiculously prolific discography. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on June 20, 2019, 06:50:27 AM
Finally completed a couple of listens of the new album it's definitely another solid release from Neal. All of the vocalists sound great and there are some really great songs. That being said, it seemed a tad too long. ACT I and the first quarter of Act II are really great but the rest of Act II seems to drag. Maybe that will change with more listens. Looking forward to the live release.

Also, I am super impressed and Ted and Eric. Ted sounds fantastic and I knew Eric was a good drummer but he fit the bill perfectly in my opinion.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on June 20, 2019, 06:58:01 AM
I just realised the album is on Spotify. I didn't know he cared about other streaming services except his own Waterfall app.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on June 20, 2019, 07:24:35 AM
I just realised the album is on Spotify. I didn't know he cared about other streaming services except his own Waterfall app.

JCTE was released through Frontiers Records so they do the streaming part.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 21, 2019, 06:36:11 AM
After listening a couple of times to JSTE, this is shaping up nicely. I really like it, it's another quality release from Neal. Maybe not his best, maybe not better than Similitude or Great Adventure but still really good. And althought the music is definitely Neal Morse, the use of different singers shakes things up a bit. And Eric's drumming is really good and fits the music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 28, 2019, 03:45:00 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/tYGMHYD/65297354-10156275906638344-6260803449768640512-n.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XFQZWFt)

 :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 28, 2019, 03:47:33 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/tYGMHYD/65297354-10156275906638344-6260803449768640512-n.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XFQZWFt)

 :rollin

 :lol

Does that make Mike Portnoy Thorin?  :rollin

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 04, 2019, 08:32:52 AM
Selections from The Neal Morse Band, Spock's Beard, Transatlantic, and more as low as $0.99!

PLUS: Orders over $70 will automatically receive an additional 20% off!
(Discount will read as "You save $X amount" in checkout and automatically reduce item price - no discount code required. Offer excludes all concert tickets and VIP passes.)

So now's the time to stock up on your favorite prog. Order more and SAVE LIKE CRAZY!

Sale begins today and ends Friday, 7/5.

Prog more, spend less. Check out the amazing deals

http://www.radiantrecords.com/category/191735-bargain-bin.aspx
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Evermind on July 04, 2019, 11:40:00 AM
Man, those are some neat prices. I seem to remember there were some issues with Radiant Records shipping though?

Anyway, I ordered 6 CDs (I own nothing from Neal except some Transatlantic) which totaled up to $17 and then the shipping costs were additional $25. :lol I still placed an order, it's still a better deal than our local record store. We'll see how it goes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on July 04, 2019, 12:08:28 PM
I ordered Songs From The Highway, Snow Live, and Send The Fire. I expect to get them around 2021 when the woman who runs it is done vacationing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 04, 2019, 02:04:56 PM
I ordered Songs From The Highway, Snow Live, and Send The Fire. I expect to get them around 2021 when the woman who runs it is done vacationing.

I ordered some too, and contacted them for shipping refund as a friend of mine will be at Morsefest this year, he will pick up my order and he'll bring them to me later this year, so I am not in a hurry to get them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on July 04, 2019, 05:48:55 PM
There was only 2 things in the sale that I was really interested in. Went through the process to see what the damage would be and then bailed. I had $10 of merch and they were going to tack on $15 for shipping. Nope.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on July 05, 2019, 08:03:54 AM
I had pretty much considered Radiant on my own personal "ban list," but I'll give them a shot with these discounts to try to pick up some items on the cheap.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 05, 2019, 08:30:29 AM
Good prices but buying a cd for 0.99$ and then paying 25$ for shipping isn't really that cheap anymore.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on July 05, 2019, 08:36:07 AM
Shipping for 4 items for me (2 of which were multi-disk sets) was just over $8.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 05, 2019, 01:27:03 PM
Good prices but buying a cd for 0.99$ and then paying 25$ for shipping isn't really that cheap anymore.

Yes, I asked someone in the inner work of Radiant and told me that their system only calculates the shipping charge with USPS Priority Mail which is EXPENSIVE. Sadly they don't have  another option.

Yesterday I put 20 items on the cart, for a total of $59 USD and then shipping to Lima came out $198 USD no frigging way! Shipping to Miami $68 USD, and then my friend told me to let Amy Pippin know that he will pick up the package at Morsefest.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on July 05, 2019, 04:57:41 PM
Shipping CDs overseas has become cost-prohibitive overall because of USPS postage increases in the last few years, which sucks. I sell CDs from my collection and it' about $8.50 to ship 1 CD via first class. You want registered mail? Pound sand and add $15 bucks. I don't blame Radiant for using USPS Priority on this one though. If you sent CDs via first class, it's a toin coss if the recipient will receive it in certain countries...

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on July 05, 2019, 05:23:46 PM
Man, those are some neat prices. I seem to remember there were some issues with Radiant Records shipping though?

Anyway, I ordered 6 CDs (I own nothing from Neal except some Transatlantic) which totaled up to $17 and then the shipping costs were additional $25. :lol I still placed an order, it's still a better deal than our local record store. We'll see how it goes.

Awesome, glad to hear you're getting some Neal stuff!  :)

I'm going to grab some of the live albums that I didn't have, both from Neal/NMB and Transatlantic. The shipping cost ($17 on a $24 order) is very silly, especially for how long I expect this to realistically take, but even factoring that in the prices are so very low that it still makes sense.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 06, 2019, 06:33:06 AM
If one is going to Morsefest, the smart move is to wait and see what they have this year. I snagged the KaLIVEoscope DVD set for like $5 last year and didn't have to pay for shipping, and I am sure there will be more killer deals this year.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 14, 2019, 12:52:27 PM
After a handful of listens, I can say that a) the Exorcist album is quite good, and b) it won't ever be a record that I listen to a lot.  I almost always prefer Neal's post-SB music when the spiritual nature is not so overt, and this album just lays it on way too thick for me in general, which of course makes sense since it is called Jesus Christ the Exorcist. :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on July 14, 2019, 03:54:42 PM
After a handful of listens, I can say that a) the Exorcist album is quite good, and b) it won't ever be a record that I listen to a lot.  I almost always prefer Neal's post-SB music when the spiritual nature is not so overt, and this album just lays it on way too thick for me in general, which of course makes sense since it is called Jesus Christ the Exorcist. :lol :lol

It is certainly good, but my feelings are kind of mixed. There's some cool ideas but I'll just never get into the "musical" aspect of it. And this type of female vocal annoys me to no end. Why can't prog bands ever have female vocalists that don't sound over-dramatic and cheesy? I've listened about 8 times through, absorbed what I think is the essence of it, and probably won't return to it with any regularity from here on out. I'd rank it lower than any of his solo albums, but it's not bad.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 14, 2019, 08:34:16 PM
I feel sort of bad to pick on Talon David, but Free at Last is very over the top vocally.  It seemed like the demo was a different take (I could be wrong, but it feels that way) and better.  Don't get me wrong, if I could sing like her, I'd want to show it off, too, but there are times where she gets so up there in the stratosphere that it occasionally comes at the cost of the melody.  But, in all fairness, she is pretty great on the rest of the album when she sings.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on July 15, 2019, 12:33:01 AM
Yeah I'm having a hard time with this album, but that was expected given the theme/lyrics (I'm not a religious guy at all), and the fact that it's a musical doesn't do much for me either.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 24, 2019, 10:50:33 AM
NM posted:

This last section of JCTE is definitely among my favorites. It contains one of the most moving moments in the show which is when Jesus reveals he is alive to Mary by simply saying her name. Twice. Its so simple and so beautiful. I think Talon David and Ted Leonard were made to sing these roles and to sing "The Greatest Love Of All" particularly! I hope you all enjoy watching and listening to this as much as we enjoyed performing it!

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPGRjNCmLLU

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 24, 2019, 06:40:15 PM
We? Wait, are you in the video and on the album? Where??
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 24, 2019, 08:22:57 PM
We? Wait, are you in the video and on the album? Where??

What?!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on July 24, 2019, 09:58:47 PM
We? Wait, are you in the video and on the album? Where??

Hes quoting Neal LOL.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 25, 2019, 09:44:08 AM
Oops. Major brain cramp there. :facepalm: :facepalm: :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on July 25, 2019, 02:57:45 PM
Great video. I think I'll appreciate that album more once I see the live recording.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 25, 2019, 03:02:50 PM
Great video. I think I'll appreciate that album more once I see the live recording.

Probably for early next year the release of the live recording
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on July 25, 2019, 03:13:44 PM
Still loving this album to death (JCTE). Cannot wait for the live version!  Every time I listen to this album alone (well I only listen to NM alone lol, but like in the car as opposed to while I'm working) I tear up during a couple different parts.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 25, 2019, 06:33:03 PM
I've been listening to it quite a bit this week.  It's good stuff.

And for those of you who didn't see it at Morsefest, but are now enjoying the studio version, the Love Has Called My Name reprise at the end was bananas. They finished it as is, and then busted back into that huge sing-along chorus and had the whole crowd singing along.  That was one of those live moments that anyone there will never forget.  Amazing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on July 25, 2019, 07:57:56 PM
I've been listening to it quite a bit this week.  It's good stuff.

And for those of you who didn't see it at Morsefest, but are now enjoying the studio version, the Love Has Called My Name reprise at the end was bananas. They finished it as is, and then busted back into that huge sing-along chorus and had the whole crowd singing along.  That was one of those live moments that anyone there will never forget.  Amazing.

 :facepalm: I have a very bad/selective memory.  I don't remember that but I don't doubt it in the least.  I really can't wait to get the dvd/Blu-ray though.  It was the first concert I took my daughter to.  They filmed us a bit while we were waiting in line (maybe we'll show up on the "making of") and we were right by the aisle when Mary (Talon) walked down the aisle singing the "Mary at the Tomb" part so we'll be on video there too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 26, 2019, 11:43:43 AM
Part 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrIOxC7dCek
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 29, 2019, 02:22:14 PM
OK, so I ordered some things during the Radiant fire sale on July 5th, as I know some of you guys did as well.

Am I alone in not yet receiving my order?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Big Hath on July 29, 2019, 03:25:08 PM
received an email a couple days back that they had printed the mailing label for mine and I should expect it today.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on July 29, 2019, 04:27:01 PM
OK, so I ordered some things during the Radiant fire sale on July 5th, as I know some of you guys did as well.

Am I alone in not yet receiving my order?

I got mine about a week ago. I live in the Northeast US
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 29, 2019, 04:40:07 PM
OK, so I ordered some things during the Radiant fire sale on July 5th, as I know some of you guys did as well.

Am I alone in not yet receiving my order?

I have seen a couple of post at the FB forum from people showing their orders as they just arrived.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Big Hath on July 29, 2019, 09:58:11 PM
received an email a couple days back that they had printed the mailing label for mine and I should expect it today.

got it today
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Evermind on July 29, 2019, 10:23:45 PM
OK, so I ordered some things during the Radiant fire sale on July 5th, as I know some of you guys did as well.

Am I alone in not yet receiving my order?

Haven't heard from them at all yet.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on July 30, 2019, 08:10:58 AM
Same. It's Radiant.  I was not expecting it to be processed quickly.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 30, 2019, 03:22:41 PM
Same. It's Radiant.  I was not expecting it to be processed quickly.
Me neither, but this seemed excessive.

Having said that, I finally received my email.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on July 31, 2019, 10:55:07 AM
Dang, I was wondering about the order, had forgotten I made it back on July 5th. I get an email today with the tracking number and should be getting my stuff soon.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on July 31, 2019, 10:59:53 AM
Yeah, I just got my email earlier this week as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Evermind on July 31, 2019, 11:12:31 AM
If it's that bad for US, I'm expecting my email in three weeks from today.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 01, 2019, 09:33:45 AM
Got my order yesterday (Jesus Christ - the Exorcist, Songs from the Road, Songs from November, and Morsefest 2015 br).

Listening to JCTE for the first time.  In many ways, it is standard Neal Morse.  In other ways, it is anything but.  This album DEFINITELY follows the broadway musical format, and it is cheesily fantastic in that regard.  The singers mostly knock it out of the park, especially Talon David and Rick Florian.  Both of them...just...   :o  I do find myself wanting more Neal up front though.  But, MAN, this is a fantastic retelling of the story with few major liberties taken, and I love it!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 01, 2019, 02:15:36 PM
I got my order, and one of the items is wrong.  I ordered the Kaleidoscope 3-disc digipack.  However, I received the single disc jewel case version.

I'm not sure whether it is worth the hassle to contact them about it, especially since I only paid $3.99 for the CD. 

Anyone ever had to deal with Neal's customer service before?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 01, 2019, 03:06:40 PM
I got my order, and one of the items is wrong.  I ordered the Kaleidoscope 3-disc digipack.  However, I received the single disc jewel case version.

I'm not sure whether it is worth the hassle to contact them about it, especially since I only paid $3.99 for the CD. 

Anyone ever had to deal with Neal's customer service before?

Contact them, it will be worth the hassle
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 01, 2019, 08:00:34 PM
I got my order, and one of the items is wrong.  I ordered the Kaleidoscope 3-disc digipack.  However, I received the single disc jewel case version.

I'm not sure whether it is worth the hassle to contact them about it, especially since I only paid $3.99 for the CD. 

Anyone ever had to deal with Neal's customer service before?

The good news is that they will probably send you the correct one and tell you to keep the one you were sent by mistake.

The bad news is that it will probably take till next January for you to get it.



Listening to JCTE for the first time.  In many ways, it is standard Neal Morse.  In other ways, it is anything but.  This album DEFINITELY follows the broadway musical format, and it is cheesily fantastic in that regard.  The singers mostly knock it out of the park, especially Talon David and Rick Florian.  Both of them...just...   :o  I do find myself wanting more Neal up front though.  But, MAN, this is a fantastic retelling of the story with few major liberties taken, and I love it!

Yep, it is good stuff.

My brother and I were watching one of the new videos the other day on TV, and right when the lyric, "You can feel him coming," was being sung by the choir, my 14-year old nephew walked in the room and said, "Let me guess, they're talking about Jesus?" :lol :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 02, 2019, 01:14:22 PM
 :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 02, 2019, 02:14:43 PM
I can't help but wonder why Neal didn't take the starring role, or at least a more major supporting role on JCTE.  Has he talked about that anywhere?  I haven't been following very closely.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 02, 2019, 09:25:04 PM
I don't think he said specifically why he did it that way, or I missed it if he did, but my theory, which is based on nothing, is that he is trying to preserve his voice by singing less.  His voice sounded a bit hoarse last year at Morsefest at times, which I think he attributed at the time to doing too much in rehearsals in the days leading up to the shows, but I don't think he can go all-out every night, all night like he used to, and he is already singing less lead in his main band (Neal Morse Band).  Neal is close to 60 now and is likely doing every little thing he can to save his voice for as long as he can.  Granted, it's not like the Exorcist is an album for which he is going to tour, so he would have only had to sing it for the album and then at night 2 of Morsefest last year, but I like that he did it this way. Don't get me wrong, Neal is one of my favorite singers ever, but the fact that he takes a supporting role vocally on this album makes it feel a lot less samey than his work sometimes does, and when he does take a lead vocal, it feels pretty special. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Evermind on August 10, 2019, 06:26:16 AM
My order has arrived! Actually wasn't too bad, took just a bit more than a month which is perfectly acceptable for me.

(https://s8.hostingkartinok.com/uploads/images/2019/08/7ec83822139c2be7dc54991a8b98daad.jpg)

Looking forward to finally listen to something from Neal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 10, 2019, 06:31:14 AM
Excellent haul! :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on August 10, 2019, 09:48:02 AM
I too got my haul after a month, can't complain I guess since I got the cds of Morsefest 2014 and Live in Tilburg on the cheap side.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on August 10, 2019, 10:36:58 AM
That looks beautiful.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 16, 2019, 02:11:22 PM
Those attending MorseFest this year:

Quote
BRING A BIG SUITCASE!
Neal wants to close the Radiant storage unit and will be selling CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays at INSANE prices! This way there's NO SHIPPING!

Source: http://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/social_annotation?permalink_uri=31FuOKL&image_url
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 16, 2019, 05:56:43 PM
I'll be there and will be prepared for some great deals. :tup :tup

I'd love to see them making the new Flying Colors CD to those attending, but I guess the fear there is someone would upload it to the internet and leak it, so there is probably no chance of that.  Oh well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on August 18, 2019, 07:21:50 AM
Wondering if Kev or anyone who's been to Morsefest before can weigh in on this for me, what do people wear to the shows? I had just planned on bringing my normal concert attire, but I hadn't thought about the fact that if I'm not mistaken these shows are in a church. As someone who was always in proper pants and a dress shirt when I went to church as a kid, I just don't want to show up and have everybody else there dressed a little bit more nicely than me :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 18, 2019, 07:32:51 AM
Normal concert attire works, although I would avoid any graphic t-shirts or one with anything vulgar.  Not that they are going to kick you out (or maybe they will :lol), but as a matter of respect, I would keep it clean.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on August 18, 2019, 07:49:58 AM
Thanks Kev. And did you ever get tickets in the mail? I just realized that I don't think I even got a confirmation email, but I do see the tickets in my order history at the Radiant Records website.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nick on August 18, 2019, 07:54:31 AM
Thanks Kev. And did you ever get tickets in the mail? I just realized that I don't think I even got a confirmation email, but I do see the tickets in my order history at the Radiant Records website.

Radiant would like me to assure you that you'll have your tickets within two weeks of the event having took place.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 18, 2019, 07:56:37 AM
The confirmation email is basically your ticket (print it out and bring it), but if you didn't get it, I suspect you can print out the order confirmation from Radiant's site, but I would double check with them first.  Since they take years to reply to emails, I would simply go to the FB page for Neal's fans (cannot remember exactly what it is called since I bailed on FB months ago) and ask. Someone will inevitably chime in and @ the lady who runs it, which will hopefully get a quick answer.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 18, 2019, 05:10:43 PM
The confirmation email is basically your ticket (print it out and bring it), but if you didn't get it, I suspect you can print out the order confirmation from Radiant's site, but I would double check with them first.  Since they take years to reply to emails, I would simply go to the FB page for Neal's fans (cannot remember exactly what it is called since I bailed on FB months ago) and ask. Someone will inevitably chime in and @ the lady who runs it, which will hopefully get a quick answer.

Amy Pippin it's the one he must aim the message for
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 29, 2019, 03:14:15 PM
Morsefest!!!

(https://i.ibb.co/wz2N4r4/69173393-2516043868439085-4281655409938268160-o.jpg) (https://ibb.co/CHS5QsQ)

(https://i.ibb.co/VNjp0Z3/69435554-2516043958439076-1442898996145160192-o.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LPkhDWv)

(https://i.ibb.co/Yh0V4qg/69584408-2516039865106152-983842081115996160-o.jpg) (https://ibb.co/x6FrKRZ)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 29, 2019, 03:29:09 PM
Steve Morse wisdom

https://www.facebook.com/randygeorgemusic2012/videos/10157593538914553/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 29, 2019, 08:29:09 PM
No Morsefest for me now this year...and I am bummed about it.  >:( >:(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on August 30, 2019, 02:31:05 AM
Those are some ridiculously low prices. I'm stunned.  :omg:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 30, 2019, 08:38:32 PM
Still a little bummed I couldn't make it to Morsefest this weekend, but at least my brother's girlfriend was able to get off work at the last minute and go with him, so the ticket was still used.  :tup :tup

My brother texted me a few times already and said the place is jam packed this year, and someone said this is the best-selling Morsefest yet. After the smaller crowd last year (compared to 2017), that is great to hear.  And they are auctioning off something for Morsefest 2020, so we already know that next year is a go!  :coolio :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 30, 2019, 09:07:13 PM
Still a little bummed I couldn't make it to Morsefest this weekend, but at least my brother's girlfriend was able to get off work at the last minute and go with him, so the ticket was still used.  :tup :tup

My brother texted me a few times already and said the place is jam packed this year, and someone said this is the best-selling Morsefest yet. After the smaller crowd last year (compared to 2017), that is great to hear.  And they are auctioning off something for Morsefest 2020, so we already know that next year is a go!  :coolio :hat

Good to hear the ticket got used, and also great to hear that the fest is packed. I was worried that Flying Colors might not have had the kind of pull to get in the numbers, but I guess fans were really excited for it. Can't wait to read about what FC plays and what the fans think of it!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 30, 2019, 09:23:28 PM
Still a little bummed I couldn't make it to Morsefest this weekend, but at least my brother's girlfriend was able to get off work at the last minute and go with him, so the ticket was still used.  :tup :tup

My brother texted me a few times already and said the place is jam packed this year, and someone said this is the best-selling Morsefest yet. After the smaller crowd last year (compared to 2017), that is great to hear.  And they are auctioning off something for Morsefest 2020, so we already know that next year is a go!  :coolio :hat

Good to read about this, because, I know from a relieable source that Neal had plans to put Morsefest into hiatus.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 30, 2019, 09:49:18 PM

Good to hear the ticket got used, and also great to hear that the fest is packed. I was worried that Flying Colors might not have had the kind of pull to get in the numbers, but I guess fans were really excited for it. Can't wait to read about what FC plays and what the fans think of it!


It seems weird to see Flying Colors get a big crowd tonight and for the Voices of the Beard last year to have gotten a much smaller crowd, but Spock's Beard, for whatever reason, doesn't draw crowds, even with Neal diehards, apparently.  Granted, I think getting The Great Adventure on Saturday night over (at the time, the unknown) Exorcist is making a difference, but it's still surprising to me.

Good to read about this, because, I know from a relieable source that Neal had plans to put Morsefest into hiatus.

I would believe it. I am sure he has realized that once tomorrow night is over, he will have played all of his concept albums at Morsefest, except for The Whirlwind, and I suspect getting Roine and Pete both for Morsefest is not easy, and he doesn't want to repeat himself at Morsefest, so he is probably running out of ideas (which have to be grand) to feature at a future Morsefest.  What this all means is that the Neal Morse Band needs to get to work on a new album for next year. :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 30, 2019, 09:53:20 PM
The Storm was just played as the first encore, followed by Mask Machine. Sounds like Cosmic Symphony closed the regular set.

My brother doesn't remember the order, but texted that Blue Ocean, Kayla, Forever in a Daze, Peaceful Harbor, A Place in Your World, Infinite Fire, The Fury of My Love and 3 new ones have all been played as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 30, 2019, 09:55:03 PM

Good to hear the ticket got used, and also great to hear that the fest is packed. I was worried that Flying Colors might not have had the kind of pull to get in the numbers, but I guess fans were really excited for it. Can't wait to read about what FC plays and what the fans think of it!


It seems weird to see Flying Colors get a big crowd tonight and for the Voices of the Beard last year to have gotten a much smaller crowd, but Spock's Beard, for whatever reason, doesn't draw crowds, even with Neal diehards, apparently.  Granted, I think getting The Great Adventure on Saturday night over (at the time, the unknown) Exorcist is making a difference, but it's still surprising to me.

Good to read about this, because, I know from a relieable source that Neal had plans to put Morsefest into hiatus.

I would believe it. I am sure he has realized that once tomorrow night is over, he will have played all of his concept albums at Morsefest, except for The Whirlwind, and I suspect getting Roine and Pete both for Morsefest is not easy, and he doesn't want to repeat himself at Morsefest, so he is probably running out of ideas (which have to be grand) to feature at a future Morsefest.  What this all means is that the Neal Morse Band needs to get to work on a new album for next year. :hat

Well, a friend of mine it's at MF and he was having lunch with NM yesterday and NM said he is already writing a new album, what IDK is, if it is a solo or a NMB thing, will found out later when I speak with my friend about this year MF experience
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 30, 2019, 10:02:29 PM

Good to hear the ticket got used, and also great to hear that the fest is packed. I was worried that Flying Colors might not have had the kind of pull to get in the numbers, but I guess fans were really excited for it. Can't wait to read about what FC plays and what the fans think of it!


It seems weird to see Flying Colors get a big crowd tonight and for the Voices of the Beard last year to have gotten a much smaller crowd, but Spock's Beard, for whatever reason, doesn't draw crowds, even with Neal diehards, apparently.  Granted, I think getting The Great Adventure on Saturday night over (at the time, the unknown) Exorcist is making a difference, but it's still surprising to me.

Good to read about this, because, I know from a relieable source that Neal had plans to put Morsefest into hiatus.

I would believe it. I am sure he has realized that once tomorrow night is over, he will have played all of his concept albums at Morsefest, except for The Whirlwind, and I suspect getting Roine and Pete both for Morsefest is not easy, and he doesn't want to repeat himself at Morsefest, so he is probably running out of ideas (which have to be grand) to feature at a future Morsefest.  What this all means is that the Neal Morse Band needs to get to work on a new album for next year. :hat

I suppose the huge cast list for the Exorcist musical wasn't as much of a draw as Flying Colors and playing TGA. Maybe the supporting acts also helped clench the deal for some on the fence? Either way, I'm glad it wasn't another slump year for Morsefest. I think maybe seeing the crowds filling up this weekend helped Neal change his mind about not doing a Morsefest next year?

And speaking of Morsefest 2020, if he DOES want to do a Transatlantic show, he would need to probably plan it out with Pete and Roine as soon as possible! Pete seems like his schedule with Marillion is always planned out a year ahead of time, while Roine seems to have a rather shaky schedule with regards of who he tours with and when he'll be busy, but of the four of them, he's probably the least busiest, I feel.

Either way, they totally could play The Whirlwind at Morsefest next year, being a solid decade since it was all last played live by the band. They have enough material to play BOTH nights if they wanted, too, and if they somehow manage to release one more album before then, they could totally do both nights.

If Transatlantic is out of the question for Morsefest 2020, I have NO idea what they could do, unless Neal is already preparing for the next NMB album (which feels quite too soon, IMO - TGA *just* came out less than 8 months ago).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 30, 2019, 10:08:23 PM


Well, a friend of mine it's at MF and he was having lunch with NM yesterday and NM said he is already writing a new album, what IDK is, if it is a solo or a NMB thing, will found out later when I speak with my friend about this year MF experience

I can't believe Neal is writing another new album already...wait, I can believe it. :biggrin: :lol

I suppose the huge cast list for the Exorcist musical wasn't as much of a draw as Flying Colors and playing TGA. Maybe the supporting acts also helped clench the deal for some on the fence? Either way, I'm glad it wasn't another slump year for Morsefest. I think maybe seeing the crowds filling up this weekend helped Neal change his mind about not doing a Morsefest next year?

And speaking of Morsefest 2020, if he DOES want to do a Transatlantic show, he would need to probably plan it out with Pete and Roine as soon as possible! Pete seems like his schedule with Marillion is always planned out a year ahead of time, while Roine seems to have a rather shaky schedule with regards of who he tours with and when he'll be busy, but of the four of them, he's probably the least busiest, I feel.

Either way, they totally could play The Whirlwind at Morsefest next year, being a solid decade since it was all last played live by the band. They have enough material to play BOTH nights if they wanted, too, and if they somehow manage to release one more album before then, they could totally do both nights.

If Transatlantic is out of the question for Morsefest 2020, I have NO idea what they could do, unless Neal is already preparing for the next NMB album (which feels quite too soon, IMO - TGA *just* came out less than 8 months ago).

While I have no doubt that Transatlantic would sell a lot of tickets, I would be surprised to see Neal go all TA both nights and cut the Neal Morse Band out of the loop.  Even if Portnoy is unavailable due to Sons of Apollo or something else, I can't see Neal doing that to Eric, Bill and Randy, his other regular bandmates.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on August 31, 2019, 04:58:32 AM
is there a reason he hasnt done Lifeline and Momentum in full at MF? I know theyre not his most popular albums but I think fans would still love seeing them just for completists sake.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 31, 2019, 06:19:51 AM
Yeah, thats not surprise. What intrigues me its to know if it is a solo record or a collective work by a group of hard dedicated musicians giving their all leaving families behind to satisfy fans
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 31, 2019, 06:35:35 AM
is there a reason he hasnt done Lifeline and Momentum in full at MF? I know theyre not his most popular albums but I think fans would still love seeing them just for completists sake.

My guess is his intention is to only do his concept albums from start to finish.  He hasn't done (in full) his self-titled album, It's Not Too Late, Songs from November, The Grand Experiment or Life + Times at Morsefest either, so I think the trend is clear.  He has done the A Whole Nother Trip suite, Lifeline (the song), So Many Roads, The Call, etc. from those records, so he clearly is trying to hit the long ones from the albums he doesn't plan to play in full, and hopefully both World Without End and Alive Again get a Morsefest slot at some point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 31, 2019, 06:48:50 AM
Kind of funny to go back and read the below thread I did just 3 1/2 years ago (of my favorite songs from Neal's solo career and the first NMB album).

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=46216.msg2115057#msg2115057

If I had to do an updated list now, not only would the order likely be pretty different in many regards, but quite a few of those songs wouldn't even make the top 50 now.  Not sure anything from Life + Times or Exorcist would make it, but Similitude would probably get at least 15 entries, and The Great Adventure would likely get 3-4.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 31, 2019, 06:56:57 AM
Last night setlist: TINY FONT IN CASE YOU DON'T WANT BE SPOILED

Blue Ocean
Place In my World
More
Kayla
You are not alone
forever in a day
Fury Of My Love
Crawl
Peaceful Harbor
Infinite Fire
Cosmic Symphony
The Storm
Mask Machine
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on August 31, 2019, 07:00:02 AM
is there a reason he hasnt done Lifeline and Momentum in full at MF? I know theyre not his most popular albums but I think fans would still love seeing them just for completists sake.

My guess is his intention is to only do his concept albums from start to finish.  He hasn't done (in full) his self-titled album, It's Not Too Late, Songs from November, The Grand Experiment or Life + Times at Morsefest either, so I think the trend is clear.  He has done the A Whole Nother Trip suite, Lifeline (the song), So Many Roads, The Call, etc. from those records, so he clearly is trying to hit the long ones from the albums he doesn't plan to play in full, and hopefully both World Without End and Alive Again get a Morsefest slot at some point.

I guess youre right. It never even occurred to me that he only did concept albums but I guess Lifeline and Momentum are the only albums with true standalone songs. I still think itd be cool to do them just to hit the unplayed songs from the albums but with him doing So Many Roads and the title track already, over half the entire Lifeline album has already been done so itd be redundant. I think a set of his non-prog albums would be awesome but I dont think his fans would travel to see that unfortunately.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on August 31, 2019, 08:37:02 AM
Flying Colors last night was awesome. Peaceful Harbor and Cosmic Symphony with the string quartet and backup singers in particular were just ChefsKiss.gif I also grabbed Momentum, Cover to Cover, The Grand Experiment, Songs for November, and Testimony 2 Live in LA (3CD/2DVD) for a combined $8. Can't wait for TGA tonight
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on August 31, 2019, 11:36:55 AM
Morsefest!!!

(https://i.ibb.co/wz2N4r4/69173393-2516043868439085-4281655409938268160-o.jpg) (https://ibb.co/CHS5QsQ)

(https://i.ibb.co/VNjp0Z3/69435554-2516043958439076-1442898996145160192-o.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LPkhDWv)

(https://i.ibb.co/Yh0V4qg/69584408-2516039865106152-983842081115996160-o.jpg) (https://ibb.co/x6FrKRZ)

Not really complaining because I've gotten years and years of enjoyment from the items on that table, but I see hundreds of dollars sitting there.   It's a shame music is devalued that much.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on August 31, 2019, 11:45:21 AM
The Storm was just played as the first encore, followed by Mask Machine. Sounds like Cosmic Symphony closed the regular set.

My brother doesn't remember the order, but texted that Blue Ocean, Kayla, Forever in a Daze, Peaceful Harbor, A Place in Your World, Infinite Fire, The Fury of My Love and 3 new ones have all been played as well.

I sure wouldn't mind seeing a set like that next month.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on August 31, 2019, 11:49:54 AM
Yeah, thats not surprise. What intrigues me its to know if it is a solo record or a collective work by a group of hard dedicated musicians giving their all leaving families behind to satisfy fans

I'm going to guess solo followed by a solo tour.  Something similar to what Lifes and Times album and tour cycle was.   If it is. I'm in for that. Loved it the last time although it seemed to be physically and mentally exhausted the last time after leaving it all on stage.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on August 31, 2019, 11:53:01 AM
If that setlist holds up for the regular tour then I am happy. Cosmic Symphony is a must for me. Really hoping to get that in October.

Since Steve is booked solid with DP, I am guessing this could be the set as they won't have the normal time to rehearse.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 31, 2019, 12:04:50 PM
Flying Colors last night was awesome. Peaceful Harbor and Cosmic Symphony with the string quartet and backup singers in particular were just ChefsKiss.gif I also grabbed Momentum, Cover to Cover, The Grand Experiment, Songs for November, and Testimony 2 Live in LA (3CD/2DVD) for a combined $8. Can't wait for TGA tonight

Nice haul! Glad you're having fun!!  :coolio :hat


I guess youre right. It never even occurred to me that he only did concept albums but I guess Lifeline and Momentum are the only albums with true standalone songs. I still think itd be cool to do them just to hit the unplayed songs from the albums but with him doing So Many Roads and the title track already, over half the entire Lifeline album has already been done so itd be redundant. I think a set of his non-prog albums would be awesome but I dont think his fans would travel to see that unfortunately.

I think you are right. As well as he does the non-prog stuff at times, the full-on prog is what attracts the most fans.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on August 31, 2019, 12:15:42 PM
If that setlist holds up for the regular tour then I am happy. Cosmic Symphony is a must for me. Really hoping to get that in October.

Since Steve is booked solid with DP, I am guessing this could be the set as they won't have the normal time to rehearse.

Mask Machine wouldn't thrill me, but mostly those are the highlights from the first two albums. I'd love to hear more from the new one, but as you say rehearsal time is very limited.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on August 31, 2019, 02:20:28 PM
If that setlist holds up for the regular tour then I am happy. Cosmic Symphony is a must for me. Really hoping to get that in October.

Since Steve is booked solid with DP, I am guessing this could be the set as they won't have the normal time to rehearse.

I don't think they'd only play 3 songs from the new album on tour, given that they're supposed to be supporting the album (I get why they only played 3 this time, because it hasn't been released yet). I'd expect a pretty similar set, but with a couple more new songs replacing some of the older ones.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on August 31, 2019, 03:03:40 PM
Maybe, who knows. I just looked at DP's tour schedule and they are playing a lot. It starts on Tuesday and doesn't let up. They play almost every day. Wow.

Kudos to Steve for doing what he's doing. For my show, DP plays Ohio the night before and then Chicago the day after. At their age, that's pretty admirable.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on September 01, 2019, 03:53:24 PM
Any thoughts on night two of Morsefest? Anyone go to the Inner Circle concert?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 01, 2019, 07:17:28 PM
Any thoughts on night two of Morsefest? Anyone go to the Inner Circle concert?

My brother actually said the Inner Circle concert yesterday was his favorite part of the weekend.  He said Neal played a bunch of new songs he has written recently, many about the changes in his life over the last year (both of his kids getting married, his mother-in-law passing away, etc.).  Makes me wonder if we are going to get another Life + Times-type CD.  He couldn't remember everything he played, but did say that All on a Sunday and Love Has Called My Name were both played.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: El Barto on September 01, 2019, 07:20:35 PM
Any thoughts on night two of Morsefest? Anyone go to the Inner Circle concert?
Better crowd. Better music. No idea about the Inner Circle stuff.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on September 01, 2019, 08:29:54 PM
What was the setlist for the 2nd night? Just The Great Adventure with the medley outro they had on tour?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on September 01, 2019, 09:07:55 PM
Any thoughts on night two of Morsefest? Anyone go to the Inner Circle concert?

The band wasn't quite as tight as when I saw them on The Great Adventour, which I guess is to be expected. The horn section, string quartet, and choir more than made up for it.

Any thoughts on night two of Morsefest? Anyone go to the Inner Circle concert?
Better crowd. Better music. No idea about the Inner Circle stuff.

Ah man, thought I saw someone who looked like you a couple times over the weekend but didn't realize you were actually there.

What was the setlist for the 2nd night? Just The Great Adventure with the medley outro they had on tour?

Yeah, just The Great Adventure front to back and then the same medley.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: El Barto on September 01, 2019, 09:24:22 PM
Any thoughts on night two of Morsefest? Anyone go to the Inner Circle concert?

The band wasn't quite as tight as when I saw them on The Great Adventour, which I guess is to be expected. The horn section, string quartet, and choir more than made up for it.

Any thoughts on night two of Morsefest? Anyone go to the Inner Circle concert?
Better crowd. Better music. No idea about the Inner Circle stuff.

Ah man, thought I saw someone who looked like you a couple times over the weekend but didn't realize you were actually there.

What was the setlist for the 2nd night? Just The Great Adventure with the medley outro they had on tour?

Yeah, just The Great Adventure front to back and then the same medley.
Kept an eye out for you and anybody that looked distinctly Venezuelan but saw neither. We were late getting in both nights (despite getting there before 1830 the second night) so we were scrambling looking for a place to sit. Had to have walked by you once or twice.

I agree about the tightness, but the music's so good it didn't bug me much. The horns/strings/choir were unobtrusive enough (that was my concern going in) but I didn't hear them add a whole lot. They just embiggened the sound a little here and there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on September 02, 2019, 05:52:38 AM
Any thoughts on night two of Morsefest? Anyone go to the Inner Circle concert?

My brother actually said the Inner Circle concert yesterday was his favorite part of the weekend.  He said Neal played a bunch of new songs he has written recently, many about the changes in his life over the last year (both of his kids getting married, his mother-in-law passing away, etc.).  Makes me wonder if we are going to get another Life + Times-type CD.  He couldn't remember everything he played, but did say that All on a Sunday and Love Has Called My Name were both played.

Ah, thats cool. I think you may be right about another L&T type album being the next release. He did the same thing for Morsefest 2017, where he played a bunch of new stuff that ended up being released the next year on Life & Times.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on September 02, 2019, 06:22:56 AM
Any thoughts on night two of Morsefest? Anyone go to the Inner Circle concert?

My brother actually said the Inner Circle concert yesterday was his favorite part of the weekend.  He said Neal played a bunch of new songs he has written recently, many about the changes in his life over the last year (both of his kids getting married, his mother-in-law passing away, etc.).  Makes me wonder if we are going to get another Life + Times-type CD.  He couldn't remember everything he played, but did say that All on a Sunday and Love Has Called My Name were both played.

Ah, thats cool. I think you may be right about another L&T type album being the next release. He did the same thing for Morsefest 2017, where he played a bunch of new stuff that ended up being released the next year on Life & Times.

And he just released two prog albums with NMB and as a solo artist this year, so a proper follow-up for either of these would be too soon.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on September 02, 2019, 07:06:04 AM
Any thoughts on night two of Morsefest? Anyone go to the Inner Circle concert?

they opened with All On A Sunday and closed with Love Has Called My Name. Everything in between (probably 6 or 7 songs) are new and unreleased. Very much in a Life + Times kind of vein.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on September 02, 2019, 08:33:46 AM
Some overall thoughts on the weekend:

- First and foremost, it was a really great weekend overall. I'd highly recommend it and I'll almost certainly be back again next year. There was no announcement of what Morsefest 2020 will be, but there must be some planning already going on because when Joey Pippin was talking about the raffle they were doing for Morsefest 2020 tickets he was hyping it up and said if there was one Morsefest to make sure you were going to be at, next year would be it.

- I mostly kept to myself for the weekend, but could tell what a nice community of people it was. Everybody seemed so nice and enthusiastic about the weekend. Even when there was a delay getting in on Saturday night (more on that later) there was very little in the way of negativity. Next year I'll probably do VIP for one of the days and maybe the Inner Circle concert.

- Randy McStine was enjoyable as the opener Friday night. Really nice voice and some cool guitar playing for singer/songwriter type songs. He did one song that had a looper and a bunch of weird noise effects on his guitar that I didn't care for, but other than that I was a fan. He also gave a talk for a few minutes about his father and grandfather having passed away and the effect they had on him as a musician and person.

- I *really* liked the Flying Colors set Friday night. The setlist almost felt like it was tailored for me in that it was most of my favorite songs from the both of the first two albums. I'm especially glad I got Cosmic Symphony as I missed the Second Nature tour and wasn't expecting them to play it for this round of touring. As far as the new songs go, More still felt pretty meh live (though the band did seem pretty into it), You Are Not Alone came across better than the studio version did, and Crawl seemed pretty great even not being familiar with it going in.

- Saturday night was the big draw for me, as well as the friend that I had gone with, so we decided to line up early. Friday we had gotten to the venue right as doors were set to open (6:30), so we decided to get there about 4:30, figuring two hours would be early enough to get us good seats. Meanwhile, Neal had added a second VIP session for Saturday from 3-5 because the first one had sold out so fast. This had two knock on effects, first the soundcheck ran an hour late which meant that our two hour wait in the heat became a three hour wait, and secondly because there were so many VIPs with priority for seating there was nothing really in the way of seating in the center sections for GA people. So our seats Saturday night were only very marginally better than they were Friday, despite getting there two hours earlier. Definitely started Saturday's concert on a very frustrating note.

- That said, the Steve Morse Band played a great opening set, I'll definitely be grabbing one or two albums to check out. Then, the last performance of The Great Adventure certainly delivered. I absolutely love that album (a little more than TSoaD I think), and while, as I already mentioned, the band wasn't *quite* as tight as when I saw them touring behind the album, the overall experience (the crowd, the supporting musicians) was fantastic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 02, 2019, 11:03:43 AM
Cool to read some reviews from the weekend!  Still a little bummed I missed it, but glad those who went had a blast. :tup :tup

If next year is even bigger than this year, I wonder how they will manage it with the overcrowding.  Moving it to a normal venue I am guessing is not an option since that would eat big time into Neal's profits, but if it really does end up being Transatlantic, that would likely sell a ton of tickets, which could mean having to put a cap on how many tickets they sell and turning people away.  Heck, they ought to make it three nights next year instead of two! ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 23, 2019, 09:37:29 PM
Attention Neal Morse Fans!

I just wrapped up my 4th Spock's Beard Survivor over in the Polls/Survivors subforum here, and it was fun running it! I've done them every 3 years now since 2010, so I probably won't do one again until 2022, or closer to whenever their next album comes out (which might very well be 2021 or 2022 anyway).

Now that I am done with that, I was thinking of doing the third Flying Colors Survivor, after having done them for the first two albums back in 2012 and 2014. It'll begin in early November, some time after the 3rd or 4th, and will likely run through New Years.

After that, I will start up my 4th Neal Morse Survivor, covering his solo prog albums from Testimony up through Momentum, and the currently released three albums by The Neal Morse Band. I haven't run it since TGE came out in 2015, so there are two behemoth double albums getting their first shot at a Survivor here, so that'll be fun!

And by the time that both the FC and NM Survivors are done, it might be time to bring back the Transatlantic Survivor, not run since 2014 and the release of Kaleidoscope. With their fifth album coming out next year, it'll definitely be on my radar to revive!

Just wanted to see if any other NM fans here would be willing to take part in my upcoming Survivors! I had about 9 others voting in my SB Survivor for most of its run, so it'd be great to get that many voting in my next couple of Survivors! Hope to see you there!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 24, 2019, 08:07:23 AM
Sure, why not?  I'll do a NM survivor.  TA as well.  The thing is, most people don't check that forum much (if at all) anymore, so you may want to post reminders over here. 

The difficulty, for me, in doing a NM survivor is that he is SO prolific (i.e., there is so much material) and he has so many concept albums that individual songs often get lost for me, even though he is one of my favorite artists ever.  I'll see a song title and go, "wait, which song is that again?  How does it go?"  So that makes it a challenge.  But it is a fun challenge, so I'm in.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on October 24, 2019, 08:07:52 AM
Attention Neal Morse Fans!

I just wrapped up my 4th Spock's Beard Survivor over in the Polls/Survivors subforum here, and it was fun running it! I've done them every 3 years now since 2010, so I probably won't do one again until 2022, or closer to whenever their next album comes out (which might very well be 2021 or 2022 anyway).

Now that I am done with that, I was thinking of doing the third Flying Colors Survivor, after having done them for the first two albums back in 2012 and 2014. It'll begin in early November, some time after the 3rd or 4th, and will likely run through New Years.

After that, I will start up my 4th Neal Morse Survivor, covering his solo prog albums from Testimony up through Momentum, and the currently released three albums by The Neal Morse Band. I haven't run it since TGE came out in 2015, so there are two behemoth double albums getting their first shot at a Survivor here, so that'll be fun!

And by the time that both the FC and NM Survivors are done, it might be time to bring back the Transatlantic Survivor, not run since 2014 and the release of Kaleidoscope. With their fifth album coming out next year, it'll definitely be on my radar to revive!

Just wanted to see if any other NM fans here would be willing to take part in my upcoming Survivors! I had about 9 others voting in my SB Survivor for most of its run, so it'd be great to get that many voting in my next couple of Survivors! Hope to see you there!

-Marc.


have you ever seen that Chris Pratt meme from Parks and Rec......where it's his image and it says " I don't know what _______ is, and at this point I'm afraid to ask"

That's me with these 'survivor' threads. I have zero clue as to how it works
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 24, 2019, 08:11:19 AM
It's not hard.  Each round, you pick your least favorite song out of the ones listed.  At the end of the round, the song with the most votes is eliminated.  Then we start a new round with that song "out," and repeat the process until only one is left standing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Max Kuehnau on October 24, 2019, 08:21:18 AM
One thing I appreciate about The Similitude and The Great Adventure (I'm not familiar with anything else by Neal outside of Transatlantic) is the cover art by Paul Whitehead. I recognised that immediately since I've been a Genesis fan for most of my life. Good idea bringing him in IMHO.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on October 24, 2019, 08:43:10 AM
It's not hard.  Each round, you pick your least favorite song out of the ones listed.  At the end of the round, the song with the most votes is eliminated.  Then we start a new round with that song "out," and repeat the process until only one is left standing.

 :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on October 24, 2019, 08:53:34 AM
have you ever seen that Chris Pratt meme from Parks and Rec......where it's his image and it says " I don't know what _______ is, and at this point I'm afraid to ask"

That's me with these 'survivor' threads. I have zero clue as to how it works

Same here :lol
Glad Bosk explained it, now I think it'd be fun to play.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 24, 2019, 05:02:57 PM
It's not hard.  Each round, you pick your least favorite song out of the ones listed.  At the end of the round, the song with the most votes is eliminated.  Then we start a new round with that song "out," and repeat the process until only one is left standing.

Thanks for the explanation bosk! I hope to see more people participating in the Neal Morse Survivor when I get around to it, though that won't be until at least early January. In the mean time, my Flying Colors Survivor will take place, so that'll be a good warm-up for anyone joining the Survivors subforum for the first time!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 24, 2019, 05:17:12 PM
No thanks.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on October 25, 2019, 02:10:33 AM
have you ever seen that Chris Pratt meme from Parks and Rec......where it's his image and it says " I don't know what _______ is, and at this point I'm afraid to ask"

That's me with these 'survivor' threads. I have zero clue as to how it works

Same here :lol
Glad Bosk explained it, now I think it'd be fun to play.

Thanks guys  :blush

I'd love to join in :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 26, 2019, 03:35:43 PM
FYI, Neal released a double album on the Inner Circle last week, all of them being demos of songs he has written the last few months or so.  They actually don't sound like demos since every song is just Neal's voice and either an acoustic guitar or a piano.  Definitely some throwaways in there, but a number of good ones, and a few major gems for sure.  There is a song called Sanctuary that has to be one of the most gorgeous things he's ever written.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 26, 2019, 03:49:24 PM
FYI, Neal released a double album on the Inner Circle last week, all of them being demos of songs he has written the last few months or so.  They actually don't sound like demos since every song is just Neal's voice and either an acoustic guitar or a piano.  Definitely some throwaways in there, but a number of good ones, and a few major gems for sure.  There is a song called Sanctuary that has to be one of the most gorgeous things he's ever written.

I quit the Inner Circle but thank you!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on November 27, 2019, 05:13:14 AM
Another Life & Times type album would be excellent to hear, but it sounds like he used those songs up on his IC release. Dude is one productive mf
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on November 29, 2019, 09:25:44 AM
Another big sale in the Radiant store for Black Friday. I grabbed the Momentum Live 5 disc CD/DVD combo for $1.99 and the Morsefest 2017 Blu Ray for $4.99.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 29, 2019, 09:32:33 AM
Another big sale in the Radiant store for Black Friday. I grabbed the Momentum Live 5 disc CD/DVD combo for $1.99 and the Morsefest 2017 Blu Ray for $4.99.

Nice!

You should get them in time for Christmas 2020!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on November 29, 2019, 10:48:27 AM
Another big sale in the Radiant store for Black Friday. I grabbed the Momentum Live 5 disc CD/DVD combo for $1.99 and the Morsefest 2017 Blu Ray for $4.99.

I bought both of those as well. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on November 29, 2019, 10:50:41 AM
Another big sale in the Radiant store for Black Friday. I grabbed the Momentum Live 5 disc CD/DVD combo for $1.99 and the Morsefest 2017 Blu Ray for $4.99.

Nice!

You should get them in time for Christmas 2020!


 :laugh: Christmas 2020 is a little optimistic even.

I remember being excited to get all these cheap live DVDs and cds last year and the shipping was so astronomically huge that I said fuck it and just bought one cd. My Radiant days are over besides mp3s
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 29, 2019, 10:51:59 AM
At least this time there are also a few download bargains for us non-americans, because the shipping costs negate the savings if you only buy a few records.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on November 29, 2019, 10:58:16 AM
I think I have pretty much all that went on sale today.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 29, 2019, 11:24:52 AM
Did the word "hypocrite" come to anyone else's mind when they read the mail that Radiant sent regarding this sale?

Quote
We at Radiant arent crazy about the idea of black Friday ... harkening back to many great disasters. We like to think of a sale at Radiant as more like a wonderful experience of light! At least we hope so!

Just a heads up that were gonna be having one of those crazy sales and a lot of your favorite titles will be really, really cheap. We're calling it our "Not Really Black Friday Sale" (you see what we did there?). In fact, you may want to get them for stocking stuffers for your favorite Prog fan, or someone you would like to introduce to Neals music. Also, Neals original Christmas album as well as Proggy Christmas will be on sale so be sure to stop by and check out the Black Friday Bin on Friday.

Of course it's a very harsh thing to say about someone as humble and nice as Neal, and I'm not saying Neal is one. It just came to my mind.
The mail starts off with "we're not crazy about the idea of black Friday" - and basically continues with "but ah well, here's our black Friday sale", going on to totally making money off the idea of Black Friday.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on November 29, 2019, 11:55:08 AM
Well, I took them literally; that they were objecting to the phrase "Black Friday", because of the negative connotation with disasters and calamities.  But it IS a term of art now, and in fact, in the commercial sense, "Black Friday" doesn't have a negative implication, but rather a positive one (the metaphorical turning of retailers profits from "in the red" to "in the black"). 

Rather than "hypocrite" thought "opportunist", in that it was a way of taking the opportunity to spread the word.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 29, 2019, 01:12:57 PM
I would agree with that take, Stadler.  And I doubt Neal has anything to do with the promotion and wording of stuff like that anyway; that is what the others are hired to do.  I know he said a while back that merch is one thing on tour that he always has no clue about, and I suspect Radiant Records is something he wants little to do with as far as the day-to-day operations go. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 29, 2019, 02:02:28 PM
At least this time there are also a few download bargains for us non-americans, because the shipping costs negate the savings if you only buy a few records.

Okay, for a moment there they got me. But then it turned out, that they probably don't want to sell anything. When placing my order, I got the error that the "state" is required. But when chosing Germany there is no option to chose a state.  ???
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 30, 2019, 06:41:52 AM
I would agree with that take, Stadler.  And I doubt Neal has anything to do with the promotion and wording of stuff like that anyway; that is what the others are hired to do.  I know he said a while back that merch is one thing on tour that he always has no clue about, and I suspect Radiant Records is something he wants little to do with as far as the day-to-day operations go.

Talking about Merch and NM. I am friend of the guy that got Transatlantic to Mexico, and this guy told me that the day after the concert he meets with NM (who is also his friend) and gave him an envelope with the sales of the merch, and NM was hugely surprised by the turnout as the envelope had more than 10K USD for the merch sales ONLY, that day NM returns to his room put the envelope below the pilows went out to Starbucks, the time to go to the airport comes and the band goes to catch their flight which they did, and 30 minutes in the air NM suddenly remembers the envelope below the pillows...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 30, 2019, 07:16:16 AM


Talking about Merch and NM. I am friend of the guy that got Transatlantic to Mexico, and this guy told me that the day after the concert he meets with NM (who is also his friend) and gave him an envelope with the sales of the merch, and NM was hugely surprised by the turnout as the envelope had more than 10K USD for the merch sales ONLY, that day NM returns to his room put the envelope below the pilows went out to Starbucks, the time to go to the airport comes and the band goes to catch their flight which they did, and 30 minutes in the air NM suddenly remembers the envelope below the pillows...

 :eek :eek :eek

What is the rest of the story?  Did he get the envelope back?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 30, 2019, 06:20:47 PM


Talking about Merch and NM. I am friend of the guy that got Transatlantic to Mexico, and this guy told me that the day after the concert he meets with NM (who is also his friend) and gave him an envelope with the sales of the merch, and NM was hugely surprised by the turnout as the envelope had more than 10K USD for the merch sales ONLY, that day NM returns to his room put the envelope below the pilows went out to Starbucks, the time to go to the airport comes and the band goes to catch their flight which they did, and 30 minutes in the air NM suddenly remembers the envelope below the pillows...

 :eek :eek :eek

What is the rest of the story?  Did he get the envelope back?

I asked my friend about it and he replied. See image attached.

Ok, I got part of the story wrong.
After the show in Mexico he got the money from my friend and he went to other shows with TA including Progessive Nation At Sea where he left the money under his pillow.

(https://i.ibb.co/F6LLH8W/021-F2-C67-27-C1-484-A-B172-4976-BC4-B094-A.png)

He left the money at the ship and never got it back.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on November 30, 2019, 06:22:23 PM
That's unfortunate he never got the envelope back.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 01, 2019, 01:08:58 PM
Ouch, I am guessing that is not a mistake Neal will not make again. Bummer it turned out that way.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on December 01, 2019, 01:15:37 PM
Interesting email from Radiant today. I can't believe they didn't transfer our library to the new site. I know there is some stuff that I added to my account via the Inner Circle but never downloaded.

If you had previously purchased digital downloads from our previous site, you may access your content by clicking the button below. All new downloads made on the new site will be stored on the new site, but your previous downloads that you made on the old site must be downloaded before December 31, as we will be shutting that server down for good. Since you purchased the product originally, you most likely already have it on your computer/devices, but some customers expressed a desire to access some of that material again. We will send out reminders in the next few weeks as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 01, 2019, 05:56:13 PM
I am going to go out on a limb and guess that Radiant doesn't have anyone tech-savvy enough to figure out how to move that many downloads from one site to another.  Hell, I would have no clue, but then again I am not getting paid to run their site.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on December 07, 2019, 07:46:15 PM
Interesting email from Radiant today. I can't believe they didn't transfer our library to the new site. I know there is some stuff that I added to my account via the Inner Circle but never downloaded.

If you had previously purchased digital downloads from our previous site, you may access your content by clicking the button below. All new downloads made on the new site will be stored on the new site, but your previous downloads that you made on the old site must be downloaded before December 31, as we will be shutting that server down for good. Since you purchased the product originally, you most likely already have it on your computer/devices, but some customers expressed a desire to access some of that material again. We will send out reminders in the next few weeks as well.

I'm in the same boat although I was told November 30. Site wouldn't load for me in the days before that.  I'm sure there was some stuff that was download only before I quit Inner Circle but I really don't know how much I doubt is was more than 5 or 6 releases.

A friend of mine actually wanted to order his new Christmas album today, but couldn't get it to add to his cart because the button was missing.  He doesn't seem to want to pay someone professional enough to do this because he may want to invest what is needed for that aspect of it.

Clearly he wants nothing to do with the business end, but he needs to properly invest in someone trustworthy enough to run it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 08, 2019, 02:20:23 PM
Looks like some NMB news is coming tomorrow, per Mike Portnoy.  I am guessing it is the announcement of the live album/video from this year's tour.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on December 08, 2019, 03:37:27 PM
Looks like some NMB news is coming tomorrow, per Mike Portnoy.  I am guessing it is the announcement of the live album/video from this year's tour.

Damn a live album didn't even occur to me. I was hoping it would be news of a new album in the works, but it's probably way too soon for that. Live album hype isn't nearly as exciting considering the studio/live versions differ so little.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 08, 2019, 06:01:05 PM
It's about the live release of Jesus Christ The Exorcist at Morsefest.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 08, 2019, 06:09:12 PM
Hmmm, the message from Portnoy said:

Make sure to follow the newly launched Neal Morse Band Official Facebook Page and stay tuned for some exciting news coming this Monday! 😎
www.facebook.com/thenealmorsebandofficial


That sounds more like a Neal Morse Band thing than a Neal Morse thing (the Exorcist concert was not a Neal Morse Band thing even though 4 of the 5 were there).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on December 08, 2019, 06:37:58 PM
Live album for TGA, maybe? Unless they already released that, I haven't been following them too closely.

Speaking about that, I was thinking the other day about how I haven't even cared for TGA since a few weeks past its release. With Similitude, I kept revisiting it periodically for at least 1 or 2 years after it was out, but TGA? Nope. I obviously liked Similitude more, but there's more to it. I think that TSOAD was great as this massive thing they tried to accomplish and it was hyped a lot by them, but TGA always felt like the obligatory sequel they had to make because why not? Couple that with The Exorcist album and you have 3 similar albums (in structure) released one after the other, which makes it a much more "common" thing, as opposed to "wow, look at this great double concept album they are releasing!".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 08, 2019, 06:50:29 PM
While I agree that the album structures are similar, I don't think The Great Adventure and The Exorcist are that similar musically.  The Great Adventure is unique in the context of Neal's entire catalogue in that I don't think he's ever had a record that was so dark tonally before; it's very much a night album, meaning it sounds like it was meant to be listened to when driving on the highway at night.  There are not many Neal Morse records you can say that about.  And while it is the sequel to Similitude, I really like the fact that they made a very different record from that one, musically speaking.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on December 08, 2019, 07:13:19 PM
While I agree that the album structures are similar, I don't think The Great Adventure and The Exorcist are that similar musically.  The Great Adventure is unique in the context of Neal's entire catalogue in that I don't think he's ever had a record that was so dark tonally before; it's very much a night album, meaning it sounds like it was meant to be listened to when driving on the highway at night.  There are not many Neal Morse records you can say that about.  And while it is the sequel to Similitude, I really like the fact that they made a very different record from that one, musically speaking.

Oh, totally. I didn't mean the music was similar, but that he released two long albums with a similar format (double concept albums) this year + Similitude, which makes a 3 double concept album streak. To me, it becomes more of a "ok, here's another one" scenario, and that takes something away from it, IMO. I think Neal's so prolific and full of great musical ideas that he can't help it, tho :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 08, 2019, 07:37:02 PM
Life + Times was released in between Similitude and The Great Adventure, so he didn't technically release 3 double concept albums in a row. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on December 08, 2019, 07:56:54 PM
Totally forgot about that one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on December 08, 2019, 08:10:32 PM
Wasn't there a show in Europe that was also recorded for a live release for the NMB during the Great Adventure tour?

I wonder if the news will be about that release, I don't know if Morsefest will be ready so soon for live release going by previous release schedules.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 08, 2019, 08:14:15 PM
Yes, I am sure the show recorded in Europe will be out long before the performance from Morsefest (which I don't expect till later next year).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on December 09, 2019, 05:58:05 AM
It was recorded in Prague. I could have attended that show, but stupidly decided to save that money.  :facepalm:  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 09, 2019, 06:04:35 AM
The Neal Morse Band sign with InsideOutMusic; The Great Adventour Live in BRNO 2019 out 2020
 
The Neal Morse Band have returned to the InsideOutMusic family, re-signing with the label in 2019 and announcing the release of a forthcoming new live album The Great Adventour Live in BRNO 2019 for the 6th March 2020.
 
InsideOutMusic label-head Thomas Waber adds: "There is obviously a lot of history between Neal and InsideOutMusic and we are ready to make more history with one of the most important prog artists of our generation!"
 
Led by Neal Morse, and featuring the talents of Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Bill Hubauer & Eric Gillette, the band released their latest album The Great Adventure at the beginning of 2019. This was the follow-up to their acclaimed 2016 concept album The Similitude Of A Dream, and shortly after the band embarked on a European headline tour. The Great Adventour Live in BRNO 2019 documents these shows, which saw them performing the album in full, and closing with the renowned The Great Medley featuring tracks from across Neals solo career and each Neal Morse Band album.
 
Available as a 2CD + 2Blu-Ray Digipak, the set also features two tour documentaries from both the US & European runs, as well as the official music videos for the singles taken from The Great Adventure.
 
The full track-listing is below:
1. Intro (Live in BRNO 2019)
2. Overture (Live in BRNO 2019)
3. The Dream Isnt Over (Live in BRNO 2019)
4. Welcome To The World (Live in BRNO 2019)
5. A Momentary Change (Live in BRNO 2019)
6. Dark Melody (Live in BRNO 2019)
7. I Got  To Run (Live in BRNO 2019)
8. To The River (Live in BRNO 2019)
9. The Great Adventure (Live in BRNO 2019)
10. Venture In Black (Live in BRNO 2019)
11. Hey Ho Lets Go (Live in BRNO 2019)
12. Beyond The Borders (Live in BRNO 2019)
13. Overture 2 (Live in BRNO 2019)
14. Long Ago (Live in BRNO 2019)
15. Child Of Wonder (Live in BRNO 2019)
16. The Dream Continues (Live in BRNO 2019)
17. Fighting With Destiny (Live in BRNO 2019)
18. Vanity Fair (Live in BRNO 2019)
19. Welcome To The World 2 (Live in BRNO 2019)
20. The Element Of Fear (Live in BRNO 2019)
21. The Great Despair (Live in BRNO 2019)
22. Freedom Calling (Live in BRNO 2019)
23. A Love That Never Dies (Live in BRNO 2019)
24. The Great Medley [Encore] (Live in BRNO 2019)
 
As Randy George explains: After the Similitude tour, expectations were really high, and we had more people coming to these shows than ever before. People were really excited to see it, so we had to make sure that we delivered.
 
And delivered they did: performing The Great Adventure flawlessly and in its entirety, Neal Morse (vocals, keyboards and guitars), Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals and audience cheerleading), Randy George (bass), Bill Hubauer (keyboards and vocals) and Eric Gillette (guitars and vocals) brought audiences to their feet in 13 countries night after exhilarating night: The tour delivered every night. We never got tired of playing it, and it always paid off, says George.
 
One of those countries was the Czech Republic, and it was there in Brno that the band chose to film THE GREAT ADVENTOUR 2019 - LIVE IN BRNO, the definitive record of the tour, as George explains: This was our first time playing in the Czech Republic and this venue had a different look and vibe: the audience also turned out to be very energetic. They loved it!
 
THE GREAT ADVENTOUR 2019 - LIVE IN BRNO shows The Neal Morse Band at the very height of their powers: extraordinary, passionate, intense and intricate rock music played to perfection by five masters of their craft, backed by dramatic video illustrations by Christian Rios.
 
Look out for your first taste of the live album very soon.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on December 09, 2019, 06:10:56 AM
Very cool. For some reason I was expecting an earlier release date like Jan or Feb.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 09, 2019, 06:17:20 AM
Very cool. For some reason I was expecting an earlier release date like Jan or Feb.

And I was told it was the JCTE live release and that's what I was expecting.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on December 09, 2019, 07:14:29 AM
I'm going to pass on this and wait for the Morsefest version.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 09, 2019, 08:46:54 AM
I'm going to pass on this and wait for the Morsefest version.

That is what I did with the Similitude double dip, and will with this one as well, especially since I rarely watch concert DVD's anymore, even my favorites, so I only need one performance of it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 09, 2019, 09:03:58 AM
Do we know there will be a Morsefest release?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Juular on December 09, 2019, 11:18:57 AM
Very much looking forward to this. I saw the show after this one (2 days later) in Munich and it was fantastic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 09, 2019, 11:48:46 AM
Do we know there will be a Morsefest release?

I don't know if it has been said for sure, but I can't imagine Neal will suddenly stop releasing videos of the Morsefest performances, especially when it the performance is by either he as a solo artist (with friends) or the Neal Morse Band.  I don't think he is going to release video of Night 1 from 2018 when it was the Voices of the Beard (because that was a Spock's Beard thing), and I could see him not releasing the video from Night 1 from this year either when it was Flying Colors.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on December 09, 2019, 01:07:14 PM
Do we know there will be a Morsefest release?

I don't know if it has been said for sure, but I can't imagine Neal will suddenly stop releasing videos of the Morsefest performances, especially when it the performance is by either he as a solo artist (with friends) or the Neal Morse Band.  I don't think he is going to release video of Night 1 from 2018 when it was the Voices of the Beard (because that was a Spock's Beard thing), and I could see him not releasing the video from Night 1 from this year either when it was Flying Colors.

https://nealmorse.com/product/neal-morse-and-friends-voices-of-the-beard-storytellers-2-dvd/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 09, 2019, 03:16:31 PM
Do we know there will be a Morsefest release?

I don't know if it has been said for sure, but I can't imagine Neal will suddenly stop releasing videos of the Morsefest performances, especially when it the performance is by either he as a solo artist (with friends) or the Neal Morse Band.  I don't think he is going to release video of Night 1 from 2018 when it was the Voices of the Beard (because that was a Spock's Beard thing), and I could see him not releasing the video from Night 1 from this year either when it was Flying Colors.

https://nealmorse.com/product/neal-morse-and-friends-voices-of-the-beard-storytellers-2-dvd/

Looks like a Radiant-only release, while I believe most of the other Morsefest releases have been available elsewhere, IIRC.  I consider something more of an official release if it is available on the usual sites like amazon.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on December 10, 2019, 04:29:34 AM
I think it's good Neal signed to Insideout again. Maybe this Radiant Records mess will have an end now. I have never had one bad experience with Insideout.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 10, 2019, 08:10:58 AM
Radiant has a new site and I believe just added another person to help run it, so I don't think it is going anywhere, and I can't believe the countless issues many of us have had with it are going anywhere any time soon.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 10, 2019, 08:15:12 AM
That's the problem--Radiant has never been going anywhere. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on December 10, 2019, 08:36:02 AM
Guess I am just lucky. I have ordered countless items from Radiant over the years and have never had a single problem with any of them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on December 10, 2019, 09:40:39 AM
I haven't had any real issue with radiant. I just get my orders delivered months later.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 10, 2019, 09:46:59 AM
Guess I am just lucky. I have ordered countless items from Radiant over the years and have never had a single problem with any of them.

Ditto. I even got an order I cancelled (and was refunded), so now I am stuck with an extra copy of Morsefest 2015 somewhere.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 11, 2019, 02:49:09 AM
I ordered once years ago (Spock's Beard X special edition) and it was delivered without problems.

But since then I've tried to order a couple of times and couldn't even place my order because of some technical problems with the old and the new website (or bad programming or whatever). And they never answered my mails when I told them of my problems. So now I'm convinced that Radiant doesn't want to actually sell anything, that website is just for show.  ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on December 18, 2019, 06:06:10 PM
Only issue I ever have is the shipping gouge which has been somewhat corrected over the years, but still not great.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on December 18, 2019, 08:45:16 PM
Every time I've bought something on Radiant it's been because it was a clearance sale so it never bothered me that the shipping turnaround times aren't great.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Hourglass Prison on December 19, 2019, 07:17:49 AM
Ive ordered stuff from Radiant here and there over the years; heres my latest customer service experience with them:

I ordered a bunch of Transatlantic stuff that I hadnt yet gotten (live albums) on Black Friday because they were all on crazy sale. Kaleidoscope I didnt have a physical copy of, so I was gonna order that too since it was $1.99 like the rest. But then I saw the special edition with a making of documentary. I love the Whirlwind one and always hoped there was a making of for this album but for some reason I had no idea it existed until that moment lol

So I said why not, and paid extra for that version instead.
Week and a half later I get my package and everything is correct, except my Kaleidoscope is the single cd version. I double checked and I was definitely charged for the 3 disc.

So I email right away letting them know, and literally 7 minutes later I got a response. They apologized and told me I can keep the one I have and theyre sending out the correct one. Got it 3 days later.
Probably the fastest resolution to an order issue Ive had from anywhere.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 19, 2019, 11:43:19 AM
Ive ordered stuff from Radiant here and there over the years; heres my latest customer service experience with them:

I ordered a bunch of Transatlantic stuff that I hadnt yet gotten (live albums) on Black Friday because they were all on crazy sale. Kaleidoscope I didnt have a physical copy of, so I was gonna order that too since it was $1.99 like the rest. But then I saw the special edition with a making of documentary. I love the Whirlwind one and always hoped there was a making of for this album but for some reason I had no idea it existed until that moment lol

So I said why not, and paid extra for that version instead.
Week and a half later I get my package and everything is correct, except my Kaleidoscope is the single cd version. I double checked and I was definitely charged for the 3 disc.

So I email right away letting them know, and literally 7 minutes later I got a response. They apologized and told me I can keep the one I have and theyre sending out the correct one. Got it 3 days later.
Probably the fastest resolution to an order issue Ive had from anywhere.

I will say, when I've read stories about GOOD customer service with them, it always ends up being very good. They're human, too, and have sometimes shipped the wrong stuff (or in my case, shipped a cancelled order), and will typically tell customers to keep the first item and send the correct one free of charge. I think we just don't see enough of those kinds of stories because we kind of expect them to do good the first time, or to fix their mistakes anyway, but when they do wrong, it's always the first thing I hear, and I sympathize because extremely long shipping is annoying, or lack of communication is not a good business model, but like I said above, they are only human.

Glad to hear you got your correct Kaleidoscope album and I hope you enjoy that Making Of Documentary too! It's a good one, and I think I've seen it a few times (though not as much as the Whirlwind one). I hope you consider gifting your single CD Kaleidoscope to a Transatlantic-fan in the making! If they like it, just tell them the other three are even better and that they're making a fifth one for next year!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Hourglass Prison on December 19, 2019, 12:22:15 PM
Ive ordered stuff from Radiant here and there over the years; heres my latest customer service experience with them:

I ordered a bunch of Transatlantic stuff that I hadnt yet gotten (live albums) on Black Friday because they were all on crazy sale. Kaleidoscope I didnt have a physical copy of, so I was gonna order that too since it was $1.99 like the rest. But then I saw the special edition with a making of documentary. I love the Whirlwind one and always hoped there was a making of for this album but for some reason I had no idea it existed until that moment lol

So I said why not, and paid extra for that version instead.
Week and a half later I get my package and everything is correct, except my Kaleidoscope is the single cd version. I double checked and I was definitely charged for the 3 disc.

So I email right away letting them know, and literally 7 minutes later I got a response. They apologized and told me I can keep the one I have and theyre sending out the correct one. Got it 3 days later.
Probably the fastest resolution to an order issue Ive had from anywhere.

I will say, when I've read stories about GOOD customer service with them, it always ends up being very good. They're human, too, and have sometimes shipped the wrong stuff (or in my case, shipped a cancelled order), and will typically tell customers to keep the first item and send the correct one free of charge. I think we just don't see enough of those kinds of stories because we kind of expect them to do good the first time, or to fix their mistakes anyway, but when they do wrong, it's always the first thing I hear, and I sympathize because extremely long shipping is annoying, or lack of communication is not a good business model, but like I said above, they are only human.

Glad to hear you got your correct Kaleidoscope album and I hope you enjoy that Making Of Documentary too! It's a good one, and I think I've seen it a few times (though not as much as the Whirlwind one). I hope you consider gifting your single CD Kaleidoscope to a Transatlantic-fan in the making! If they like it, just tell them the other three are even better and that they're making a fifth one for next year!

-Marc.
I watched it this weekend and did enjoy it! I was telling my wife that its almost like a lost film to me because I genuinely for whatever reason had no idea it existed before lol
It actually gave me a deeper appreciation for the album(which I enjoy, but its my least favorite of the four).
Yeah, I was actually thinking of giving my friend whos into prog the single CD. I showed him The Whirlwind in 2010 or so and he kinda dug it.

For some reason I go back to making ofs and tour documentaries repeatedly (same with DT commentary tracks). I just find them endlessly rewatch able for some reason. I watch the Whirlwind and Whirld tour docs roughly once a year.

Though I dont have the whirlwind special edition; I always watch the doc online. Ive looked for it for a few years but can never find it for sale anywhere, or if I do its an import for like $60 or something. Id really like to get my hands on it lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 19, 2019, 01:01:34 PM
Ive ordered stuff from Radiant here and there over the years; heres my latest customer service experience with them:

I ordered a bunch of Transatlantic stuff that I hadnt yet gotten (live albums) on Black Friday because they were all on crazy sale. Kaleidoscope I didnt have a physical copy of, so I was gonna order that too since it was $1.99 like the rest. But then I saw the special edition with a making of documentary. I love the Whirlwind one and always hoped there was a making of for this album but for some reason I had no idea it existed until that moment lol

So I said why not, and paid extra for that version instead.
Week and a half later I get my package and everything is correct, except my Kaleidoscope is the single cd version. I double checked and I was definitely charged for the 3 disc.

So I email right away letting them know, and literally 7 minutes later I got a response. They apologized and told me I can keep the one I have and theyre sending out the correct one. Got it 3 days later.
Probably the fastest resolution to an order issue Ive had from anywhere.

I will say, when I've read stories about GOOD customer service with them, it always ends up being very good. They're human, too, and have sometimes shipped the wrong stuff (or in my case, shipped a cancelled order), and will typically tell customers to keep the first item and send the correct one free of charge. I think we just don't see enough of those kinds of stories because we kind of expect them to do good the first time, or to fix their mistakes anyway, but when they do wrong, it's always the first thing I hear, and I sympathize because extremely long shipping is annoying, or lack of communication is not a good business model, but like I said above, they are only human.

Glad to hear you got your correct Kaleidoscope album and I hope you enjoy that Making Of Documentary too! It's a good one, and I think I've seen it a few times (though not as much as the Whirlwind one). I hope you consider gifting your single CD Kaleidoscope to a Transatlantic-fan in the making! If they like it, just tell them the other three are even better and that they're making a fifth one for next year!

-Marc.
I watched it this weekend and did enjoy it! I was telling my wife that its almost like a lost film to me because I genuinely for whatever reason had no idea it existed before lol
It actually gave me a deeper appreciation for the album(which I enjoy, but its my least favorite of the four).
Yeah, I was actually thinking of giving my friend whos into prog the single CD. I showed him The Whirlwind in 2010 or so and he kinda dug it.

For some reason I go back to making ofs and tour documentaries repeatedly (same with DT commentary tracks). I just find them endlessly rewatch able for some reason. I watch the Whirlwind and Whirld tour docs roughly once a year.

Though I dont have the whirlwind special edition; I always watch the doc online. Ive looked for it for a few years but can never find it for sale anywhere, or if I do its an import for like $60 or something. Id really like to get my hands on it lol

Check Discogs I have found all of their discs there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 19, 2019, 05:51:40 PM
In case y'all didn't see it, here is a new Christmas song Neal released this week:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLcVen-sUcw
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Max Kuehnau on December 20, 2019, 07:40:35 AM
and this as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFXhPGhz3tk
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 20, 2019, 08:23:27 AM
I love how they advertise the 2CD/BD physical release, but their purchase link only redirects to streaming/digital services. :facepalm:

I checked nealmorse.com and even there, there aren't any listings for the album (yet). Big fail, Neal. Way to advertise a product no one can pre-order.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on December 20, 2019, 09:14:16 AM
Here's the preorder link from LaserCD

https://www.lasercd.com/dvd/great-adventour-2blu-ray2cd-preorder
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on December 20, 2019, 11:42:57 AM
Just got an email from Radiant with their pre-order link:
https://nealmorse.com/product/the-neal-morse-band-the-great-adventour-2019-live-in-brno-2cd-2blu-ray-digipak/?inf_contact_key=eb6c0d6d2afa6e6fc86c27a1816b2e72680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1 (https://nealmorse.com/product/the-neal-morse-band-the-great-adventour-2019-live-in-brno-2cd-2blu-ray-digipak/?inf_contact_key=eb6c0d6d2afa6e6fc86c27a1816b2e72680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 20, 2019, 12:36:59 PM
Too bad that the editor of their live stuff still thinks it's a good idea to have the rear screen stuff overlayed the concert footage (see: annoying as hell), but that video of Welcome to the World still looked and sounded great.  Will be hard to resist this, as I'd rather wait for the eventual Morsefest release of TGA before performed in full.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 20, 2019, 01:20:51 PM
Will be hard to resist this, as I'd rather wait for the eventual Morsefest release of TGA before performed in full.

I was of a similar mindset.  Until I just watched the clip.  I am now of the opinion that I will buy both.  I want the Morsefest release because there is just more content, and it is a special performance with a bit more to it.  And I want this one because the setting is very similar to where I saw them on tour and really evokes that same intimate, small club feel of the show I was at.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 28, 2019, 01:45:49 PM
Neal has a blast listening to a Genesis classic...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8tuSCTKqTc

 :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Max Kuehnau on December 28, 2019, 01:55:27 PM
Neal has a blast listening to a Genesis classic...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8tuSCTKqTc

 :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
I don't blame him, it's a great one (what else innit)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on December 28, 2019, 02:09:35 PM
Btw, here's the version he mentions at the start, where he sang for a Jordan Rudess cover.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wf3RD-7lErg
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Joshgirouard on December 31, 2019, 08:05:07 AM
Anyone know what the general set list will be for neals 2 intimate acoustic Australian shows? I love the guy but I want Neal Morse prog god not Neal Morse god prog
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 31, 2019, 12:44:02 PM
Anyone know what the general set list will be for neals 2 intimate acoustic Australian shows? I love the guy but I want Neal Morse prog god not Neal Morse god prog

I am guessing this means you want the prog stuff and not the singer/songwriter stuff?

If so, you might be a bit disappointed, as his solo shows where he is by himself seem to always be the singer/songwriter stuff.  Fear not, though, because Neal makes them a ton of fun and interacts like crazy with the fans during the set.  You will have a blast.  :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on December 31, 2019, 03:12:12 PM
Anyone know what the general set list will be for neals 2 intimate acoustic Australian shows? I love the guy but I want Neal Morse prog god not Neal Morse god prog
Your best bet would probably be to look at the setlists from his acoustic show tour a few years ago. Heres one: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/neal-morse/2018/triple-door-seattle-wa-bec9912.html
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on January 04, 2020, 04:28:48 PM
Neal has a blast listening to a Genesis classic...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8tuSCTKqTc

 :hefdaddy :hefdaddy

I would almost pay to see him do this on a regular basis......almost. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 04, 2020, 08:03:43 PM
Neal has a blast listening to a Genesis classic...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8tuSCTKqTc

 :hefdaddy :hefdaddy

I would almost pay to see him do this on a regular basis......almost.

There needs to be a petition for Neal to do that every time he is home and the family is out of the house. :lol

Or even when they are there. To wit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXbLpNgbbhU
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on January 05, 2020, 06:08:51 PM
Neal has a blast listening to a Genesis classic...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8tuSCTKqTc

 :hefdaddy :hefdaddy

I would almost pay to see him do this on a regular basis......almost.

There needs to be a petition for Neal to do that every time he is home and the family is out of the house. :lol

Or even when they are there. To wit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXbLpNgbbhU

Saw that went I went looking for more but only found three of them so far.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: El Barto on January 05, 2020, 08:33:50 PM
Neal has a blast listening to a Genesis classic...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8tuSCTKqTc

 :hefdaddy :hefdaddy

I would almost pay to see him do this on a regular basis......almost.

There needs to be a petition for Neal to do that every time he is home and the family is out of the house. :lol

Or even when they are there. To wit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXbLpNgbbhU
Interesting that you posted that as Neil Innes died a few days ago.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 05, 2020, 08:37:54 PM
I didn't know that who was until a few days ago, so yeah the timing is ironic, for sure.

ytserush, I think Neal has only done three of those musical appreciation videos.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on January 12, 2020, 06:40:31 PM
I didn't know that who was until a few days ago, so yeah the timing is ironic, for sure.

ytserush, I think Neal has only done three of those musical appreciation videos.

That was all I was able to find. I'd love to see more.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: TAC on February 09, 2020, 07:19:20 PM
Not sure if you guys are aware of Neal's participation in Matt Smith's Project Aegis project.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpHmSdVAzKg
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on February 09, 2020, 10:23:53 PM
Not sure if you guys are aware of Neal's participation in Matt Smith's Project Aegis project.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpHmSdVAzKg
This is awesome! Hadn't heard this yet.

I've never listened to these Theocracy guys before. Is all of their music like this? The ending to this track is crazy good.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: TAC on February 10, 2020, 06:09:50 AM
Theocracy is an amazing band. They have 4 albums, the last one being 2016's Ghostship. They are rooted in melodic power metal, but I don't want the power metal description to scare you off. They do have straight up PM songs, but there is so much more to their music than that.

They may appeal to Neal Morse fans, as I understand Neal have some Christian overtones to his music. Theocracy definitely shares that.

You may want to check these out..


Ghostship Official video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9fpNQ67SaE)

Easter lyric video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMDKtNbyD0w)


Here's the title track from their second album, Mirror Of Souls. It's an amazing journey.

Mirror Of Souls lyric video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Hwv_LkWr0A)

The passage from10:30-12:55 is particularly amazing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 11, 2020, 03:20:46 PM
Not sure if you guys are aware of Neal's participation in Matt Smith's Project Aegis project.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpHmSdVAzKg

I got about halfway through the song the other day and then had to stop it (cannot remember why); I need to get back to it to hear the whole thing.  I did think the song delved a bit too much into power metal once it got going, and that is not usually my thing, but I'll give the song a few spins and see what I think.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 19, 2020, 12:00:28 PM
I am finishing a soon-to-be-published review of The Great Adventour Live in BRNO 2019.  A few observations, as a preview:

-The audio is spectacular and perhaps has more punch than the studio recording.  Couple that with the live energy, and I think I might actually prefer the live versions of each and every one of these songs. 
-Just a reminder that I really love the creepy "music box" keyboard effect at the end of Dark Melody that comes up again in I Got To Run.  It reminds me a lot of the opening credits music for the Netflix Daredevil series.
-Even though I prefer TGA to Similtude, Similitude as a bigger, grander, epic-er ending.  Having the Great Medley, and thus the entire show, end with Broken Sky/Long Day Reprise is perfect.  And speaking of this medley, Bill did such a great job putting it together.  I would have preferred something more obscure than Leviathan being the representative track from Lifeline.  But other than that, the medley is a fantastic way to end this show.
-The performance is VERY close to what I got when I saw the tour in S.F., so I am assuming it is very representative of the tour as a whole.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 19, 2020, 12:40:42 PM
Before I bailed on FB for good, I saw some chatter there about the overlays being prevalent again on the first video they released, as other fans seem to dislike them as much as I do, and I think it was Randy George who said he doesn't like them either, but was outvoted.  It is a shame that they continue to taint their live video releases with that awful feature.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 19, 2020, 12:58:17 PM
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54874.msg2630308#msg2630308

:lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on February 19, 2020, 03:01:21 PM
I am finishing a soon-to-be-published review of The Great Adventour Live in BRNO 2019.  A few observations, as a preview:

-The audio is spectacular and perhaps has more punch than the studio recording.  Couple that with the live energy, and I think I might actually prefer the live versions of each and every one of these songs. 
-Just a reminder that I really love the creepy "music box" keyboard effect at the end of Dark Melody that comes up again in I Got To Run.  It reminds me a lot of the opening credits music for the Netflix Daredevil series.
-Even though I prefer TGA to Similtude, Similitude as a bigger, grander, epic-er ending.  Having the Great Medley, and thus the entire show, end with Broken Sky/Long Day Reprise is perfect.  And speaking of this medley, Bill did such a great job putting it together.  I would have preferred something more obscure than Leviathan being the representative track from Lifeline.  But other than that, the medley is a fantastic way to end this show.
-The performance is VERY close to what I got when I saw the tour in S.F., so I am assuming it is very representative of the tour as a whole.

That's great! I pre-ordered it but may have to cancel as I'll be out of town for a while. I'll have to buy the set once I get back. I wished it was out this earlier.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 19, 2020, 03:54:24 PM
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54874.msg2630308#msg2630308

:lol

 :lol :lol

Honestly, even though I am sure that Blu-ray will be great, overlays and all, I know I will get the eventual Morsefest release with all of TGA, and I don't need two live renditions of the same album, especially since I don't watch concert videos in general that much anymore, so I will be patient and await the eventual MF one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 19, 2020, 04:02:01 PM
Yeah, I hear you.  The Morsefest one will probably be better in terms of having more content.  But having seen the tour, I want the BRNO release because it is very close to the experience I had at my show, and I want to be able to revisit that.  That said, even though I am getting more selective about what I buy nowadays and less completist with most bands, I'm still a semi-completist when it comes to Neal/NMB, so I will probably grudgingly buy both.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 19, 2020, 06:09:08 PM
It would be impossible for me to revisit the experience of our show here, since I was in the first row and dead center for our show here in St Louis.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 19, 2020, 10:25:39 PM
Yeah, that's pretty close to what I had too.  But you know what I mean.  :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on February 19, 2020, 11:06:44 PM
Yeah  me too..... I was just in front of Neal at my concert. Awesome experience getting so close to Neal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on February 19, 2020, 11:11:37 PM
Yeah, I hear you.  The Morsefest one will probably be better in terms of having more content.  But having seen the tour, I want the BRNO release because it is very close to the experience I had at my show, and I want to be able to revisit that.  That said, even though I am getting more selective about what I buy nowadays and less completist with most bands, I'm still a semi-completist when it comes to Neal/NMB, so I will probably grudgingly buy both.
Going back to Similitude.  I thought that Live in Tilburg was miles better than the Morsefest version. So I will gravitate to the BRNO release and probably pass on Morsefest this time, unless I hear stellar reviews here on this forum.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 20, 2020, 06:26:18 PM
Yeah, that's pretty close to what I had too.  But you know what I mean.  :)

 :tup :tup

Yeah  me too..... I was just in front of Neal at my concert. Awesome experience getting so close to Neal.

Tell me about it. It sounds like a cliche, but some people are just born to be on stage and entertaining people and Neal Morse is one of those people.  The amount of energy and enthusiasm he had, which was easy to see with being so close to him (literally just feet away at times), was such a joy to witness.



Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 20, 2020, 06:28:45 PM
Also, we should be getting close to the announcement of this year's Morsefest, and I am really curious to see what it is.  Transatlantic has long been the rumor, but with word that the album release and subsequent tour isn't likely till maybe the beginning of next year, plus it might be hard to plan for it with the visa issues Roine and Pete might have, it doesn't seem as likely now.  And if it is not TA, what rabbit will Neal pull out of the hat to make this year's special? 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 20, 2020, 08:15:06 PM
Also, we should be getting close to the announcement of this year's Morsefest, and I am really curious to see what it is.  Transatlantic has long been the rumor, but with word that the album release and subsequent tour isn't likely till maybe the beginning of next year, plus it might be hard to plan for it with the visa issues Roine and Pete might have, it doesn't seem as likely now.  And if it is not TA, what rabbit will Neal pull out of the hat to make this year's special?

My most logical idea might be another Spock's Beard reunion. Neal's been on a big SB nostalgia kick lately with the most recent Inner Circle release, and some never-before-released SB Demos, so maybe he'll do another SB show? I can see them doing two albums in their entirety, along with other songs as 2nd set/Encore pieces. Although given Nick's seemingly busy schedule, I wonder if he'd be available to do it. Same with Jimmy. Maybe he can work around it and get Pattern-Seeking Animals to be the opening band one night, and have Nick do a solo album show the other night? It'd be an easy way to get all of the members there for more than one reason, and P-SA are releasing their 2nd album this year!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 20, 2020, 08:23:25 PM
I would be surprised to see that, especially since the Voices of the Beard show (night 1 of Morsefest in 2018) had poor attendance, so I am not sure Neal wants to risk doing Spock's both nights and risk a disappointing turn-out.  Sure, the whole Spock's Beard might be more of an allure than just the three singers, but I doubt enough to make a big difference.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 20, 2020, 08:35:46 PM
I would be surprised to see that, especially since the Voices of the Beard show (night 1 of Morsefest in 2018) had poor attendance, so I am not sure Neal wants to risk doing Spock's both nights and risk a disappointing turn-out.  Sure, the whole Spock's Beard might be more of an allure than just the three singers, but I doubt enough to make a big difference.

Who knows. I think if they/Neal advertises it right, they could have a huge draw, like with Snow Live.

I think we can safely rule out Transatlantic and Flying Colors, and I don't see Neal wanting to perform any of his other albums in full, considering he skipped most of Lifeline, and any full-album performances of Momentum and The Grand Experiment would seem a bit too recent in my mind, especially since the live albums from those tours cover this albums fairly well.

The only out-of-left-field thing I could think of is if Neal has a new album in the works, be it with the NMB or another solo project like The Exorcist. He has said he's been working on something with Mike involved, as Mike tracked his drums for this "secret project" after he finished tracking drums for TA5 last fall, so *something* is in the works!

I wonder how receptive folks might be to yet-another-band/project featuring Mike and Neal. I keep thinking that it'll end up being a third Cover To Cover album with Randy, especially since the NMB haven't had any covers on their albums outside of MacArthur Park, so the trio of Morse Portnoy George haven't released any covers since 2012, so they may be feeling the itch to release some!

Another wild suggestion I have might be another Yellow Matter Custard reunion. It's been nearly a decade since their last performance together, and there is still a lot of Beatles songs they haven't played yet, or perhaps they could do a few albums in their entirety (The White Album live with Mike, Neal, and Paul would be INSANE to see). But I doubt many Neal fans would turn out for what is essentially a Covers Show, even if it does feature the likes of Paul Gilbert.

Beyond those ideas, I am truly stumped. Maybe Neal will take a year off?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 20, 2020, 08:39:51 PM
I assumed the secret project thing was the Matt Smith song thing, but if Portnoy is a part of it and already did his drums, I am still holding on to a slim hope that the NMB has recorded their 4th album in secret and is ready to release it and tour on it later this year.  Maybe they got the writing itch when out on the road last year and wrote it when touring and it all came together. Dare to dream...;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 20, 2020, 08:46:18 PM
I assumed the secret project thing was the Matt Smith song thing, but if Portnoy is a part of it and already did his drums, I am still holding on to a slim hope that the NMB has recorded their 4th album in secret and is ready to release it and tour on it later this year.  Maybe they got the writing itch when out on the road last year and wrote it when touring and it all came together. Dare to dream...;)

I thought it might be NMB4 as well, but why keep it a secret? To not take the spotlight away from Transatlantic? I doubt that could happen, but even so, if it was NMB4, AND a secret, why bother announcing just Mike playing drums on it? Seems a bit funny, especially considering Mike and Neal are already in 3 bands together. I feel like it has to be something new, or it's another MPG Cover To Cover album. I guess we will just have to wait and see...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on February 20, 2020, 09:42:13 PM
Neal said recently that the "secret project" isn't that big of a big deal and is only special because it has to be secret right now.

I live on the west coast, and I attended the first three Morsefests, but skipped everything after Snow. I would guaranteed attend Yellow Matter Custard (amazing idea, TLM), any Spock's full album reunion, or anything Transatlantic.

I am definitely curious as to what it will be. I don't think it'll be Transatlantic, but we are due any day now for the album announcement. It was 4 months from studio session to album announce for the Whirlwind, and it was 5 months for Kaleidoscope. TA5 studio sessions were in September, so we're at 5 months now. I could see them announcing it and Morsefest at the same time... but based on Roine and Mike's comments recently about touring, I don't think they'll play any shows as early as September, when Morsefest usually occurs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on February 21, 2020, 12:34:25 AM
I listened to some tracks from Life & Times as I walked to work about an hour ago. A nice way to start your Friday.

Good Love Is On The Way / JoAnna / Selfie In The Square  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on February 23, 2020, 04:40:01 AM
MP tweeted that he has 2 covers projects coming out this summer, so I bet one has to deal with Neal's 'secret project'. 3rd round of covers from Morse/Portnoy/George or covers from TA5 sessions perhaps?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 24, 2020, 08:01:09 AM
I mean this observationally, and not at all to be critical, but... on what grounds does this kind of thing really need to be "secret"?   I mean, I get contracts and things like that, but we're not talking about Taylor Swift's new record, which has to be underwraps for both pirating and fan security reasons (to prevent long lines at retailers and such, though that's likely a thing of the past now).   Is there really an exclusivity clause somewhere that is going to be offended by a hint that there's a Morse/George/Portnoy Covers 3 project coming?   

Again, not being critical, just shooting the shit out loud.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 25, 2020, 09:59:57 AM
Typically, record companies ask for secrecy until a certain point in time. As an example, I knew about Ray Alder's solo album as early as May 2018, when I interviewed him and he told me about it off the record. It's all due to marketing, and precaution until everything is finalized and ready to be released.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on February 27, 2020, 06:19:38 PM
I listened to some tracks from Life & Times as I walked to work about an hour ago. A nice way to start your Friday.

Good Love Is On The Way / JoAnna / Selfie In The Square  :tup

I like that album. Wouldn't mind another one like it with a tour to follow.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 02, 2020, 02:14:49 PM
Got my copy of The Great Adventour - Live In BRNO 2019 in today, the 2CD/2BD version. Since I have off work today, I am definitely watching the concert tonight!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on March 02, 2020, 02:49:58 PM
That makes 2 of us. Listening to the CDs now. I'll watch the tour documentary first tonight and hope I have enough time to then watch the concert. Excited to watch!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on March 03, 2020, 07:21:23 AM
I wasn't planning on getting this but since there has been zero announcement of releasing the Morsefest version I'll probably give in.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 03, 2020, 08:24:52 AM
So I watched the main concert and both of the tour docs last night, and I have to say, it's a really good package. The concert itself was a lot of fun to watch, even with all the overlay graphics the band seems fond of, but they weren't super intrusive. The performance itself is what you'd expect from a Neal Morse Band concert, especially one so late in the tour - they're tight and having fun before the inevitable tour burn-out sets in (which they talk about in the European Tour documentary).

Speaking of the documentaries, there's a funny moment with Mike and his phone. When you watch it, you'll know what I mean. :lol

For less than $30 shipped, getting the live album and over 4 hours of content on the BDs, it's definitely worth it. Also, that encore is well put together! Some of the transitions were so good, I verbally exclaimed "That was REALLY clever!" at some points. The choices of songs in the medley were really good too, and hearing them again has really put me in the mood to listen to Neal's music again (after I finish my Rush binge of course).

Personally speaking, it's a 9/10. If you didn't care much for TGA, of course this live album won't be for, unless you feel like live performances of albums can really change your mind on the material (especially seeing the band play it on stage together). If you liked or loved the album, like me, then you'll definitely want this one! There's a lot of fun and energy shown here, and it can be pretty infectious to the point of grinning while viewing!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on March 03, 2020, 09:53:43 AM
Major tornado damage in the Nashville area early this morning. Hopefully Neal and his family are all ok.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on March 03, 2020, 10:03:21 AM
Major tornado damage in the Nashville area early this morning. Hopefully Neal and his family are all ok.
Good golloy,  that's scary!  :omg:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on March 03, 2020, 03:59:44 PM
The concert itself was a lot of fun to watch, even with all the overlay graphics the band seems fond of, but they weren't super intrusive.


-Marc.
That kind of stuff is a buzzkill to me, and too artsy fartsy. I'd much rather have a clear normal view of the band playing at all times.  Even in DT's BTFW there was one song with overlay graphics and I thought that was too much. The last Morsefest dvd was way overkill with the graphics clouding out the band.
 Now I'm on the fence about buying the new release.  I'm sure I'll get it but I'm not as much in a hurry now.  :-\
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 03, 2020, 04:26:35 PM
The concert itself was a lot of fun to watch, even with all the overlay graphics the band seems fond of, but they weren't super intrusive.


-Marc.
That kind of stuff is a buzzkill to me, and too artsy fartsy. I'd much rather have a clear normal view of the band playing at all times.  Even in DT's BTFW there was one song with overlay graphics and I thought that was too much. The last Morsefest dvd was way overkill with the graphics clouding out the band.
 Now I'm on the fence about buying the new release.  I'm sure I'll get it but I'm not as much in a hurry now.  :-\

Ah, well, from what I remember, the graphics on Live In BRNO were nowhere near as intrusive as any of the Morsefest stuff has been. It seemed fairly tame for the most part, just a few songs here and there. There were a lot of great "action shots" of the band, close-ups of each member during key moments of the performance (solos, vocal harmonies, etc.). It was filmed and edited really well. But definitely read others' reviews first to see if they think the graphics were too much for them. I didn't mind them, personally speaking, but I didn't think there were too many in the first place.

If anything, the documentaries are worth the price alone, especially since we get two that are nearly an hour each! Also included are the music videos from the album (not that they aren't available on YouTube, but it's neat that they included them anyway).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on March 03, 2020, 04:32:00 PM
Cool, thanks for the heads up!  :tup
I'll have to get it soon.  I thought it wasn't to be released until March 6th, did they allready release it?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 03, 2020, 06:23:51 PM
Cool, thanks for the heads up!  :tup
I'll have to get soon.  I though it wasn't to be released until March 6th, did they allready release it?

My order from Radiant Records shipped last Friday, so it came in the mail yesterday afternoon. The perks of living on the East Coast, not being TOO far from Tennessee!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 03, 2020, 06:49:47 PM
Major tornado damage in the Nashville area early this morning. Hopefully Neal and his family are all ok.
Good golloy,  that's scary!  :omg:

Looks like most of the damage was east of Nashville, right around Nashville and a little west of it.  I am pretty sure Neal lives pretty close to the church in Cross Plains where he holds Morsefest every year, and that is about 25-30 miles north of the heart of Nashville.

Awful to see that some lost their lives due to this tornado.  Mother Nature is such a heartless wench sometimes.  :tdwn :tdwn
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on March 06, 2020, 10:49:53 AM
Got my first listen through of Live in Brno this morning, sounds great. Will likely watch the Blu Ray at some point this weekend.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ShadowWalker on March 06, 2020, 01:09:43 PM
Got my first listen through of Live in Brno this morning, sounds great. Will likely watch the Blu Ray at some point this weekend.

Got to wait more than a week for Amazon to ship my copy...  :censored
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on March 14, 2020, 07:25:22 PM
Still need to pick this up. Not ordering from Amazon though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 14, 2020, 08:54:03 PM
Neal tweeted that he hasn't been feeling well, but got tested for the coronavirus and it came back negative.

There are obviously a lot more important things than music right now, but I can't help but wonder if the current state of the world will result in there being no Morsefest at all this year.  Probably impossible to plan it given the uncertainty which lies ahead.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on March 21, 2020, 05:00:03 PM
Neal tweeted that he hasn't been feeling well, but got tested for the coronavirus and it came back negative.

There are obviously a lot more important things than music right now, but I can't help but wonder if the current state of the world will result in there being no Morsefest at all this year.  Probably impossible to plan it given the uncertainty which lies ahead.

I'm sure he'd still create some music for the Inner Circle crowd if he's got cabin fever.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 27, 2020, 04:53:08 PM
So Neal posted a video on Facebook earlier today saying he was recording scratch drums for an album he has written while in isolation, and from the sounds of the previewed drum parts he shared, it sounds proggy and is probably the next NMB album. I'm guessing he has composed demos for everyone to listen to.

If the quarantine goes on for weeks or months, I bet the boys in the NMB will have this album recorded in their own home studios before the end of it all, and we may see a new NMB album early next year!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on March 27, 2020, 05:02:46 PM
He might as well knock out another Life & times while he's in the studio.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: thunderdog10 on March 27, 2020, 09:12:00 PM
He did call it an Epic album he is working on.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 28, 2020, 04:28:01 PM
According to Neal from his newest Inner Circle letter, he is hoping that they can finish the album remotely and have it released by the fall.  He said he sent it to Mike and Randy to see what they can do and what their thoughts are, and didn't mention Eric and Bill, which tells me that this is likely to be a solo Neal album, not the next NMB album. 

He also said the new Transatlantic is still a work in progress, so I'd be surprised if we get that before the end of the year (my guess).

Lastly, he said he was under the weather for several weeks and thought he had the coronavirus because he had most of the symptoms, but the test ultimately came back negative.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 28, 2020, 05:05:24 PM
He also said the new Transatlantic is still a work in progress, so I'd be surprised if we get that before the end of the year (my guess).

In his February IC newsletter, Neal stated that TA5 is scheduled for a September release, which still seems realistic. That gives them til about July to have it all wrapped up, which is still another 3-4 months of work, which, given the quarantine, now gives each of them more time to finish the album and get things completed, like overdubs, lyrics and final vocal tracks, and other odds and ends that Neal is known for throwing in at the last month.

As for the other album, it would be neat, if a bit weird, that Neal would release a solo prog album that WASN'T a Neal Morse Band album, going back to the pre-TGA days of his music, but it could be a nice change of pace after 2 double albums with the same group. He could do a Question Mark style release with a bunch of guest artists on it as well, doing different songs and solos. Whatever it is, I'm excited to see him being creative and working!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on March 28, 2020, 07:00:50 PM
I opened my Live in BRNO CD/Blu-ray set package that I got from Radiant (was out of town so couldn't get to it) does it come open without any shrink wrap? and no booklet? In any case get wait to dive in.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 28, 2020, 07:18:21 PM
He also said the new Transatlantic is still a work in progress, so I'd be surprised if we get that before the end of the year (my guess).

In his February IC newsletter, Neal stated that TA5 is scheduled for a September release, which still seems realistic. That gives them til about July to have it all wrapped up, which is still another 3-4 months of work, which, given the quarantine, now gives each of them more time to finish the album and get things completed, like overdubs, lyrics and final vocal tracks, and other odds and ends that Neal is known for throwing in at the last month.

The bolded, he said today.  He also said today that he is not sure when it will be completed.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 28, 2020, 07:37:17 PM
He also said the new Transatlantic is still a work in progress, so I'd be surprised if we get that before the end of the year (my guess).

In his February IC newsletter, Neal stated that TA5 is scheduled for a September release, which still seems realistic. That gives them til about July to have it all wrapped up, which is still another 3-4 months of work, which, given the quarantine, now gives each of them more time to finish the album and get things completed, like overdubs, lyrics and final vocal tracks, and other odds and ends that Neal is known for throwing in at the last month.

The bolded, he said today.  He also said today that he is not sure when it will be completed.

Just seems odd to me that he would've had a release month in mind back in February, but now isn't too sure. I wonder if something is going on?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on March 28, 2020, 07:42:46 PM
I opened my Live in BRNO CD/Blu-ray set package that I got from Radiant (was out of town so couldn't get to it) does it come open without any shrink wrap? and no booklet? In any case get wait to dive in.

Looks like mine is signed by Neal Morse himself so that's why the shrink wrap is gone. Wished there was at least a booklet.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 28, 2020, 08:25:52 PM


Just seems odd to me that he would've had a release month in mind back in February, but now isn't too sure. I wonder if something is going on?


COVID-19.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on April 01, 2020, 06:15:15 PM
He might as well knock out another Life & times while he's in the studio.  :tup

That would be nice although part of the reason I'd want him to do it would be for a solo tour which quite obviously won't happen at this point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on April 01, 2020, 06:17:27 PM
He also said the new Transatlantic is still a work in progress, so I'd be surprised if we get that before the end of the year (my guess).

In his February IC newsletter, Neal stated that TA5 is scheduled for a September release, which still seems realistic. That gives them til about July to have it all wrapped up, which is still another 3-4 months of work, which, given the quarantine, now gives each of them more time to finish the album and get things completed, like overdubs, lyrics and final vocal tracks, and other odds and ends that Neal is known for throwing in at the last month.

The bolded, he said today.  He also said today that he is not sure when it will be completed.

Plenty of time to iron it out now I would think.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on April 09, 2020, 05:27:23 PM
From Neals Facebook:

Finished tracking keyboards on my new concept album! Just need to do some scratch vocals and I can send it off to Mike and Randy for their magic. This is going to be an amazing one. I think its easily as good as Sola or Question Mark! Look at all those tracks!!!!

Interesting... a Neal Morse album the way it was before The Neal Morse Band?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 09, 2020, 05:49:50 PM
From Neals Facebook:

Finished tracking keyboards on my new concept album! Just need to do some scratch vocals and I can send it off to Mike and Randy for their magic. This is going to be an amazing one. I think its easily as good as Sola or Question Mark! Look at all those tracks!!!!

Interesting... a Neal Morse album the way it was before The Neal Morse Band?

I just saw this on Facebook, and yeah, it looks like it'll be a Pre-NMB style album, something we haven't gotten since Momentum.  I wonder if he wanted to avoid doing a THIRD NMB Concept album in a row and decided to scale it back without having Eric or Bill involved, and just focus on the writing all on himself. IIRC, I think Eric has been busy with some recording anyway.

Either way, this is exciting news, but I wonder if this is the same album that Mike did some drumming for after he completed the TA5 drum tracks last fall? Neal's update makes it sound like Mike and Randy haven't done any work on it yet, so who knows HOW many things Mike and Neal have going on right now! Between a new Solo Neal album, TA5, and the upcoming Flying Colors live album, I can't imagine what this other project was that Mike drummed on for Neal last fall...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on April 09, 2020, 07:22:53 PM
From Neals Facebook:

Finished tracking keyboards on my new concept album! Just need to do some scratch vocals and I can send it off to Mike and Randy for their magic. This is going to be an amazing one. I think its easily as good as Sola or Question Mark! Look at all those tracks!!!!

Interesting... a Neal Morse album the way it was before The Neal Morse Band?

Isn't it weird that eric and bill arent involved?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 09, 2020, 08:51:23 PM
I don't think it is at all.  It sounds like this album wasn't planned, but once Neal got over his illness and was stuck at home, the creative spark hit him and he ran with it and wrote an album and decided to release it as a solo album right away rather than waiting for a time when all five can get together to make it more of a band effort.

Also, it is worth noting that Neal did release a prog solo album last year (The Exorcist), so this won't be his first prog solo release since Momentum.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on April 09, 2020, 09:33:52 PM
I swear that I saw Mike post some time ago that Neal was going to be doing another Prog solo album.

Can't remember if it was in response to something about it or just a general comment, but Mike explained the differences.

Neal Morse - Neal writes everything and Mike and Randy play bass and drums.

Neal Morse Band - everyone brings ideas to the table and arranges together, much like TA.

I think he mentioned that Neal had not abandoned his solo Prog work, but was taking a break from it while the NMB was hitting its stride.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 10, 2020, 12:52:39 PM
I got the impression that this new album was a spur of the moment creative burst record, but I could be wrong.

I am glad to see Neal taking advantage of this NMB downtime by making a solo prog record.  I liked Life & Times, but I would always rather get more prog from Neal than full-on singer/songwriter albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on April 13, 2020, 11:01:52 AM
The Testimony demos are available:

https://nealmorse.com/product/testimony-demos/?inf_contact_key=3bbdd727de8384e9dc0121dd53ceace7

These demos of the Testimony album, Neal's first solo album after leaving Spocks Beard, have never been released before. This was a time where Neal wasnt sure what his next step was going to be. This flood of musical inspiration arrived just in time, which is what you will hear in these demos.

The music will have been familiar to you with the various index points that were eventually added to the CDs but Testimony began life as five long tracks, which is how it is presented here. What you hear is exactly what would have been sent to Mike Portnoy and the other musicians involved in the album as you hear it!

Audio files will include cover and CD artwork!

(Quick note for audiophiles: These tracks are offered only as MP3 files because that is all that is left from the original demos! Unfortunately, we arent able to offer WAV or FLAC versions that people sometimes request.)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 14, 2020, 01:07:18 PM
So yeah, my brother told me that Bill said on FB the other day in a thread where people were trying to figure out the difference between solo Neal prog albums and NMB albums that the NMB will start work on their next album this spring. Given that it is spring already, here's hoping that he meant the current season!  :coolio :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 14, 2020, 04:23:41 PM
So yeah, my brother told me that Bill said on FB the other day in a thread where people were trying to figure out the difference between solo Neal prog albums and NMB albums that the NMB will start work on their next album this spring. Given that it is spring already, here's hoping that he meant the current season!  :coolio :coolio

I found said FB thread, and here's what Bill said:
Quote
NMB is scheduled to start our new band album this spring (pending the virus situation)

So it seems, from his words, that sometime in the next 3 months, the band were scheduled to get together and write, presumably sometime after Mike was supposed to be done with his SOA touring duties, and after Eric is done with whatever album he is making. I think Neal just got hit with some inspiration during his time being away, sick, and now stuck at home, and given that Mike and Randy aren't going anywhere either, he decided to enlist their help like in the One/?/Sola days.

What a busy time for Neal, then! New Flying Colors live album, hopefully by this summer, Transatlantic's fifth album by the fall, this new Neal Morse solo album by winter, then a new NMB album probably early next year! If there aren't going to be any tours this year, at least we will be spoiled for new releases! What a time to be a Neal Morse fan!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 14, 2020, 05:30:57 PM
Neal just posted this:
Quote
Thrilled to have finished a rough mix of my new Prog epic album and delivered to Mike and Randy today. Mikes planning on recording drums at his house Thursday and Friday. Over an hour long! One piece! I'm excited..

Sounds like we may have a Question Mark-esque release! I doubt it'll be tracked on the CD as one hour-length track, so I'm sure it'll have several index points, to separate the piece as multiple tracks.

He's excited...and so am I! I wonder if this will get released before Transatlantic's fifth album, considering how fast he's gotten through it?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 14, 2020, 05:45:45 PM
In all fairness, it's always a great time to be a Neal Morse fan!  :tup :tup

If COVID-19 interferes too much, I could see NMB all working on it remotely or doing a lot of face timing or virtual writing or whatever the heck you call that stuff.  Not the same as them all getting in the same workspace and writing and recording, but with five guys like that, I am sure they could pull it off and still knock it out of the park.  After all, we need them to complete the trilogy they started with Similitude and continued with The Great Adventure, right? :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 14, 2020, 05:52:01 PM
In all fairness, it's always a great time to be a Neal Morse fan!  :tup :tup

Ya know what, you're not wrong! Neal has been fairly consistent and prolific over the years, and he rarely disappoints me!

If COVID-19 interferes too much, I could see NMB all working on it remotely or doing a lot of face timing or virtual writing or whatever the heck you call that stuff.  Not the same as them all getting in the same workspace and writing and recording, but with five guys like that, I am sure they could pull it off and still knock it out of the park.  After all, we need them to complete the trilogy they started with Similitude and continued with The Great Adventure, right? :P

From Bill's statement, it sounded like they were planning on meeting in person, and I don't blame them for wanting to still do that, as I am sure they all prefer working in person, but it's not impossible for them to Skype-write. I think they did some of that when they were re-working TGA a couple of years ago. I wonder how much material the other band members have ready for their next session? I hope this quarantine has kept their creative juices flowing!

As for a trilogy of concept albums? I wouldn't be opposed to it, and it would certainly further differentiate NMB from Neal's solo stuff. Maybe the NMB could continue this story line and make their work all a part of that Similitude-Universe, a sort of Ayreon-esque world where certain musical themes and characters can return.

Whatever the NMB have coming next, I hope it'll be fresh and exciting and different enough from whatever hour-long album Neal is working on.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 14, 2020, 09:27:08 PM
I know a couple of the guys were vocal about wanting to do a regular prog album next time and not another double concept album (Randy and maybe Bill?), but if that is what Neal is feeling and has a good enough idea, I am sure he could sell them on it.  Here's hoping!  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on April 15, 2020, 02:33:19 AM
Apparently, it's going to be one big song:

Quote
Thrilled to have finished a rough mix of my new Prog epic album and delivered to Mike and Randy today. Mikes planning on recording drums at his house Thursday and Friday. Over an hour long! One piece! Im excited..

This has me excited  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on April 15, 2020, 08:32:46 AM
I would give anything for a non-concept single disc album from Neal that has nothing to do with Similitude/Great Adventure. I'm glad he's being productive though, I can't believe how efficient he is at creating music consistently that's actually listenable and high-quality.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 15, 2020, 01:05:39 PM
Apparently, it's going to be one big song:

Quote
Thrilled to have finished a rough mix of my new Prog epic album and delivered to Mike and Randy today. Mikes planning on recording drums at his house Thursday and Friday. Over an hour long! One piece! Im excited..

This has me excited  :metal

Guessing you missed my post with the exact same quote above?  :lol :facepalm:

Neal just posted this:
Quote
Thrilled to have finished a rough mix of my new Prog epic album and delivered to Mike and Randy today. Mikes planning on recording drums at his house Thursday and Friday. Over an hour long! One piece! I'm excited..

Sounds like we may have a Question Mark-esque release! I doubt it'll be tracked on the CD as one hour-length track, so I'm sure it'll have several index points, to separate the piece as multiple tracks.

He's excited...and so am I! I wonder if this will get released before Transatlantic's fifth album, considering how fast he's gotten through it?

-Marc.

But either way, I am with you - I'm pretty excited. When I got into Neal's solo work, it was around when Question Mark came out, so to get another album in a similar vein, I cannot wait for it!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on April 15, 2020, 06:31:23 PM
Apparently, it's going to be one big song:

Quote
Thrilled to have finished a rough mix of my new Prog epic album and delivered to Mike and Randy today. Mikes planning on recording drums at his house Thursday and Friday. Over an hour long! One piece! Im excited..

This has me excited  :metal

Guessing you missed my post with the exact same quote above?  :lol :facepalm:

Neal just posted this:
Quote
Thrilled to have finished a rough mix of my new Prog epic album and delivered to Mike and Randy today. Mikes planning on recording drums at his house Thursday and Friday. Over an hour long! One piece! I'm excited..

Sounds like we may have a Question Mark-esque release! I doubt it'll be tracked on the CD as one hour-length track, so I'm sure it'll have several index points, to separate the piece as multiple tracks.

He's excited...and so am I! I wonder if this will get released before Transatlantic's fifth album, considering how fast he's gotten through it?

-Marc.

But either way, I am with you - I'm pretty excited. When I got into Neal's solo work, it was around when Question Mark came out, so to get another album in a similar vein, I cannot wait for it!

-Marc.

You guessed correctly, sawry ;)

I agree with you! I love ? and have always thought he should do another album like that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 15, 2020, 07:13:24 PM
I agree with you! I love ? and have always thought he should do another album like that.

He did, it was called The Whirlwind - same number of tracks, too!  :lol ;)

But yeah, as a solo album, it really stands out, so I have high hopes for this new one, whatever it'll be called. Maybe he'll respond to ? with !

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on April 16, 2020, 11:31:05 AM
I signed up for 'Waterfall' today. I have near all the CD's and 'hard copy' of Neal and Co's music, but I thought that having everything in one spot and easily accessible would be nice. Plus, there are some other artists on there I've never heard of so I might discover some new music I like. I want to support these guys as much as possible. I don't think they'll be making much $$ over the next 8-12 months. It's only $7 a month anyway. I can swing that for now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on April 26, 2020, 10:19:09 AM
I assume this is the thread for The Neal Morse Band...

I bought The Great Adventure today. Holy cow! It's incredible!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on April 26, 2020, 10:22:48 AM
It sure is!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on April 26, 2020, 10:31:52 AM
Listened to TGA for the first time in months a few days ago and its an extremely strong album. I still think the Love That Never Dies theme is heavily overused but thats about the extent of my criticism.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on April 26, 2020, 12:18:11 PM
I assume this is the thread for The Neal Morse Band...

I bought The Great Adventure today. Holy cow! It's incredible!
Now you got to see the live dvd of that tour, it's awesome!    :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on April 27, 2020, 02:12:32 AM
There's a 71-minute video on Youtube showcasing the album's musical themes and their recurrences. One of the ones that grabbed me was what I later realized was the instrumental break in Welcome to the World (immediately after the 2nd chorus). It comes back multiple times, both in the minor and the major. One of the more significant appearances is Mike Portnoy's chorus to Fighting With Destiny.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 27, 2020, 09:14:08 AM
There's a 71-minute video on Youtube showcasing the album's musical themes and their recurrences. One of the ones that grabbed me was what I later realized was the instrumental break in Welcome to the World (immediately after the 2nd chorus). It comes back multiple times, both in the minor and the major. One of the more significant appearances is Mike Portnoy's chorus to Fighting With Destiny.

Found the link in case anyone wanted to watch it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCYkpd9hu

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on April 27, 2020, 09:47:47 AM
There's a 71-minute video on Youtube showcasing the album's musical themes and their recurrences. One of the ones that grabbed me was what I later realized was the instrumental break in Welcome to the World (immediately after the 2nd chorus). It comes back multiple times, both in the minor and the major. One of the more significant appearances is Mike Portnoy's chorus to Fighting With Destiny.

Found the link in case anyone wanted to watch it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCYkpd9hu

-Marc.

Video Unavailable
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on April 27, 2020, 09:51:17 AM
Bummer, was looking forward to checking that out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on April 27, 2020, 09:52:16 AM
Same here.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 27, 2020, 10:16:02 AM
https://youtu.be/hCYkpd9hu40

Try this. Sorry about that, I may have copied it wrong.

They also did an analysis of TSOAD, link in that video's comments.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 27, 2020, 10:32:14 AM
From Neal's FB:
"Cutting strings on my new solo album AND the new Transatlantic today! The Kleins plus Jo. Sounding great so far! Oh , and heres a pic!"

-Looks like things are moving along for both albums!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 04, 2020, 12:13:08 PM
Morsefest 2020 announcement coming next Friday

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on May 04, 2020, 12:35:17 PM
If they're in any way concerned about safety, we all know what it should be.

------

Anyway, The Great Adventure is a staggeringly brilliant album! I'm blown away by how easily the tunes have lodged themselves in my head.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 04, 2020, 06:43:22 PM
If this is about Morsefest, given what Neal said last week in his Inner Circle email, I suspect it will be a virtual online deal since he all but ruled out doing like in the past (since concert gatherings this year are unwise to plan).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on May 05, 2020, 08:02:49 AM
I'll post this here as well:

Quote
(https://scontent-ber1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/p960x960/96129000_10158482161460439_5348008228036804608_o.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=NYRbkhhCWioAX87CWff&_nc_ht=scontent-ber1-1.xx&_nc_tp=6&oh=8cc277b9ed5affa0d5be2e99b5764c09&oe=5ED5D55F)

Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy & Randy George are pleased to announce their return to the Cover To Cover series of albums with Cov3r To Cov3r, the brand new third instalment. Featuring their renditions of classic tracks by the likes of King Crimson, Jethro Tull, Gerry Rafferty, David Bowie & more (including their cover of No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed featuring vocals from Yes singer Jon Davison), the album will be released on the 24th July as CD, Gatefold 2LP + CD & as Digital Album.
As well as this, the Cover To Cover Anthology (Vol. 1 3) will be re-leased on the same day, collecting all 3 instalments together over 3 discs. The first two albums have also been newly re-sequenced and remastered, and will also be available on all digital services. All the albums have also been given brand new artwork, created by Thomas Ewerhard (Sons of Apollo, The Neal Morse Band, Avantasia).
Mike Portnoy comments: Well, here we are...Cover To Cover Volume 3! Been looking forward to finally doing another one of these as I absolutely love the first two we did!
In fact, these Cover To Cover albums are some of my favorite albums in my catalog and are always the CDs I give to family and friends to enjoy.
Mainly because they help show the music that helped shape myself, Neal and Randy. Everybody expects the obvious Prog classics (or in my case some of the more metal stuff), but the range of artists on these Cover To Cover albums as just as important ingredients!
I hope you enjoy listening to them as much as we did recording them!
MP 2020

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 05, 2020, 08:03:40 AM
Morse, Portnoy, George return with Cov3r To Cov3r & Cover To Cover Anthology

Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy & Randy George are pleased to announce their return to the Cover To Cover series of albums with Cov3r To Cov3r, the brand new third installment. Featuring their renditions of classic tracks by the likes of King Crimson, Jethro Tull, Badfinger, David Bowie & more (including their cover of No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed featuring vocals from Yes singer Jon Davison), the album will be released on the 24th July as CD, Gatefold 2LP + CD & as Digital Album via Inside Out Music
 
As well as this, the Cover To Cover Anthology (Vol. 1 3) will be released on the same day, collecting all 3 instalments together over 3 discs. The first two albums have also been newly re-sequenced and remastered, and will also be available on all digital services. All the albums have also been given brand new artwork, created by Thomas Ewerhard (Sons of Apollo, The Neal Morse Band, Avantasia).
 
Mike Portnoy comments: Well, here we are...Cover To Cover Volume 3! Been looking forward to finally doing another one of these as I absolutely love the first two we did!
 
In fact, these Cover To Cover albums are some of my favorite albums in my catalog and are always the CDs I give to family and friends to enjoy.
 
Mainly because they help show the music that helped shape myself, Neal and Randy. Everybody expects the obvious Prog classics (or in my case some of the more metal stuff), but the range of artists on these Cover To Cover albums as just as important ingredients!
 
I hope you enjoy listening to them as much as we did recording them!
- MP 2020
 
The full track-listing for all 3 Cover To Cover volumes is below

Cover To Cover:
1. Where The Streets Have No Name (U2)
2. Im The Man (Joe Jackson)
3. What Is Life? (George Harrison)
4. Badge (Cream)
5. Maybe Im Amazed (Paul McCartney)
6. Day After Day (Badfinger)
7. Pleasant Valley Sunday (The Monkees)
8. Tuesday Afternoon (The Moody Blues)
9. Cant Find My Way Home (Blind Faith)
10. Im Free / Sparks (The Who)
11. Where Do The Children Play (Cat Stevens)
12. Feelin Stronger Everyday (Chicago)
13. Rock N Roll Suicide (David Bowie)
 
Cover 2 Cover:
1. (What's So Funny About) Peace, Love & Understanding (Elvis Costello)
2. Lido Shuffle (Boz Scaggs)
3. Crazy Horses (The Osmonds)
4. Driven To Tears (The Police)
5. Come Sail Away (Styx)
6. Rikki Dont Lose That Number (Steely Dan)
7. Lemons Never Forget (The Bee Gees)
8. The Letter (Joe Cocker)
9. I Saw The Light (Todd Rundgren)
10. Teacher (Jethro Tull)
11. Southern Man/Needle And The Damage Done/Cinnamon Girl (Neil Young)
12. Starless (King Crimson)
 
Cov3r To Cov3r:
1. No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed (Yes)
2. Hymn 43 (Jethro Tull)
3. Life On Mars (David Bowie)
4. Baker Street (Gerry Rafferty)
5. It Dont Come Easy (Ringo Starr)
6. Baby Blue (Badfinger)
7. One More Red Nightmare (King Crimson)
8. Black Coffee In Bed (Squeeze)
9. Tempted (Squeeze)
10. Runnin Down A Dream (Tom Petty)
11. Let Love Rule (Lenny Kravitz)

Pre-order info as well as music videos coming soon!

-----

I had a feeling this was what Mike tracked drums to after he finished his TA5 drum parts last fall and drummed for a "secret" album.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 05, 2020, 08:06:55 AM
Not a very compelling track listing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 05, 2020, 08:07:11 AM
The artwork of CTC3 is really good. And also anthology cover.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on May 05, 2020, 08:10:32 AM
In my opinion, they should have called it Covid to Covid
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 05, 2020, 08:15:52 AM
If they are going to cover the Bowie classic, they should at least get the title correct in the press release. :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ben_Jamin on May 05, 2020, 08:18:36 AM
I'm only interested in hearing Baker Street.

I think Running Down A Dream would actually sound good with these guys. I can hear them doing the melodies now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on May 05, 2020, 09:05:51 AM
I kinda like that tracklist.  Can do without the Lenny Kravitz (the song, not the artist), the Tom Petty (the artist not the song) or the second Squeeze tune (only because it's the second; I'm dying to hear Black Coffee...).  I feel like I'm going to get into the habit of cutting it off after song 9. 

It's their album, though, and their influences, not mine.   :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on May 05, 2020, 09:19:22 AM
In my opinion, they should have called it Covid to Covid
Gotta give it up for this one.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on May 05, 2020, 12:06:50 PM
Love Neal. Have no interest in this though. There were a few good tunes from the first couple of cover albums but nothings jumps off this new one for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 05, 2020, 12:10:46 PM
Love Neal. Have no interest in this though. There were a few good tunes from the first couple of cover albums but nothings jumps off this new one for me.

I never bought the first two cover albums either (and I usually try to buy almost everything Neal releases from the studio, except for the worship albums).  They just felt like albums I would listen to once or twice and then never again.  If I am in the mood for Neal, I have like 333 albums of original material from which to choose, and if I want to hear the songs that are covered, I can just go for the originals.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on May 05, 2020, 12:35:26 PM
I don't mind the album of covers, they tend to kind of have a life of their own with the band's signature.

On another unrelated note, how do you guys tag the two phases of the music of Neal Morse, everything since The Grand Experiment is offiically tagged as The Neal Morse Band  but me personally I have everything labeled as Neal Morse. I have all the releases under one folder as well.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 05, 2020, 01:03:07 PM
I think I had them all under "Neal Morse" at one point, but as the NMB has kept making albums, I changed all of theirs to "Neal Morse Band." All of Neal's solo stuff, including Life + Times and The Exorcist, is still under "Neal Morse."  And of course Spock's, Transatlantic and Flying Colors are all listed accordingly per their band names. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on May 05, 2020, 01:04:03 PM
I tag it based on the artist name listed. So I would say there are currently seven widely-distributed releases under the artist name "The Neal Morse Band": TGE, TSOAD, TGA, their accompanying live releases, and Morsefest 2017. All the rest are "Neal Morse."

The only releases where it gets sort of dicey, in my book, are the three Morsefest releases (2014, 2015 and 2017). There, the lineup is the NMB lineup, performing (at least on 2015 and 2017) a mixture of music originally released under both artist headings. But there I still stick with what it says on the artwork (which also matches the current sorting on the Radiant Records website): 2014 and 2015 are "Neal Morse," and 2017 is "The Neal Morse Band."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on May 05, 2020, 02:19:04 PM
The only releases where it gets sort of dicey, in my book, are the three Morsefest releases (2014, 2015 and 2017). There, the lineup is the NMB lineup, performing (at least on 2015 and 2017) a mixture of music originally released under both artist headings. But there I still stick with what it says on the artwork (which also matches the current sorting on the Radiant Records website): 2014 and 2015 are "Neal Morse," and 2017 is "The Neal Morse Band."
I decided to tag Morsefest 2014 and 2015 as NMB in my collection, since it was the band that was actually playing the material on all 3 of the releases.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 05, 2020, 03:30:18 PM
All my Non-TA, Non-FC Neal music is under one folder, titled "Morse, Neal" (as I do last names first for easy finding in my Master Music Folder). In that folder, I have several folders: 0.5 - Demos, 1.0 - Studio Albums, 1.5 - EPs, Compilations & Other Albums, 2.0 - Official Live Albums, 3.0 - Inner Circle Fan Club Discs, 4.0 - Unofficial & Other Albums.

The Demos folder is pretty self-explanatory, and I've recently shuffled things around into that one given that Neal has begun releasing demos for his earlier solo prog albums lately. These are just the demos for his albums since Testimony, including demos for TGE/TSOAD/TGA, but not including anything written for TA or FC.

The Studio Albums folder contains all of the Non-TA/Non-FC studio albums released by Neal AND the Neal Morse Band, since Neal hasn't really released BOTH a solo album and a NMB album in the same year. Yes, I know The Exorcist and TGA came out in the same year, but I put The Exorcist in my next folder...

EPs, Compilations and other albums includes things like his Christmas album by The Prog World Orchestra, the compilation Sing It High, and one of the few singer-songwriter albums of his that I own, Life & Times. I put The Exorcist here because it's more of a musical than a prog rock album, and I'll be honest, I just haven't listened to it more than once or twice. It's also quite a different thing than his normal rock albums usually are, I think, but that's just me and my opinion. On my phone, though, I've got it, his solo albums, and the NMB albums all under "Neal Morse" for quick and easy finding.

The Official Live Albums folder contains anything Neal has released as a live album through official channels and labels, although I did throw in the various Morsefest nights in to single folders by year. For example, Morsefest 2016 has a folder for the Storytellers Show, and a shortcut to Snow Live (which is actually housed under my SB folder, of course), as well as the Inner Circle concert released through the fan club. It just makes it easier to find everything from a single Morsefest if I have all the performances of that year under one folder.

The IC folder is pretty self-explanatory as well, and I've ripped all my hard copy CDs from when he still released them physically, organized by year and month (for example, 2020-01 - But Wait... There's More!, and 2020-03 - Continuing The Adventure, for this year's IC releases so far).

And lastly, the Unofficial Albums folder is just a place to put different cuts of albums I've made, but it currently only holds a single folder with 8 tracks, one for each "Part" of the Testimony story from Testimony and Testimony 2, a 3:22:06 experience!

That was probably way more of a detailed answer than anyone ever needed about how I store my Neal Morse music, but there ya go.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on May 05, 2020, 03:55:02 PM
That's some serious organization there. I don't do that level of differentiation between demos or live releases. I just dump them all as one band. Just arrange it by year.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 05, 2020, 03:59:48 PM
That's some serious organization there. I don't do that level of differentiation between demos or live releases. I just dump them all as one band. Just arrange it by year.

I only do that sort of organizing for bands and artists with a LOT of releases. It just makes it easier to scan for what I'm looking for. If I had all of those individual albums and releases in one parent folder, I'd have to scroll through nearly 90 folders of Neal Morse-related music!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on May 05, 2020, 04:12:15 PM
I have everything TNMB has released under "Neal Morse".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on May 05, 2020, 04:48:35 PM
I have everything TNMB has released under "Neal Morse".

Same, it's just cleaner. I also do the same with all Devin Townsend variations.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on May 05, 2020, 05:35:41 PM
This is how my folder looks, granted I'm missing a few albums

(https://imgur.com/iRAymCv.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on May 06, 2020, 06:45:52 AM
In my opinion, they should have called it Covid to Covid

:lol a real missed opportunity
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ShadowWalker on May 06, 2020, 07:49:53 AM
I tag it based on the artist name listed. So I would say there are currently seven widely-distributed releases under the artist name "The Neal Morse Band": TGE, TSOAD, TGA, their accompanying live releases, and Morsefest 2017. All the rest are "Neal Morse."

The only releases where it gets sort of dicey, in my book, are the three Morsefest releases (2014, 2015 and 2017). There, the lineup is the NMB lineup, performing (at least on 2015 and 2017) a mixture of music originally released under both artist headings. But there I still stick with what it says on the artwork (which also matches the current sorting on the Radiant Records website): 2014 and 2015 are "Neal Morse," and 2017 is "The Neal Morse Band."
This is how I do it as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 06, 2020, 11:16:16 AM
I have everything TNMB has released under "Neal Morse".

Same, it's just cleaner. I also do the same with all Devin Townsend variations.

Honestly, I'm not sure why anyone would do it any other way.  It's not like The Neal Morse Band is meant to be a completely different entity from Neal Morse.  Artists slight vary nomenclature all the time, for whatever reason.  Your Devin Townsend comparison is perfect in that regard.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on May 06, 2020, 11:27:34 AM
To me, The Neal Morse Band is specifically Morse, Portnoy, George, Gillette and Hubauer. Idk how much he changed his band lineup for albums credited to Neal Morse, but TNMB has become its own entity now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 06, 2020, 11:43:24 AM
Anniuncement coming next Friday
I am already like this:   :o

 :facepalm:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on May 06, 2020, 11:52:59 AM
So this covers album announcement is not what MP was talking about?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on May 06, 2020, 11:56:22 AM
Anniuncement coming next Friday
I am already like this:   :o

 :facepalm:

You're killing me, Smalls.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 06, 2020, 01:49:24 PM
Anyone else find it nearly impossible to resist the urge to Cabbage Patch while listening to The Great Adventure (song)?  It has resulted in plenty of awkward moments, and nearly several car crashes, but so worth it.  ...or so I've heard.  Um...just asking for a friend. 
:ontome:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 06, 2020, 03:33:26 PM
Anniuncement coming next Friday
I am already like this:   :o

 :facepalm:

You're killing me, Smalls.

PM could not be sent to 'Stadler' as their inbox is full!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 06, 2020, 03:48:13 PM
Anniuncement coming next Friday
I am already like this:   :o

 :facepalm:

I'm assuming this is for either TA5 or the new Morse solo album. Both would be awesome though!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 06, 2020, 04:07:54 PM
Anniuncement coming next Friday
I am already like this:   :o

 :facepalm:

I'm assuming this is for either TA5 or the new Morse solo album. Both would be awesome though!

-Marc.

I will only say: no, that's not correct although the latest of your assessment will be discussed.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on May 07, 2020, 09:31:36 AM
Anniuncement coming next Friday
I am already like this:   :o

 :facepalm:

You're killing me, Smalls.

PM could not be sent to 'Stadler' as their inbox is full!

Fixed.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on May 07, 2020, 04:35:02 PM
Does this mean I need to re-buy the other two?

RE Filing: Neal and his projects get filed chronologically by release date on my shelves( Including the Inner Circle Releases)

Quickly running out of room so I may need to reevaluate.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 07, 2020, 04:44:52 PM
Does this mean I need to re-buy the other two?

RE Filing: Neal and his projects get filed chronologically by release date on my shelves( Including the Inner Circle Releases)

Quickly running out of room so I may need to reevaluate.

Only if you are a completist
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 08, 2020, 07:54:02 AM
https://nealmorse.com/2020/05/08/morsefest-2020-announced/

Well... I'm not totally surprised, but I wonder if anyone will actually buy the in-person concert tickets knowing they may not be able to even hold the concert? And I doubt many will buy the virtual tickets, but I could be wrong.

I'll support him if/when these shows come out on BD and CD, which, I don't even think the Morsefest 2019 shows have been released yet.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 08, 2020, 08:13:21 AM
https://nealmorse.com/2020/05/08/morsefest-2020-announced/

Well... I'm not totally surprised, but I wonder if anyone will actually buy the in-person concert tickets knowing they may not be able to even hold the concert? And I doubt many will buy the virtual tickets, but I could be wrong.

I'll support him if/when these shows come out on BD and CD, which, I don't even think the Morsefest 2019 shows have been released yet.

-Marc.

So we dropped a few hints in the Inner Circle newsletter last month but the time has come to announce our plans for:

Morsefest 2020!!
We have given a lot of thought to how we can continue the spirit of past Morsefests for as many people as possible, while expecting there still to be some social distancing restrictions in place at the time of the event. We have decided to run a full scale live MORSEFEST for a very small crowd (in line with the expected restrictions) along with an interactive virtual MF experience for those who cant attend in person.

Morsefest 2020: Lockdown! will take place on September 18 and 19 at New Life Fellowship in Cross Plains, TN, and the featured music will be:

Friday Night COVER TO COVER NIGHT! Debut of new C2C3 material as well as classics from our cover catalog. Mike, Randy, Eric and Bill will join Neal plus real horns, string quartet and all the bells and whistles literally!

Saturday Night PREMIERE OF Neals NEW PROG CONCEPT ALBUM (title not announced yet) plus other great progressive rock from his catalog performed by the NMB and a cast of thousands well, probably more like 25.

We will also have Morsefest staples such as the Inner Circle concert, games, Q&A, and special merchandise all the cool stuff that makes MF such a unique experience!

Ticket Info:
Tickets for the LIVE VIP experience go on sale May 26 at 9:00 a.m. CST to Inner Circle Members only*
Tickets for the Virtual VIP and Virtual Double Night go on sale May 28* at 9:00 a.m. CST
Live VIP**: $1199.00
Only 70 tickets available (due to expected attendance restrictions)
Purchases limited to two tickets per Radiant account
Brand new format Lockdown style event guests will spend the entire afternoon and evening in the venue, with full facilities and entertainment throughout the day
You get to be the audience for the live performances, which will be recorded in the late afternoon to avoid technical issues, and then streamed to the world that evening
During the evening broadcasts, you will get to watch the performance again on the big screen, with exclusive live commentary from the band members about what they were thinking while it was happening
VIP games (Were thinking Charades where the band acts out and the audience has to guess) and Q&A on both days
Dinner each evening and snacks throughout the day
Opportunity to purchase an exclusive Morsefest release and other unique items
VIP Merch Bag including Custom Morsefest 2020 Yeti Cup (only 70 available), Morsefest VIP t-shirt, VIP lanyard, poster and other surprises
SPECIAL MF VIP FACEMASK!
Entry to Inner Circle Jam concert where some musicians will get the chance to jam with the band
Saturday night after show karaoke with Neal and friends!
Virtual VIP: $225
Front row seats (on your couch!) to attend the virtual concert on Friday and Saturday nights
Live online VIP game and Q&A on both days
VIP Merch Bag including Morsefest VIP t-shirt, VIP lanyard, poster and other surprises (this will be shipped to you in advance of the event, in the hope that you will be able to wear your VIP shirt on the night!)
Opportunity to purchase an exclusive Morsefest release and other merch
Access to private Morsefest web portal, behind the scenes live video, special merch deals and other cool stuff!
Virtual Double night tickets: $99
Front row seats (on your couch!) to attend the virtual concert on Friday and Saturday nights
Opportunity to purchase an exclusive Morsefest release and other merch
Access to private Morsefest web portal, special merch deals and other cool stuff!
*The Live VIP tickets will be offered to our Inner Circle members first.

If they do not sell out, we will open them up to the general public. If you arent an Inner Circle member, its not too late!! Join now to have first dibs at purchasing tickets for this unique opportunity!!

**While we do not want to say who can and cant buy tickets for the Live VIP event, we would strongly suggest that anyone considering buying a ticket, who needs to travel internationally to the event, would bear in mind that no one presently knows what travel or quarantine restrictions might be imposed in your country and/or the USA. We will only be able to issue refunds until August 21. Anyone buying a ticket to attend should consider this carefully

In the event social distancing restrictions do not allow a gathering of this size, a refund for the Live VIP will be issued.

What we can assure you is whatever way you join us, you will have a Morsefest experience like NO OTHER!

 

PERSONAL NOTE FROM NEAL:

I am super excited to be playing new material from C2C3 and especially my new album (that I think is as good as Sola Scriptura or the Question Mark album) with Mike, Randy, Eric and Bill, and all the wonderful musicians that will join us. Its all about the music and the message for me. For this reason, Im sure (however you can make it) you will be thrilled and blessed. I look forward to seeing you in person or online!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 08, 2020, 08:26:20 AM
I ever thought that Morsefest was a great idea but that it had to be spaced out 2-3 years from each event.
That way you would still have iconic albums to play, at this point Neal has already played all of his albums as a solo artist or as NMB entity.
I don't know how a good idea to make MF2020 with a night of covers and a second night of unheard material is. And for the prices they are asking, I don't know but I don't see.
I still hope it is a great success, time will tell I guess.

Time for some, to use the stimulus check. LOL
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 08, 2020, 08:34:41 AM
Doh! Was hoping tickets for the virtual concert would be cheaper. Definitely not going to pay that to watch something on tv. No interest in covers but the second night would be cool (if you could pay half for just one night that would be a bit more tempting). Oh well! I get that it takes money to put it on. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: El Barto on May 08, 2020, 12:26:53 PM
All this time I was hoping for Transatlantic, and now I'm so grateful that it's not.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 08, 2020, 03:12:11 PM
Oh well, maybe I will get to go again to Morsefest in 2021. :lol :lol

I suspect some are not pleased about the price, but the way I see it, if you don't like either of the prices, don't go and don't pay to watch it virtually.  I, myself, look forward to seeing it on Blu-ray someday. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Lethean on May 08, 2020, 03:16:47 PM
How much does Morsefest cost in a normal year?  I'm not a big fan so I've never paid attention, but now I'm curious based on the live stream prices.   Which seem on the high side for an in person festival, much less streaming.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 08, 2020, 03:22:15 PM
How much does Morsefest cost in a normal year?  I'm not a big fan so I've never paid attention, but now I'm curious based on the live stream prices.   Which seem on the high side for an in person festival, much less streaming.

I'd have to look again, but I think it was $125 for both nights in 2017 and 2018 (for one person) without any of the VIP stuff, and then I think it went up to $140 or $150 last year.  In other words, anywhere from 60 and change to 75 bucks per concert.  I thought it was a great deal considering how awesome and intimate the shows are.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Lethean on May 08, 2020, 03:29:59 PM
That seems totally reasonable.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 08, 2020, 10:37:34 PM
For sure.

Since neither has been performed at a Morsefest yet, I wonder if they will bust out Alive Again and/or World Without End on Night 2 this year.  Would make sense since I doubt either Momentum or The Grand Experiment will ever get the full album treatment at a Morsefest.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on May 09, 2020, 06:33:41 AM
For sure.

Since neither has been performed at a Morsefest yet, I wonder if they will bust out Alive Again and/or World Without End on Night 2 this year.  Would make sense since I doubt either Momentum or The Grand Experiment will ever get the full album treatment at a Morsefest.

Didn't they do a rare epics night at a previous one? I wonder why this wasn't included...it's about as rare an epic as it gets in terms of his solo stuff (maybe aside from A Whole Nother Trip).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 09, 2020, 07:56:29 AM
For sure.

Since neither has been performed at a Morsefest yet, I wonder if they will bust out Alive Again and/or World Without End on Night 2 this year.  Would make sense since I doubt either Momentum or The Grand Experiment will ever get the full album treatment at a Morsefest.

Didn't they do a rare epics night at a previous one? I wonder why this wasn't included...it's about as rare an epic as it gets in terms of his solo stuff (maybe aside from A Whole Nother Trip).

I can't remember which show was promoted as the rare epics night, but I think it was Night 1 of 2017, which saw all of Testimony 2 played (except for Absolute Beginner) as well as Lifeline and So Many Roads.   Since T2 was the promoted album for that show, I suspect that was in reference to Disc 1 only, and then Seeds of Gold and So Many Roads were the rare epics. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on May 09, 2020, 08:11:16 AM
$99 to just stream? I love Neal but it seems to me like lately it's about the money. Join the Inner Circle, sign up for my Waterfall app, etc. Devin Townsend is doing concerts for free on line. Jordan Rudess is on Facebook every day for free. I know Neal has to pay his bills, but it seems prices are getting steeper and these are not exactly the times when people have disposable income.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 09, 2020, 08:28:19 AM
$99 to just stream? I love Neal but it seems to me like lately it's about the money. Join the Inner Circle, sign up for my Waterfall app, etc. Devin Townsend is doing concerts for free on line. Jordan Rudess is on Facebook every day for free. I know Neal has to pay his bills, but it seems prices are getting steeper and these are not exactly the times when people have disposable income.

I will preface this by saying that Neal's finances are none of my or anyone else's business, and this is total speculation on my part, but I suspect he has been trying to make as much money as he can the last few years to help his kids.  He tweeted last week that his son just got his master's degree and his daughter just graduated from nursing school, and I totally see Neal being one of those parents who would do everything he can to pay for their schooling, that way they aren't saddled with student debt for years like the rest of us. :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on May 09, 2020, 12:36:51 PM
Does this mean I need to re-buy the other two?

RE Filing: Neal and his projects get filed chronologically by release date on my shelves( Including the Inner Circle Releases)

Quickly running out of room so I may need to reevaluate.

Only if you are a completist

Depends really.

Is it just a straight rerelease with the adjusted track listing or has it been remixed  and/or remastered?

If it sounds better, I'll get the box. If not I'll just get the new disc and call it a day.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 09, 2020, 12:44:01 PM
Does this mean I need to re-buy the other two?

RE Filing: Neal and his projects get filed chronologically by release date on my shelves( Including the Inner Circle Releases)

Quickly running out of room so I may need to reevaluate.

Only if you are a completist

Depends really.

Is it just a straight rerelease with the adjusted track listing or has it been remixed  and/or remastered?

If it sounds better, I'll get the box. If not I'll just get the new disc and call it a day.

Quote
In addition, the Cover To Cover Anthology (Vol. 1 3) will be released on the same day, collecting all three installments together over three discs. The first two albums have also been newly re-sequenced and remastered, and will also be available on all digital services. All the albums have also been given brand new artwork, created by Thomas Ewerhard (Sons of Apollo, The Neal Morse Band, Avantasia).

I'll be picking up the anthology myself when it goes up for pre-order on May 22nd.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on May 09, 2020, 12:46:10 PM
$99 to just stream? I love Neal but it seems to me like lately it's about the money. Join the Inner Circle, sign up for my Waterfall app, etc. Devin Townsend is doing concerts for free on line. Jordan Rudess is on Facebook every day for free. I know Neal has to pay his bills, but it seems prices are getting steeper and these are not exactly the times when people have disposable income.

Always has been. Everyone gets to choose their level of involvement. Of course I suspect most of this goes to his tech people.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on May 09, 2020, 12:49:26 PM
Does this mean I need to re-buy the other two?

RE Filing: Neal and his projects get filed chronologically by release date on my shelves( Including the Inner Circle Releases)

Quickly running out of room so I may need to reevaluate.

Only if you are a completist

Depends really.

Is it just a straight rerelease with the adjusted track listing or has it been remixed  and/or remastered?

If it sounds better, I'll get the box. If not I'll just get the new disc and call it a day.

Quote
In addition, the Cover To Cover Anthology (Vol. 1 3) will be released on the same day, collecting all three installments together over three discs. The first two albums have also been newly re-sequenced and remastered, and will also be available on all digital services. All the albums have also been given brand new artwork, created by Thomas Ewerhard (Sons of Apollo, The Neal Morse Band, Avantasia).

I'll be picking up the anthology myself when it goes up for pre-order on May 22nd.

-Marc.

Guess I'll need to find out if I like the sound better and it's not just equalizing the levels on all three discs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on May 12, 2020, 12:44:06 PM
A thought:

When listening to albums of Neal's that involve another keyboardist (eg. Ryo in Spock's or Bill in TNMB), I have no idea how to distinguish a keyboard solo from Neal or the other guy. I'm trying to pick out Bill's keyboard style while listening to The Great Adventure.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 12, 2020, 05:55:17 PM
With Spock's Beard, I think Ryo usually played hammond organ and mellotron and Neal played the piano and all synths, IIRC.

With NMB, I can't tell their styles apart either, as Bill seems to have a very similar style to Neal. Both are great, tasteful players.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on May 13, 2020, 02:18:40 AM
Watching the thematic analysis of The Great Adventure.

We have the Transatlantic theme (https://youtu.be/hCYkpd9hu40?t=1028) and we have the Who theme (https://youtu.be/hCYkpd9hu40?t=1384).

I put it to the court that The Who theme sounds far more like Transatlantic than the Transatlantic theme does.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on May 22, 2020, 07:18:52 AM
Pre-order is up at Radiant


https://nealmorse.com/product/cov3r-to-cov3r-morse-portnoy-george/?attribute_pa_format=3-cd-digipak-in-slipcase
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 22, 2020, 08:32:08 AM
Pre-order is up at Radiant


https://nealmorse.com/product/cov3r-to-cov3r-morse-portnoy-george/?attribute_pa_format=3-cd-digipak-in-slipcase

Awesome. I want to get the anthology, but funds are short right now, sadly enough. Thankfully, I'm not in TOO much of a hurry to get this set, or the new album itself, despite having some interesting song choices on that I would like to hear.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 22, 2020, 10:28:14 AM
Eric Gillette has made his orchestral tour intros from NMB shows available for download!

https://www.ericgillettemusic.com/store/p35/Overtures_(The_Neal_Morse_Band_Orchestral_Intros).html?fbclid=IwAR0tiNOl-DrQ9KqnN7OAyx4QG6WmzZu8tQPfUJOOTelAkLGnVnDkgvMM-dU

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on May 23, 2020, 05:14:35 PM
Pre-order is up at Radiant


https://nealmorse.com/product/cov3r-to-cov3r-morse-portnoy-george/?attribute_pa_format=3-cd-digipak-in-slipcase

Awesome. I want to get the anthology, but funds are short right now, sadly enough. Thankfully, I'm not in TOO much of a hurry to get this set, or the new album itself, despite having some interesting song choices on that I would like to hear.

-Marc.

I'm waiting until it's a lot closer to the release date.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on May 24, 2020, 07:03:29 AM
You guys cant imagine how much Im not going to buy this album for 43$ plus 25$ shipping
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 25, 2020, 07:51:57 AM
Full version of Baker Street is now up:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IszlXuQ99Fo&feature=youtu.be&inf_contact_key=5bf0e45c588b1ec7fcdce38223c4293a680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on May 25, 2020, 07:12:44 PM
That wasn't bad, I'd be interested in hearing the other covers. Hrmm doesn't look like Neal streams to Spotify . . .
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on May 26, 2020, 06:03:19 AM
Nope. He's decided to do his own subscription service, The Waterfall I think it's called.

I'd say he's trying to start a cult, but eh...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: frogprog on May 26, 2020, 07:13:29 AM
In a Blabbermouth preview Neal mentions taking a "The Who" approach to Baker Street. I thought it was a great cover but can't figure out what he meant? Mike going all "Keith Moon" on drums?? Can someone explain?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 26, 2020, 03:05:48 PM
Neal just sent out the May IC Newsletter. He details his new solo album, Flying Colors: Live In London (Mascot to release in the fall), and that Rich Mouser is sending him files to work on for TA5.

Of course, there's also buzz about Morsefest 2020 as well. Very interesting stuff over-all, and Neal seems to have a very busy year! Between 2 live albums and 3 studio albums, it's a good time to be a Neal Morse fan!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on May 26, 2020, 03:23:18 PM
In terms of sheer volume of content, it's pretty much ALWAYS a good time to be a Neal Morse fan.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 27, 2020, 09:29:35 AM
Neal just sent out the May IC Newsletter. He details his new solo album, Flying Colors: Live In London (Mascot to release in the fall), and that Rich Mouser is sending him files to work on for TA5.

Of course, there's also buzz about Morsefest 2020 as well. Very interesting stuff over-all, and Neal seems to have a very busy year! Between 2 live albums and 3 studio albums, it's a good time to be a Neal Morse fan!

-Marc.

The biggest BOOM for me was the part about the new solo album
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on May 27, 2020, 09:55:13 AM
Once again I havent gotten the inner circle newsletter even though Im a member. I think I basically figured out what the new album is about because people are talking about the newsletter on FB though.   If what I think is true Ill be excited.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 27, 2020, 10:20:24 AM
Neal just sent out the May IC Newsletter. He details his new solo album, Flying Colors: Live In London (Mascot to release in the fall), and that Rich Mouser is sending him files to work on for TA5.

Of course, there's also buzz about Morsefest 2020 as well. Very interesting stuff over-all, and Neal seems to have a very busy year! Between 2 live albums and 3 studio albums, it's a good time to be a Neal Morse fan!

-Marc.

The biggest BOOM for me was the part about the new solo album

Did you say the new solo or new sola album? ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 27, 2020, 11:43:38 AM
Neal just sent out the May IC Newsletter. He details his new solo album, Flying Colors: Live In London (Mascot to release in the fall), and that Rich Mouser is sending him files to work on for TA5.

Of course, there's also buzz about Morsefest 2020 as well. Very interesting stuff over-all, and Neal seems to have a very busy year! Between 2 live albums and 3 studio albums, it's a good time to be a Neal Morse fan!

-Marc.

The biggest BOOM for me was the part about the new solo album

Did you say the new solo or new sola album? ;)

No, Gratia  ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 27, 2020, 03:09:11 PM


Did you say the new solo or new sola album? ;)

No, Gratia  ;)

 :lol :lol :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 28, 2020, 09:28:44 AM
Morsefest 2020 tickets on sale now!

Neal Morse and Radiant Records have announced Morsefest 2020: Lockdown! The annual weekend-long festival will take place on September 18 and 19 at New Life Fellowship in Cross Plains, TN, and will also be available for online viewing.

Tickets go on sale today and there are serious discounts for early purchases!

The featured music will include:
Friday, Sept 18th COVER TO COVER NIGHT! Performance of material from the Cover to Cover Anthology including songs from the new Cov3r to Cov3r album, performed by Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy and Randy George with Eric Gillette and Bill Hubauer - plus real horns, string quartet and all the bells and whistles!

Saturday, Sept 19th PREMIERE OF Neal Morse's NEW PROG CONCEPT ALBUM (title not announced yet) plus other great progressive rock from his catalog performed by the Neal Morse Band and special guests.

Early Purchase Discount.
For the next 48 hours the "Virtual VIP ticket with 2 VIP bags" is available for $240 reduced from $300, "Virtual VIP with 1 VIP bag" for $180 reduced from $225, and the "Virtual Double Night" tickets for $75 reduced from $99.

Purchase here:
https://nealmorse.com/tc-events/morsefest-2020/

"I'm more excited about this Morsefest than ever because we are performing so much material that has NEVER been performed before! With so many events being canceled, we are trying to preserve the spirit of MF and make this one special by offering more fun stuff than we ever have!" - Neal Morse

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhoxVlxSQWk&feature=youtu.be

The Ticket Options include the limited 70 seat Live VIP, the Virtual VIP, and Virtual Double Night tickets.

Virtual Double Night Tickets: $99
(Early Purchase Discount - $75 for the next 48 hours)
Front row seats (on your couch!) to attend the virtual concert on Friday and Saturday nights
Opportunity to purchase an exclusive Morsefest release and other merch
Access to private Morsefest web portal, special merch deals and other cool stuff!

Virtual VIP with 2 VIP bags - $300

Virtual VIP with 1 VIP bag: $225
(Early Purchase Discount - $240 and $175 respectively for the next 48 hours)
Front row seats (on your couch!) to attend the virtual concert on Friday and Saturday nights
Live online VIP game and Q&A on both days
VIP Merch Bag including Morsefest VIP t-shirt, VIP lanyard, poster and other surprises (this will be shipped to you in advance of the event, in the hope that you will be able to wear your VIP shirt on the night!)
Opportunity to purchase an exclusive Morsefest release and other merch
Access to private Morsefest web portal, behind the scenes live video, special merch deals and other cool stuff!

Live VIP: $1199.00
Only 70 tickets available (due to expected attendance restrictions)
Purchases limited to two tickets per Radiant account
Brand new format Lockdown style event guests will spend the entire afternoon and evening in the venue, with full facilities and entertainment throughout the day
You get to be the audience for the live performances, which will be recorded in the late afternoon to avoid technical issues, and then streamed to the world that evening
During the evening broadcasts, you will get to watch the performance again on the big screen, with exclusive live commentary from the band members about what they were thinking while it was happening
VIP games and Q&A on both days
Dinner each evening and snacks throughout the day
Opportunity to purchase an exclusive Morsefest release and other unique items
VIP Merch Bag including Custom Morsefest 2020 Yeti Cup (only 70 available), Morsefest VIP t-shirt, VIP lanyard, poster and other surprises
SPECIAL MF VIP FACEMASK!
Entry to Inner Circle Jam concert where some musicians will get the chance to jam with the band
Saturday night after show karaoke with Neal and friends!

NEAL MORSE ONLINE:

https://nealmorse.com/
https://www.facebook.com/nealmorse/
https://twitter.com/nealmorse
https://www.instagram.com/neal_morse_official/



Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on May 28, 2020, 09:46:53 AM
Hey Everyone,

Does anyone know where I can find a physical or downloadable (Legal) copy of Neal's Mighty to Save? That's the last one I need to complete my set of his albums. I've looked on Amazon, Radiant Records, and Ebay. Any help would be appreciated.

WilltheScout7
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 28, 2020, 06:25:16 PM
I have never heard of Mighty to Save.  Is that one of his worship albums?  I avoid those, so I have no idea.

Interesting to see that they are already offering reduced prices on Morsefest. Makes me wonder if initial sales with the Inner Circle peeps the other day weren't as great as they had hoped.  Wouldn't surprise me.  I hope it all goes as well as possible for Neal and the gang, but that is an awful lot of money to pay.  My brother (who has gone with me to Morsefest several times) and I talked about it last week, and I was like, "If it was Transatlantic, or something really awesome like playing both Similitude and TGA, or something really special, I probably still wouldn't go for that price, but I would at least consider it."  A night of covers is about the least special thing I can imagine being done at a Morsefest, but I get that their options as to what to do were pretty limited.  Neal is making the best of a not-great situation.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on May 28, 2020, 09:16:11 PM
I have never heard of Mighty to Save.  Is that one of his worship albums?  I avoid those, so I have no idea.

Interesting to see that they are already offering reduced prices on Morsefest. Makes me wonder if initial sales with the Inner Circle peeps the other day weren't as great as they had hoped.  Wouldn't surprise me.  I hope it all goes as well as possible for Neal and the gang, but that is an awful lot of money to pay.  My brother (who has gone with me to Morsefest several times) and I talked about it last week, and I was like, "If it was Transatlantic, or something really awesome like playing both Similitude and TGA, or something really special, I probably still wouldn't go for that price, but I would at least consider it."  A night of covers is about the least special thing I can imagine being done at a Morsefest, but I get that their options as to what to do were pretty limited.  Neal is making the best of a not-great situation.

My uneducated guess is there will be further discounts.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on May 29, 2020, 06:01:13 AM
I have never heard of Mighty to Save.  Is that one of his worship albums?  I avoid those, so I have no idea.

Yeah, it's Worship Sessions #5. Those are how I got into him in the first place
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 29, 2020, 10:41:11 AM
There are many discussing it over their FB forum, and lots of complain about the price for the online streaming and how it is not actually live but only broadcast of the recording. There's a note over the radiant site that states these won't be available as DVD/BR in the future. Knowing Neal I know that these will eventually be released as IC releases.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 29, 2020, 10:42:11 AM
I have never heard of Mighty to Save.  Is that one of his worship albums?  I avoid those, so I have no idea.

Yeah, it's Worship Sessions #5. Those are how I got into him in the first place

The album is OOP.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 29, 2020, 12:10:26 PM
There are many discussing it over their FB forum, and lots of complain about the price for the online streaming and how it is not actually live but only broadcast of the recording. There's a note over the radiant site that states these won't be available as DVD/BR in the future. Knowing Neal I know that these will eventually be released as IC releases.

I believe they are saying these shows will not be "commercially released," which gives them some gray area to eventually release them to IC members online.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on May 29, 2020, 01:54:51 PM
The Dark Melody chorus is fascinating! Each time the full chorus plays, the second half drops down a semitone from the first half. Especially as the vocal line is an ascending minor second (ie. a semitone), it's not necessarily easy to pick out the change. I love the song Freedom Calling, especially the instrumental section effectively acting as whatever the opposite of an overture is, recalling the themes of the opera as the story reaches its pivotal moment. The counterpoint use of several themes is particularly special. The passage starting at 3:17, we have the Element of Fear descending bass theme, joined afterwards first by the variation on To the River theme (I say this as it starts with the four notes of "To the river..." but then it goes off somewhere else), followed on top of *that* by the minor-key variant of the "Memory of every brother" theme that possibly recurs more often than any other theme. We hear it first in after the second WTTW chorus, but its most prominent outing is as the chorus of Fighting With Destiny. Hence the Memory of Every Brother theme.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 29, 2020, 02:26:23 PM
I'm not too surprised that Morsefest 2020 won't be a commercially available DVD or BD, if only because it's not a really stand-out set of material, especially with covers (which I assume would need some sort of permissions to be released on video like that).

An Inner Circle release seems likely, even though he is still behind on releasing the rest of 2018 and all of 2019.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on May 30, 2020, 06:00:57 AM
I have never heard of Mighty to Save.  Is that one of his worship albums?  I avoid those, so I have no idea.

Yeah, it's Worship Sessions #5. Those are how I got into him in the first place

The album is OOP.

Welp, that's how it goes sometimes. Thanks for the help.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 30, 2020, 07:55:32 AM
I'm not too surprised that Morsefest 2020 won't be a commercially available DVD or BD, if only because it's not a really stand-out set of material, especially with covers (which I assume would need some sort of permissions to be released on video like that).

An Inner Circle release seems likely, even though he is still behind on releasing the rest of 2018 and all of 2019.

-Marc.

I am guessing the hold-up on 2018 Night 2 is because the Exorcist studio album was released under a different company, and I am sure they are in the loop as far as the live release goes, but it's been almost two years.  Kinda surprising to see this much of a delay.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 30, 2020, 08:50:00 AM
FC morsefest is on development. JCTE will see the light next year.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 30, 2020, 12:24:36 PM
I received this email in the AM



Hey Jorge,

Morsefest sales are underway and we are delighted so many of you have signed up already. We had a few people ask, and so we are extending the early purchase discount for a further 48 hours! Be sure to get your tickets now there will be no further extensions. This will end on on Monday, June 1.

Weve also had a number of questions raised by email or via social media and we thought it would be helpful to clear them up here:


1. Why are the Morsefest 2020 live streams not live broadcasts?

Theyre not actually live because we've had some technical errors with live streaming broadcasts in the past. So we thought it would be better to perform the shows in the afternoon to make sure that everything was great for the viewer and then broadcast them at show time. The tech team have also said this is the best option to give you the best online experience. They will be ALMOST live!

2. Do I have to watch the shows when they premier? That time doesn't work for me in my time zone.

You will have the option of watching them when they are first broadcast, and then they will be replayed at more opportune times for your time zone.

3. Will there be an Inner Circle show this year?

Yes, there will! And Inner Circle members with Virtual tickets will be able to join us so thats an extra reason for IC members to sign up! Part of this will be a Jam Session with some of the people who are attending the Live VIP event another great reason to snap up one of the Live VIP tickets!

4. Will I be able to stream the virtual shows to my TV using my device?

In the run up to Morsefest, our tech team will share details of how to stream to common devices for the best experience. We cant guarantee theyll fix all your problems but there will be lots of advice on how best to enjoy the shows.

5. Will Neals new prog concept album that is being premiered at Morsefest be available before the show?

The album will be released one week before Morsefest and will be available three weeks before Morsefest on the waterfall streaming app.

6. Cant I just wait and buy the DVD / Blu-ray?

We are not planning to commercially release a DVD or Blu-ray of the Morsefest 2020 shows.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 30, 2020, 01:53:40 PM
Assuming Radiant is in charge of the virtual show, Vegas should set the odds at 40 to 1 that it goes off without a hitch. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on May 31, 2020, 06:23:33 AM
I have never heard of Mighty to Save.  Is that one of his worship albums?  I avoid those, so I have no idea.

Yeah, it's Worship Sessions #5. Those are how I got into him in the first place

The album is OOP.

Welp, that's how it goes sometimes. Thanks for the help.

It's not available on Discogs either, but if I were you, I'd keep an eye on this space (or add it to your waitlist so they'll notify you when it becomes available)
https://www.discogs.com/de/Neal-Morse-Mighty-To-Save-Worship-Sessions-Volume-Five/release/4169313
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on June 04, 2020, 11:42:45 PM
Jesus Christ The Exorcist - Live at Morsefest 2018

https://www.highresaudio.com/en/album/view/tfyhhk/neal-morse-jesus-christ-the-exorcist-live-at-morsefest-2018
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 07, 2020, 10:06:16 PM
https://youtu.be/YkAWykElwbg

Neal Morse "Lockdown Update" part 1 of 3. Part 2 to post on June 10th.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 08, 2020, 05:09:03 PM
I saw that. Pretty cool.

I guess he is good with everyone knowing the name of his forthcoming solo album now since he referenced by name at one point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 08, 2020, 05:30:52 PM
I saw that. Pretty cool.

I guess he is good with everyone knowing the name of his forthcoming solo album now since he referenced by name at one point.

Are you talking about Sola Gratia a sequel to Sola Scriptura?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 08, 2020, 05:31:28 PM
Yes, sir.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 08, 2020, 05:45:18 PM
I saw that. Pretty cool.

I guess he is good with everyone knowing the name of his forthcoming solo album now since he referenced by name at one point.

Are you talking about Sola Gratia a sequel to Sola Scriptura?

Wow :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 08, 2020, 11:40:28 PM
I saw that. Pretty cool.

I guess he is good with everyone knowing the name of his forthcoming solo album now since he referenced by name at one point.

Are you talking about Sola Gratia a sequel to Sola Scriptura?

I didn't see the whole thing, but did I get this right: this is really happening?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on June 09, 2020, 12:25:12 AM
Timestamp, please.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on June 09, 2020, 03:55:35 AM
Jesus Christ The Exorcist - Live at Morsefest 2018

https://www.highresaudio.com/en/album/view/tfyhhk/neal-morse-jesus-christ-the-exorcist-live-at-morsefest-2018

I posted this link 5 days ago because I thought it was an official release. But it's not working now. Does anyone know anything about it? Is highresaudio reliable?

I've checked the official channels and there's no mention about it.

btw, I'm sorry for the link.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on June 09, 2020, 03:57:05 AM
I saw that. Pretty cool.

I guess he is good with everyone knowing the name of his forthcoming solo album now since he referenced by name at one point.

Are you talking about Sola Gratia a sequel to Sola Scriptura?

Interesting
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 09, 2020, 06:51:02 AM
Timestamp, please.  ;D

He mentioned the name at around 5:35.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 09, 2020, 10:13:07 AM
Timestamp, please.  ;D

He mentioned the name at around 5:35.


And he talked about it in more depth in the IC newsletter
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 09, 2020, 10:45:17 AM
When he does the live debut of it at Morsesfest this year, I won't be surprised if that night also sees a Sola Scriptura medley of some sort.  Ideally, it would be cool to see them play both back-to-back, but Sola Scriptura has already been played in full at a Morsefest.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 09, 2020, 10:52:37 AM
Jesus Christ The Exorcist - Live at Morsefest 2018

https://www.highresaudio.com/en/album/view/tfyhhk/neal-morse-jesus-christ-the-exorcist-live-at-morsefest-2018

I posted this link 5 days ago because I thought it was an official release. But it's not working now. Does anyone know anything about it? Is highresaudio reliable?

I've checked the official channels and there's no mention about it.

btw, I'm sorry for the link.

Yes, this is not an official release, it was brought to the attention of the band and they contacted the sources where it was being commercialized.

This release won't come out until 2021
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 09, 2020, 11:32:16 AM
Anyone here has questions for Neal? I will be interviewing him next June 19th.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on June 09, 2020, 12:50:08 PM
Jesus Christ The Exorcist - Live at Morsefest 2018

https://www.highresaudio.com/en/album/view/tfyhhk/neal-morse-jesus-christ-the-exorcist-live-at-morsefest-2018

I posted this link 5 days ago because I thought it was an official release. But it's not working now. Does anyone know anything about it? Is highresaudio reliable?

I've checked the official channels and there's no mention about it.

btw, I'm sorry for the link.

Yes, this is not an official release, it was brought to the attention of the band and they contacted the sources where it was being commercialized.

This release won't come out until 2021

Thank you for letting me know.  :tup

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 09, 2020, 03:06:58 PM
Anyone here has questions for Neal? I will be interviewing him next June 19th.

Please ask them if there any plans to re-release any of his solo albums on vinyl.  Feel free to get specific and ask him about One, ? and T2 (the ones I want :P).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on June 09, 2020, 07:07:23 PM
Anyone here has questions for Neal? I will be interviewing him next June 19th.

When is he going to post more videos of him playing a song that he loves and going all fanboy over it.....
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 09, 2020, 10:58:26 PM
Anyone here has questions for Neal? I will be interviewing him next June 19th.

Please ask them if there any plans to re-release any of his solo albums on vinyl.  Feel free to get specific and ask him about One, ? and T2 (the ones I want :P).

Question for ya, regarding vinyl versions of his earlier solo albums - Would you want the normal One on vinyl, or the expanded 11-song version with all the B-Side songs put back in place? While I'm not big on vinyl owning/collecting, I wouldn't mind getting a One Special Edition vinyl, printed on some blue-and-white marble vinyl!
Of course, it would have to be a triple vinyl, and I'd make it like this:
Side 1 - 18:22 (The Creation)
Side 2 - 20:19 (Back To The Garden, The Man's Gone, Nothing To Believe, Author Of Confusion)
Side 3 - 17:58 (The Separated Man)
Side 4 - 20:58 (Cradle To The Grave, Help Me | The Spirit And The Flesh, King Jesus)
Side 5 - 14:58 (Father Of Forgiveness, Reunion)
Side 6 - 21:22 (What Is Life?, Where The Streets Have No Name, Day After Day, Chris Carmichael's Aria, I'm Free/Sparks)

It'd be a HEFTY set, but I'm sure it would be gorgeous.

Conversely, making the Question Mark album into a vinyl might be tight, as splitting the album in two gives you 27:18 and 29:05, which runs a bit long per side of vinyl. I suppose they could make it a double record and fill the fourth side with the Question Mark sessions' covers (originally released on Cover To Cover), though those add up to 29:30. So with a total of 85:53, I suppose it could make a double album, though splitting it would difficult...would split Side 1 at the end of Sweet Elation and start Side 2 with In The Fire?

And as for Testimony 2, it would definitely have to be a triple vinyl, no two ways around it. Part 6 would be Side 1, Part 7 Side 2, and Part 8 would have to be split between Sides 3 and 4 (between Road Dog Blues and It's For You), with the other three songs making up Sides 5 (Absolute Beginner and Supernatural) and 6 (Seeds Of Gold).

The *real* tricky one might be Testimony, given how long it is.
Side 1 - The Land Of Beginning Again > Colder In The Sun
Side 2 - Sleeping Jesus > Wasted Life
Side 3 - Overture No. 2 > Somber Days
Side 4 - Long Story > Sing It High
Side 5 - Moving In My Heart > The Storm Before The Calm
Side 6 - Oh, To Feel Him > The Land Of Beginning Again
It messes up some of the "Part" splits, but it's the best way to squeeze all the music into vinyl and make it six sides instead of 7 or 8, and each side doesn't go past 25 minutes (the longest being Side 4 at 24:05).

...Yeah, I spent way too much time thinking about how hypothetical vinyls could be printed for someone who doesn't even collect a lot of vinyl, or even own a record player, but I like thinking about these things. It's like a game or puzzle to me.

Now, as for his other albums, Sola Scriptura would be an easy double album (Sides 1 and 2 being The Door, Side 3 being The Conflict, and Side 4 with Heaven In My Heart and The Conclusion), and Lifeline could be a triple vinyl (if you include the special edition bonus disc cover songs and B-Sides). That leaves Momentum, which would have to have it's epic split across two sides (why does Neal keep making these impossible-to-fit-on-one-side-of-vinyl length songs?!?).

Either way, a lot of the music for any of these albums would have to be re-worked a bit for where things segue and split and crossfade (like on Question Mark, Sola, Testimony 1 and 2, and the epics on Lifeline and Momentum). The question is - would Neal (or Rich) want to bother with such a task for the possibility of selling enough vinyls to off-set the cost of producing them?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 10, 2020, 02:35:32 AM
Anyone here has questions for Neal? I will be interviewing him next June 19th.

Please ask them if there any plans to re-release any of his solo albums on vinyl.  Feel free to get specific and ask him about One, ? and T2 (the ones I want :P).

Question for ya, regarding vinyl versions of his earlier solo albums - Would you want the normal One on vinyl, or the expanded 11-song version with all the B-Side songs put back in place? While I'm not big on vinyl owning/collecting, I wouldn't mind getting a One Special Edition vinyl, printed on some blue-and-white marble vinyl!
Of course, it would have to be a triple vinyl, and I'd make it like this:
Side 1 - 18:22 (The Creation)
Side 2 - 20:19 (Back To The Garden, The Man's Gone, Nothing To Believe, Author Of Confusion)
Side 3 - 17:58 (The Separated Man)
Side 4 - 20:58 (Cradle To The Grave, Help Me | The Spirit And The Flesh, King Jesus)
Side 5 - 14:58 (Father Of Forgiveness, Reunion)
Side 6 - 21:22 (What Is Life?, Where The Streets Have No Name, Day After Day, Chris Carmichael's Aria, I'm Free/Sparks)

It'd be a HEFTY set, but I'm sure it would be gorgeous.

Conversely, making the Question Mark album into a vinyl might be tight, as splitting the album in two gives you 27:18 and 29:05, which runs a bit long per side of vinyl. I suppose they could make it a double record and fill the fourth side with the Question Mark sessions' covers (originally released on Cover To Cover), though those add up to 29:30. So with a total of 85:53, I suppose it could make a double album, though splitting it would difficult...would split Side 1 at the end of Sweet Elation and start Side 2 with In The Fire?

And as for Testimony 2, it would definitely have to be a triple vinyl, no two ways around it. Part 6 would be Side 1, Part 7 Side 2, and Part 8 would have to be split between Sides 3 and 4 (between Road Dog Blues and It's For You), with the other three songs making up Sides 5 (Absolute Beginner and Supernatural) and 6 (Seeds Of Gold).

The *real* tricky one might be Testimony, given how long it is.
Side 1 - The Land Of Beginning Again > Colder In The Sun
Side 2 - Sleeping Jesus > Wasted Life
Side 3 - Overture No. 2 > Somber Days
Side 4 - Long Story > Sing It High
Side 5 - Moving In My Heart > The Storm Before The Calm
Side 6 - Oh, To Feel Him > The Land Of Beginning Again
It messes up some of the "Part" splits, but it's the best way to squeeze all the music into vinyl and make it six sides instead of 7 or 8, and each side doesn't go past 25 minutes (the longest being Side 4 at 24:05).

...Yeah, I spent way too much time thinking about how hypothetical vinyls could be printed for someone who doesn't even collect a lot of vinyl, or even own a record player, but I like thinking about these things. It's like a game or puzzle to me.

Now, as for his other albums, Sola Scriptura would be an easy double album (Sides 1 and 2 being The Door, Side 3 being The Conflict, and Side 4 with Heaven In My Heart and The Conclusion), and Lifeline could be a triple vinyl (if you include the special edition bonus disc cover songs and B-Sides). That leaves Momentum, which would have to have it's epic split across two sides (why does Neal keep making these impossible-to-fit-on-one-side-of-vinyl length songs?!?).

Either way, a lot of the music for any of these albums would have to be re-worked a bit for where things segue and split and crossfade (like on Question Mark, Sola, Testimony 1 and 2, and the epics on Lifeline and Momentum). The question is - would Neal (or Rich) want to bother with such a task for the possibility of selling enough vinyls to off-set the cost of producing them?

-Marc.

Don't worry, I often think about the same things :D But I actually collect the vinyls in case they ever come out  :lol

Some thoughts:
Testimony has already been released on vinyl. (https://www.discogs.com/de/Neal-Morse-Testimony/release/13751369)
I'd love the expanded version of One. If I remember correctly, the CD-released version doesn't really fit on two vinyls anyway.
? would have to be split across three sides, which is a shame, but it doesn't work any other way.
I had the same thought about Sola Scriptura. That would work perfectly.

Jorge, please ask Neal that!!! Tell him, we've been putting a lot of thought into this for him and we'll help him! If it doesn't pay off, I'll buy two of each  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on June 10, 2020, 09:48:38 AM
I'd love an ETA on the Morsefest releases.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on June 10, 2020, 10:46:21 AM
Anyone here has questions for Neal? I will be interviewing him next June 19th.

Given that Neal likes to write with some sort of 'concept' in mind.....I'd ask (and am curious) if he has ever given thought to or would consider writing a concept album telling the story of (Biblical) David? It's an incredible story with many great moments and some very troubling moments that would seemingly 'fit' the concept approach he often takes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 10, 2020, 11:16:18 AM
https://youtu.be/tu2YCJbjo6Y

Part 2 of 3 has been posted this morning, with lots of info about Sola Gratia, and a bit more about TA5, which has yet to enter mixing with Rich (as he is currently finishing up Sola Gratia).

One interesting tidbit is that Mike and Neal had originally wanted Morsefest 2020 to feature Transatlantic, and now all we can do is imagine what that hypothetical Morsefest might have been like...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 10, 2020, 03:52:41 PM
Hmmm, I hadn't thought of how difficult it might be to put some of his albums on vinyl due to length and the way the albums are sequenced, with there often being no stops, but I'd still like the question posed to him anyway.

As for One, Marc, the way the album was released without the bonus tracks is the best way. I am a big fan of Back to the Garden and King Jesus, but feel their work better on their own rather than in the context and flow of the normal record.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 11, 2020, 08:14:29 AM
Hmmm, I hadn't thought of how difficult it might be to put some of his albums on vinyl due to length and the way the albums are sequenced, with their often being no stops, but I'd still like the question posed to him anyway.

As for One, Marc, the way the album was released without the bonus tracks is the best way. I am a big fan of Back to the Garden and King Jesus, but feel their work better on their own rather than in the context and flow of the normal record.

Oh no  :angry: I want ALL of it on vinyl  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 12, 2020, 08:34:16 AM
https://youtu.be/9b7oYPS180k

Last part of the interview, in which Neal says this:
Quote
Today, I launch the last part of my Lockdown Updates. I talk about Morsefest 2020 plans and why we’ve gone ahead and are running what will be a different, but I believe very special, event this year. View here: http://ow.ly/TdaM30qOUw1

Tickets for MF 2020: http://ow.ly/MDAQ30qOUw2

Sola Gratia seems to be coming out a week before Morsefest 2020, and on Waterfall a week before that.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 12, 2020, 10:02:45 AM
September... that's still a looooong time  :'(

I listened to Sola Scriptura today and yesterday. I haven't heard it in like a year or two. Man what a fantastic album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on June 12, 2020, 10:10:56 AM
Waterfall (the song) reminds me a lot of Genesis' Entangled. Anyone else hear it?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 12, 2020, 10:34:00 AM
Waterfall (the song) reminds me a lot of Genesis' Entangled. Anyone else hear it?

Primarily it reminds me of Crosby, Stills & Nash. But I know what you mean. Guitar, keys and 6/8.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 12, 2020, 12:45:33 PM
Jesus Christ The Exorcist - Live at Morsefest 2018

https://www.highresaudio.com/en/album/view/tfyhhk/neal-morse-jesus-christ-the-exorcist-live-at-morsefest-2018

I posted this link 5 days ago because I thought it was an official release. But it's not working now. Does anyone know anything about it? Is highresaudio reliable?

I've checked the official channels and there's no mention about it.

btw, I'm sorry for the link.

Yes, this is not an official release, it was brought to the attention of the band and they contacted the sources where it was being commercialized.

This release won't come out until 2021

Neal has said in the interview video today that the JCTE Morsefest show will be released in December this year.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 13, 2020, 07:40:55 AM
I'm curious how they will release all the other Morsefest stuff from 2018 and 2019. Neal has now said that the next Flying Colors live disc will have the London show they recorded and additional material from Morsefest 2019 (with a string quartet and such) as well. So unlike Similutude of a Dream, which saw two separate releases, they are limiting themselves to a single live release covering both the Morsefest performance and the regular tour. The Voices of the Beard show from Morsefest 2018 was already released on DVD by Neal himself. Going by the track listing that's made it to the net from Frontiers already, the Jesus Christ musical performance from Morsefest 2018 will be the only thing included on that Blu-ray when it comes out this year, which would leave the 2018 performance of The Great Nothing with Nick D'Virgilio in the can. I hope it'll be added as a bonus to something later - maybe the Morsefest 2019 recording of The Great Adventure, which would help differentiate that from the Brno live disc.

I'm still hoping for another Spock's Beard reunion show that would cover more classic Beard stuff - would be so great to have that on Blu-ray complementing the Snow live set from 2016. Neal has previously said he's open to something like that and he sure is running out of solo stuff without repeating material from earlier Morsefest shows, so I'm really hoping for a big SB show in the future.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 13, 2020, 07:47:18 AM
Hmmm, I hadn't thought about The Great Nothing.  That will be disappointing if Night 2 of Morsefest 2018 is released and that song is not included.

Looking ahead to future Morsefests, assuming concerts get back to some sort of normalcy next year (which might be a big assumption), I would think 2021 could feature either Transatlantic (depending on when the 5th album is released and when they tour on it) or Neal Morse Band (since I suspect doing their next album has to be in the plans for 2021).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 13, 2020, 08:14:57 AM
While the release date is clearly outdated by now, this looks like it came directly from Frontiers (cover art, track listing and all):
https://bluray-disc.de/blu-ray-filme/146695-neal_morse_jesus_christ_the_exorcist_live_at_morsefest_2018

Who knows, maybe The Great Nothing is considered bonus material and that's why it's not listed. On the other hand, musically I think it would be a better fit with a new NMB live release.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 13, 2020, 08:23:53 AM
Maybe, but it was not performed by the Neal Morse Band (Portnoy was absent), so who knows?  The release of Neal's stuff is getting kind of random anyway, with some getting proper DVD/Blu-ray releases, some getting released on his Waterfall app, and some only being released to the Inner Circle peeps.  I can't even keep track anymore. :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 13, 2020, 09:17:36 AM
RE: Future Morsefests - considering that Mike and Neal wanted to do Transatlantic for 2020 when they were brainstorming about it earlier this year (January, I believe Neal said), I would not be surprised if Neal announced a Transatlantic Morsefest for 2021 right after 2020 is done. He'll probably even give the 70 folks who show up for 2020 a special heads-up discount for 2021 if they want (cuz that sounds like something he might do for those fans  :lol ). If Morsefest 2021 does end up being Transatlantic, I could see them playing all of their first two albums the first night (since that hasn't been done before, and it would be cool to hear "Mystery Train" and "Suite Charlotte Pike" as originally played on the album without the Beatles medleys attached), with a Whirlwind Medley encore, and for the second night, all of Kaleidoscope and their fifth album. Maybe they could play "Spinning" as well to make the shows extra special!

If Morsefest 2021 doesn't end up being Transatlantic, then it will definitely be another NMB weekend. I think it was either Randy or Bill who recently said that they had planned to meet up this summer to start work on their next album, and they'll probably still discuss it remotely via Skype/Zoom, and send demos around. I would not be surprised if they get together right before or right after Morsefest to write/record their next album. I'd suggest right after, so that they'd all be warmed-up and hyped from the shows, and they could carry that energy into the studio for their next album.

Other than TA and NMB, I'm not sure what Morsefest 2021 could possibly be. It seems like Neal won't ever play all of Lifeline, and I'm not sure how exciting seeing all of Momentum could get. They also practically covered most of The Grand Experiment already, and have released all of those songs over various releases (even the bonus tracks), but if Neal wanted to do a Momentum & TGE weekend for Morsefest, I wouldn't be too terribly upset. After all, I own 3 complete live recordings of Testimony (two from 2003, and then Morsefest 2014), so I would not mind getting all the Momentum/TGE songs again on future live releases.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 13, 2020, 01:40:50 PM
Jesus Christ The Exorcist - Live at Morsefest 2018

https://www.highresaudio.com/en/album/view/tfyhhk/neal-morse-jesus-christ-the-exorcist-live-at-morsefest-2018

I posted this link 5 days ago because I thought it was an official release. But it's not working now. Does anyone know anything about it? Is highresaudio reliable?

I've checked the official channels and there's no mention about it.

btw, I'm sorry for the link.

Yes, this is not an official release, it was brought to the attention of the band and they contacted the sources where it was being commercialized.

This release won't come out until 2021

Neal has said in the interview video today that the JCTE Morsefest show will be released in December this year.

-Marc.

Cool, they were aiming for a Jan/Feb release. But December is great for me too!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on June 13, 2020, 07:29:02 PM
Waterfall (the song) reminds me a lot of Genesis' Entangled. Anyone else hear it?

Yes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 13, 2020, 08:54:45 PM
Waterfall (the song) reminds me a lot of Genesis' Entangled. Anyone else hear it?

Glad to hear that other early-pre-orderers got their albums signed!!! :tup I wonder how many DTF'ers here were part of the First 100 to get theirs signed? At least 3 or 4 so far!

Preliminary short review: The opening track is gorgeous and has some tasty bass and drum parts, which excite me a lot, but the vocals are the star here. Having almost the whole band pitch in on vocals helps create some lush and beautiful vocal moments. The title track is just as good as it has been since the music video came out, and "Waterfall" is a unique, almost 4-man Genesis-era-sounding ballad brought in by Bill, which is quickly growing on me. "Agenda" is a funky rocker with an Marillion-esque chorus (not the first Marillion-sounding moment on this album for me, either, which isn't a bad thing), and I think this might be one of the shortest songs Neal has done on a major prog album in a long time!

"Alive Again"...hoo boy, another amazing epic by Neal, and I'd love to say more about this one, but it'll take a lot more listens for me to absorb the whole thing, but first impressions have been VERY good! I just hate that it FADES OUT with what sounds like an epic jam-out ending. I'm sure they'll rock it out in the live version, but this is twice in a row that Neal has done this (previously with TA's "Kaleidoscope"). I sure hope we get a decent live version on the eventual "Alive Again Tour" live album (a multi-disc EXTRAVAGANZA as Neal puts it).
EDIT - the drum groove in 6 that Mike does after the initial instrumental/overture is surprisingly new for Mike, not quite like any groove I've heard him do before, and it totally caught me by surprise on my first listen!!!

The bonus disc tunes are pretty good, especially "New Jerusalem", but the "MacArthur Park" cover is a huge stand-out for me, which takes the classic epic-length rock song and gives it a huge prog-twist. There's a part in the middle that sounds like Seasons End-era Marillion, but the band seem to take the song and own it, much like Yes had done with "America".

All 8 studio album tracks are great, and this will be on my playlist for the next month (at least until SW's album comes out and into my mailbox).

-Marc.

Had that thought 5 years ago! :tup

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 14, 2020, 07:24:39 AM
Waterfall has always struck me as reminiscent of America or Little River Band, with those amazing harmonies.  I never got a Genesis vibe from it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on June 14, 2020, 08:39:52 AM
I've never got the hype for Waterfall, the chorus is very middle-of-the road, and the rest of the song didn't stike me as particularly memorable. Which is strange, given that Neal does tremendous ballads most of the time.

But what do I know, I think Agenda is the best track on that album.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 14, 2020, 09:15:59 AM
I've never got the hype for Waterfall, the chorus is very middle-of-the road, and the rest of the song didn't stike me as particularly memorable. Which is strange, given that Neal does tremendous ballads most of the time.

But what do I know, I think Agenda is the best track on that album.  :lol

That's the weirdest thing I've heard this year
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 14, 2020, 12:16:27 PM
I've never got the hype for Waterfall, the chorus is very middle-of-the road, and the rest of the song didn't stike me as particularly memorable. Which is strange, given that Neal does tremendous ballads most of the time.

But what do I know, I think Agenda is the best track on that album.  :lol

That's the weirdest thing I've heard this year

 :rollin

Agenda is my least favorite Neal Morse song ever. Hey ho let's go is up there too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 14, 2020, 12:21:11 PM
Agenda is a lot of quirky fun.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on June 14, 2020, 01:09:09 PM
I was so underwhelmed by the compositions on that album that the quirky, fun song turned out to be the highlight.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on June 14, 2020, 01:42:09 PM
I'll admit, the song Waterfall is one of the very few songs on a Neal album that I ALWAYS skip.  It just does nothing for me.  It might just be that one and Leviathan.  Can't think of any other ones I actively dislike.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 14, 2020, 02:48:21 PM


Agenda is my least favorite Neal Morse song ever. Hey ho let's go is up there too.

So basically, it sounds like you don't like it when Neal writes songs that are fun, right? :P :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on June 14, 2020, 02:51:15 PM
I gave 'Agenda' it's fair shot to make the rotation.....say....10-15 listens. Never clicked....can't get in to it and think it's the worst NMB song every written. It's an immediate skip for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 14, 2020, 03:18:15 PM
Agenda is my least favorite Neal Morse song ever. Hey ho let's go is up there too.

So basically, it sounds like you don't like it when Neal writes songs that are fun, right? :P :lol

I don't like it when Neal writes songs that aren't good :lol

I consider The Ways of a Fool and Thoughts Pt. 5 "fun" songs and I really like them, many songs on his SB albums would count here too,  but I just never liked either of the songs I mentioned on my previous post. Agenda is just really bad (IMO, of course) and Hey Ho Let's Go is a completely pointless song (again, IMO), though it might contribute to the album story...I'm not really sure since I haven't come back to TGA since it was released. Similitude grabbed me much more and I still love it, tho.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 14, 2020, 07:03:47 PM
I prefer Similitude as well, and by a pretty wide margin, but The Great Adventure is still pretty damn good as well.  Similitude was the rare double album that never dipped in quality or had songs where I think, "they could have left that one out."  TGA had a handful of songs that while not bad, I wouldn't miss them if they weren't there.  But the best stuff on TGA is pretty awesome.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on June 15, 2020, 02:22:01 AM
For me: Similitude> TGE> TGA

But considering the entire NM's career, TNMB is what I like least.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on June 15, 2020, 02:57:49 PM
I was in the car yesterday, and I put on "Supernatural" and I literally had goosebumps.  I love that song; I ended up replaying it four times in a row.   

And I bring it up because someone brought up the point of Neal writing "fun" songs. I think that is one of the more uplifting songs I've ever heard.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on June 15, 2020, 03:29:19 PM
I was in the car yesterday, and I put on "Supernatural" and I literally had goosebumps.  I love that song; I ended up replaying it four times in a row.   

And I bring it up because someone brought up the point of Neal writing "fun" songs. I think that is one of the more uplifting songs I've ever heard.

For my money, its the best Neal Morse song. It was one of the biggest reasons I went to my only Morsefest (2017)... a chance to see it debuted when they did T2 in its entirety. Im glad it wasnt dropped along with Absolute Beginner, which I was disappointed they didnt play because its another one of my faves. But seeing Supernatural made the trip worth it, for sure.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 15, 2020, 03:37:37 PM
Yep, that performance of Supernatural at Morsefest was killer.  I think it's neat how the harmonies in the middle section are very much a call back to Spock's Beard's June, yet it is a totally different song.  I also loved the brief nod to The Water in Time Changer.  I might have to bust out T2 in its entirety this week now. :hat :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 15, 2020, 11:32:21 PM
I never paid much attention to Supernatural. Interesting to see it has quite a few fans. Will listen to it again :) I'm in such a Morse-binging phase right now  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on June 16, 2020, 03:12:11 AM
Supernatural sounds like filler to me and slightly drags down an otherwise great album. It's still Neal's best solo release, though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on June 16, 2020, 07:21:47 AM
Supernatural sounds like filler to me and slightly drags down an otherwise great album. It's still Neal's best solo release, though.

I wonder why Neal decided to tack on the 2nd disc to T2. Seeds of Gold is a pretty incredible song (and possibly his best solo release epic), and Supernatural and Absolute Beginner are good shorter tracks, but the songs feel like afterthoughts. From a business sense, I think it would've made more sense to make an entirely new album based around those songs.

Agenda is awesome and part of it reminds me of I Love It Loud by Kiss.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on June 16, 2020, 07:27:38 AM
I have a feeling Neal had Seeds of gold but realized he needs more stuff in order to put out a second disc, so he quickly made two more short tracks. Absolute beginner is the better of the two.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on June 16, 2020, 08:44:04 AM
I prefer Similitude as well, and by a pretty wide margin, but The Great Adventure is still pretty damn good as well.  Similitude was the rare double album that never dipped in quality or had songs where I think, "they could have left that one out."  TGA had a handful of songs that while not bad, I wouldn't miss them if they weren't there.  But the best stuff on TGA is pretty awesome.


This is how I feel. SOAD for me doesn't have one 'weak' song......it's a perfect story. TGA has a couple songs that just aren't up to par and the story isn't as compelling. Great album and effort and it was amazing live.....but I give my nod to SOAD
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 16, 2020, 09:27:02 AM
I prefer Similitude as well, and by a pretty wide margin, but The Great Adventure is still pretty damn good as well.  Similitude was the rare double album that never dipped in quality or had songs where I think, "they could have left that one out."  TGA had a handful of songs that while not bad, I wouldn't miss them if they weren't there.  But the best stuff on TGA is pretty awesome.


This is how I feel. SOAD for me doesn't have one 'weak' song......it's a perfect story. TGA has a couple songs that just aren't up to par and the story isn't as compelling. Great album and effort and it was amazing live.....but I give my nod to SOAD

X3. TGA sounds a bit forced, as in "ok, we made this epic double concept album so now we have to make the sequel just as good " and it didn't work that well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on June 16, 2020, 09:46:15 AM
I have a feeling Neal had Seeds of gold but realized he needs more stuff in order to put out a second disc, so he quickly made two more short tracks. Absolute beginner is the better of the two.

Weren't Seeds and Supernatural presented to Flying Colors for their consideration?  I don't know about Absolute Beginner, but it may have been just a matter of taking those three songs from a certain time, place and feel and putting them together.

Neal's never been short of material, so there's no need for him to "wait" for a full album, so to speak. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on June 16, 2020, 09:48:12 AM
I listened to The Grand Experiment last night while working on the car, and the title track is the only song that didn't gel; at one point, during Alive Again, I stopped what I was doing and actively listened; what a strong track.  I love the harmonies on that album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 16, 2020, 10:36:29 AM
I have a feeling Neal had Seeds of gold but realized he needs more stuff in order to put out a second disc, so he quickly made two more short tracks. Absolute beginner is the better of the two.

Weren't Seeds and Supernatural presented to Flying Colors for their consideration?  I don't know about Absolute Beginner, but it may have been just a matter of taking those three songs from a certain time, place and feel and putting them together.

Neal's never been short of material, so there's no need for him to "wait" for a full album, so to speak.

Supernatural was indeed a demo that Neal presented for Flying Colors, and said demo was released on the Inner Circle release "Not For Flying Colors", which included 8 other demos, including "The Altar Of My Heart", a song that Neal also presented to Mike and Randy for inclusion on Momentum. I don't think Neal ever released the song officially, after having shopped it around to two of his bands, so I wonder if he'll ever record it properly?

As for Seeds Of Gold, Neal demoed it in the Fall of 2009, and later released that demo on the March 2010 IC disc. Seems like he later suggested it to Mike and Randy that year for inclusion on T2.

And Absolute Beginner? I'm not sure if/when Neal demoed that one. It could have been a song they wrote during those sessions, but it's been awhile since I've watched the Making Of Testimony 2, so I don't recall.

I feel like Neal had really wanted to include those three songs because, as stated above at least with two of them, he probably wanted to get them out and didn't feel like waiting to get another album out AFTER Testimony 2 for them. He sat on those songs for a year or two and, I guess, he figured since he had Mike and Randy in the studio for T2, that they would go ahead and release them with the main album. I think it's a nice addition to the album. Testimony 2's release always reminded me of Porcupine Tree's The Incident - you've got the main album with the core conceptual piece, then a 2nd disc with a few extra songs that, while great on their own, did not work with the conceptual stuff.

Now I really want to go back and watch the Making Of Testimony 2 to find out what really happened. Maybe Mike wanted them to do Seeds? Seems like something he might want to do.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 16, 2020, 10:45:41 AM
I remember Portnoy at the time hyping up Seeds of Gold as one of the best epics Neal had ever written (and as much as he drools over Neal's music, like the rest of us :P, he rarely says stuff like that), so I am sure he pressed hard to get it out there and not sit on it, if in fact Neal was putting up any resistance in releasing it. I don't remember any chatter along those lines, but I haven't watched the making of T2 in years, so I can't say for sure.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 16, 2020, 01:29:36 PM
I actually watched the Making of Testimony 2 yesterday and they only cover the first CD. I've been reading a lot about this time, so I'm not quite sure where exactly I got this from, but if I remember correctly, the 2nd disc of T2 was recorded in January of 2011 around the time of the sessions for the first FC album (at least the drums for it), which would make it even more of a collection of Flying Colors leftovers (especially with Steve Morse guesting on Seeds of Gold). Unlike the first disc, which was handled by Rich Mouser, disc 2 was mixed by their long-time engineer Jerry Guidroz.

I've also wondered why they decided to add them to T2 on a rather short 2nd CD instead of building a separate album around them later. That "an album and a half" approach is weird and tends to contribute to material on the 2nd disc getting neglected.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 16, 2020, 01:33:23 PM
Ah, this is where I got this:
https://musicplayers.com/2011/06/neal-morse-interview-blew-away/

MPc: Can you tell me a little bit about Steve Morses involvement on the song Seeds of Gold?

NM: Well, when I originally wrote Seeds several years ago, I wrote it with Steve in mind. Thats why I put that long solo in there so he could stretch out. Now, live, Im the one who gets to stretch out!! Its really cool. Anyway, when we got together in January to record for our project with Mike, Casey and Dave, we wound up having so much other material that we didn't do Seeds or Supernatural, and so I used them for T2, disc 2. Im really happy the way things wound up, and I love Steves solo on Seeds.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 16, 2020, 01:38:37 PM
Btw, after watching the "making of" video for T2, I stand more than ever by my opinion that it was a mistake to shoehorn all those quotes from Testimony 1 into the sequel. They seem out of place as they serve no function within the songs and they seem unimaginative because they are so close to the way these themes and riffs were used on T1 rather than clever variations that you might not even notice at first. And since they were all added after the fact (after Mike complained about a lack of recurring themes), there aren't any cases where a T1 motif was the basis for a new song or anything like it. It's all just meaningless bits here and there that are entirely superfluous. In my opinion, they seem cheap, they disturb the flow of the album, and so overall they drag the whole thing down. I've disliked the album at the time and this was a big reason why.

In fact, I am going to attempt to extract those added T1 bits from the album and recreate what Neal had written originally. I don't have the T2 demos from the Inner Circle, so it'll be interesting if I can make it work and how close to the original demo I will get without a reference.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 16, 2020, 06:42:57 PM
Kyo, to touch on some of your points from your last few posts...

I don't agree regarding the brief T1 reprises in T2.  I think they are done very well. Rather than any of them ever overtaking the album, they are brief tips of the cap to the first Testimony album, and are done very tastefully, IMO.  It's like DT giving a nod to Metropolis with that little keyboard thing in The Dance of Eternity on Scenes.  Let the new album be its own thing, while giving a little nod to its predecessor.

I can't remember if I had read that about Seeds of Gold and Flying Colors, but while I have no doubt that Casey would have knocked it out of the park vocally, I am having trouble imagining which parts he would have sang and which parts would have been Neal's.  Hmmmm....


Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 16, 2020, 07:42:55 PM
Sorry to post something completely different to what's being discussed, but I was just listening to At the End of the Day and, man, I really love that song, I think it's my favorite from Neal-era SB. Comparing it (and probably that whole era) with his current music is very interesting, it's clearly the same style/genere, but I feel like his writing was a lot freer/looser than it is now. It doesn't have to be a good or bad thing, I just think he wrote with less musical boundaries back then. Anyone else feel like this?

And I've said this before, but I think NDV's drumming compliments Neal's music much better than MP's.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on June 16, 2020, 10:41:35 PM
Sorry to post something completely different to what's being discussed, but I was just listening to At the End of the Day and, man, I really love that song, I think it's my favorite from Neal-era SB. Comparing it (and probably that whole era) with his current music is very interesting, it's clearly the same style/genere, but I feel like his writing was a lot freer/looser than it is now. It doesn't have to be a good or bad thing, I just think he wrote with less musical boundaries back then. Anyone else feel like this?

And I've said this before, but I think NDV's drumming compliments Neal's music much better than MP's.

I personally have a really hard time connecting with Neals music since he left SB (including the last two TA albums, though I get along with Flying Colors well enough). I think a lot of it is just age and running low on interesting ideas (Neal has just made sooo much music). But a lot of things have subtly shifted for him stylistically as well.

I do agree about NDV, and I kind of think all of the guys in SB played a roll in grounding Neals music. Alan is an incredibly unique guitarist. Nicks voice complemented Neals really well and his drumming is just less over the top (could say more tasteful) than MPs*. Dave is such a professional player. Not that the guys Neal surrounds himself with these days arent great players, but they arent the same type of players as the guys in Spocks either.

*not just picking on Mike here. Theres a noticeable difference with Jimmys drumming after Nick left too. NDV just has a style of his own that is so great.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 16, 2020, 11:34:20 PM
Kyo, to touch on some of your points from your last few posts...

I don't agree regarding the brief T1 reprises in T2.  I think they are done very well. Rather than any of them ever overtaking the album, they are brief tips of the cap to the first Testimony album, and are done very tastefully, IMO.  It's like DT giving a nod to Metropolis with that little keyboard thing in The Dance of Eternity on Scenes.  Let the new album be its own thing, while giving a little nod to its predecessor.

I can't remember if I had read that about Seeds of Gold and Flying Colors, but while I have no doubt that Casey would have knocked it out of the park vocally, I am having trouble imagining which parts he would have sang and which parts would have been Neal's.  Hmmmm....

I absolutely agree. I think the callbacks to T1 are very well done in T2. And I actually think they are variations from the way they were inserted into the first album.

Seeds Of Gold wouldn't have worked with Flying Colors in my opinion. It's a fantastic track, but Flying Colors is not the band to play 26 minute epics with.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on June 17, 2020, 07:59:19 AM
I'm with Fritzinger here (and I would include Supernatural here too).  It's what it is, and FC is what it is.  I think that was a great decision by all involved. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on June 17, 2020, 11:14:00 AM
Neal just posted a picture of the first Sola gratia master disc on FaceBook. I am becoming way too excited.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 17, 2020, 03:49:56 PM
https://youtu.be/6RrzoXjL4_A

Neal more or less confirms TA5 for early 2021...

Also mentions Flying Colors Live In London in late September, after the Sola Gratia release on the 11th of that month, as well as JCTE Live in December.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 17, 2020, 07:37:35 PM
Sorry to post something completely different to what's being discussed, but I was just listening to At the End of the Day and, man, I really love that song, I think it's my favorite from Neal-era SB. Comparing it (and probably that whole era) with his current music is very interesting, it's clearly the same style/genere, but I feel like his writing was a lot freer/looser than it is now. It doesn't have to be a good or bad thing, I just think he wrote with less musical boundaries back then. Anyone else feel like this?

And I've said this before, but I think NDV's drumming compliments Neal's music much better than MP's.

Portnoy and D'Virgilio are both on my short list of favorite drummers, so I am good with either.  :hat

As for Neal's music being looser back then, it is hard to say.  I think the difference is that the early Spock's Beard wasn't as conceptual from a full album standpoint (Snow was the first one, and that was their 6th album), so there was room to fit in those fun songs like In the Mouth of Madness, All on a Sunday or The Gypsy, without worrying if they fit the flow or theme of the album.  So, in essence, perhaps being able to write single songs that had nothing to do with anything else resulted in a more effortless feel to those particular songs.  Not sure if that makes sense, but that is what popped into my head.

Kyo, to touch on some of your points from your last few posts...

I don't agree regarding the brief T1 reprises in T2.  I think they are done very well. Rather than any of them ever overtaking the album, they are brief tips of the cap to the first Testimony album, and are done very tastefully, IMO.  It's like DT giving a nod to Metropolis with that little keyboard thing in The Dance of Eternity on Scenes.  Let the new album be its own thing, while giving a little nod to its predecessor.

I can't remember if I had read that about Seeds of Gold and Flying Colors, but while I have no doubt that Casey would have knocked it out of the park vocally, I am having trouble imagining which parts he would have sang and which parts would have been Neal's.  Hmmmm....

I absolutely agree. I think the callbacks to T1 are very well done in T2. And I actually think they are variations from the way they were inserted into the first album.

Seeds Of Gold wouldn't have worked with Flying Colors in my opinion. It's a fantastic track, but Flying Colors is not the band to play 26 minute epics with.

Perhaps not.  I would say anything is possible with those guys in the band, but I suspect that if Neal gets the urge to write something that comes out as a 25-minute long epic, he'd probably save it for a solo album, the NMB or TA.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 18, 2020, 02:49:51 PM
I don't agree regarding the brief T1 reprises in T2.  I think they are done very well. Rather than any of them ever overtaking the album, they are brief tips of the cap to the first Testimony album, and are done very tastefully, IMO.  It's like DT giving a nod to Metropolis with that little keyboard thing in The Dance of Eternity on Scenes.  Let the new album be its own thing, while giving a little nod to its predecessor.

But that's the problem - they don't let it be its own thing. The whole album starts with a lengthy quote from the prequel and then quotes two sections from it (one even twice) in its very own overture. About a quarter of the overture are themes and riffs from the first one, even though none of those are otherwise actually used in T2! It's just completely random stuff that detracts from what is supposed to be an introduction to fresh material from the upcoming album. In other cases, songs are robbed of their original conclusion by elevating a rehashed theme from T1 to its new conclusion. That has long bothered me a lot.

And in the particular case of the overture these quotes aren't even all that well inserted - I've always found the riff at 3:25 a jarring transition harmonically and it's telling they needed to construct a lame modulation at 3:45 to get back to the original sequence again. Once you hear how beautifully this part flowed originally, you'll be shaking your head. Same goes for the uninterrupted Time Changer without the quote from The Water, which is a really helpful longer breather section after the pretty relentless opening instead of taking a detour into Spock's world in the middle of it. There are a few bits like this, just riffs plugged into a song - Time Has Come Today at 0:44 is another one.


I absolutely agree. I think the callbacks to T1 are very well done in T2. And I actually think they are variations from the way they were inserted into the first album.

Really? I've spent quite a lot of time with this and I haven't found a single variation. The closest would probably be the piano intro at the very start, but that's just a different arrangement of a familiar idea, not a variation of the musical material itself. Other than that, it's familiar themes and riffs used at very similar tempos with very similar instrumentation. There is nothing fresh about the way these older ideas are brought back, they're just inserted "as is" into songs at various points.

I have removed five minutes of T1 quotes from T2 - that's about 6.5% of the CD or an average of 24 seconds per track. I find that quite a lot.

Either way, the important thing is that I am very happy with the result. The songs flow better and the focus is far more clearly on the new main themes rather than having them fight for attention with the old T1 motifs. I find the restored T2 album a far fresher and thus significantly more pleasant listening experience.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 18, 2020, 06:10:28 PM
Kyo,

I hear what you are saying, but I guess I see it a bit differently.  Throwing in random bits here and there, that are not always referred back to again, has long been a staple of Dream Theater, and I suspect that is the DT influence coming out of Portnoy when he probably suggests ideas like that to Neal.  Serious question: does it bother you when DT does that kind of stuff?  They are hit or miss for me, with DT and post-Spock's Neal material.  To me, the most obvious miss is the part that kicks in around 3:20 in the song Lifeline. That feels like they just decided to throw a random little section in there for no reason, with no regard as to how it would hurt the flow of the intro.  I never get that vibe from the T2 moments to which are you referring, so we can agree to disagree.  :coolio :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 18, 2020, 08:58:54 PM
I'm with Kev on T2.  Kyo, I disagree with pretty much every word of your last post.  :lol

To me, T2 isn't nearly as good as the original.  But the callbacks have nothing to do with that.  If anything, they make it a closer call than it would be without.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 18, 2020, 09:12:10 PM
I prefer T2 over T1.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 18, 2020, 09:37:03 PM
Even though I greatly prefer T2, I am still a pretty big fan of the original Testimony. Hell, I listened to it like crazy for a solid year when it was first released, but he has just topped it so many times since that it's hard for me to find the time to get to it anymore, especially since it is so long.  T2 is just a very special record, IMO, and seeing Disc 1 performed in full at Morsefest 2017 remains one of my favorite concert experiences ever.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 19, 2020, 02:09:27 AM
Kyo,

I hear what you are saying, but I guess I see it a bit differently.  Throwing in random bits here and there, that are not always referred back to again, has long been a staple of Dream Theater, and I suspect that is the DT influence coming out of Portnoy when he probably suggests ideas like that to Neal.  Serious question: does it bother you when DT does that kind of stuff?  They are hit or miss for me, with DT and post-Spock's Neal material.  To me, the most obvious miss is the part that kicks in around 3:20 in the song Lifeline. That feels like they just decided to throw a random little section in there for no reason, with no regard as to how it would hurt the flow of the intro.  I never get that vibe from the T2 moments to which are you referring, so we can agree to disagree.  :coolio :coolio

As for DT, I don't have a concrete example to work with here, but weird detours and extended instrumental sections that come out of nowhere and feel out of place in songs have bothered me all the way since Scarred and particularly in the last decade that Mike was still in the band.

As for that bit from Lifeline, this is just the typical way Neal has been structuring his intros forever - jump from one riff or theme to the next until you get to the song proper. That particular example isn't a big favorite of mine and I guess the alternative would've been to just skip ahead to about 4:02 and just not do that riff and forego the repeat of the theme before 3:20. Might have worked. It hasn't bothered me that much because I'm kinda used to this jumpiness from Neal - the song The Light was all about that, basically elevating it to a concept, after all. And at least that 3:18 riff is expanded upon later whereas those T1 quotes in T2 are not.  :lol

Having said that, the Lifeline intro as a whole has long bothered me and after reading the booklet of the special edition I know why - they added those first two minutes later because his bandmates thought Neal's original opening wasn't dramatic enough to open the album. Eh... I don't really care for that bit and it just makes the song seem disjointed and unfocused. The effect is that you have a piano intro leading into a full-band intro leading into... another two-minute intro.  ???  Almost a third of the piece is now the (triple) intro. I find that oddly unbalanced.

Look, I'm really into song structures, making sure the pieces flow well, the transitions are good, the build-ups lead somewhere and the whole thing doesn't get needlessly sidetracked. With my band, I'm usually the guy putting things together and keeping an eye on the big picture while we are working on details here and there. The funny thing here is that I will often cite Neal as a role model, but it's his more coherent long songs like The Doorway, Harm's Way and particularly At the End of the Day that I will use as an example for how to structure an extended piece without having it sound like a collection of unrelated shorter songs with segues between them.

The thing with Neal is, the main things that have bothered me about his post-V output (the lyrical aspect aside...) were too many reprises for the sake of reprises, which at some point just seem arbitrary and pointless, and an overall sameyness. T2 was so bad in both ways that it really made me lose interest in his work for a long time - I have just recently bought the albums from Momentum to The Great Adventure because of this! So yeah, it's really, really bothered me. And turns out, with the editing work I did on T2, it's actually turned into an album where the reprises and sameyness have become a non-factor. So for me it's like discovering a whole new album!  :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on June 19, 2020, 08:05:29 AM
Testimony was the album that opened the "Neal Morse" door for me; I had heard of him through Mike (Yellow Matter Custard) but hadn't gotten into Transatlantic, and saw "Testimony" for a dollar at a thrift shop sidewalk display while walking down the street in Philly.  Providence if you're into that kind of thing; I can hardly think of a time I've gotten as much value from $1.   

Testimony 2 hasn't quite resonated as much with me, because it's overshadowed by both the bonus disk (I've spoken profusely about my love for Supernatural; easily my favorite Neal Morse song) and the two that follow, Momentum and The Grand Experiment.   

Random question for the team:  are Neal and Alan close?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 19, 2020, 10:04:34 AM
MORSE/PORTNOY/GEORGE - It Don't Come Easy (OFFICIAL VIDEO) Featuring Melody Portnoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdWuYRmstRI&feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 19, 2020, 10:18:11 AM
Wow, that's actually really good!  I was feeling more than underwhelmed by the concept of another covers album and wasn't planning to buy, but that has me considering it now.  And Melody is a really great addition to that song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 19, 2020, 10:20:44 AM
Since I was so happy with the results of my Testimony 2 restoration project, I've looked at some of Neal's other stuff. After reading the booklet for the special edition of Lifeline, I knew that they had belatedly added an extra intro to the title track, which I've long thought made the song feel unfocused and disjointed, so I quickly got rid of. And yeah, it works better that way. I really prefer the more immediate opening without those first two minutes or so.

But let's not make it seem like all I do is remove stuff - the other thing that caught my attention was a comment by Neal that Children of the Chosen was originally a part of So Many Roads that was only removed quite late at Randy George's suggestion, as he thought it would work well on its own and the epic was getting a bit too long. Eh... I'm not sure those are good reasons to just cut out a piece from a larger work, even an openly episodic one like So Many Roads, so I tried to reconstruct the song in its original form. At first I wasn't quite sure where exactly it fit in. Neal wrote that it was originally placed between All the Way to the Grave and Eyes of the Savior. After trying around for a bit, I decided to look at the overall structure of the piece and I realized that Neal had always separated the various episodes with a "So many roads" vocal section. And so it became clear: When they extracted Children of the Chosen from the epic, they ended up with one "So many roads" section leading into another. A transitional section leading into another transitional section - pretty arbitrary! But I had found the exact spot where to re-insert the missing piece. After some deliberation I decided that the repeated choruses of Children of the Chosen were likely a concession to the stand-alone song format, as none of the other sections of the epic did that. To me it sounded like the backing track for the repeat was just a copy&paste job and the transition from the first to the 2nd chorus seemed a bit forced on the vocal/lyrical side indeed. So I merged these doubled choruses into one and then figured out the best spots to crossfade the remaining music with the preceding and following blocks of the epic.

And it worked really, really well! The restored So Many Roads is 32 minutes long and I like it quite a lot. I also prefer the resulting album structure, as it now alternates proggy pieces with lighter ballads/pop songs all the way through. I've long thought Children of the Chosen was a bit lightweight on an album that had plenty of other lightweight songs already, but within the epic it adds some nice color and works much better in my opinion.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 19, 2020, 01:45:16 PM


Random question for the team:  are Neal and Alan close?

They still seemed pretty chummy when Neal posted his listening video a while back on YT of the two listening to an old record :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXbLpNgbbhU
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 20, 2020, 09:12:45 AM
Wow, that's actually really good!  I was feeling more than underwhelmed by the concept of another covers album and wasn't planning to buy, but that has me considering it now.  And Melody is a really great addition to that song.

Check your PMs

-----

Yesterday I had a brief talk with Neal Morse about 20 or so minutes. I had to cut some of the questions I had prepared.
He said he tried to call me several times but the call never came in. I was waiting for him ready all day, I don't understand what happened, I was then contacted by the PR and I call Neal and we did the interview, I wish I could have made all the questions but he had another call and couldn't give me extra time.

Anyways, when it's published I will share it here.

BTW I asked him about King David as an idea for a concept album, I asked him about the chance of getting the albums rereleased on vynil and a couple others.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 20, 2020, 02:14:20 PM

Yesterday I had a brief talk with Neal Morse about 20 or so minutes. I had to cut some of the questions I had prepared.
He said he tried to call me several times but the call never came in. I was waiting for him ready all day, I don't understand what happened, I was then contacted by the PR and I call Neal and we did the interview, I wish I could have made all the questions but he had another call and couldn't give me extra time.

Anyways, when it's published I will share it here.

BTW I asked him about King David as an idea for a concept album, I asked him about the chance of getting the albums rereleased on vynil and a couple others.

Nice!  I look forward to reading the interview. :tup :tup

MORSE/PORTNOY/GEORGE - It Don't Come Easy (OFFICIAL VIDEO) Featuring Melody Portnoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdWuYRmstRI&feature=youtu.be

Solid cover.  Probably as good as the original, but I was never much of a fan of that song, so the bar was low for me.  The video was well done.

But let's not make it seem like all I do is remove stuff - 

Too late... :P :P (quote edited down for content)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on June 21, 2020, 02:50:48 PM
Sorry to post something completely different to what's being discussed, but I was just listening to At the End of the Day and, man, I really love that song, I think it's my favorite from Neal-era SB. Comparing it (and probably that whole era) with his current music is very interesting, it's clearly the same style/genere, but I feel like his writing was a lot freer/looser than it is now. It doesn't have to be a good or bad thing, I just think he wrote with less musical boundaries back then. Anyone else feel like this?

And I've said this before, but I think NDV's drumming compliments Neal's music much better than MP's.

I would agree that the lyrical/musical box is tighter than it had been.  I have to say that I really love Nick's drumming on the Neal Spock's Beard records.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on June 21, 2020, 02:59:40 PM
Testimony was the album that opened the "Neal Morse" door for me; I had heard of him through Mike (Yellow Matter Custard) but hadn't gotten into Transatlantic, and saw "Testimony" for a dollar at a thrift shop sidewalk display while walking down the street in Philly.  Providence if you're into that kind of thing; I can hardly think of a time I've gotten as much value from $1.   

Testimony 2 hasn't quite resonated as much with me, because it's overshadowed by both the bonus disk (I've spoken profusely about my love for Supernatural; easily my favorite Neal Morse song) and the two that follow, Momentum and The Grand Experiment.   

Random question for the team:  are Neal and Alan close?

For me Testimony 1 worked in all of the ways that Snow didn't.  Testimony is just so natural where Snow to me is tense and forced.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 21, 2020, 03:05:35 PM
Just finished my latest project, an alternative version of One. This was some serious restoration work - reconstructing original song structures and re-adding tunes that were previously relegated to the bonus CD (to fit the album on one disc) even though they were part of the concept. My changes:

1. The Creation no longer has the happy big final chorus and simply omits that part, ending on a dark note after the instrumental section. Which works well and really makes sense concept-wise!
2. The Man's Gone has the long acoustic jam that they moved to the end of The Separated Man (9:25-15:35 there) re-instated. I think the resulting song (now 8:26 long!) is a real highlight and this kind of acoustic prog should be done more often!
3. Nothing to Believe is next, added back into the sequence the way Neal's band played the full album at Morsefest 2014.
4. Author of Confusion is shortened by the first 1:45. This makes for a more coherent song.
5. The Separated Man ends around the 9:25 mark. Again, the result is more coherent as the stuff that follows on the CD has nothing to do with the first half of the song.
6. On the "One Demos" CD, The Separated Man is followed by Mayhem, an interlude that originally led into Cradle to the Grave. It starts with what they turned into the added intro (those 1:45) of Author of Confusion, followed by some other stuff that was deleted in the middle, and then a version of what ended up as the last two minutes of The Separated Man on the CD. It's impossible to re-create the whole thing in its original form from the CD tracks, but I'm OK with what I managed to put together from the remaining bits anyway.
7. King Jesus is added back into the sequence before Father of Forgiveness, as in the Morsefest 2014 version.

The rest is the same as on the regular CD. I really like it this way! The long version of The Man's Gone is a revelation and the shortened songs work great, too!  :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 21, 2020, 04:29:41 PM
Just finished my latest project, an alternative version of One. This was some serious restoration work - reconstructing original song structures and re-adding tunes that were previously relegated to the bonus CD (to fit the album on one disc) even though they were part of the concept. My changes:

1. The Creation no longer has the happy big final chorus and simply omits that part, ending on a dark note after the instrumental section. Which works well and really makes sense concept-wise!
2. The Man's Gone has the long acoustic jam that they moved to the end of The Separated Man (9:25-15:35 there) re-instated. I think the resulting song (now 8:26 long!) is a real highlight and this kind of acoustic prog should be done more often!
3. Nothing to Believe is next, added back into the sequence the way Neal's band played the full album at Morsefest 2014.
4. Author of Confusion is shortened by the first 1:45. This makes for a more coherent song.
5. The Separated Man ends around the 9:25 mark. Again, the result is more coherent as the stuff that follows on the CD has nothing to do with the first half of the song.
6. On the "One Demos" CD, The Separated Man is followed by Mayhem, an interlude that originally led into Cradle to the Grave. It starts with what they turned into the added intro (those 1:45) of Author of Confusion, followed by some other stuff that was deleted in the middle, and then a version of what ended up as the last two minutes of The Separated Man on the CD. It's impossible to re-create the whole thing in its original form from the CD tracks, but I'm OK with what I managed to put together from the remaining bits anyway.
7. King Jesus is added back into the sequence before Father of Forgiveness, as in the Morsefest 2014 version.

The rest is the same as on the regular CD. I really like it this way! The long version of The Man's Gone is a revelation and the shortened songs work great, too!  :)

Would love to hear this version!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 21, 2020, 06:20:08 PM
I think One is nearly perfect as it is.  My only beef is that The Spirit and the Flesh part being part of the same track with Help Me seems unnecessary and tacked on.  I condensed Help Me down to one track on its own a long time ago.  Everything else is great. 

The Separated Man is one of Neal's best songs ever, IMO, so I can't imagine taking any of it out, but I will admit that I'd be curious to hear what The Man's Gone would sound like with that section added to it.

Removing the beginning of Author of Confusion is a major no-no, if for no other reason than we'd lose what I can consider one of the best little moments of the entire album around 1:20 or so where the entire band briefly speeds up the tempo before bringing it back to the normal tempo.  That little part is awesome. :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 21, 2020, 06:34:52 PM
Just finished my latest project, an alternative version of One. This was some serious restoration work - reconstructing original song structures and re-adding tunes that were previously relegated to the bonus CD (to fit the album on one disc) even though they were part of the concept.

This is just musical blasphemy to me.  One remains my all time favorite album.  No doctoring is necessary.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 21, 2020, 10:31:36 PM
One is the Morse solo album that doesn't quite work for me the way it works for other people. To me, Kyo, some of the things you said about reprising on Testimony 2 are what bother me on One. I normally very much like Neal's use of reprises and recurring melodies, but on that album it's just taken a little too far for me. It's definitely fitting with the Platonic concept, so I can't really fault him for it on thematic grounds, but as an Aristotelian myself it's just not to my taste. I find that I like the individual songs pretty well on their own (although I don't really connect with The Creation), but get worn out by the full album.

I'm not sure how well these changes would help me enjoy the album, but the change you suggest for The Creation sounds good, and I'd be interested to hear your version of The Man's Gone. I wouldn't change Author of Confusion. I love that intro.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 22, 2020, 12:45:47 AM
I have to admit I would like to hear The Man's Gone. But otherwise I'm with Bosk. If it works for you, that's great  :) but for me, it's just too much changing the intentions of the artist. Plus, One is one of Morse's best efforts and apart from adding the bonus songs for a potential vinyl release (Jorge where is your interviieeewwww!?) I wouldn't change a thing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 22, 2020, 01:32:18 AM
This is just musical blasphemy to me. One remains my all time favorite album.  No doctoring is necessary.
for me, it's just too much changing the intentions of the artist.

Guess I should've been clearer above, as you guys are missing the point. This isn't random doctoring, it is in fact RESTORING the original intentions of the artist before his backing band started doctoring around with his demos in the studio. ALL of the above changes restore the way these songs were originally written! Now obviously I can't undo every little change they made and many of them I actually like, but all of the big structural changes I have undone have bothered me all the way since 2004 and it was quite a revelation for me to realize that none of the stuff that I disliked was in Neal's original demos. I'm basically just going back to those!

So to be clear: Neal didn't write an 18-minute Separated Man. His demo ends exactly where my edit stops the song. Same with Author of Confusion - his demo starts where my edit starts. That long jam sandwiched between two The Man's Gone choruses was - duh! - originally part of The Man's Gone, not randomly added on to a completely unrelated piece. So all of those were more coherent pieces of music before the Frankenprog songwriting approach of "why don't we stick this part in a different song?" was applied to the material after the fact. And the idea to end The Creation on a dark note after "But you chose a lie" is how Neal originally wrote it and how it makes sense. Returning to the chorus in the end is a popular songwriting move, but here it is structurally awkward both musically and lyrically and it ruins the continuous darker mood that the song originally ended on.

You have to realize that for me it was with some of the structural decisions made on One that I started seriously questioning Neal's songwriting and Testimony 2 was what made me stop buying his stuff for almost a decade. To me it all felt like increasingly random reprises of earlier songs in later ones. He had used the recurring themes idea much better on Snow and Testimony 1, but here I felt he had lost his knack for large-scale songwriting to a degree and the resulting music seemed more and more arbitrary. Forcing stuff into songs where it doesn't make sense and it disrupts a song's flow and logic just because he can. Sure, the musical ideas at the core of the songs were as good as ever, but to me in many cases it all didn't hang together as well as it used to. I used to praise Neal for writing some of the most well-rounded extended pieces back in the days - At the End of the Day always remains a high water mark and even under the time pressure of a Transatlantic session he was part of creating the magnificently coherent epics on Bridge Across Forever. But with One and Lifeline (see my earlier post) and Testimony 2 (dito), I felt there was seriously something lacking in terms of structuring. So realizing that the stuff that bothered me wasn't how he had originally written the songs was a real revelation and these restorations have really brought back a lot of the respect I used to have for Neal as a supreme songwriter.

And it's amazing that simple audio editing can help restore so much of what he wrote originally while retaining the much better sound and performances of the final albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 22, 2020, 01:46:53 AM
Would love to hear this version!

I will ask Neal how he feels about me sharing some of this stuff with the public.  :) I think you'll all also enjoy the restored full-length So Many Roads!


I think One is nearly perfect as it is.  My only beef is that The Spirit and the Flesh part being part of the same track with Help Me seems unnecessary and tacked on.  I condensed Help Me down to one track on its own a long time ago.  Everything else is great.

Well, Help Me and The Sprit and the Flesh are one CD track, but they are listed as two separate songs regardless. So just placing an additional track mark there on the CD or splitting the audio file would be enough for me to separate them, no reason to tinker with the direct musical transition there. I'm unlikely to wanna listen to The Spirit and the Flesh on its own, so I never really bothered to do this, but I can see why you would want to.

The Separated Man is one of Neal's best songs ever, IMO, so I can't imagine taking any of it out, but I will admit that I'd be curious to hear what The Man's Gone would sound like with that section added to it.

I remember you gushing about The Separated Man and I was baffled by that. To me it's the most disjointed things Neal has ever released as a "song" and I even found an interview where he called it "more of a collection of songs with a common theme". That makes more sense than to call it a "song". To be perfectly honest it was only after I restored Neal's original structure (i.e. when I cut off the second half entirely) that the song's own identity became clear to me. Before that it just felt like a sequence of unrelated musical ideas. Sure, I liked the bits and pieces on their own and the transitions were clean, but nothing made much sense structurally. I've always thought "why is he going back to The Man's Gone here? It seems totally arbitrary". The acoustic jam was very cool, but what was it doing there? Lyrically and musically the song didn't seem to have any direction in the second half that would relate to the first. But with the 2nd half removed, it becomes a nice shorter piece that has its own musical core. It still hints at some earlier and later themes, which is why it feels a bit like an extended interlude to me, but at least it's no longer an 18-minute interlude.  :lol

Removing the beginning of Author of Confusion is a major no-no, if for no other reason than we'd lose what I can consider one of the best little moments of the entire album around 1:20 or so where the entire band briefly speeds up the tempo before bringing it back to the normal tempo.  That little part is awesome. :metal :metal

Maybe you missed this, but I didn't remove that section from the album. I merely moved it back to its original place, after The Separated Man. The entire 1:45 of that intro is retained.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 22, 2020, 02:13:19 AM
One is the Morse solo album that doesn't quite work for me the way it works for other people. To me, Kyo, some of the things you said about reprising on Testimony 2 are what bother me on One. I normally very much like Neal's use of reprises and recurring melodies, but on that album it's just taken a little too far for me. (...) I find that I like the individual songs pretty well on their own (although I don't really connect with The Creation), but get worn out by the full album.

Glad to hear I'm not the only one who's always felt that way!

I think having The Man's Gone as its own longer piece and not spread across the album helps a lot to make the recurring themes seem less arbitrary and dominant overall. It may seem like a small change, but with my structure (i.e. Neal's original structure), the first hour of the album barely has any reprises at all and the individual songs are more clearly defined. I feel that this combination makes a big difference! The Spirit and the Flesh is the first big throwback to an earlier piece (going back to The Creation) and after that there is more familiar stuff, but I'm OK with some recurring themes in the final stretch of the album and there really isn't a lot of that otherwise. So yeah, I feel this helps a lot!

And if you prefer it that way, not including Nothing to Believe and King Jesus from the bonus CD would also avoid some recurring bits! :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on June 22, 2020, 04:57:06 AM
Sorry for the change of topic, but does anyone know what this is? Is this worth tracking down, did anyone hear it?

https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/neal-morse/more-songs-about-coffee-and-my-wife-inner-circle-november-2019/

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on June 22, 2020, 07:50:19 AM
I've been watching the "documentaries" included on the various Neal Morse CD's lately - T2:Live, Momentum, The Grand Experiment - and I've come away with a new appreciation for both Mike and Neal.   I wrote about Mike in the Mike thread, but here I'll say, I have a new (or I guess deeper) appreciation for Neal.  I'm sort of blown away by his commitment to his craft, and what he does that seems to be so effortless.   I think it's amazing how he can catalogue and remember all things he does and plays, and then, seemingly off the cuff, just hop into "Tiny Dancer" or "In Your Eyes" or...

I also think the connection with Mike is clearer too; there's a real synergy there, and say what you want about Mike's tweets, his practicing, whatever, when Neal goes off on the tangent, it's almost always Mike that's right there with him.  If you watch the segment where Neal is playing "In Your Eyes" (I think it's on the Momentum Live set, don't quote me), Mike is right there playing along, and everyone else is just standing waiting for it all to end to continue rehearsal. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on June 22, 2020, 07:57:23 AM
Just finished my latest project, an alternative version of One. This was some serious restoration work - reconstructing original song structures and re-adding tunes that were previously relegated to the bonus CD (to fit the album on one disc) even though they were part of the concept. My changes:

1. The Creation no longer has the happy big final chorus and simply omits that part, ending on a dark note after the instrumental section. Which works well and really makes sense concept-wise!
2. The Man's Gone has the long acoustic jam that they moved to the end of The Separated Man (9:25-15:35 there) re-instated. I think the resulting song (now 8:26 long!) is a real highlight and this kind of acoustic prog should be done more often!
3. Nothing to Believe is next, added back into the sequence the way Neal's band played the full album at Morsefest 2014.
4. Author of Confusion is shortened by the first 1:45. This makes for a more coherent song.
5. The Separated Man ends around the 9:25 mark. Again, the result is more coherent as the stuff that follows on the CD has nothing to do with the first half of the song.
6. On the "One Demos" CD, The Separated Man is followed by Mayhem, an interlude that originally led into Cradle to the Grave. It starts with what they turned into the added intro (those 1:45) of Author of Confusion, followed by some other stuff that was deleted in the middle, and then a version of what ended up as the last two minutes of The Separated Man on the CD. It's impossible to re-create the whole thing in its original form from the CD tracks, but I'm OK with what I managed to put together from the remaining bits anyway.
7. King Jesus is added back into the sequence before Father of Forgiveness, as in the Morsefest 2014 version.

The rest is the same as on the regular CD. I really like it this way! The long version of The Man's Gone is a revelation and the shortened songs work great, too!  :)
What about 'Back to the Garden'? Wasn't that part of the original concept? If so, where does that fit in?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 22, 2020, 08:05:07 AM
Kyo, I totally disagree that One was the result of Neals backing band doctoring his true intentions. Ive seen enough of Neal in the studio to know that hes not changing anything unless he thinks its for the betterment of the album and song. Demos and early versions are rough drafts; what ends up on the album is the final draft. And its not accurate to suggest that a demo/early version is his true intention.

Regarding The Separated Man, not every long song has to all connect musically and whatnot. In fact, Neal is sometimes accused of being too formulaic with his long song structures. The Separated Man is a different and unique structure.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on June 22, 2020, 09:22:35 AM
I've been watching the "documentaries" included on the various Neal Morse CD's lately - T2:Live, Momentum, The Grand Experiment - and I've come away with a new appreciation for both Mike and Neal.   I wrote about Mike in the Mike thread, but here I'll say, I have a new (or I guess deeper) appreciation for Neal.  I'm sort of blown away by his commitment to his craft, and what he does that seems to be so effortless.   I think it's amazing how he can catalogue and remember all things he does and plays, and then, seemingly off the cuff, just hop into "Tiny Dancer" or "In Your Eyes" or...

I also think the connection with Mike is clearer too; there's a real synergy there, and say what you want about Mike's tweets, his practicing, whatever, when Neal goes off on the tangent, it's almost always Mike that's right there with him.  If you watch the segment where Neal is playing "In Your Eyes" (I think it's on the Momentum Live set, don't quote me), Mike is right there playing along, and everyone else is just standing waiting for it all to end to continue rehearsal.

Mike's enthusiasm for all things non-drumming is legendary and easily his best quality. I'm not a fan of some of his production or songwriting choices (aka repeat stuff ad nauseum to make songs longer), but he certainly hasn't lost his passion for creating music even if I'm not into a lot of his recent output. I'd just like to hear some of that creativity make its way into the drumming rather than just quickly laying down parts and keeping them to get it over with.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 22, 2020, 09:45:06 AM
Guess I should've been clearer above, as you guys are missing the point. This isn't random doctoring, it is in fact RESTORING the original intentions of the artist before his backing band started doctoring around with his demos in the studio.

I completely get what you are saying.  I just strongly disagree.  As Kev said, demos are, of necessity, "rough drafts."  And Neal has a VERY strong personality when it comes to the final product being his vision of what the song/album should be.  From everything I have seen, he does a great job of balancing that with also being open to input and suggestions.  But as to the songs in question, I just don't see any need to change them.  The final version are fantastic.  Yes, there is at times a "disjointedness."  Often (if not always), it is for a reason.  That doesn't take away from the song for me at all.  I'm not saying there is anything "wrong" with feeling the way you do.  But the fact that some of Neal's writing choices bother you also doesn't mean they were the "wrong" choices either.  And as for me, I'm happy with the choices and direction we got--to the point that, as I mentioned, One is my favorite all time album by anyone.  And as mostly a metal guy, I think it says a lot about Neal's writing that if I could somehow put together a top 10 or top 20 all time list, I think Neal would be the only non-metal artist to have a few albums (Neal solo and TA) on that list and a few others knocking on the door.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 22, 2020, 11:07:14 AM
What about 'Back to the Garden'? Wasn't that part of the original concept? If so, where does that fit in?

I am not sure. I remember Randy George posting about the original order back in the days and then correcting himself (swapping Back to the Garden and Nothing to Believe) and I *think* what he said in the end was this (at least this is what I pencilled onto the bonus CD cardboard holder at the time):
1. The Creation
2. The Man's Gone
3. Back to the Garden
4. Nothing to Believe
5. Author of Confusion
etc.

But obviously Neal didn't feel strongly enough about Back to the Garden to re-insert it into the sequence for the complete performance of the album at Morsefest 2014, so I tend to consider it more of an actual outtake than merely a victim of disc space. None of the bonus tracks were included on the One Demos CD, so that doesn't help in this case.


Kyo, I totally disagree that One was the result of Neal’s backing band doctoring his true intentions. I’ve seen enough of Neal in the studio to know that he’s not changing anything unless he thinks it’s for the betterment of the album and song. Demos and early versions are rough drafts; what ends up on the album is the final draft. And it’s not accurate to suggest that a demo/early version is his true intention.

Now you're putting words into my mouth. I said "original intention", which is a different thing, and we know what that was because he actually put out the One demos for everyone to hear. And as a musician I just can't see anyone going through the effort of recording 80+ minutes of detailed demos on a variety of instruments (vocals, guitar, keys, bass, drums) all by himself without having a very clear original intention.

Obviously Neal gave the final CD versions of these songs his approval, but there are many factors that influence how these things go. He has said that he struggled to write the album at the time, so it would make sense that he would welcome some concrete feedback from his bandmates. Then we know that Mike has very strong opinions on this stuff and he wears people down in arguments so he always gets his will (his words, not mine  :lol). Does that mean that Neal thinks the songs are better that way? Or does it just mean he felt both forms were perfectly acceptable and the one on the CD had a stronger lobby within the band? I'm gonna go with the latter.

What I know for sure: I had a problem with certain aspects of these pieces ever since I heard the CD in 2004. I was amazed to find out that none of them were a problem with Neal's demos. And so I side with Neal's original instincts when it comes to structuring the album.


Regarding The Separated Man, not every long song has to all connect musically and whatnot.

Well, no. But usually, if they do not, that is considered bad songwriting. Except in prog, apparently!  :lol

And guys, you all seem to feel very strongly about Neal never compromising unless he is really on board with an idea, but we see very clearly in the Testimony 2 documentary that he felt strongly that he should not repeat himself and that the idea to add T1 quotes was only brought up by the other guys during their short time in the studio (so short, in fact, that you can hear Mike joking "we better get going, or this will be a 40-minute album" after some of these discussions). And Neal clearly isn't the guy to force his opinions on the other two. So after some initial skepticism, Neal relents and goes along with their idea to add in some bits of T1 here and there. There was enough hesitation on his behalf and initial tension there that Neal found it important enough to talk about his take on this in the video.

Personally, I think it's weird to have two guys who only got to hear the songs a week earlier making so many suggestion for changes as if the guy who spent weeks writing, thinking about and demoing these songs in great detail just didn't know how to do his job. Making such decisions in a situation with serious time constraints and after only having had the music for such a short time seems rushed to me. And so in this case I think it was a mistake, a spontaneous decision that should've been reverted while there was still time.

Which in the end is just another way to say that I think a songwriter of Neal's stature may just have had it right the first time around. I don't think that's blasphemous at all.  :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 22, 2020, 11:32:59 AM
Then we know that Mike has very strong opinions on this stuff and he wears people down in arguments so he always gets his will (his words, not mine  :lol). 

No, that's not really accurate about Mike's involvement with Neal at all.  I mean, the "strong opinions" part is true.  But beyond that, I think you're reading too much into it that isn't there.

Regarding The Separated Man, not every long song has to all connect musically and whatnot.

Well, no. But usually, if they do not, that is considered bad songwriting.

???  Says who?  Who made up that rule?

...but we see very clearly in the Testimony 2 documentary that he felt strongly that he should not repeat himself and that the idea to add T1 quotes was only brought up by the other guys during their short time in the studio

I didn't get that from the T2 documentary AT ALL.  It was more along the lines of [paraphrase], "I originally had the thought that I didn't want to repeat myself, and then Mike pointed out to me that it would be so much better to have those callbacks, and it's such a 'prog' thing to do, and even though that wasn't initially on my radar, I realized that was a really good idea."

That idea that Neal didn't really want to, but the other guys drove him to it, just isn't right.  Again, YES, Neal is a great compromiser.  But he also doesn't give up on what he thinks the best vision for one of his projects is.  I think the "making of" documentaries for the last 2 albums really illustrate that point quite vividly.

For TSOAD, Neal felt VERY strongly that it needed to be a double concept album.  Mike felt VERY strongly that it should not.  That led to tension between the two on a level they hadn't seen before, and it was disturbing to both of them.  But Neal stuck to his guns, and they moved forward with it being what Neal wanted it to be. 

Then for TGA, they weren't even writing a sequel, and when the idea came up, the band said they didn't think it was a good idea.  After writing the entire thing, Neal re-write it himself and made it into the sequel he wanted to write. 

Those are just a couple of recent examples, but they are very illustrative.  The idea that Neal isn't in control of his band's vision or that he does not have the final say (and isn't 100% comfortable making the call) isn't supported by what we have seen in the band's history.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 22, 2020, 11:51:24 AM
I didn't get that from the T2 documentary AT ALL.  It was more along the lines of [paraphrase], "I originally had the thought that I didn't want to repeat myself, and then Mike pointed out to me that it would be so much better to have those callbacks, and it's such a 'prog' thing to do, and even though that wasn't initially on my radar, I realized that was a really good idea."

That idea that Neal didn't really want to, but the other guys drove him to it, just isn't right.  Again, YES, Neal is a great compromiser.  But he also doesn't give up on what he thinks the best vision for one of his projects is. 

This is stretching my point. First of all, that's how it ended up on the album, so what is he gonna say? "I didn't like the idea, but it is what it is"?  :lol It's his album, after all.

As with One above, it'd be perfectly reasonable for Neal to think that both approaches are valid and since Mike and Randy feel really strongly about those T1 quotes in there, why not just go along with that? Doesn't change the fact that his original intention was not to repeat himself, as he very explicitly told us himself, so that the album as written by Neal did not contain any of those quotes. Again, I am just siding with Neal's original instincts here.

I think the "making of" documentaries for the last 2 albums really illustrate that point quite vividly.

For TSOAD, Neal felt VERY strongly that it needed to be a double concept album.  Mike felt VERY strongly that it should not.  That led to tension between the two on a level they hadn't seen before, and it was disturbing to both of them.  But Neal stuck to his guns, and they moved forward with it being what Neal wanted it to be. 

Then for TGA, they weren't even writing a sequel, and when the idea came up, the band said they didn't think it was a good idea.  After writing the entire thing, Neal re-write it himself and made it into the sequel he wanted to write. 

Those are just a couple of recent examples, but they are very illustrative.  The idea that Neal isn't in control of his band's vision or that he does not have the final say (and isn't 100% comfortable making the call) isn't supported by what we have seen in the band's history.

I noticed that too and I was happy to see Neal stand his ground when it came to such big decisions. We can't know for sure, but given the previous examples I'm gonna go ahead and assume that the music was better for it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on June 22, 2020, 12:15:03 PM
Then we know that Mike has very strong opinions on this stuff and he wears people down in arguments so he always gets his will (his words, not mine  :lol). 

No, that's not really accurate about Mike's involvement with Neal at all.  I mean, the "strong opinions" part is true.  But beyond that, I think you're reading too much into it that isn't there.

In the several docs I just watched, I haven't gotten even a hint that that was accurate in the context of the Neal Morse/NMB albums.  Maybe Dream Theater, but not here.   Mike must've said 10 times on the Grand Experiment doc that MacArthur Park should go on the record proper.  EEEEHHHH.  Not there, and that's but one example.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 22, 2020, 12:31:57 PM
...that's how it ended up on the album, so what is he gonna say? "I didn't like the idea, but it is what it is"?

There are a lot of things he could have said.  All we know is what he did say.  So why read more into it or assume something else? 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 22, 2020, 12:38:01 PM
Kyo,

We can continue to agree to disagree.

Original intention (see: rough draft) does not always equal best intention, and it's clear that Neal is good with changing things on the fly if he feels others have ideas that can make his original intentions better, and he is also good with standing firm if he feels his original intention ultimately works best.

Question: do you think The Gates of Delirium by Yes is not good songwriting either?  Because, like The Separated Man, this is a long epic where the song goes into a radically different direction in the second half than what was done in the first half.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 22, 2020, 12:46:58 PM
In the several docs I just watched, I haven't gotten even a hint that that was accurate in the context of the Neal Morse/NMB albums.  Maybe Dream Theater, but not here.   Mike must've said 10 times on the Grand Experiment doc that MacArthur Park should go on the record proper.  EEEEHHHH.  Not there, and that's but one example.

But the situations are very different. NMB recording The Grand Experiment was over a decade later and Mike is only one of five people. Back in 2004 when they made One, he was one of three and Randy was just recording with Neal for the very first time, so obviously Mike had a lot more sway in this context.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 22, 2020, 12:50:53 PM


But the situations are very different. NMB recording The Grand Experiment was over a decade later and Mike is only one of five people. Back in 2004 when they made One, he was one of three and Randy was just recording with Neal for the very first time, so obviously Mike had a lot more sway in this context.

Neal recently said in an interview that on one of the songs from his forthcoming album, he used the take he did on the demo, not the one Portnoy did when recording his drum tracks for the album, because he thought his take fit the song better.  And he called Portnoy to make sure he was okay with it, and Portnoy was gracious about it and basically said, "That's fine, it your's album."  That tells me that when it comes to Neal's solo albums, Portnoy will give his ideas and suggestions, but is not going to force any option too hard since he knows it is ultimately Neal's album.  That is why I do not buy the theory that he "forced" Neal to make any changes he didn't want to make when it came to One. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 22, 2020, 01:00:08 PM
That tells me that when it comes to Neal's solo albums, Portnoy will give his ideas and suggestions, but is not going to force any option too hard since he knows it is ultimately Neal's album.  That is why I do not buy the theory that he "forced" Neal to make any changes he didn't want to make when it came to One.

Again, you guys are putting words into my mouth for some reason. I didn't say or imply Mike "forced" Neal do to anything. As I have said before, it may as well just be a case of Mike really preferring it one way and advocating for that and Neal ultimately coming to the conclusion that both ways work for him, so why not give Mike his will. That is not forcing anything at all. It's how band situations work. But it also does not mean that only because Neal went with Mike's suggestion, he thinks his original demo wasn't as good. It may as well just be the case that he thought both worked fine or each had its pros and cons. Again, that is just regular band stuff.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 22, 2020, 01:03:07 PM
...so obviously Mike had a lot more sway in this context.

No, we don't know that at all.  That is pure speculation.  For all we know, it could be the opposite.  I plausible argument can be made that Mike was much more deferential back then because it was only the second solo album he was doing with Neal, and the album was entirely Neal's vision, whereas by the time of TGA, he was more comfortable and less concerned about stepping on toes if he presented a strong opinion.  We just don't know either way.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 22, 2020, 01:19:13 PM
Question: do you think The Gates of Delirium by Yes is not good songwriting either?  Because, like The Separated Man, this is a long epic where the song goes into a radically different direction in the second half than what was done in the first half.

I mostly like Gates. It doesn't have a lot of connection between its parts, but it follows a clear direction throughout and each part fulfills its function (introduction, song proper, instrumental journey, extended coda), so at least it is clearly structured in that respect. Now, if they extensively quoted And You And I in the middle, I would probably like it significantly less.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 22, 2020, 01:54:14 PM
No, we don't know that at all.  That is pure speculation.  For all we know, it could be the opposite.  I plausible argument can be made that Mike was much more deferential back then because it was only the second solo album he was doing with Neal, and the album was entirely Neal's vision, whereas by the time of TGA, he was more comfortable and less concerned about stepping on toes if he presented a strong opinion.  We just don't know either way.

It was Neal's fourth album with Mike after TA1+2 and Testimony, Neal certainly knew what he was getting into and so I don't think you have a very good point there. Would he hire Mike on the condition that he would not be the same Mike that he had worked with before? Doesn't seem likely. Also, The Creation and Reunion are two of the very rare cases where Mike even got a song-writing credit in the pre-NMB era. So not "entirely Neal's vision" and not something you get when you're being overly deferential. Other than a couple of shorter bits on ?, it would be over a decade before Mike would be credited as a co-writer on a Neal Morse album again, so on paper One had the most Mike input of all the early Neal solo discs. That does not go well with your hypothesis. But I will try to remember to ask Neal next time I speak to him.  :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 22, 2020, 02:16:03 PM
But I'm not pushing a hypothesis.  You are.  I merely presented one to show that there are MANY possibilities for why your speculation is not necessarily the truth.  You are guessing about things and presenting your guesses as fact.  They aren't. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 22, 2020, 02:24:20 PM
...so obviously Mike had a lot more sway in this context.

No, we don't know that at all.  That is pure speculation.  For all we know, it could be the opposite.  I plausible argument can be made that Mike was much more deferential back then because it was only the second solo album he was doing with Neal, and the album was entirely Neal's vision, whereas by the time of TGA, he was more comfortable and less concerned about stepping on toes if he presented a strong opinion.  We just don't know either way.

I think it's also worth noting that the agreement on roles seems to be different on Neal Morse solo albums versus Neal Morse Band albums. I believe Mike himself has expressed that Neal solo means Neal is primarily in charge of the songwriting, whereas NMB means all five members are significant participants.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 22, 2020, 02:49:21 PM
...that's how it ended up on the album, so what is he gonna say? "I didn't like the idea, but it is what it is"?

There are a lot of things he could have said.  All we know is what he did say.  So why read more into it or assume something else?

Why are you acting like I am disputing what he said? He said exactly what we have discussed - that he didn't wanna repeat himself, but the others really wanted these quotes in there and he came around to the idea. My comment was in the meaning of "of course he was OK with the way it ended up, or it would be different", not "Neal secretly hated it but he had to play along". What's with the constant reading stuff into my comments that just isn't there?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 22, 2020, 03:12:06 PM
All this talk about One has prompted me to put on the Making Of One DVDs from the Inner Circle, since I'm not curious about those sessions. I'm typing up direct quotes from the video to share here so shed some light on how those sessions went, with some of it being Neal's (and Randy's) thoughts on the sessions long afterwards (after reviewing the material for the video).

I'll update this post with more quotes as I go along, but here are some tidbits that I've found interesting enough to share for now:


Neal's Foreword before the main presentation -
Quote
"One of the first things i remember about it was that right from the beginning I felt like I was supposed to collaborate. Figuring out who to collaborate with was kind of a bit of a challenge. It wound up being that Mike and Randy, particularly Randy George, he helped me a lot with the lyrics. It was fun for me watching all the old footage cuz I don't remember most of the stuff, cuz it was '04, and I didn't remember that Randy and I worked on the lyrics so much. There's so many diferent parts of the process that I didn't reall remember."


Neal wanted to name the album Unity. Mike liked it. Randy suggested One.

Neal on The Creation -
Quote
"I can't say enough about what Mike and Randy had to with all of, how it all turned out. When I listened to the original demo, there was really not much of an intro. I had this idea of, for the beginning, the very beginning, of this orchestra thing of God breathing in Heaven before Creation *sings opening*. And on the demo, I put breathing in there. That's what I was going for in that beginning was kind of God by himself, and then when the band comes in, now he creates man. I was really taken with ow much Mike and Randy helped to shape that whole intro thing. I think it was Randy's idea to go into the bass and drums part. We didn't really have any of that stuff, and I think one of my favorite sections, the part that goes *sings the part at 2:24* - I love that part, really exciting part! That was some, in some way derived form a riff that I heard on, Randy had sent me some demos of some of his things that he was wanting to sort of throw into the mix. And so, yeah, the whole intro of Creation, before the vocals start, was really a three-way jam."


Randy discusses how he had a large part in suggesting lyrical ideas to Neal and how Neal surprised him with accepting them during the demo stage.

Neal -
Quote
"As I watch the footage, I saw that really it was Mike's vision to have another section in there, and as I was playing he was kind of coaching me on the chords. I'd been hearing this melody, and isn't that bizarre, you know, you're working on this album then you come in the morning and you're just hearing this melody and it just fits, just becomes the perfect thing that you need, and you don't even know that you need it and it just fits in there perfectly. But there's this cool footage of Mike sitting there behind me, "No, no, no. Go to a higher chord." I'm not even hearing what he's hearing, ya know, and then we finally get it, and it's just the right thing. And it builds up, builds up, and cut - "In the evening breezes..." and I'm like "Oh yeah!"
Then there's that footage of Mike and Neal, with Randy, of working out the chord changes before the above vocal part comes in. Neal comments that while his idea was different, it was good!

Randy talks about how, in The Creation, they cut an "Irish Anthem" from the piece, and replaced it with parts they had laying around.

Neal then talks about how The Man's gone was really the first song he wrote for the album. Interesting to note that the opening storm heard in the song was actually recorded from the door to the outside of his studio.

Neal, on Author of Confusion -
Quote
"My original version started off with the *sings riff* thing. It was Randy's idea, I believe, to take that riff, which was originally over in Separarted Man or something, to take that riff and use it as the intro for Author, which is AWESOME. Such an exciting intro, ya know, and that became a great thing for live performances, too. Author of Confusion is really exciting live."

Neal, on The Separated Man -
Quote
"The Separated Man did not exist. I had never written a track called "The Separated Man" - that was really, I think, a concept that came through the process of organizing the album and re-doing the album with Mike and Randy. I had these sections, but I don't think they all ran together. The "D Jam", the whole middle section, the big jam section in the middle of Separated Man, was part of the intro of the album originally. It's like you're, making a record like this is like you're on some kind of great adventure, and you have, like, scouts and other people with you to help, but it's your record and you're in charge and you've got to make sure that it's right and good, and you don't have that much time to make decisions. You gotta make decisions pretty quickly."

Randy, on The Separated Man -
Quote
"The Separated Man itself, along with section, that "I am the man" thing that follows it, I think was originally like that, but the whole acoustic guitar groove thing that happens at the end, the big orchestrated, that builds up to a big orchestrated thing, that was originally the end section, originally in The Creation on the demos. We felt that it worked better later in the album, that was one of Mike's ideas as well. He had a lot of ideas about sections and where they seemed to work best in the album. I think that really adds a lot to it."

Neal, on The Separated Man cont. -
Quote
"I'm really grateful to have people around me that I have come to know that I can trust, ya know, cuz if they both agree, or if everyone agrees that it's a good thing to turn in this direction, then I'll generally go 'Well, if you guys think that, then I'll trust you.' And I'll go that way, even though sometimes I might not agree initially. I mean, the over-all sense of this piece is, ya know, that man is now separated and really exhalting himself, particularly in the "I Am The Man" section. ... One of the thigns that's really cool is, going back into the "The Man's Gone" reprise, I think Mike wanted to go straight into the "D Jam" and I kinda had to talk him into, just having a moment after the end of the whole "I Am The Man" part."

FINAL EDIT:

Neal - "It was the first real collaboration with Mike and Randy that I had done, and that was one of the things that made it really special."

Neal, on "King Jesus" - "The one regret that I have has to do with "King Jesus". "King Jesus" was supposed to be on the album, I think, after "Father Of Forgiveness", and before "Reunion". [Note - we now know he was misremembering here lol] And it was too long, the album was too long, it couldn't fit and we had to cut something and Mike suggested that we cut "King Jesus". 'I know this might be touchy but..." was Mike's suggestion. And I think I prayed about it and felt like that's what I should do, but I've always wished that, cuz "King Jesus" I think is a really strong song, in fact, so strong that we have used it as an encore at many different festivals. So I'm sorry that "King Jesus" wasn't on there, it was only on the bonus disc."

Well, that was a fun time! Hearing 2012 Neal and Randy look back and talk about those 2004 sessions was fun and interesting. I'm sure I've watched these before, but I had forgotten about how much Randy was involved with the lyrics, especially with a lot of "Reunion".

As for the whole revisionism of Neal's works (or anyone's works), I'm of two minds. As some might know on here, I often re-work track lists for studio albums, especially for bands that release a lot of bonus tracks (like The Flower Kings). The album, as a whole work of art, is a bit tricky, especially when it comes to narrative concept albums. I like to believe that, for the most part, they should be taken as they are released because, for the most part, the running order was set with a purpose. And I feel that, in this case, Neal wouldn't release anything he wasn't happy with, and that includes during the sessions, after the recording, and even after release. If he ever felt like something needed to change because he felt it would've been better another/his way, then we probably would've seen that on stage. As far as I know, he typically plays his songs as they were released (aside from medleys, extra jamming, and extended solos, but that's just prog in general). It would be like if Dream Theater decided that they liked the 1993 version of "A Change Of Seasons" more and started playing that again.

Personally, I like how all of Neal's albums have come out, and accept them at face value. The songs, their arrangements, and how they were all performed. I rarely listen to his original demos, because I feel like the final work is just more powerful, especially after collaborating with someone. Hearing the transformation from demo to release is fascinating for me, and it really speaks to the musicianship of all parties involved. Yes, these are often Neal's solo albums, but he invites and accept the collaborative natures of Mike and Randy, and if he wants things his way, then they'll happen his way (see above examples from other posts about TSOAD being a double album, or re-writing TGA to be a sequel).

If anyone wanted a purely Neal-only experience for his music, just buy and listen to his demos and nothing more. It's the raw and original vision he had. Otherwise, I think hearing his work through the lenses of collaboration make for the best work he can release. That said, I am extremely excited for Sola Gratia, and I think by the time my Rush Survivor is done, I may begin a new Neal Morse Survivor (since it's been 5 years).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 22, 2020, 03:23:53 PM
Good stuff, Marc!  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 22, 2020, 03:30:48 PM
That tells me that when it comes to Neal's solo albums, Portnoy will give his ideas and suggestions, but is not going to force any option too hard since he knows it is ultimately Neal's album.  That is why I do not buy the theory that he "forced" Neal to make any changes he didn't want to make when it came to One.

Again, you guys are putting words into my mouth for some reason. I didn't say or imply Mike "forced" Neal do to anything. As I have said before, it may as well just be a case of Mike really preferring it one way and advocating for that and Neal ultimately coming to the conclusion that both ways work for him, so why not give Mike his will. That is not forcing anything at all. It's how band situations work. But it also does not mean that only because Neal went with Mike's suggestion, he thinks his original demo wasn't as good. It may as well just be the case that he thought both worked fine or each had its pros and cons. Again, that is just regular band stuff.

I put forced in quotes for a reason, that way you wouldn't think I was putting words in your mouth, yet you still thought it. :lol :facepalm:

Question: do you think The Gates of Delirium by Yes is not good songwriting either?  Because, like The Separated Man, this is a long epic where the song goes into a radically different direction in the second half than what was done in the first half.

I mostly like Gates. It doesn't have a lot of connection between its parts, but it follows a clear direction throughout and each part fulfills its function (introduction, song proper, instrumental journey, extended coda), so at least it is clearly structured in that respect. Now, if they extensively quoted And You And I in the middle, I would probably like it significantly less.  :lol

Okay, but that wouldn't have made as much sense, since Close to the Edge is not a concept album, while One is, although it's not unheard of for one song to reference another on a non-concept album (see: the Space Dye Vest tease near the end of The Mirror on Awake).  On Neal's concept albums (whether solo, with Spock's, NMB or Transatlantic), quoting part of another song in a new song is not unusual.  It's pretty much a regular thing.  To me, the song The Man's Gone theme is done well as we get a tease of it as sorts in the proper song, and then we get the fleshed out melody and journey in The Separated Man. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 22, 2020, 03:44:27 PM
To me, the song The Man's Gone theme is done well as we get a tease of it as sorts in the proper song, and then we get the fleshed out melody and journey in The Separated Man. 

Yes!  It is such a key theme in the story that it really NEEDED to be revisited the way it was.  Some serious goosebump moments the way that is done.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on June 22, 2020, 07:22:19 PM
I personally can't imagine removing any part of any song from One.  If I look at all the albums I have loved throughout my life, this is about as close to perfect for me as they come.  One and Sola Scriptura both fall into that category.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 22, 2020, 07:48:27 PM
To me, the song The Man's Gone theme is done well as we get a tease of it as sorts in the proper song, and then we get the fleshed out melody and journey in The Separated Man. 

Yes!  It is such a key theme in the story that it really NEEDED to be revisited the way it was.  Some serious goosebump moments the way that is done.

For sure.  Plus, when considering the flow and pacing of the record, the way the record ended up makes far more sense.  After the long and epic The Creation, it was better to have a shorter, mellow song before blasting into the rocking and thundering Author of Confusion, rather than a long-ish tune with an extended instrumental section.  Even super proggy albums need breathers, and The Man's Gone provided a great one sandwiched in between the first and third tracks.


Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on June 23, 2020, 07:33:36 AM
Just my opinion, nothing more, and based only on the videos I've been watching, but it strikes me that for Mike, Randy and Neal, the act of creating is as important (or more) than the playing.  I've frequently sort of wondered why Mike has dedicated so much time and energy to Neal, especially after the split with DT.   Watching the... I think it was the momentum tour, with the level of travel (shlepping their own bags and equipment, etc.) and wondered "why? He can't be doing it for the money." There is the faith angle; Neal and Randy are more in tune with the notion of "praying on it" than Mike seems to be.    And yet it strikes me that the moment of collaboration might actually be the reward for all of this. 

Of course, I'll admit this freely:  it might be projecting on my part, because I'll cop to being a tad jealous of Neal.  That's got to be exhilarating to walk into a room with two other guys, close the door, and 72 hours later come out with something as powerful as some of these albums are.   (I can't speak for anyone else, but I know that I'm a sort of "positivity" guy in my music, and NOTHING I listen to is as uplifting, musically, as Neal Morse's work.   I'll put on one of his CDs while working on my Jeep in the garage, and I'll unconciously find myself either "dancing" around the garage, or underneath tapping away with my tools...  it's crazy.  And to be there at the moment of creation? It's got to be empowering.)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 23, 2020, 11:56:55 AM
All this talk about One has prompted me to put on the Making Of One DVDs from the Inner Circle, since I'm not curious about those sessions. I'm typing up direct quotes from the video to share here so shed some light on how those sessions went, with some of it being Neal's (and Randy's) thoughts on the sessions long afterwards (after reviewing the material for the video).

I'll update this post with more quotes as I go along, but here are some tidbits that I've found interesting enough to share for now:

Big thanks for this, Marc! Very interesting stuff.

Between the "that was one of Mike's ideas as well. He had a lot of ideas about sections and where they seemed to work best in the album", the "'Well, if you guys think that, then I'll trust you.' And I'll go that way, even though sometimes I might not agree initially", the hilarious "I kinda had to talk him into having ..." and the very telling "you don't have that much time to make decisions. You gotta make decisions pretty quickly" I don't see how these quotes could be confirming my previous assumptions about how the structure of The Separated Man came to be any more.  :lol

Again, thanks for this! Just one more thing: Did the bonus tracks, especially Back to the Garden, ever come up in those videos? Where exactly it fits in, why it was dropped?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 23, 2020, 12:40:16 PM
All this talk about One has prompted me to put on the Making Of One DVDs from the Inner Circle, since I'm not curious about those sessions. I'm typing up direct quotes from the video to share here so shed some light on how those sessions went, with some of it being Neal's (and Randy's) thoughts on the sessions long afterwards (after reviewing the material for the video).

I'll update this post with more quotes as I go along, but here are some tidbits that I've found interesting enough to share for now:

Big thanks for this, Marc! Very interesting stuff.

Between the "that was one of Mike's ideas as well. He had a lot of ideas about sections and where they seemed to work best in the album", the "'Well, if you guys think that, then I'll trust you.' And I'll go that way, even though sometimes I might not agree initially", the hilarious "I kinda had to talk him into having ..." and the very telling "you don't have that much time to make decisions. You gotta make decisions pretty quickly" I don't see how these quotes could be confirming my previous assumptions about how the structure of The Separated Man came to be any more.  :lol

Again, thanks for this! Just one more thing: Did the bonus tracks, especially Back to the Garden, ever come up in those videos? Where exactly it fits in, why it was dropped?

They did show some footage of Mike tracking drums to "Back To The Garden", but Neal only really talked about having done the covers with Randy and Mike, and not on the original songs.

Personally, I still place "Back To The Garden" between "The Creation" and "The Man's Gone", as it just seems to make the most sense.

Seems like those three songs (BTTG, NTB, and KJ) were all strictly written by Neal and only had performances by Mike (and Randy, I'm pretty sure?) during the final day of recording. At least that's the impression that I get from this interview (http://www.ojeweb.nl/SpeNMorse.htm), where Neal says "We had extra material and we had an extra day. It was just a day of fun and doing what spontaneously occurred to us." and that BTTG and NTB "are demos for 'One' for which Mike has redone the drumming." Sounds like Neal put them out there for Randy and Mike to simply cover his original demo parts with the intention of trying to squeeze them into the album (like "King Jesus") but they ended up on the bonus disc.

I can only assume that because they were all shorter songs and just demos that Neal had the guys cover his parts on that they were easy pickings for the bonus disc, rather than the demos that Randy and Mike had worked with Neal on during the sessions.

Has anyone asked Neal, in the last few years or so, why he never played "Back To The Garden" during Morsefest 2014?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 24, 2020, 02:33:46 PM
After spending more time with the restored One album I've come to the conclusion that it's better off without the extra tracks from the bonus CD. For one, the production on those isn't quite there, so they stick out sound-wise. And they're both kinda lightweight songs that don't really add that much while using some motifs from other songs that feel a bit overused as a result.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 24, 2020, 03:21:55 PM
I am a big fan of King Jesus and Back to the Garden, but I've always thought One worked best without them.  The flow and the way it was finished and put on CD was the best version. :coolio :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 24, 2020, 03:30:49 PM
I had not heard them until way after the fact.  I bought the standard edition of One, and did not even know about those tracks until a long time afterward.  I'm with Kev.  I like them a lot, but I feel that the album works better without them.  They are great bonus tracks that add color and texture to the creative process of the album, but don't really add much to the concept or flow of the album itself. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 24, 2020, 04:06:06 PM
I guess I am the odd one out when it comes to One. When I first got into Neal's music, around summer of 2005, I sought out the special/limited edition immediately as I was aware of its existence by then. According to my Amazon order history, it looks like I got the limited edition of One back in February 2006, so just a few months after ordering Question Mark from Amazon. Since then, I've only really listened to One in the "full version" with all 11 songs, with the three bonus disc tracks re-inserted into the running order, and so I've come to accept that as my true version of the album. I feel like it would be weird for me to go and listen to the album without those songs in it, especially "King Jesus", which is such an uplifting song and really feels like a high point in the album for me.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 24, 2020, 04:55:14 PM
Well, if you want a take on Neal's material that IS pretty close to blasphemy, here are a couple:
1.  Watching TSOAD live right now, and am reminded that Breath of Angels is SO bad at its job of closing out side 1.  Just not a very good song.  You can tell exactly what Neal is going for, and what he is going for is awesome, and the song just fails so hard at achieving it.  This reason alone puts TSOAD below TGA.
2.  ? is Neal's second worst album, behind Lifeline.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 24, 2020, 04:56:47 PM
Who ordered the bad takes? :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 24, 2020, 04:58:24 PM
:lol

Hey, I didn't even come after T2 in that post.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 24, 2020, 05:00:16 PM
Who ordered the bad takes? :P

I dunno, but Bosk is serving them up!  :lol

Now I'm curious as to how you rank Neal's albums, Bosk. Is it time for another rank session?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 24, 2020, 05:02:27 PM
The question there then becomes, are we doing solo Neal and NMB albums together?  Do we include his non-prog albums from his solo career?  Do we include Spock's Beard, Transatlantic and Flying Colors albums?  :P :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 24, 2020, 05:12:15 PM
Happy to oblige...

1.  One:  Undisputed.  This is my favorite album of all time, as I've said.
2.  The Great Adventure:  I love this album.  It isn't perfect, but SO good.  They knocked it out of the park, and to this day, I'm still baffled at how MP and Eric's wife could have somehow been offended at my review, which was nothing but effusive praise.
3.  Sola Scriptura:  Feels like it meanders a bit at times, and almost feels like Neal was starting to maybe hit a wall with the concept album concept, but he still knocks it out of the park overall.  It was hard to not put this at #2.
4.  Testimony:  Really close with TSOAD.  But I just really have a soft spot for this album.  There is a section toward the end of side 1 that I think may just be the best few minutes of prog ever composed.
5.  Similitude:  Great album.
6.  The Grand Experiment:  This album caught me completely by surprise by how good it was.  Neal's albums are always happy and upbeat, but there is just something about this album that exudes "fun."
7.  Momentum:  I didn't care for Lifeline much (although it does have some good moments).  This felt like a big step in the right direction to get back on track.
8.  T2:  It's a...good album.  There are some really standout moments, like Time Changer.  But it so pales in comparison to T1, and it's hard not to compare the two.  The bonus disk has some cool moments as well, but for some reason, I never spent much time with those songs as I should have. 
9.  ?:  It's not bad.  But I never have much desire to listen to it either.  The best moments of it seem to find their way into Neal's sets, but those aren't enough to make me want to hear the whole album.
10.  Lifeline:  It completely made sense for Neal to NOT do a concept album.  As with anything Neal writes, there are some good songs on here (and, contrary to Neal's opinion, Leviathan is not one of them).  But I think this is the least of his solo efforts. 

The question there then becomes, are we doing solo Neal and NMB albums together? 

Yes.

Do we include his non-prog albums from his solo career?  Do we include Spock's Beard, Transatlantic and Flying Colors albums?  :P :P

No.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 24, 2020, 06:28:54 PM
The Exorcist is a prog Neal solo album...not ranking that one?

If I had to rank the 11, I'd go like this:

1. The Similitude of a Dream
2. One
3. Testimony 2
4. ?
5. The Grand Experiment
6. The Great Adventure
7. Sola Scriptura
8. Testimony
9. Momentum
10. The Exorcist
11. Lifeline
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 24, 2020, 06:32:45 PM
The Exorcist is a prog Neal solo album...not ranking that one?

Maybe only counting the ones with Mike involved?

I'll share my ranking later, I'l have to sit and think about it for a little bit!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 24, 2020, 07:29:13 PM
The Exorcist is a prog Neal solo album...not ranking that one?

It honestly didn't even occur to me to include it.  Not only is it a completely different format, but Neal has so many guests taking such more prominent roles that, even aside from the format, it's a completely different animal.  So, like I said, it didn't even enter my mind.

Now that you mention it, and I try to grapple with what to do with it, it is really a challenge for the reasons I mentioned that it didn't occur to me. 

I guess just ranking it in terms of how much I like it, I would probably put it either just above or just below Similitude.  Probably below.  But it depends on my mood.  Overall, I really like it and think it is VERY well done.  It might rank higher, but there are a couple of things that bother me a little bit. 

The first is Ted Leonard in the role of Jesus.  I really like Ted's voice.  I was not familiar with him prior to his appearance in TA.  I really liked what he added to them.  Great musician.  And great singer.  I just don't think his voice is suited for this particular role.  His pitch and range are EXCELLENT.  But a lot of the other voices on the album sound so much more powerful than his.  I get that Neal wanted the voice of Jesus to have a certain emotional resonance and expressiveness, and be very gentle.  But, especially given the theme of the album, I also feel like it needs to have a certain power, command, and gravitas that just doesn't seem to be part of Ted's repertoire.  I'm glad he was on the album.  I just really wish he was in a different role. 

The ending feels like a bit of a mess.  The Greatest Love of All is a fine song.  But it doesn't have the power of a closer, IMO (and, yes, I know it is the penultimate song, and not the actual closer in terms of being the last track; but LHCMN(R) is not the finale--it
s a reprise).  And thematically, it feels very out of left field.  And having it primarily as a duet between Jesus and Mary Magdalene, it brings up weird connotations that aren't there in the Biblical account, and I feel like Neal was perhaps influenced just a bit too much in this area by Jesus Christ Superstar. 

I like the album a lot.  I listen to it a lot, and I think it's really well done.  And I love that Neal's deviations from the source material can rightly be classified as creative interpretation, rather than deviation and changing the substance of anything, for the most part.  So, please, don't take any of what I am saying as me not liking it.  But those little issues keep it from ranking higher for me.  And I guess a lesser issue is just that it's a NM album with very little NM on vocals, which isn't wrong, but it just feels odd.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 24, 2020, 08:42:52 PM
Interesting summation.  Very detailed. :tup :tup

I am not sure if I agree about Ted Leonard or not.  He was awesome in that role when I saw them play the whole thing at Morsefest in 2018, but on the album there are definitely times where it feels like a different singer might have done that role better.  Not sure why that is. 

Regarding the ending, wait till you see the Morsefest performance (assuming you get it when it is released).  That ending was very powerful live, especially when it was over, as Neal introduced everyone from the band and orchestra and whatnot, and then had everyone on stage and the crowd bust into the "love has called my name" chorus.  That was one of those "holy crap, this is amazing!" live moments.

The album as a whole is one I really like, and while it has some really good songs, it doesn't have as many crazy high highs as his other double albums.  A lot of 8's, but not sure there are any 9's or 10's on there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 24, 2020, 09:42:02 PM
I'm down to do a ranking! However, I'm not going to include T2 or JCTE. Not because I object to either of these albums in any way, but because I haven't given them enough of a listen to have a clear sense of where to put them. I tend to go through phases with Neal's music where I listen to it a lot for a while, and then rest for a while. I got T2 just at the end of my last Neal phase, and JCTE came out shortly after.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 24, 2020, 10:43:27 PM
I am not sure if I agree about Ted Leonard or not.  He was awesome in that role when I saw them play the whole thing at Morsefest in 2018, but on the album there are definitely times where it feels like a different singer might have done that role better.  Not sure why that is. 

Regarding the ending, wait till you see the Morsefest performance (assuming you get it when it is released).  That ending was very powerful live, especially when it was over, as Neal introduced everyone from the band and orchestra and whatnot, and then had everyone on stage and the crowd bust into the "love has called my name" chorus.  That was one of those "holy crap, this is amazing!" live moments.

Yes, I am REALLY looking forward to getting the live album and having that experience.  Good to hear that the live performance really elevated it--and elevated Ted.  Can't wait.

The album as a whole is one I really like, and while it has some really good songs, it doesn't have as many crazy high highs as his other double albums.  A lot of 8's, but not sure there are any 9's or 10's on there.

Yeah, I don't really disagree with that.  But the fact that it doesn't have as many highs and has some mediocres isn't really a problem for me.  I tend to treat really tight concept albums a bit differently in that regard and quite often find myself feeling that the album as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts.  As an example, other than Home, I don't particularly find SFAM to have many stellar highs, and yet it is my second favorite album from DT.  The Astonishing may be even closer.  There are VERY few songs on that that I would really listen to individually or even consider putting on a "hits" playlist.  But as a whole, I really love that album.  Same with this one, even if it may not have any 10s on it.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 24, 2020, 11:45:03 PM
As much as I love Neal, on Jesus Christ The Exorcist the whole gospel-ish God & Jesus thing is just a little too much for me.

But my biggest problem with this album is Eric Gillette. He is a fantastic guitarist and singer. And he certainly can drum, but he's not the kind of drummer that can keep the suspension up for a whole double album. It's impressive when he sits behind MP's kit for a couple of minutes, like during that one Morsefest (I can't remember which one though). But not for a 2 hour progressive rock opera.

I just don't get why Neal went with this decision. Especially when you have someone like Nick friggin D'Virgilio on the album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on June 25, 2020, 01:59:23 AM
I ranked all Neal albums last month, so:


1 - ?
2 - Testimony
3 - One
4 - Sola Scriptura
5 - Testimony 2
6 - The Similitude of a Dream
7 - Momentum
8 - Lifeline
9- The Grand Experiment
10 - The Great Adventure
11- Jesus The Exorcist

The Exorcist may be in an unfair position. Need to spin more times.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on June 25, 2020, 07:47:05 AM
Here's my Neal rankings.  Note - I really like all of Neal's albums, except I almost never listen to "?" or TSOAD.  Not sure why....  I dont' think they're "bad" by any stretch.  Every other one on the list no matter how far down I really really love.
1.   Sola Scriptura - this album turned me from a big fan of Neal to Neal being my favorite music artist ever.  I've never gotten sick of it.
2.   Testimony - although I don't consider this to be a "perfect" album, and I rarely listen to it from start to finish, it was my first Neal album and still has some of my favorite Neal songs on it.
3.   One - this came out shortly after I discovered Neal and was the best album I had heard in a long time.  Very close to T1 in the ranking.
4.   The Great Adventure - I was very pleased with how much I liked this album, considering I was heavily favoring solo Neal to TNMB.  I like this so much more than it's predecessor.
5.   Lifeline - I really like this one (other than Leviathan).  So Many Roads is hands down my favorite Neal song ever, and the song Lifeline is pretty awesome too.  I'm kind of bummed this album isn't ranked higher but I guess it is what it is when there's so many albums I like so much.
6.   Testimony 2 - I used to have this as possibly my number one album but it hasn't aged as well as some of the others.  I love it though.  I don't listen to much of disc 2 all that often, usually only listen to disc 1.  Well, I listen to Supernatural a lot, but hardly ever the other 2 songs (to me, Seeds of Gold is overrated as a long epic, but that's just my own personal taste).
7.   Momentum - another one I'm bummed to see so far down on a list.  I don't listen to the "album" often, although World Without End I play quite regularly yet.
8.   Jesus Christ the Exorcist - I had the pleasure of hearing this the first time live at Morsefest.  I really like this album.  I thought for a while it was one of my favorite Neal albums, but I guess as the newness has worn off I find it low on the Neal albums scale.
9.   The Grand Experiment - I was kind of in a weird life patch when this came out and didn't really get into it that much at the time.  I never grew to like it as much as some others, but I do often listen to Alive Again.  The bonus disc is superb also.
10.   The Similitude of a Dream - Great album, but I can't put my finger on why I hardly ever go back to it.  At the time it was released I still heavily favored solo Neal to TNMB and I probably always judged it with that bias.
11.   ? - the first Neal related album I was "meh" about.  It has a couple great songs on it, but I don't ever listen to it all the way through anymore.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 25, 2020, 09:07:54 AM
I am not sure if I agree about Ted Leonard or not.  He was awesome in that role when I saw them play the whole thing at Morsefest in 2018, but on the album there are definitely times where it feels like a different singer might have done that role better.  Not sure why that is. 

Regarding the ending, wait till you see the Morsefest performance (assuming you get it when it is released).  That ending was very powerful live, especially when it was over, as Neal introduced everyone from the band and orchestra and whatnot, and then had everyone on stage and the crowd bust into the "love has called my name" chorus.  That was one of those "holy crap, this is amazing!" live moments.

Yes, I am REALLY looking forward to getting the live album and having that experience.  Good to hear that the live performance really elevated it--and elevated Ted.  Can't wait.

The album as a whole is one I really like, and while it has some really good songs, it doesn't have as many crazy high highs as his other double albums.  A lot of 8's, but not sure there are any 9's or 10's on there.

Yeah, I don't really disagree with that.  But the fact that it doesn't have as many highs and has some mediocres isn't really a problem for me.  I tend to treat really tight concept albums a bit differently in that regard and quite often find myself feeling that the album as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts.  As an example, other than Home, I don't particularly find SFAM to have many stellar highs, and yet it is my second favorite album from DT.  The Astonishing may be even closer.  There are VERY few songs on that that I would really listen to individually or even consider putting on a "hits" playlist.  But as a whole, I really love that album.  Same with this one, even if it may not have any 10s on it.

Right, with long concept albums, not every song is gonna be a stand alone 9 or 10, with having transitional tracks that are needed and whatnot, but you need some standouts. The Exorcist does have a handful that I can easily listen to on their own (Jerusalem in particular is pretty damn good), but even my favorite songs from it would have a tough time getting a high placement on my list of favorite Neal songs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 25, 2020, 09:19:45 AM
Yeah, Jerusalem is pretty good.  My fave is probably Woman of Seven Devils.  But even if I were to put those on a Neal "favorites" list, it still feels weird to me because there is no trace of Neal on any vocals on those songs.  Again, that isn't wrong per se, but it just feels strange.  It's different than, say, if we were talking about The Great Despair, where Eric has the lead.  The difference to me is that Eric is a full member, and Neal is still present in the backing vocals, and more clearly present instrumentally where you here a lot of his signature sound and style.  Those songs on JCTE feature, basically, guest vocalists, and the writing style of the whole thing makes it unclear what Neal is even playing at any given moment, which makes him feel pretty absent when you don't even hear him singing.  Going back to my first post on the subject, I guess that is again what makes this album so hard to place in his discography for me.  It feels more like an experimental side project with a bunch of musicians than a Neal Morse album, even though he is the creative force behind the whole thing and basically the sole writer.  Maybe it doesn't matter, but that's where my personal mental block comes in.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 25, 2020, 09:38:27 AM
Yeah, Jerusalem is pretty good.  My fave is probably Woman of Seven Devils.  But even if I were to put those on a Neal "favorites" list, it still feels weird to me because there is no trace of Neal on any vocals on those songs.  Again, that isn't wrong per se, but it just feels strange.  It's different than, say, if we were talking about The Great Despair, where Eric has the lead.  The difference to me is that Eric is a full member, and Neal is still present in the backing vocals, and more clearly present instrumentally where you here a lot of his signature sound and style.  Those songs on JCTE feature, basically, guest vocalists, and the writing style of the whole thing makes it unclear what Neal is even playing at any given moment, which makes him feel pretty absent when you don't even hear him singing.  Going back to my first post on the subject, I guess that is again what makes this album so hard to place in his discography for me.  It feels more like an experimental side project with a bunch of musicians than a Neal Morse album, even though he is the creative force behind the whole thing and basically the sole writer.  Maybe it doesn't matter, but that's where my personal mental block comes in.

Makes sense. Neal singing a lot doesnt make it feel like a Neal album like the others, but the lyrics sure help in that regard. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on June 25, 2020, 11:03:01 AM
I have to really think about my ranking, because I'm just not as familiar with One, ?, Lifeline and Sola as I am the others.  I do know this, though:   Similitude will be low (I LOVED the live show, but I put on the album a couple days ago and was like "eh", and I was in a HARD CORE Neal mood at the time), Momentum and The Grand Experiment will be pretty high.   I love uplifting music like that, and Momentum is just solid from top to bottom, and TGE might even be a step above that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on June 25, 2020, 11:36:36 AM
Rather than go with the individual track separations from the CDs, I have just created mp3s that split Testimony into its five parts of epic length and T2 into its three, just as the albums are listed on the back of the CD. So the uninterrupted blocks of music are seen as one "song" each. It kinda makes sense because I don't remember skipping much around those albums anyway. I'm curious if and how this will change my perception of the music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 25, 2020, 10:20:54 PM
I have to really think about my ranking, because I'm just not as familiar with One, ?, Lifeline and Sola as I am the others.  I do know this, though:   Similitude will be low (I LOVED the live show, but I put on the album a couple days ago and was like "eh", and I was in a HARD CORE Neal mood at the time), Momentum and The Grand Experiment will be pretty high.   I love uplifting music like that, and Momentum is just solid from top to bottom, and TGE might even be a step above that.

The Grand Experiment has three of my favorite Neal songs ever - The Call, Waterfall and Alive Again - but while I like the title track and Agenda, they are merely good songs, and the album feels a bit unbalanced when listening all the way through, as we go from awesome to good to awesome to good to awesome.  Granted, not every great album is nothing but awesome songs, but it's just the impression I get listening to that one.  Had those two been bonus tracks and then New Jerusalem and Doomsday Destiny being part of the proper album, I'd probably rank the album a little higher (as my rankings are always based on the proper albums, meaning I give no weight to the bonus tracks in those situations).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 25, 2020, 10:41:17 PM
I have to really think about my ranking, because I'm just not as familiar with One, ?, Lifeline and Sola as I am the others.  I do know this, though:   Similitude will be low (I LOVED the live show, but I put on the album a couple days ago and was like "eh", and I was in a HARD CORE Neal mood at the time), Momentum and The Grand Experiment will be pretty high.   I love uplifting music like that, and Momentum is just solid from top to bottom, and TGE might even be a step above that.

The Grand Experiment has three of my favorite Neal songs ever - The Call, Waterfall and Alive Again - but while I like the title track and Agenda, they are merely good songs, and the album feels a bit unbalanced when listening all the way through, as we go from awesome to good to awesome to good to awesome.  Granted, not every great album is nothing but awesome songs, but it's just the impression I get listening to that one.  Had those two been bonus tracks and then New Jerusalem and Doomsday Destiny being part of the proper album, I'd probably rank the album a little higher (as my rankings are always based on the proper albums, meaning I give no weight to the bonus tracks in those situations).

Ahh, you're going to hate my ranking then.  :lol Since I pretty much only listen to albums' special editions, with bonus tracks (either at the end of the album proper or with those songs mixed into the track list), I always consider them when I try to rate and rank albums.

So, with that in mind, here is my late-night ranking, done by using crowdsorter.com (which lets you vote between 2 items, and sorts them all based on which one of each pair you prefer more).
One (SE)
Testimony 2
Testimony
?
The Grand Experiment (SE)
The Similitude Of A Dream
Momentum
The Great Adventure
Sola Scriptura
Lifeline  (SE)


This seems about right, I think. I know I would have normally put One at the top and Lifeline at the bottom, but I didn't expect to have voted for both Testimony albums so much that they'd end up in 2nd and 3rd place, but I really do love those two albums. I think Question Mark ends up at fourth because that was Neal's newest album when I started getting into his solo catalog, so it's forever engrained in my memory as being one of my favorites. When the NMB came out with TGE, I was blown away, bonus tracks and all. For me, it was a breath of fresh air for Neal, and having the writing and playing by Eric and Bill really added a much-needed new dimension to Neal's music.
The following four albums seem about right, though I might swap TGA and Momentum, though I haven't really given a lot of attention to either in recent years, at least not as much as TSOAD. And as for Sola, while I loved it when it came out, I don't find myself going back to it very often. Maybe because, if I want a Neal album with long epics, I just reach for Transatlantic instead.

If anyone wants to use my crowdsorter and vote on stuff, here's the link - https://crowdsorter.com/wktzvjbntw

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on June 26, 2020, 12:28:27 PM
Okay, so.... someone I know and trust very much asked me about Neal Morse today.  Rather, I said I was listening to some very positive upbeat music lately; she asked who it was, and I said "Neal Morse" and she said she wanted to check that out.

What would you send?   My first thought is "Supernatural".   Other than Tom Petty, I have no idea what she listens to.  I want to keep the concept to a minimum, and so for me, anything off Similitude or Great Adventure is out.  I don't want to send anything over five or six minutes, so Alive Again is out. 

Momentum?
Weathering Sky?
 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on June 26, 2020, 12:34:19 PM
Okay, so.... someone I know and trust very much asked me about Neal Morse today.  Rather, I said I was listening to some very positive upbeat music lately; she asked who it was, and I said "Neal Morse" and she said she wanted to check that out.

What would you send?   My first thought is "Supernatural".   Other than Tom Petty, I have no idea what she listens to.  I want to keep the concept to a minimum, and so for me, anything off Similitude or Great Adventure is out.  I don't want to send anything over five or six minutes, so Alive Again is out. 

Momentum?
Weathering Sky?

I'd probably go the Spock's route...I find Neal's solo music is a little more grating to people who don't typically listen to this type of music. Waste Away, Long Time Suffering, Thoughts 2, and maybe some parts of Healing Colours.

If you're set on solo stuff, then Supernatural, Children Of The Chosen, and Agenda are the only ones that come to mind.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 26, 2020, 01:21:15 PM
Okay, so.... someone I know and trust very much asked me about Neal Morse today.  Rather, I said I was listening to some very positive upbeat music lately; she asked who it was, and I said "Neal Morse" and she said she wanted to check that out.

What would you send?   My first thought is "Supernatural".   Other than Tom Petty, I have no idea what she listens to.  I want to keep the concept to a minimum, and so for me, anything off Similitude or Great Adventure is out.  I don't want to send anything over five or six minutes, so Alive Again is out. 

Momentum?
Weathering Sky?

Waterfall (over 6 minutes, but catchy as heck)
Emma
June
We All Need Some Light
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 26, 2020, 01:39:22 PM
How about anything from here -
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sing_It_High:_A_Collection_of_Singles

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on June 26, 2020, 02:24:11 PM
Okay, so.... someone I know and trust very much asked me about Neal Morse today.  Rather, I said I was listening to some very positive upbeat music lately; she asked who it was, and I said "Neal Morse" and she said she wanted to check that out.

What would you send?   My first thought is "Supernatural".   Other than Tom Petty, I have no idea what she listens to.  I want to keep the concept to a minimum, and so for me, anything off Similitude or Great Adventure is out.  I don't want to send anything over five or six minutes, so Alive Again is out. 

Momentum?
Weathering Sky?

I'd probably go the Spock's route...I find Neal's solo music is a little more grating to people who don't typically listen to this type of music. Waste Away, Long Time Suffering, Thoughts 2, and maybe some parts of Healing Colours.

If you're set on solo stuff, then Supernatural, Children Of The Chosen, and Agenda are the only ones that come to mind.

Spock's is out; one I'm not familiar with it, and two, I specifically noted Neal's prevalent point of view, so I'm not shying away from "that type of music" (not in quotes to be derisive, but to show understanding).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Indiscipline on June 26, 2020, 02:27:31 PM
California Nights
We All Need Some Light
Rose Colored Glasses
Cradle to the Grave
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on June 26, 2020, 03:11:31 PM
Okay, so.... someone I know and trust very much asked me about Neal Morse today.  Rather, I said I was listening to some very positive upbeat music lately; she asked who it was, and I said "Neal Morse" and she said she wanted to check that out.

What would you send?   My first thought is "Supernatural".   Other than Tom Petty, I have no idea what she listens to.  I want to keep the concept to a minimum, and so for me, anything off Similitude or Great Adventure is out.  I don't want to send anything over five or six minutes, so Alive Again is out. 

Momentum?
Weathering Sky?

I'd vote for "The Great Adventure".  I know you said "no" to that album, but it's a great upbeat standalone song. 

If familiar with Neal's self titled solo disc, "Living Out Loud" and "Lost Cause" are great.

You're suggestions of "Supernatural" and "Momentum" are both great too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 26, 2020, 03:13:59 PM
We All Need Some Light.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 26, 2020, 04:19:58 PM
I rank the albums like this

As solo artist:
Sola Gratia
Sola Scriptura
?
One (SE)
Testimony
Jesus Christ: The Exorcist
Testimony 2
Momentum
Lifeline  (SE)

As TNMB:
The Great Adventure
The Similitude Of A Dream
The Grand Experiment (SE)

 :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 26, 2020, 04:38:54 PM
Sola Gratia

:glare:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 26, 2020, 05:37:32 PM
I actually think quite a few songs from both Similitude and The Great Adventure would work well as starter songs, and both albums are loaded with short songs that are instantly accessible, but your call, Stadler.  Freedom Song would be an instant grabber for just about anyone.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 26, 2020, 06:42:27 PM


If anyone wants to use my crowdsorter and vote on stuff, here's the link - https://crowdsorter.com/wktzvjbntw


While the order is not how I would put it, the top 4 right looks correct (One, ?, T2 and Similitude).  Smart voters thus far. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on June 27, 2020, 07:31:36 AM
Okay, so.... someone I know and trust very much asked me about Neal Morse today.  Rather, I said I was listening to some very positive upbeat music lately; she asked who it was, and I said "Neal Morse" and she said she wanted to check that out.

What would you send?   My first thought is "Supernatural".   Other than Tom Petty, I have no idea what she listens to.  I want to keep the concept to a minimum, and so for me, anything off Similitude or Great Adventure is out.  I don't want to send anything over five or six minutes, so Alive Again is out. 

Momentum?
Weathering Sky?

I'd vote for "The Great Adventure".  I know you said "no" to that album, but it's a great upbeat standalone song. 

If familiar with Neal's self titled solo disc, "Living Out Loud" and "Lost Cause" are great.

You're suggestions of "Supernatural" and "Momentum" are both great too.

Neal's self-titled album is fantastic. Lots of great poppy tracks on there. It's amazing how well his non-prog albums stand up alongside his regular output.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 27, 2020, 08:17:04 AM


Neal's self-titled album is fantastic. Lots of great poppy tracks on there. It's amazing how well his non-prog albums stand up alongside his regular output.

I basically agree.  Granted, I wouldn't rank It's Not Too Late, Songs for November or Life and Times ahead of any of his prog albums, but it's not like there is a big drop-off in quality; those are still good albums.  The self-titled one you referenced is the one I would rank ahead of some of his prog albums.  I'd put it ahead of Lifeline for sure, and possibly Momentum and Testimony depending on what day you ask me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on June 27, 2020, 10:56:03 AM
Okay, so.... someone I know and trust very much asked me about Neal Morse today.  Rather, I said I was listening to some very positive upbeat music lately; she asked who it was, and I said "Neal Morse" and she said she wanted to check that out.

What would you send?   My first thought is "Supernatural".   Other than Tom Petty, I have no idea what she listens to.  I want to keep the concept to a minimum, and so for me, anything off Similitude or Great Adventure is out.  I don't want to send anything over five or six minutes, so Alive Again is out. 

Momentum?
Weathering Sky?
People have already recommended plenty of great short songs, but I was surprised nobody mentioned anything off of Life and times. That is my go-to album whenever I'm in the mood for Neal's cheerful, short tracks.

Also, I asked a question several pages ago but I don't think it was noticed, so I will quote myself and hope someone knows the answer. The answer might also help Stadler on his quest:

Sorry for the change of topic, but does anyone know what this is? Is this worth tracking down, did anyone hear it?

https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/neal-morse/more-songs-about-coffee-and-my-wife-inner-circle-november-2019/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on June 27, 2020, 01:18:17 PM
[quote author=Mladen link=topic=7377.msg2674736#msg2674736 date=159282342Sorry for the change of topic, but does anyone know what this is? Is this worth tracking down, did anyone hear it?

https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/neal-morse/more-songs-about-coffee-and-my-wife-inner-circle-november-2019/
[/quote]

I have that. Its pretty good! I actually just listened to this other night. Very much in the vein of L&T, but theyre pretty much in demo form. Just acoustic guitar or piano and Neals voice. Highlights include Sanctuary, She Always Encouraged Me, and Im Gonna Miss You (this one had me sobbing the other night...)

Sign up for the Inner Circle for $11 and download this for $10. EZPZ. ;D


EDIT: WOOF, I effd that quote up real good
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on June 28, 2020, 12:58:18 PM
Does Randy George sing any lead vocals on The Great Adventure? Turns out the voice I thought/assumed was his is actually Bill Hubauer's.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 28, 2020, 04:22:53 PM
Does Randy George sing any lead vocals on The Great Adventure? Turns out the voice I thought/assumed was his is actually Bill Hubauer's.

I checked the liner notes booklet, and on the back cover, it only mentions that everyone does "vocals" and makes no distinction between lead or backing vocals. I haven't listened to TGA that intently in awhile, so I'm not sure if he does any lead vocals on the album (or even live).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 28, 2020, 10:27:46 PM
I think Randy only sings backing vocals... Also, on stage, I'd say he's the one who sings least.
The Gabriel-esque vocals you can hear on the NMB Albums are Bill's (very prominent on The Ways Of A Fool).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Moor on June 29, 2020, 03:50:29 AM
As much as I love Neal, on Jesus Christ The Exorcist the whole gospel-ish God & Jesus thing is just a little too much for me.

But my biggest problem with this album is Eric Gillette. He is a fantastic guitarist and singer. And he certainly can drum, but he's not the kind of drummer that can keep the suspension up for a whole double album. It's impressive when he sits behind MP's kit for a couple of minutes, like during that one Morsefest (I can't remember which one though). But not for a 2 hour progressive rock opera.

I just don't get why Neal went with this decision. Especially when you have someone like Nick friggin D'Virgilio on the album.

I do not agree at all.

IMO when a guitarist is brought to join NM he is brought to fill "the guitarist" role, however, Eric Gillette came in and took the whole band with him to a higher level, he is and still a great addition, especially with his singing. I recommend you to watch TSOAD Live In Tilburg DVD and reconsider your judgment. For me Gillette was the MVP of that live performance.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on June 29, 2020, 06:31:37 AM
I can't tell if I love or hate Bill's vocals. I love the uniqueness of it and the way it contrasts with Neal/Eric but other times it sounds like he's really straining to hit the right notes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 29, 2020, 08:13:57 AM
As much as I love Neal, on Jesus Christ The Exorcist the whole gospel-ish God & Jesus thing is just a little too much for me.

But my biggest problem with this album is Eric Gillette. He is a fantastic guitarist and singer. And he certainly can drum, but he's not the kind of drummer that can keep the suspension up for a whole double album. It's impressive when he sits behind MP's kit for a couple of minutes, like during that one Morsefest (I can't remember which one though). But not for a 2 hour progressive rock opera.

I just don't get why Neal went with this decision. Especially when you have someone like Nick friggin D'Virgilio on the album.

I do not agree at all.

IMO when a guitarist is brought to join NM he is brought to fill "the guitarist" role, however, Eric Gillette came in and took the whole band with him to a higher level, he is and still a great addition, especially with his singing. I recommend you to watch TSOAD Live In Tilburg DVD and reconsider your judgment. For me Gillette was the MVP of that live performance.

And you're right, but he's talking about his drumming in that particular album, and I agree about that and even posted something similar when the album was released. Eric might be able to play the drums well, but that didn't translate so well into the album and I think it is a detriment to the music.

I can't tell if I love or hate Bill's vocals. I love the uniqueness of it and the way it contrasts with Neal/Eric but other times it sounds like he's really straining to hit the right notes.

This. They work well sometimes (The Ways of a Fool), but he sounds really bad to me most of the time (his singing spot in Alive Again sounds horrible to me).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on June 29, 2020, 08:55:27 AM
I thought I read that JCTE was purposely mixed different than other Neal albums, which may explain them as being so different. They definitely arent as bombastic as his other albums, but may be just a mix thing. I dont have a problem with the drums on the album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 29, 2020, 03:22:26 PM
I can't tell if I love or hate Bill's vocals. I love the uniqueness of it and the way it contrasts with Neal/Eric but other times it sounds like he's really straining to hit the right notes.

Bill is what I would call a really good "occasional lead vocalist."  I don't think I'd like a band where he sings lead all of the time, but I really like his usage in the NMB.

I thought I read that JCTE was purposely mixed different than other Neal albums, which may explain them as being so different. They definitely arent as bombastic as his other albums, but may be just a mix thing. I dont have a problem with the drums on the album.

Yep, the drums are fine.  They aren't as in your face as Portnoy's usually are in the mix, but the playing itself is just fine.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on June 29, 2020, 06:40:45 PM
I like Bill's vocal, but I really dislike Eric's. He is a competent vocalist, but I don't like his tone at all.

A friend of mine says that he would be a great Backstreet Boys singer.  :lol

I guess my main problem with TNMB is his prominent role.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 29, 2020, 08:03:53 PM
I like Bill's vocal, but I really dislike Eric's. He is a competent vocalist, but I don't like his tone at all.

A friend of mine says that he would be a great Backstreet Boys singer.  :lol

I guess my main problem with TNMB is his prominent role.

Sounds like your friend has a weird hang-up about male singers.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 29, 2020, 09:30:55 PM
I love Eric's vocals, his passages often move me to tears
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on June 29, 2020, 09:59:28 PM
I like Bill's vocal, but I really dislike Eric's. He is a competent vocalist, but I don't like his tone at all.

A friend of mine says that he would be a great Backstreet Boys singer.  :lol

I guess my main problem with TNMB is his prominent role.

Sounds like your friend has a weird hang-up about male singers.

He was mocking. But I find it funny 

And I guess that Eric would be a very successful member of the Backstreet Boys  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 29, 2020, 10:07:01 PM
And why is that, exactly?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on June 30, 2020, 01:04:51 AM
I think it's a sign of the trust Neal has that he handed Eric the climactic lead vocal on The Great Adventure. Neal sings the first verse, then hands the entire rest of A Love That Never Dies to Eric to steer the ship home. It works wonderfully imo.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on June 30, 2020, 01:32:53 AM
And why is that, exactly?

I'm just kidding. I still find my friend's odd comment funny.
But I got it.

I think it's a sign of the trust Neal has that he handed Eric the climactic lead vocal on The Great Adventure. Neal sings the first verse, then hands the entire rest of A Love That Never Dies to Eric to steer the ship home. It works wonderfully imo.

Indeed. And it's a wise decision, considering that practically everyone loves Eric.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 30, 2020, 03:13:06 AM
As much as I love Neal, on Jesus Christ The Exorcist the whole gospel-ish God & Jesus thing is just a little too much for me.

But my biggest problem with this album is Eric Gillette. He is a fantastic guitarist and singer. And he certainly can drum, but he's not the kind of drummer that can keep the suspension up for a whole double album. It's impressive when he sits behind MP's kit for a couple of minutes, like during that one Morsefest (I can't remember which one though). But not for a 2 hour progressive rock opera.

I just don't get why Neal went with this decision. Especially when you have someone like Nick friggin D'Virgilio on the album.

I do not agree at all.

IMO when a guitarist is brought to join NM he is brought to fill "the guitarist" role, however, Eric Gillette came in and took the whole band with him to a higher level, he is and still a great addition, especially with his singing. I recommend you to watch TSOAD Live In Tilburg DVD and reconsider your judgment. For me Gillette was the MVP of that live performance.

And you're right, but he's talking about his drumming in that particular album, and I agree about that and even posted something similar when the album was released. Eric might be able to play the drums well, but that didn't translate so well into the album and I think it is a detriment to the music.

Exactly. I think Eric is an amazing musician. Fantastic guitarist and singer. As you said, he (and Bill!) took the band to another level and they are the reason why Neal's current band is by far the best of all his solo bands (imo).

But I think you misunderstood, and Gzarruk cleared things up already. My problem is Eric's drumming on this massive double album. I believe he would've done a good job on, say, Life & Times or during 1-2 songs, but his drumming is just not versatile enough to provide suspense for an album of these proportions.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 30, 2020, 03:16:16 AM
I think it's a sign of the trust Neal has that he handed Eric the climactic lead vocal on The Great Adventure. Neal sings the first verse, then hands the entire rest of A Love That Never Dies to Eric to steer the ship home. It works wonderfully imo.

Are you implying that Neal called all the shots during The Great Adventure?  >:( Did you forget that this was a group effort???11??? You should watch out, Jaci could be reading all this...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 30, 2020, 06:03:18 AM
Don't forget that Eric also sang the climax of the last song on Similitude as well (before Neal sings the epilogue at the end).  And while he didn't sing much lead by himself on The Grand Experiment, he did sing the final lines of that album as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 30, 2020, 10:33:04 AM
I've got no problem with Eric's drumming on JCTE. As others have said, I find it refreshing to hear a more laid back approach on a Neal Morse record and I think it fits nicely.

Could have NDV it done better? Probably, but that question can be asked about every musician and singer that is involved. But the final product is how Neal wanted it and I think it came out great.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on June 30, 2020, 01:14:45 PM
I think it's a sign of the trust Neal has that he handed Eric the climactic lead vocal on The Great Adventure. Neal sings the first verse, then hands the entire rest of A Love That Never Dies to Eric to steer the ship home. It works wonderfully imo.

Are you implying that Neal called all the shots during The Great Adventure?  >:( Did you forget that this was a group effort???11??? You should watch out, Jaci could be reading all this...

I have zero idea if this is sarcasm or not. If it's not, then I apologise. I was merely making an observation.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 30, 2020, 02:22:54 PM
I think it's a sign of the trust Neal has that he handed Eric the climactic lead vocal on The Great Adventure. Neal sings the first verse, then hands the entire rest of A Love That Never Dies to Eric to steer the ship home. It works wonderfully imo.

Are you implying that Neal called all the shots during The Great Adventure?  >:( Did you forget that this was a group effort???11??? You should watch out, Jaci could be reading all this...

I have zero idea if this is sarcasm or not. If it's not, then I apologise. I was merely making an observation.

It's a joke. Eric's wife Jaci was really angry when Bosk's review of the album was published and he implied Neal is calling all the shots (who would've thought that Neal Morse isn't in charge of the Neal Morse Band) :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 30, 2020, 03:54:36 PM
I am pretty sure bosk1 cannot wait for the next NMB album so he can talk about it being another great Neal album with contributions from those other guys. :P :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 30, 2020, 04:06:48 PM
:lol  Well, I don't think it's a coincidence that my review of TGA live did not get published anywhere.  (as far as I know)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 30, 2020, 06:39:35 PM
Looks like you'd been shunned. :lol :lol

Probably a good example, too, of why certain prog bands and artists almost always get good reviews.  If you write bad reviews about them, given what a niche genre it is, and by extension a niche industry being a writer for prog music, your career could be over in a hurry.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 01, 2020, 08:18:28 AM
From a Radisnt Records email this morning:
Quote
Neal Morse is pleased to announce the release of Sola Gratia, his new solo progressive rock concept album, on September 11, 2020. Originating from a seed planted in his mind about writing a record based on the apostle Paul, Sola Gratia quickly came together at the beginning of 2020. The album sees Neal working with long-time collaborators Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Eric Gillette, Bill Hubauer, and Gideon Klein.

(https://nealmorse.com/wp-content/uploads/solagratiacover.jpg)

The title Sola Gratia of course has echoes of Morses 2007 epic Sola Scriptura, about the life of Martin Luther, but was in fact originally the result of a simple marital misunderstanding: I was talking to my wife Cherie about debuting this new piece at Morsefest 2020 and she said she thought it would be good for me to do a solo album. However, I thought she said Sola album and because some of the new ideas involved Pauls aggressive pursuit of the early Christians, I could see a link to some of the themes of persecution in Sola Scriptura.

The music was recorded virtually in April 2020 at the height of the Coronavirus lockdown with long term collaborators Mike Portnoy and Randy George: Its the first album we have ever made remotely: I sent them the basic tracks and asked if they wanted to rearrange things, but they just said No, its great!, so they just played to it and sent their parts back over. It wasnt an easy way to make an album, but creating always has its challenges, no matter how you do it.

As Morse explains, it was this process that decided that Sola Gratia was to be a Neal Morse album, rather than being credited to The Neal Morse Band: With the Neal Morse Band, the whole band works together on the writing, and while Eric Gillette plays some guitar and Bill Hubauer has added some keyboards on this one, neither of them wrote or is singing on this album.

Sola Gratia will be released as a limited CD/DVD digipak (featuring a Making-Of documentary), gatefold 2LP + CD, standard CD jewel case, and as a digital album. The cover art was created by another longtime collaborator, Thomas Ewerhard.

RADIANT RECORDS EXCLUSIVE: Only available at Radiant, pre-orders will come with an exclusive Sola Gratia download booklet containing Neal's handwritten lyrics, plus his comments on the writing/recording of the album!

Look out for the first track release and pre-order opportunities starting on Friday, July 17th!

Track Listing:
1. Preface
2. Overture
3. In The Name Of The Lord
4. Ballyhoo (The Chosen Ones)
5. March Of The Pharisees
6. Building A Wall
7. Sola Intermezzo
8. Overflow
9. Warmer Than The Sunshine
10. Never Change
11. Seemingly Sincere
12. The Light On The Road To Damascus
13. The Glory Of The Lord
14. Now I Can See/The Great Commission

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on July 01, 2020, 08:30:23 AM
Looks like you'd been shunned. :lol :lol

Probably a good example, too, of why certain prog bands and artists almost always get good reviews.  If you write bad reviews about them, given what a niche genre it is, and by extension a niche industry being a writer for prog music, your career could be over in a hurry.
:lol  But the thing is, that review was positively glowing as it is.  I don't think I could have possibly been anymore positive.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on July 01, 2020, 08:31:51 AM
Yet another song titled "Overture" and a 2nd song called "The Glory Of The Lord"... :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 01, 2020, 03:31:01 PM
I am kind of surprised to see no 20-minute plus song (unless there is one there, with a lot of those songs being super short, which I kinda doubt).  Neal hasn't done a 20-minute plus song since 2015 (Alive Again), which is a lifetime considering his history. I am sure the 5th TA album will have one or two like that, that said.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: matt1722 on July 01, 2020, 03:47:18 PM
I am kind of surprised to see no 20-minute plus song (unless there is one there, with a lot of those songs being super short, which I kinda doubt).  Neal hasn't done a 20-minute plus song since 2015 (Alive Again), which is a lifetime considering his history. I am sure the 5th TA album will have one or two like that, that said.

Weren't Mike and Neal teasing early on that this was one big song? Could these be the different movements, or maybe the idea was scrapped?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on July 01, 2020, 03:50:50 PM
Yet another song titled "Overture" and a 2nd song called "The Glory Of The Lord"... :lol

 :lol

He should record an "Overture Live", with all Overtures played in sequence.  :rollin

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on July 01, 2020, 03:56:10 PM
I am kind of surprised to see no 20-minute plus song (unless there is one there, with a lot of those songs being super short, which I kinda doubt).  Neal hasn't done a 20-minute plus song since 2015 (Alive Again), which is a lifetime considering his history. I am sure the 5th TA album will have one or two like that, that said.

Quite likely
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 01, 2020, 07:40:07 PM
I am kind of surprised to see no 20-minute plus song (unless there is one there, with a lot of those songs being super short, which I kinda doubt).  Neal hasn't done a 20-minute plus song since 2015 (Alive Again), which is a lifetime considering his history. I am sure the 5th TA album will have one or two like that, that said.

Weren't Mike and Neal teasing early on that this was one big song? Could these be the different movements, or maybe the idea was scrapped?

I don't think so.  Pretty much all public chatter about it has come from Neal, not Portnoy or anyone else, unless I missed something.  We didn't even know this album was coming until Neal out of nowhere was all like, "Hey, I wrote a new album and it's coming out soon!"

Also, I looked it up: unless I overlooked one, this will be the 9th song Neal is releasing (as a solo artist or with one of his bands) with the word 'overture' in the title (not counting any single track epic that might have a part subtitled as an overture).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: matt1722 on July 02, 2020, 08:40:30 AM
I am kind of surprised to see no 20-minute plus song (unless there is one there, with a lot of those songs being super short, which I kinda doubt).  Neal hasn't done a 20-minute plus song since 2015 (Alive Again), which is a lifetime considering his history. I am sure the 5th TA album will have one or two like that, that said.

Weren't Mike and Neal teasing early on that this was one big song? Could these be the different movements, or maybe the idea was scrapped?

I don't think so.  Pretty much all public chatter about it has come from Neal, not Portnoy or anyone else, unless I missed something.  We didn't even know this album was coming until Neal out of nowhere was all like, "Hey, I wrote a new album and it's coming out soon!"


Ok I  found what I was referring to. It's from Neal's Facebook.

"Thrilled to have finished a rough mix of my new Prog epic album and delivered to Mike and Randy today. Mikes planning on recording drums at his house Thursday and Friday. Over an hour long! One piece! Im excited.."

https://www.facebook.com/nealmorse/photos/a.421834371415/10158551480586416/

The whole "One Piece" thing is what I was referring to, on the other hand I would think that the sections might be well sectioned off I, II, III, etc but depending on what version of say "The Whirlwind" you're looking at, some are labeled like that and some aren't.

so to summarize who knows  :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 02, 2020, 09:35:42 AM


Ok I  found what I was referring to. It's from Neal's Facebook.

"Thrilled to have finished a rough mix of my new Prog epic album and delivered to Mike and Randy today. Mikes planning on recording drums at his house Thursday and Friday. Over an hour long! One piece! Im excited.."

https://www.facebook.com/nealmorse/photos/a.421834371415/10158551480586416/

The whole "One Piece" thing is what I was referring to, on the other hand I would think that the sections might be well sectioned off I, II, III, etc but depending on what version of say "The Whirlwind" you're looking at, some are labeled like that and some aren't.

so to summarize who knows  :P

Yeah, I am taking that like the album will be similar to The Whirlwind, ? or T2 Disc 1 in that the whole piece will be comprised of a bunch of songs that all run together with almost no stops anywhere.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on July 02, 2020, 10:54:16 AM
I have Morsefest 2015 on right now while working, and I am just realizing that I somehow NEVER watched disk 1.  I have watched the Sola disk a couple of times.  But never watched disk 1.  There are few songs on that that I have never heard in my life.  Really cool show so far (I'm right at the beginning of ? now).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Evermind on July 02, 2020, 11:03:21 AM
Looks like you'd been shunned. :lol :lol

Probably a good example, too, of why certain prog bands and artists almost always get good reviews.  If you write bad reviews about them, given what a niche genre it is, and by extension a niche industry being a writer for prog music, your career could be over in a hurry.

Yeah. When I was reviewing stuff for Lady Obscure, if I didn't like the album after a few listens, I just didn't pick it up for a review. Once I did really like an album from a very small band (All Seeing Eyes) but I thought there were glaring flaws so I couldn't give it more than 3.5 stars, and I pointed the flaws out. The band still retweeted the review and thanked me on FB. Meanwhile bosk's review was very positive and he got that from Jaci. :lol

Ok I  found what I was referring to. It's from Neal's Facebook.

"Thrilled to have finished a rough mix of my new Prog epic album and delivered to Mike and Randy today. Mikes planning on recording drums at his house Thursday and Friday. Over an hour long! One piece! Im excited.."

Maybe he's excited for a new episode of One Piece manga while waiting for Mike to record drums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: matt1722 on July 02, 2020, 12:03:35 PM

Maybe he's excited for a new episode of One Piece manga while waiting for Mike to record drums.

 :lol :lol :lol This is Undeniably the correct answer.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 02, 2020, 12:06:46 PM
I have Morsefest 2015 on right now while working, and I am just realizing that I somehow NEVER watched disk 1.  I have watched the Sola disk a couple of times.  But never watched disk 1.  There are few songs on that that I have never heard in my life.  Really cool show so far (I'm right at the beginning of ? now).

I need to go back and re-watch that Morsefest.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on July 03, 2020, 04:47:25 PM
Yet another song titled "Overture" and a 2nd song called "The Glory Of The Lord"... :lol

 :lol

He should record an "Overture Live", with all Overtures played in sequence.  :rollin

Wouldn't mind hearing that concert of Overtures......
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nel on July 03, 2020, 05:37:44 PM
If he ever does a Jewish-themed album it can start with "Passoverture".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on July 03, 2020, 05:40:04 PM
Speaking of Neal Morse tracks titled Overture, I was listening to TGA the other day after a loooong while and I had to skip that track. I had forgotten they did a 10 minute opening track titled Overture and to me it's way too long and tiring to listen to (and I usually LOVE them on Neal's albums).

If he ever does a Jewish-themed album it can start with "Passoverture".

 :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 03, 2020, 06:24:02 PM
If he ever does a Jewish-themed album it can start with "Passoverture".

There has to be a track titled "The Return Of The Heavy Metal Long-Haired Blue Bearded Tattooed Jew".

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on July 03, 2020, 06:50:26 PM
If he ever does a Jewish-themed album it can start with "Passoverture".

 :rollin  :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 03, 2020, 09:25:28 PM
Speaking of Neal Morse tracks titled Overture, I was listening to TGA the other day after a loooong while and I had to skip that track. I had forgotten they did a 10 minute opening track titled Overture and to me it's way too long and tiring to listen to (and I usually LOVE them on Neal's albums)

I actually think that is one of his better overture tracks, and while it is 10 minutes, I don't think it feels that long, probably because the "overture" part of the song doesn't really start until several minutes into the song, since the songs kicks off with the Breath of Angels acoustic reprise, the reprise of the end of Similitude, and then the intro of the "Love That Never Dies" melody (that is sung for the 1st of 33 times :lol).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on July 04, 2020, 03:43:59 PM
Speaking of Neal Morse tracks titled Overture, I was listening to TGA the other day after a loooong while and I had to skip that track. I had forgotten they did a 10 minute opening track titled Overture and to me it's way too long and tiring to listen to (and I usually LOVE them on Neal's albums)

I actually think that is one of his better overture tracks, and while it is 10 minutes, I don't think it feels that long, probably because the "overture" part of the song doesn't really start until several minutes into the song, since the songs kicks off with the Breath of Angels acoustic reprise, the reprise of the end of Similitude, and then the intro of the "Love That Never Dies" melody (that is sung for the 1st of 33 times :lol).

Yeah, they completely over-used that theme, to the point where every time it pops up I'm like "this again?" :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 06, 2020, 11:49:45 AM
Fresh out of the oven interview with my Neal Morse, touching upon his upcoming solo and covers albums and much more. Great read! (IMO)

https://www.facebook.com/SonicPerspectives/posts/3398945720115929

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on July 06, 2020, 12:13:40 PM
Fresh out of the oven interview with Neal Morse, touching upon his upcoming solo and covers albums and much more. Great read! (IMO)

https://www.facebook.com/SonicPerspectives/posts/3398945720115929

 :hefdaddy :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 06, 2020, 03:07:29 PM
Nice job sliding in that vinyl question. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on July 06, 2020, 03:15:17 PM
Fresh out of the oven interview with my Neal Morse, touching upon his upcoming solo and covers albums and much more. Great read! (IMO)

https://www.facebook.com/SonicPerspectives/posts/3398945720115929

Dude! Excellent interview AND you slid in the King David question I posted when you asked for suggestions! Thanks for that  :tup   With his pension for writing these long albums with an over arching story....personally.....I think the story of David would be pretty cool to hear told musically and lyrically from Neal. It's a pretty remarkable, interesting story that has many different avenues of emotion and experience.

Anyway......thanks for even mentioning it to him.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 06, 2020, 04:27:51 PM
I would have loved to have more time, as I had like 10/12 more questions, sadly his call didn't come in as expected and we only had half the time for the interview.

Thank you guys for the questions, I tried to include as many as I could from my fellow forumers
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 06, 2020, 05:49:35 PM
All good, very nice work.  :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 10, 2020, 08:07:45 AM

Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy & Randy George are returning to their Cover To Cover series of albums with Cov3r To Cov3r, the brand new third instalment. Featuring their renditions of classic tracks by the likes of King Crimson, Jethro Tull, Gerry Rafferty, David Bowie & more (including their cover of No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed featuring vocals from Yes singer Jon Davison), the album will be released on July 24th, as CD, Gatefold 2LP + CD & as Digital Album.
 
It is just 2 weeks till the album is released, and today they have launched a video for their cover of Jethro Tulls Hymn 43. Watch the video now here: https://youtu.be/vTa88fH6jBQ
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 12, 2020, 07:38:43 AM
Their cover of Hymn 43 is pretty good, but I miss the flute.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on July 12, 2020, 12:02:53 PM
Speaking of Neal Morse tracks titled Overture, I was listening to TGA the other day after a loooong while and I had to skip that track. I had forgotten they did a 10 minute opening track titled Overture and to me it's way too long and tiring to listen to (and I usually LOVE them on Neal's albums)

I actually think that is one of his better overture tracks, and while it is 10 minutes, I don't think it feels that long, probably because the "overture" part of the song doesn't really start until several minutes into the song, since the songs kicks off with the Breath of Angels acoustic reprise, the reprise of the end of Similitude, and then the intro of the "Love That Never Dies" melody (that is sung for the 1st of 33 times :lol).

Exactly this. You could put the sung verses as a separate track a la Regression. Then the rest of the overture is a good length given the vast array of themes in the opera that need to be expositioned, to be developed throughout the course of the opera. And keeping on sonata form, the recapitulation occurs during the instrumental break of Freedom Calling, which acts as a dramatic buildup before the grand denouement of A Love That Never Dies.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on July 13, 2020, 07:42:46 AM
Their cover of Hymn 43 is pretty good, but I miss the flute.

That's what sh... aw, you know.   ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 16, 2020, 08:27:28 AM
FROM RADIANT RECORDS:

Don't forget! Pre-orders for Sola Gratia begin TOMORROW at 9AM CST. We're offering a special 15% off orders of $75 (valid tomorrow through end of day Sunday, July 19th)!

Pre-order through Radiant and take advantage of our exclusive offers:
- Pre-orders placed by end of day Sunday, July 19th will be autographed by Neal!
- 100 custom "Sola Gratia" guitar picks will be randomly distributed!
- On album release day, you will receive an exclusive Sola Gratia downloadable booklet containing Neal's handwritten lyrics, plus his comments on the writing/recording of the album!
- ALL pre-orders will receive MP3s of the first three singles as they are released.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 17, 2020, 07:31:43 AM
Neal Morse recently announced the release of Sola Gratia, his new solo progressive rock concept album, for September 11th, 2020. Originating from a seed planted in his mind about writing a record based on the apostle Paul, Sola Gratia quickly came together at the beginning of 2020. The album sees Neal working with long-time collaborators Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Eric Gillette, Bill Hubauer and Gideon Klein.
 
Today sees the launch of the first single In The Name Of The Lord, and you can watch the video now here: https://youtu.be/ZsYgGN_HQ-A

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on July 17, 2020, 08:03:48 AM
Pre-order link up

https://nealmorse.com/product/sola-gratia-neal-morse/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on July 17, 2020, 08:49:27 AM
Neal Morse recently announced the release of Sola Gratia, his new solo progressive rock concept album, for September 11th, 2020. Originating from a seed planted in his mind about writing a record based on the apostle Paul, Sola Gratia quickly came together at the beginning of 2020. The album sees Neal working with long-time collaborators Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Eric Gillette, Bill Hubauer and Gideon Klein.
 
Today sees the launch of the first single In The Name Of The Lord, and you can watch the video now here: https://youtu.be/ZsYgGN_HQ-A

I've been listening to Neal a lot lately, as I was just going through his solo album catalog, so this came at the perfect time. It amazes me how Neal never runs out of great musical ideas :hefdaddy
Can't wait for the album! :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on July 17, 2020, 09:57:18 AM
Neal Morse recently announced the release of Sola Gratia, his new solo progressive rock concept album, for September 11th, 2020. Originating from a seed planted in his mind about writing a record based on the apostle Paul, Sola Gratia quickly came together at the beginning of 2020. The album sees Neal working with long-time collaborators Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Eric Gillette, Bill Hubauer and Gideon Klein.
 
Today sees the launch of the first single In The Name Of The Lord, and you can watch the video now here: https://youtu.be/ZsYgGN_HQ-A

I've been listening to Neal a lot lately, as I was just going through his solo album catalog, so this came at the perfect time. It amazes me how Neal never runs out of great musical ideas :hefdaddy
Can't wait for the album! :metal

Me too; I haven't binged on an artist like this in a long time.   It's just so positive, though, and it's been a nice respite from all the negativity that I seem to be inundated with on the regular. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 17, 2020, 10:05:34 AM
Neal is still one of my default "if I can't decide who I want to listen to right now, I'll just them on" artists at the moments, so he is never too far from my speakers. :lol :lol

New song sounds good.  Nice catchy guitar riff, and I guess it being a solo album made Neal want to bust out talking about God and Jesus by name again. :P :lol 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on July 17, 2020, 10:38:07 AM
...,and I guess it being a solo album made Neal want to bust out talking about God and Jesus by name again. :P :lol 

Well, I think the subject matter kind of demands it.  :lol

To give some context to the lyrics, for those who may not know the specifics of the story, most of the album (and that song, specifically) is told from the perspective of Paul, the Apostle.  Most of the story takes place before he was an Apostle.  Paul was originally named Saul.  He was a Jew who was a disciple of one of the greatest Jewish rabbis of the day, and as a young man, was basically a protege who was being groomed to be THE next big thing in Judaism.  As recorded in the first several chapters of Acts of the Apostles, after Jesus's death, burial, and resurrection, they Apostles were repeatedly arrested, beaten, and threatened for trying to teach that Jesus rose from the dead, and that people should follow him.  In chapter 7, we see that Stephen, a disciple, was publicly killed.  Acts 8:1 says that "Saul approved of his execution."  The following verses are relevant to the new single.  It talks about Saul leading a great persecution against the Christians in Jerusalem and the surrounding area, and about he got letters of approval from the leaders to drag suspected Christians from their homes and into prison, some (or all) of whom were then executed.  He was trying to destroy Christianity and everything associated with it, and believed he was doing so at God's direction.  This is what the lyrics of In the Name of the Lord are about.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 17, 2020, 07:53:11 PM
For some reason, I had the voice of Charlie Brown's teacher going through my head when reading that post, bosk1. :P

What can I say, I am in for the music, not the message.  As long as Neal doesn't beat me over the head with the God and Jesus talk, I am usually fine with it.  :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on July 18, 2020, 12:54:40 AM
For some reason, I had the voice of Charlie Brown's teacher going through my head when reading that post, bosk1. :P

:lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on July 18, 2020, 05:25:19 AM
I thought the song was solid, but the rest of the album is usually where it's at with Neal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on July 18, 2020, 06:31:57 AM
Yeah, he always seems to release these rawk songs as singles and its actually not something hes all that great at imo.  I absolutely love his music but, generally speaking, the more metal he goes, the less I like it.  Dont think it suits him.  This is better than some of the other singles hes released in the past though and still really looking forward to the album.  Didnt notice Eric or Bill in the video, is this just going back to Neal, Mike and Randy like the other solo albums?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 18, 2020, 06:58:49 AM
I believe Eric and Bill have minor contributions. It is basically like Neal's other prog solo albums, where he wrote the whole thing, Randy George and Mike Portnoy are his main backing band, and he gets others to make minor contributions where needed.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: jingle.boy on July 18, 2020, 07:55:08 AM
Holy crap, In The Name of the Lord is on Spotify.   :omg:

Pretty decent listen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 23, 2020, 01:34:56 PM
Burning Shed just put up their preorder page for Sola Gratia and have provided track lengths, for anyone curious about them:
CD
1 Preface 00:01:28
2 Overture 00:05:59
3 In The Name Of The Lord 00:04:27
4 Ballyhoo (The Chosen Ones) 00:02:43
5 March Of The Pharisees 00:01:40
6 Building A Wall 00:05:01
7 Sola Intermezzo 00:02:10
8 Overflow 00:06:27
9 Warmer Than The Sunshine 00:03:22
10 Never Change 00:07:52
11 Seemingly Sincere 00:09:34
12 The Light On The Road To Damascus 00:03:26
13 The Glory Of The Lord 00:06:17
14 Now I Can See/The Great Commission 00:05:17
 
DVD
1 The Making of Sola Gratia Documentary 01:01:10


Total length seems to be 61:43, so yeah, just a bit over an hour as Neal has said. Can't wait!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on July 24, 2020, 11:28:47 PM
Just knowing Neal's patterns, interesting to see the final track with two titles coming in below 6 minutes, rather than 9+.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on July 25, 2020, 06:16:24 AM
Still can't figure out how he named another track The Glory Of The Lord, which is literally an exact song title from Question Mark. Get this man a song title database that he can refer to before naming tracks in the future
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on July 25, 2020, 09:15:02 AM
Still can't figure out how he named another track The Glory Of The Lord, which is literally an exact song title from Question Mark. Get this man a song title database that he can refer to before naming tracks in the future

 :rollin

But maybe it makes reference to the original track? Dunno.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on July 26, 2020, 09:09:39 AM
I'm confident that, after 25 albums, Neal doesn't remember if he used a particular song title before. Maybe he should start looking it up. Lets see if it bothers him when someone brings up he already has a song of the same name.  :lol

That seems like a good question next time Rodrigo interviews him, for example. Hopefully I will not forget to suggest the question when it maters.   :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on July 26, 2020, 10:37:52 AM
Not quite the same thing, but the track list on the packaging for Morsefest 2014 lists Time Has Come instead of Time Has Come Today. I wasn't that familiar with T2 at the time, so before I actually watched the show, I thought Neal had made the strange choice of dropping a Spock's Beard track in between two T2 songs!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on July 26, 2020, 10:52:39 AM
I'm confident that, after 25 albums, Neal doesn't remember if he used a particular song title before. Maybe he should start looking it up. Lets see if it bothers him when someone brings up he already has a song of the same name.  :lol

That seems like a good question next time Rodrigo interviews him, for example. Hopefully I will not forget to suggest the question when it maters.   :biggrin:

I'll keep that in mind!!!! :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on July 26, 2020, 03:58:34 PM
That would be awesome.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on July 27, 2020, 09:15:47 AM
I kind of think you're kidding, because I can't imagine Neal doesn't know that about the song title.  I'm not as well-versed on scripture as some here, but I can very much anticipate that even if there aren't musical callbacks that there might be lyrical or thematic ones.   He's human, and therefore prone to mistakes like all of us, but that seems like it's a bit too obvious to be anything but a reference.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Evermind on July 27, 2020, 10:21:23 AM
I mean, Kamelot has two songs called Solitaire. :lol I wonder if anyone asked them about that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on July 27, 2020, 10:56:57 AM
"Alexa, please play Overture by Neal Morse"

... that was the last time Alexa played anything.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on July 27, 2020, 11:28:25 AM
I kind of think you're kidding, because I can't imagine Neal doesn't know that about the song title.  I'm not as well-versed on scripture as some here, but I can very much anticipate that even if there aren't musical callbacks that there might be lyrical or thematic ones.   He's human, and therefore prone to mistakes like all of us, but that seems like it's a bit too obvious to be anything but a reference.
If it were a reference, maybe he would acknowledge it with a "part 2" or something. I understand that the idea seems odd to you, but I wouldn't be surprised if Neal doesn't remember every single song name in his vast catalogue. Especially because "The Glory of the Lord" from ? is a minute long interlude that isn't as memorable or popular as the songs it's sandwitched between on the record.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on July 27, 2020, 12:04:40 PM
Sort of a sidebar rant, but it annoys me when bands "steal" titles.  A "friend" (more like an acquaintance) formed a band and was so proud of cutting a record (I think they actually put out three records when all was said and done); the songs (all "original")?   "Round And Round", "Need Your Love", "In Your Eyes", "Into The Night", "Runaway", "Another Lonely Night", "Go Your Own Way", "Movin' On"...   I mean... it sounds like a "K-Tel Best of the Hair Bands!" compilation.   (Then again, their band name was a euphemism for a vagina, and it all sounded like bad Poison, so there you go.)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on July 27, 2020, 12:16:31 PM
"Alexa, please play Overture by Neal Morse"

... that was the last time Alexa played anything.

That somehow reminds me of the old meme with Blind Carol and her safety goggles :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nel on July 27, 2020, 11:53:21 PM
Oh wow, 14 tracks. Being a second "Sola" album, I figured it be another five-or-less with double digit track lengths.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on July 28, 2020, 04:59:09 AM
I kind of think you're kidding, because I can't imagine Neal doesn't know that about the song title.  I'm not as well-versed on scripture as some here, but I can very much anticipate that even if there aren't musical callbacks that there might be lyrical or thematic ones.   He's human, and therefore prone to mistakes like all of us, but that seems like it's a bit too obvious to be anything but a reference.
If it were a reference, maybe he would acknowledge it with a "part 2" or something. I understand that the idea seems odd to you, but I wouldn't be surprised if Neal doesn't remember every single song name in his vast catalogue. Especially because "The Glory of the Lord" from ? is a minute long interlude that isn't as memorable or popular as the songs it's sandwitched between on the record.

There's only so many ways you can mix up the words Lord, Glory, Love, and Freedom before you end up with the same song titles. It's probably just an oversight, though I'm wondering how MP or Randy didn't notice either.

Sort of a sidebar rant, but it annoys me when bands "steal" titles.  A "friend" (more like an acquaintance) formed a band and was so proud of cutting a record (I think they actually put out three records when all was said and done); the songs (all "original")?   "Round And Round", "Need Your Love", "In Your Eyes", "Into The Night", "Runaway", "Another Lonely Night", "Go Your Own Way", "Movin' On"...   I mean... it sounds like a "K-Tel Best of the Hair Bands!" compilation.   (Then again, their band name was a euphemism for a vagina, and it all sounded like bad Poison, so there you go.)

And they didn't even choose cool song titles to rip off. Reminds me of when The Flower Kings' Adam & Eve album came out and first song was an epic called Love Supreme.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on July 28, 2020, 06:55:35 AM
I know, right?  They might as well have named the album "Generic". 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on August 01, 2020, 12:51:38 PM
In the Name of the Lord is kinda bland. i'll wait to see how it fits.

i remember not liking Welcome to the world much either last year at first listen so i'll wait.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on August 02, 2020, 01:24:23 PM
According to MP on Facebook, today is Neals 60th birthday. Weird to think hes only 7 years younger than Geddy Lee who turned 67 last week (Rush and Spocks Beards debut albums were 20 years apart!).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 07, 2020, 06:39:11 PM
Today a new single was released through Apple Music

Seamingly Sincere, IMO the best tune in the album:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArhoMNy8qB4

 :metal

Apple link: https://music.apple.com/us/album/seemingly-sincere/1521887131?i=1521888005
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 07, 2020, 06:47:21 PM
It's also on Spotify.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 07, 2020, 07:57:03 PM
Awesome song!  I like it tons better than the first song released.  Can't wait to hear this one in the context of the album, probably makes it even better.  Now if I can only stop listening to this so it still sounds new when I finally get the album...  that is the real struggle.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on August 07, 2020, 10:20:13 PM
According to MP on Facebook, today is Neals 60th birthday. Weird to think hes only 7 years younger than Geddy Lee who turned 67 last week (Rush and Spocks Beards debut albums were 20 years apart!).

Why such different fortunes and fates?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on August 07, 2020, 10:56:17 PM
Today a new single was released through Apple Music

Seamingly Sincere, IMO the best tune in the album:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArhoMNy8qB4

 :metal

Apple link: https://music.apple.com/us/album/seemingly-sincere/1521887131?i=1521888005

I'm liking this much more than NMB, honestly :eek
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on August 08, 2020, 12:56:34 AM
Today a new single was released through Apple Music

Seamingly Sincere, IMO the best tune in the album:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArhoMNy8qB4

 :metal

Apple link: https://music.apple.com/us/album/seemingly-sincere/1521887131?i=1521888005

I'm liking this much more than NMB, honestly :eek

 :eek

Very good song!  :metal

Oh, I completely agree with gzarruk  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on August 08, 2020, 04:59:27 AM
Doesnt grab me to be honest. Both songs are ok but havent got me even remotely excited about the album.  Neal has not let me down yet though so am still hoping it will be great.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on August 08, 2020, 01:21:21 PM
New song is just OK as well.  first time i've felt sincerely (lol puns)   underwhelmed  by Neal.

again this is a story and we don't have it yet so i'm not rushing to judgement.

i've been lukewarm on singles before but the album has blown me away by many a band/artist.  so i'm not giving up yet.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 10, 2020, 06:36:34 AM
New song is just OK as well.  first time i've felt sincerely (lol puns)   underwhelmed  by Neal.

again this is a story and we don't have it yet so i'm not rushing to judgement.

i've been lukewarm on singles before but the album has blown me away by many a band/artist.  so i'm not giving up yet.

That's actually the pattern with me now.  I avoid the initial releases almost like the plague (too soon?).   :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 10, 2020, 07:19:40 AM
https://youtu.be/BXDMMsIkEBo

Music video for "Seemingly Sincere".

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 10, 2020, 07:19:56 AM
Seamingly Sincere OFFICIAL VIDEO:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXDMMsIkEBo

https://progreport.com/neal-morse-releases-video-for-9-minute-single-seemingly-sincere/

 :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on August 10, 2020, 08:34:17 AM
I think I should leave the nine minute epic for when the entire album comes out. It would be a shame to listen to it beforehand.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 10, 2020, 10:24:33 AM
My review of the album will be up soon.  I don't want to create expectations one way or the other, so I'll just say I like the album a lot, as I do pretty much all of Neal's albums, and I'll leave it at that. 

A couple of other tidbits:
-The album DOES in fact share a lot in common with Sola Scriptura, which actually surprised me quite a bit given the subject matter.  The tie-ins (musically, lyrically, and, most importantly, thematically) are somewhat unexpected, but nice.
-Having heard and experienced the album, hearing singles from it is really strange.  I know artists pretty much HAVE TO release individual songs.  But hearing them outside the context of the entire album really does not do them justice.  Seemingly Sincere is one of my top 2 songs on the album, along with Never Change, but I'm not sure I would necessarily feel that way hearing it as a standalone piece. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on August 10, 2020, 10:52:02 AM
I listen to it a second time. I really loved this song! I haven't been so happy with a Neal song in years.  :metal

I loved everything Neal did on this song: vocals, guitar, keyboards! Congratulations Neal.  :hefdaddy

Randy's bass line is ok, but it didn't catch my attention in both auditions.

And I will not comment on MP, as it hurts the sensibilities of many here. Then let it go.  :lol

I'm really excited to check out the whole album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 14, 2020, 11:15:28 PM
My review of the album will be up soon.  I don't want to create expectations one way or the other, so I'll just say I like the album a lot, as I do pretty much all of Neal's albums, and I'll leave it at that. 

A couple of other tidbits:
-The album DOES in fact share a lot in common with Sola Scriptura, which actually surprised me quite a bit given the subject matter.  The tie-ins (musically, lyrically, and, most importantly, thematically) are somewhat unexpected, but nice.
-Having heard and experienced the album, hearing singles from it is really strange.  I know artists pretty much HAVE TO release individual songs.  But hearing them outside the context of the entire album really does not do them justice.  Seemingly Sincere is one of my top 2 songs on the album, along with Never Change, but I'm not sure I would necessarily feel that way hearing it as a standalone piece.

It'll be interesting to see if this was because of Neal, Mike, and/or Randy. I know in the past, Mike (and Randy to some extent) was ready to make references to previous albums, in the case of Testimony 2 (though that makes more sense lyrically and conceptually). I think they also wanted to throw in more call-backs to TSOAD in TGA if they had time, but the album had already been re-written once by Neal, so I don't think they had the time to insert more (though I am tired, and could be misremembering all of that :facepalm: )

Less than a month from release, and it's shaping up to be one of my most anticipated albums of 2020!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 21, 2020, 07:11:24 PM
My review of the album will be up soon.  I don't want to create expectations one way or the other, so I'll just say I like the album a lot, as I do pretty much all of Neal's albums, and I'll leave it at that. 

A couple of other tidbits:
-The album DOES in fact share a lot in common with Sola Scriptura, which actually surprised me quite a bit given the subject matter.  The tie-ins (musically, lyrically, and, most importantly, thematically) are somewhat unexpected, but nice.
-Having heard and experienced the album, hearing singles from it is really strange.  I know artists pretty much HAVE TO release individual songs.  But hearing them outside the context of the entire album really does not do them justice.  Seemingly Sincere is one of my top 2 songs on the album, along with Never Change, but I'm not sure I would necessarily feel that way hearing it as a standalone piece.

Annnnd here it is: (Album review by the one and only: bosk1)  :metal

https://lotsofmuzic.weebly.com/home/neal-morse-unleashes-a-progressive-rock-biography-of-saul-of-tarsuspaul-with-his-latest-solo-album-sola-gratia-album-review-by-jerry-deschler

 :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 22, 2020, 07:51:28 AM
Dude can write.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 22, 2020, 11:49:14 AM
My review of the album will be up soon.  I don't want to create expectations one way or the other, so I'll just say I like the album a lot, as I do pretty much all of Neal's albums, and I'll leave it at that. 

A couple of other tidbits:
-The album DOES in fact share a lot in common with Sola Scriptura, which actually surprised me quite a bit given the subject matter.  The tie-ins (musically, lyrically, and, most importantly, thematically) are somewhat unexpected, but nice.
-Having heard and experienced the album, hearing singles from it is really strange.  I know artists pretty much HAVE TO release individual songs.  But hearing them outside the context of the entire album really does not do them justice.  Seemingly Sincere is one of my top 2 songs on the album, along with Never Change, but I'm not sure I would necessarily feel that way hearing it as a standalone piece.

Annnnd here it is: (Album review by the one and only: bosk1)  :metal

https://lotsofmuzic.weebly.com/home/neal-morse-unleashes-a-progressive-rock-biography-of-saul-of-tarsuspaul-with-his-latest-solo-album-sola-gratia-album-review-by-jerry-deschler

 :metal

Thanks for sharing! What a lengthy review. I wanted to read it all, but I want to go into the album with as little knowledge or expectation as possible. I'll definitely give it a read once I've heard it, but if there's that much to say about the album, I can only imagine the album itself will be worthy of such a long reaction.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 23, 2020, 02:26:54 PM
Marc, yeah, it is definitely longer than usual. **what follows is spoiler free, so don't worry**  I felt it was necessary to take a deep dive into the story itself, since most people are not as familiar with this particular story, and the lyrics are not necessarily as clear from a narrative perspective to paint the setting, IMO.  So I spent a lot of time expounding on that because I thought it would be helpful.  I kept second-guessing whether that was the best approach, but Jorge liked it a lot, so I went with it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 24, 2020, 03:18:56 PM
Marc, yeah, it is definitely longer than usual. **what follows is spoiler free, so don't worry**  I felt it was necessary to take a deep dive into the story itself, since most people are not as familiar with this particular story, and the lyrics are not necessarily as clear from a narrative perspective to paint the setting, IMO.  So I spent a lot of time expounding on that because I thought it would be helpful.  I kept second-guessing whether that was the best approach, but Jorge liked it a lot, so I went with it.

Thanks for the clarification! I will read your review once I've had a chance to digest the album a couple of times first. It sounds like there is a lot going on in the album, so that has me excited! Just a couple more weeks now!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 25, 2020, 10:36:04 AM
NM posted on FB now:

Neal Morse:

For all my waterfall subscribers, Im making Sola Gratia available to stream on the app this Friday at 8AM CDT! (Thats two weeks before its official release date at Radiant Records!) If youre not already a member, sign up today! Special discount for Inner Circle. http://ow.ly/Z94N50B7VCB
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 25, 2020, 10:41:33 AM
Nice!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 28, 2020, 07:08:13 AM
For Watterfall users the new album should be already there.

--

For all other fans:
 
Watch the video for the albums third single Building A Wall here: https://youtu.be/9ipFSeRGD84

Neal comments: This song sounds like a political commentary, but really it is not. I wrote this thinking about the apostle Paul being at Stephens trial, and also about the wall of separation at that time between the Jews and the Gentiles. Very biblical stuff. But, people can take it however they would like... My thought is that many times we humans desire to divide and separate, but God is looking to join all things together in one with Him. Hows that for a quote for a rather heavy rock song! Oh, by the way I played drums on this one!

 :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 28, 2020, 09:10:50 AM
Cool!  That is a fun track.  I love his comments, too.  And, see, that is EXACTLY what I was talking about in my review.  Knowing the Bible as well as I do, I knew exactly what he was going for lyrically here.  But for those who don't, it is not at all obvious what Neal is trying to say.

But again, fun track.  I'm glad he released that.  I really like the Broadway musical feel of the chorus in that one.  And cool that people get to hear one of the major Sola Scriptura callbacks too.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on August 28, 2020, 05:56:05 PM
What was the reason again why Neal played drums on this track? I remember reading the reason before but can't find the interview where Neal gave details. Didn't he want something simpler than what MP originally came up with?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 29, 2020, 09:27:20 AM
My impatience got the best of me and I subscribed to waterfall instead of waiting two more weeks to get my cd... 

My spoiler-free first listen impression:  I don't really know what to think. LOL.  It's great obviously, but it's a lot to digest and it's going to take many listens to get to know it and see how it ranks amongst other Neal Morse solo albums.  My first impression is that there's no way it lives up to my other favorite Neal solo discs, like Sola Scriptura or One.  But I also know that pretty much all of my favorite albums had to grow on me and weren't instant classics on first listen (although I think Sola Scriptura and One both may have been haha).

I'm pretty confident though that it will be a grower.  Really great musically.  First listen favorite songs are probably Seemingly Sincere and Overflow.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 29, 2020, 09:40:34 AM
I love the sound of Overflow.  But that song is the most "frustrating" for me, simply because I cannot figure out what it is about.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 29, 2020, 12:45:58 PM
I've been a Waterfall subscriber for about a year or so (even though I barely use it), but I haven't gotten around to listening to it yet. I've been too absorbed into digesting Petrucci's new album and the new Tangent album lately. I'm sure I'll get to Sola Gratia in the coming days, though! So much new music lately, it's kind of overwhelming trying to find time to get to it all, especially since I just started back up at work earlier this week.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on August 29, 2020, 01:09:01 PM
First listen of Sola Gratia yesterday and I was just kind of 'ehh, it's a Neal album'   But that was also squeezed between a few listens of JP's albums so....today I gave Sola Gratia another spin and it was much better second time around. Definitely going to be one of those albums that reveals more with each listen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 30, 2020, 07:01:27 AM
What was the reason again why Neal played drums on this track? I remember reading the reason before but can't find the interview where Neal gave details. Didn't he want something simpler than what MP originally came up with?

I can't find the article, but that sounds right.  He was looking for a simpler sound, I believe.  My assumption beyond that was that Mike was busy and Neal had to get it done in a time crunch.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on September 07, 2020, 12:51:11 PM
WELP........They did it.  they got me subscribed to the damn app cause i hate being left out.  BUT i fully intend to dump it as soon as the physical album drops

Anyhow......first listen......i love it.  a ton more than i do the last two (Was never keen on The Great Adventure.  and JCTE...well i started out loving it but it quickly faded.  and i find it a misguided attempt to be Jesus Christ Superstar)  but Sola Gratia hooked me straight off.

the singles which out of context left me cold.  shime on this record.  Particularly Seemingly Sincere.  Also i dig the production on the album as a whole.  I love all the little musical nods too Scriptura. 

Overflow......Where did THIS come from?  such a different kinda sound to what neal has done!! i love it.  the brushes on the drums.  "chef's  kiss)  Also Never Change...hot damn!!!  great solo from Neal there too

i also find thhe 2nd half in general way stronger then the first.  the last 7 songs all kill.

not the first half was bad i like Build the wall a lot.  it had a nice 70's rock anthem vibe going. Kinda different for Neal there as well!!

Portnoy is being portnoy on the kit so not much to say there, lol

It ends with your typical hands to the sky praise be Neal song but i can't complain cause it's always nice melodically.  even if the message just bounces off a guy like me, lol

so yea........thrilled and this is to me.  a nice bounce back from the last two. it follows the clear Morse road map but adds some new surprises as well.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on September 07, 2020, 01:04:46 PM
What was the reason again why Neal played drums on this track? I remember reading the reason before but can't find the interview where Neal gave details. Didn't he want something simpler than what MP originally came up with?

I can't find the article, but that sounds right.  He was looking for a simpler sound, I believe.  My assumption beyond that was that Mike was busy and Neal had to get it done in a time crunch.

Neal talks about it in this ineterview:

https://progarchy.com/2020/09/04/by-grace-alone-a-conversation-with-neal-morse/

Bryan: Well is there anything we havent covered about the album? Anything you want people to know?

Neal: Theres a version where I played drums on the album.

Bryan: Oh wow. Is there one of the songs thats on the final version of the album where you play drums?

Neal: Yeah I kept the drums that I did on Building a Wall. Mainly because I liked how I play very simply, generally, because thats all I can do. So I like the super simple approach that I was doing. I actually called Mike afterwards and told him I wasnt really entirely digging that, and I asked him if he wanted to redo it. He said, nah just use yours. Which was fine with me. That worked out good, but I wanted to see, to give him an opportunity. But I think he was moved on to other things. Didnt really want to go back to that. So yeah, I dont like to program drums anymore, and I have a drum kit thats all lined up in my studio. It took me like three days because Im not very good as a drummer. That was interesting, but I found like I was feeling like maybe I was spending too much time. You want to use your time wisely, but anyways so be it. Thats how it was.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on September 07, 2020, 01:38:34 PM
I've got a question for the people that have heard the new album. Before I dig into it, I would like to know beforehand if I should expect a particular thing from it. You might say it's as if I'm inviting spoilers.  :lol

You know those magical, dramatic, tragic musical themes that Neal whips out in his overtures? For example, the Testimony 2 Overture at 4:04, or The Great adventure Overture at 5:44? The question is, is there a theme like this on Sola gratia? I need to get myself ready emotionally.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on September 07, 2020, 05:58:51 PM
I've got a question for the people that have heard the new album. Before I dig into it, I would like to know beforehand if I should expect a particular thing from it. You might say it's as if I'm inviting spoilers.  :lol

You know those magical, dramatic, tragic musical themes that Neal whips out in his overtures? For example, the Testimony 2 Overture at 4:04, or The Great adventure Overture at 5:44? The question is, is there a theme like this on Sola gratia? I need to get myself ready emotionally.  ;D

I've only listened to the album a handful of times, so I may just be missing a part like that, but I don't think there's a part like those two (that I can remember at the moment).  At least not in the overture.  That said, there are definitely at least a couple of Neal trademark emotional moments on the album.

Spoiler alert  (kind of, although what I say will be pretty obvious to anyone who knows Neal's music)...  I will say that the last couple of tracks on this album rival the most emotional moments of any Neal albums.  Right up there with T2's Mercy Street reprise or the end of So Many Roads.  Also, there are a couple of insanely awesome guitar solos on the album.  One by Neal and one by Eric. Both are album highlights.

I think I'm finally getting close to the point where the album "clicks".  I've been avoiding it as much as possible to not over listen to it until I get the physical disc (mostly because I'm limited to where I can Waterfall so my listens haven't been all that in depth).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on September 08, 2020, 06:49:17 AM
I've got a question for the people that have heard the new album. Before I dig into it, I would like to know beforehand if I should expect a particular thing from it. You might say it's as if I'm inviting spoilers.  :lol

You know those magical, dramatic, tragic musical themes that Neal whips out in his overtures? For example, the Testimony 2 Overture at 4:04, or The Great adventure Overture at 5:44? The question is, is there a theme like this on Sola gratia? I need to get myself ready emotionally.  ;D

I've only listened to the album a handful of times, so I may just be missing a part like that, but I don't think there's a part like those two (that I can remember at the moment).  At least not in the overture.  That said, there are definitely at least a couple of Neal trademark emotional moments on the album.

Spoiler alert  (kind of, although what I say will be pretty obvious to anyone who knows Neal's music)...  I will say that the last couple of tracks on this album rival the most emotional moments of any Neal albums.  Right up there with T2's Mercy Street reprise or the end of So Many Roads.  Also, there are a couple of insanely awesome guitar solos on the album.  One by Neal and one by Eric. Both are album highlights.

I think I'm finally getting close to the point where the album "clicks".  I've been avoiding it as much as possible to not over listen to it until I get the physical disc (mostly because I'm limited to where I can Waterfall so my listens haven't been all that in depth).

Well, this makes the post I was gonna write redundant  :smiley:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on September 08, 2020, 07:54:19 AM
Thanks for the feedback, guys!  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on September 08, 2020, 09:46:03 AM
Just want to say i've had about 4 plays now.  and this album keeps getting better.

at over an hour it flies by.  it has zero dull moments.  it seems to me to be completely realized.  knows where it needs to go exactly.  and does not waste your time.  which is big with me.  i hate albums tat fart around without making any impact.

my fav tracks

i have to this album may have the best flow song to song that Neal has done.  it just is a truly cohesive piece.

and i may have overplayed Overflow, lol

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on September 08, 2020, 10:17:03 AM
It definitely gets better after several listens.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on September 09, 2020, 04:21:38 AM
My copy came in the mail yesterday, and I have to say I really enjoyed it. I've listened to it twice and I have to agree with the people who said that the singles work great in context. The ending was amazing!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 09, 2020, 08:25:03 AM
Interestingly, although I really like the album as a whole, the ending does nothing for me.  But for others' sake, I'm glad I am apparently in the minority.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on September 09, 2020, 09:14:14 AM
Interestingly, although I really like the album as a whole, the ending does nothing for me.  But for others' sake, I'm glad I am apparently in the minority.

I like it melodically. but it's your typical Neal i love Jesus ending.  which i'm not bashing.  if you love the message....wonderful.

but for a guy like me it misses me, lol

the ending doesn't detract though this is a great album.  Neal's best since Similitude.  he sorta lost me on the last 2 but he's back for me.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on September 11, 2020, 09:07:18 AM
Sola Gratia might be album of the year for me :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on September 11, 2020, 11:08:57 AM
Thank goodness I broke and got waterfall app. Ordered first day of preorders on Radiant and it hasnt even been processed there yet. Kind of bullshit, same thing happened with Similitude, got that like 3 weeks after release. Oh well. Enjoying lots of other great stuff on waterfall too. Im not a huge Flying Colors fan but their live albums are great.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on September 11, 2020, 01:19:05 PM
Sola Gratia might be album of the year for me :metal

AND.....it's the best Neal album for me since Similitude.  wasn't a fan of the last 2.  so Neal actually hit a slump with me, lol

this remedied that in a big way.  i love this more each spin.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on September 11, 2020, 02:12:16 PM
I'm one listen in and honestly it's not doing much for me. Sound like it's a grower and I hope that is the case but I've never been this 'meh' on a Neal album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on September 11, 2020, 02:15:22 PM
I'm in a neal Facebook group.  i've never seen a Neal album so split.

i know which side i'm on, lol

but it's interesting.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on September 11, 2020, 03:33:44 PM
First listen through was okay. A little boring, but some things definitely got my attention in a good way. He's mastered the ability to create the same album over and over again and still have it be a decent listen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on September 11, 2020, 03:51:44 PM
First listen through was okay. A little boring, but some things definitely got my attention in a good way. He's mastered the ability to create the same album over and over again and still have it be a decent listen.

he HAS made the same album over and over.  but i love the formula, lol i mean for the most part.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on September 11, 2020, 07:10:31 PM
Sola Gratia might be album of the year for me :metal

AND.....it's the best Neal album for me since Similitude.  wasn't a fan of the last 2.  so Neal actually hit a slump with me, lol

this remedied that in a big way.  i love this more each spin.

If the last two you're talking about are TGA and JCTE... then yeah, much better than those two. The Exorcist album was different and still very good, but something quite didn't work there for me (the drums and maybe the more opera-ish approach), and TGA felt really forced, though there's some great material in there.

Also, this kind of NM album feels much better to me, with him doing all the writing and singing, as I'm not the biggest fan of Eric's or Bill's vocals.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on September 12, 2020, 07:43:02 PM
Only one first proper listen but pretty underwhelmed so far and I am a big fan of all Neals prog stuff except the JCTE album which I dont really count!  Just feels all a little undercooked and small to me compared to his other stuff.  To say it was phoned in would be overly harsh but just doesnt seem particularly energised or as bombastic as his stuff usually is.  Neals music can often bring me to tears but I have no real emotional reaction to any of this.

Maybe it will grow on me but definitely feels like it will be my least favourite of his albums.  I am fully prepared to eat my words though on repeat listens and hope that is the case.  Shame because I was pretty excited to see him do a solo album again as I prefer his solo albums to the NMB ones.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on September 13, 2020, 08:26:53 AM
Only one first proper listen but pretty underwhelmed so far and I am a big fan of all Neals prog stuff except the JCTE album which I dont really count!  Just feels all a little undercooked and small to me compared to his other stuff.  To say it was phoned in would be overly harsh but just doesnt seem particularly energised or as bombastic as his stuff usually is.  Neals music can often bring me to tears but I have no real emotional reaction to any of this.

Maybe it will grow on me but definitely feels like it will be my least favourite of his albums.  I am fully prepared to eat my words though on repeat listens and hope that is the case.  Shame because I was pretty excited to see him do a solo album again as I prefer his solo albums to the NMB ones.

This pretty much sums up my feelings after a few listens. Some good songs but a lot of boring stuff to my ears.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on September 13, 2020, 12:23:42 PM
The album is growing on me with each spin, it's pretty cool so far. Has anyone been able to dig into the story? What is this exactly about? I've read it's about the Apostole Paul, but wasn't able to find a more detailed description.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on September 13, 2020, 01:07:43 PM
The album is growing on me with each spin, it's pretty cool so far. Has anyone been able to dig into the story? What is this exactly about? I've read it's about the Apostole Paul, but wasn't able to find a more detailed description.

The review posted a page or so back goes into a lot of detail on the story:  https://lotsofmuzic.weebly.com/home/neal-morse-unleashes-a-progressive-rock-biography-of-saul-of-tarsuspaul-with-his-latest-solo-album-sola-gratia-album-review-by-jerry-deschler (https://lotsofmuzic.weebly.com/home/neal-morse-unleashes-a-progressive-rock-biography-of-saul-of-tarsuspaul-with-his-latest-solo-album-sola-gratia-album-review-by-jerry-deschler)

Now that I've listened to the new album quite a few times and the excitement has died down a bit...  I think this will probably fall into the "upper middle" of Neal albums for me.  Doesn't feel like it has the staying power of some of the greatest albums (One, Sola, etc).  What I mean by that - when I got both One and Sola I swear I listened to the entire album all the way through almost daily for like a year, I just couldn't get sick of them. With Sola Gratia, I don't feel the daily need to listen to it.  That said, it's a great album and there's no songs that I don't like.  Still possibly my favorite album of his (band or solo) in the past decade.  And the ending (last two songs) is one of the strongest album endings (in my opinion, I know not everyone feels this way) of any Neal album.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on September 13, 2020, 01:27:10 PM
i think i just appreciate how Sola Gratia is smaller and pulled back.  after 2 massive doubles in a row (both of which i rarely play and did super little for me)  it's just nice to have a "smaller" Neal Album.

i dig it more each day.

But i can't fault folks that are underwhelmed.  because this Album is getting a blah reaction and i get it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on September 13, 2020, 01:53:46 PM
Anyone doing the virtual double night ticket for Morsefest want to grab me a Great Nothing DVD? I'll pay for one for you, as well. Turns out I won't be able to get a virtual ticket for this weekend because I'm moving and am not sure when I'm going to be able to get internet, but I don't want to miss out on that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on September 13, 2020, 02:00:43 PM
Thanks for the link, ronnibran. That was exactly what I was looking for.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 14, 2020, 08:11:38 AM
I ordered Sola Gratia over the weekend.  Hopefully I get my CD before Halloween.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on September 14, 2020, 09:50:07 AM
Listened twice so far, early impression is that it's a perfectly fine Neal album, but it hasn't clicked with me the way my favorites of his do. We'll see how I feel after the MorseFest show this weekend, it took seeing Similtude live for that click to happen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 14, 2020, 11:42:42 AM
Listened twice so far, early impression is that it's a perfectly fine Neal album, but it hasn't clicked with me the way my favorites of his do.

Describes my feelings exactly.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on September 14, 2020, 12:40:32 PM
I bought the CD last Thursday and haven't really made it through in one listen yet. I did a full listen while working on Friday but honestly my attention was elsewhere. It all seems familiar and I don't mean the callbacks which to my ears seem kind of clumsy and shoehorned. To all that say NM has made the same album over and over I agree, but most of them are really good and this one will probably be as well, I'm just not into it yet and having a hard time. I listened to the ending pieces by themselves yesterday and I just have the feeling I have heard it all before, typical big ending with passionate guitar solo, rinse and repeat.

I have wished for many years that Neal would get an outside producer to push him where he hasn't been before as he is so entrenched into his style, and I am not complaining, I have heard some great albums and seen some amazing shows, just would love to see him go off the rails musically a little.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on September 14, 2020, 01:30:24 PM
To all that say NM has made the same album over and over I agree.....

I have wished for many years that Neal would get an outside producer to push him where he hasn't been before as he is so entrenched into his style....


I'm pretty much done with Neal Morse or Neal Morse band because of the first comment. Neal's music just doesn't engage me anymore because he has made the same album over and over (different concepts, but musically are very similar, very formulaic).  I think Neal's music would greatly benefit from an outside producer, however, I don't see it happening since he seems to be very comfortable with his music as it stands.

I saw a great meme on some FB group about Neal's music. Paraphrasing here: "You know you listen to Neal Morse when your playlist has 20 songs as Overtures"..something like that.

Right now only Transatlantic and Flying Colors are the only Neal related bands I can listen, and even those bands are getting too predictable and too formulaic on their last albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on September 14, 2020, 02:02:31 PM
Neal's also 60 so i doubt he'll change things up at this point, lol

but i like his formula but it is hit and miss really.  and no one relates less too religion than i do so his lyrics.....i just don't pay attention.

but neal's still a big fav.  so i won't complain too much.

the one album where it got on my nerves activly was lifeline.  i felt like there i was openly being sermon-ised too.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on September 14, 2020, 02:05:37 PM
I'm pretty much in the same boat with NM. Testimony and One are two of my all time favorite albums. I LOVE them. ? was a big step down for me and that was my last NM purchase. I've heard all the others and yes, there are some amazing songs, but not to the point that I need to buy them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on September 14, 2020, 02:27:44 PM
Neal Morse - the AC/DC of Prog Rock.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on September 14, 2020, 02:29:41 PM
Neal Morse - the AC/DC of Prog Rock.

good comparison.

same album.....same subject.  some hit big....some don't.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on September 15, 2020, 06:25:20 AM
Neal Morse - the AC/DC of Prog Rock.

 :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on September 15, 2020, 10:40:11 AM
Gave it another listen today as the cd has now arrived and I could sit down with the lyric booklet and get more into it.

On second listen it still doesnt do much for me.  Theres some nice melodies and some decent songs, theres nothing terrible on here but nothing great for me either.  I find it quite joyless, dreary and monotonous which I never thought Id say about a Neal Morse album which are normally joyous and life affirming.  Dont know what it is but it just never bursts into life for me, just stays on one level.  He tries to inject a little life at the end but it doesnt really work for me even then.

Oh well, he cant hit a home run every time I suppose, hes human after all!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on September 15, 2020, 10:51:23 AM
There definitely seemed to be something missing from this release. Monotonous is a good work. I normally love his ballads and the melodies really shine and the emotion comes through. The ballads for the most part on Sola Gratia are just boring.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 16, 2020, 05:22:06 PM
Got my signed 2-disc set from Radiant in the mail yesterday. I'm watching the Making Of DVD right now. So far, it's been an interesting watch given how different the making of this album has been!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on September 17, 2020, 05:45:40 PM
Does anyone know if Morsefest can be streamed on-demand if you buy a ticket or is it just the one scheduled time? I want to buy but will be busy Saturday night and am hoping I'd be able to watch it at a later point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on September 18, 2020, 05:41:53 AM
Does anyone know if Morsefest can be streamed on-demand if you buy a ticket or is it just the one scheduled time? I want to buy but will be busy Saturday night and am hoping I'd be able to watch it at a later point.

You have 48 hours to stream it on demand after the first stream, and you can have a video download of the shows for $25 once merch comes up.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on September 18, 2020, 07:20:38 AM
Does anyone know if Morsefest can be streamed on-demand if you buy a ticket or is it just the one scheduled time? I want to buy but will be busy Saturday night and am hoping I'd be able to watch it at a later point.

You have 48 hours to stream it on demand after the first stream, and you can have a video download of the shows for $25 once merch comes up.
Thank you!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on September 18, 2020, 07:44:45 AM
As much as I agree with all the comments about Neal Morse's music which are all spot on (AC/DC, 20 overtures, etc..) I somehow still enjoy them. I go through bouts of binging on his discography and then staying away for a while and then come back to it and enjoy them all regardless of reuse and familiarity of it all. I dunno, hard to explain.

On another note, I still haven't ordered Sola Gratia and seems like I can't order on Radiant Records. There is no option to add to car on the album page. Anyone else see the same issue?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ShadowWalker on September 18, 2020, 08:12:39 AM
As much as I agree with all the comments about Neal Morse's music which are all spot on (AC/DC, 20 overtures, etc..) I somehow still enjoy them. I go through bouts of binging on his discography and then staying away for a while and then come back to it and enjoy them all regardless of reuse and familiarity of it all. I dunno, hard to explain.

On another note, I still haven't ordered Sola Gratia and seems like I can't order on Radiant Records. There is no option to add to car on the album page. Anyone else see the same issue?

I went to order it from Radiant Records the other day and the only option was the CD/Vinyl bundle, which I had no interest in (never hopped on the vinyl train) so I just ordered it from Amazon. I am assuming if it is not listed that it simply means it is out of stock on the Radiant site.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on September 18, 2020, 08:23:18 AM
I would think so too, but there is no option for any format right now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 18, 2020, 08:52:11 AM
I don't order from Radiant.  I had issues ordering from them twice in the past, and that was that.  And although most orders seem fine, I have seen enough problems with them from others that I don't even bother.  If that means Neal gets less of a cut because I am buying from another source, that's just the way it is. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 18, 2020, 11:08:55 AM
The new John Petrucci album sent me on a DT kick for the first time in a loooong time, so I'm hoping to get into Neal's albums soon. I'm way behind though, Momentum and the last Transatlantic album was the last time I was really into Neal's work. I checked out TSOAD around the time it came out but never bought it.

Is TSOAD and TGA out of print? I can't find a copy of these in the US online anywhere. Same with older albums, still need a copy of One, the first Testimony album, TGA, and Neal's self-titled solo debut. TGA, JC:TE, and the new album are available. Thankfully, my "local" record shop (it's not close by) has almost every Neal Morse studio album (and some of his live albums) so I will have to journey up there at some point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on September 18, 2020, 11:20:00 AM
The new John Petrucci album sent me on a DT kick for the first time in a loooong time, so I'm hoping to get into Neal's albums soon. I'm way behind though, Momentum and the last Transatlantic album was the last time I was really into Neal's work. I checked out TSOAD around the time it came out but never bought it.

Is TSOAD and TGA out of print? I can't find a copy of these in the US online anywhere. Same with older albums, still need a copy of One, the first Testimony album, TGA, and Neal's self-titled solo debut. TGA, JC:TE, and the new album are available. Thankfully, my "local" record shop (it's not close by) has almost every Neal Morse studio album (and some of his live albums) so I will have to journey up there at some point.

I have many of those for sale, they are new still wrapped. If interested let me know and I will send you pics.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on September 19, 2020, 04:25:37 AM
The new John Petrucci album sent me on a DT kick for the first time in a loooong time, so I'm hoping to get into Neal's albums soon. I'm way behind though, Momentum and the last Transatlantic album was the last time I was really into Neal's work. I checked out TSOAD around the time it came out but never bought it.

Is TSOAD and TGA out of print? I can't find a copy of these in the US online anywhere. Same with older albums, still need a copy of One, the first Testimony album, TGA, and Neal's self-titled solo debut. TGA, JC:TE, and the new album are available. Thankfully, my "local" record shop (it's not close by) has almost every Neal Morse studio album (and some of his live albums) so I will have to journey up there at some point.

Neal has his own streaming service with all of his stuff on there if you are interested. Its called Waterfall I think.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on September 19, 2020, 11:01:07 AM
Ok, I have had the album on repeatedly this week in work (one of the advantages of homeworking in this crazy time) so I could absorb it through osmosis and have sat down for another proper headphone listen. Listened to Sola Scriptura and Sola Gratia back to back.  I have to say that I enjoyed it quite a bit all the way through.  I think it will forever be in the lower half of his discography for me but its still a worthy addition and even Neals lesser albums are pretty incredible by anyone elses standards!

It still lacks a truly emotionally overwhelming moment for me but its thoroughly enjoyable.  The only shame for me is that the vocal melody at the very end (the Arise, go into all the world part) is my favourite vocal melody of the whole record.  I would have loved Neal to have built that into one of his epic endings with choirs, strings etc.  It was quite nice as a little quiet moment though too.

Anyway, Im glad Ive come around on it and can enjoy it as hes one of my all time favourite artists even if all the religious stuff goes way over my head!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on September 20, 2020, 05:00:34 AM
Ok, I have had the album on repeatedly this week in work (one of the advantages of homeworking in this crazy time) so I could absorb it through osmosis and have sat down for another proper headphone listen. Listened to Sola Scriptura and Sola Gratia back to back.  I have to say that I enjoyed it quite a bit all the way through.  I think it will forever be in the lower half of his discography for me but its still a worthy addition and even Neals lesser albums are pretty incredible by anyone elses standards!

It still lacks a truly emotionally overwhelming moment for me but its thoroughly enjoyable.  The only shame for me is that the vocal melody at the very end (the Arise, go into all the world part) is my favourite vocal melody of the whole record.  I would have loved Neal to have built that into one of his epic endings with choirs, strings etc.  It was quite nice as a little quiet moment though too.

Anyway, Im glad Ive come around on it and can enjoy it as hes one of my all time favourite artists even if all the religious stuff goes way over my head!

That is one of those melodies like only Neal can write them. Who knows, maybe it will come back for a third album called Sola Fide  ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on September 21, 2020, 12:52:28 PM
Count me as one who had that blah blah reaction on my first few listens.  But I've got to say, it's really grown on me since.  I now find that I have some of the melodies running through my head throughout the day.  I think this will fall somewhere in the middle of his discography rankings.  Certainly not one of his best, but very good nonetheless. 

The production is excellent though.  Randy's bass sounds full and robust, Mike's drums sound excellent and I can clearly hear all the instruments Neal is playing - everything comes through in the mix.  I can't help but think why can't bands like Dream Theater and POS (although I have warmed to Panther's production) put out albums that sound this good?  Maybe DT should hire Neal to produce and mix their next album. His ear, combined with their incredible playing, would probably sound amazing!  I know it's not going to happen but one can wonder what the result would be.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 27, 2020, 09:07:05 AM
I never listened to Neal's self titled debut album, been listening to it and while I wouldn't call it my favorite of his, it's not bad. The first 7 tracks are mostly non-offensive rock songs, and the eighth is a pretty solid prog epic, great melodies everywhere. To my ears, this sounds like the beginning of his classic output since this record was released. Prior to this with Spock's Beard, outside of The Light, I've never connected with the 3 albums that followed it, though there is strong material throughout. Even The Light suffers from production issues, but the material is so strong it overrides the faults. V always stuck out from the rest, like, 'why is this one so much better than the others, musically and technically?' imo of course.

Still have to listen to the new album. Is this related to Sola Scriptura? Do I need to listen to that first?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 27, 2020, 09:24:58 AM
I never listened to Neal's self titled debut album, been listening to it and while I wouldn't call it my favorite of his, it's not bad. The first 7 tracks are mostly non-offensive rock songs, and the eighth is a pretty solid prog epic, great melodies everywhere. To my ears, this sounds like the beginning of his classic output since this record was released. Prior to this with Spock's Beard, outside of The Light, I've never connected with the 3 albums that followed it, though there is strong material throughout. Even The Light suffers from production issues, but the material is so strong it overrides the faults. V always stuck out from the rest, like, 'why is this one so much better than the others, musically and technically?' imo of course.

Still have to listen to the new album. Is this related to Sola Scriptura? Do I need to listen to that first?

I don't think you *need* to listen to Sola Scriptura first, but Sola Gratia does make musical and lyrical references to Sola Scriptura throughout the album, so if you want to pick up on those, it might not hurt to listen to it first. Otherwise, the concepts are only parallel and not directly related.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 27, 2020, 09:56:03 AM
I never listened to Neal's self titled debut album, been listening to it and while I wouldn't call it my favorite of his, it's not bad. The first 7 tracks are mostly non-offensive rock songs, and the eighth is a pretty solid prog epic, great melodies everywhere. To my ears, this sounds like the beginning of his classic output since this record was released. Prior to this with Spock's Beard, outside of The Light, I've never connected with the 3 albums that followed it, though there is strong material throughout. Even The Light suffers from production issues, but the material is so strong it overrides the faults. V always stuck out from the rest, like, 'why is this one so much better than the others, musically and technically?' imo of course.

Still have to listen to the new album. Is this related to Sola Scriptura? Do I need to listen to that first?

I don't think you *need* to listen to Sola Scriptura first, but Sola Gratia does make musical and lyrical references to Sola Scriptura throughout the album, so if you want to pick up on those, it might not hurt to listen to it first. Otherwise, the concepts are only parallel and not directly related.

-Marc.

Thanks!  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on September 28, 2020, 02:05:39 AM
I never listened to Neal's self titled debut album, been listening to it and while I wouldn't call it my favorite of his, it's not bad. The first 7 tracks are mostly non-offensive rock songs, and the eighth is a pretty solid prog epic, great melodies everywhere. To my ears, this sounds like the beginning of his classic output since this record was released. Prior to this with Spock's Beard, outside of The Light, I've never connected with the 3 albums that followed it, though there is strong material throughout. Even The Light suffers from production issues, but the material is so strong it overrides the faults. V always stuck out from the rest, like, 'why is this one so much better than the others, musically and technically?' imo of course.

Still have to listen to the new album. Is this related to Sola Scriptura? Do I need to listen to that first?

I don't think you *need* to listen to Sola Scriptura first, but Sola Gratia does make musical and lyrical references to Sola Scriptura throughout the album, so if you want to pick up on those, it might not hurt to listen to it first. Otherwise, the concepts are only parallel and not directly related.

-Marc.

Thanks!  :tup

Sola Scriptura is a great album, I think you'll have to listen to it whether you're gonna listen to Sola Gratia or not  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 30, 2020, 10:45:13 AM
I'm really liking this album although it looses a bit of steam in the end imo.

And I finally figured out what the melody at the beginning of the overture reminds me of, it's kinda similar to Mahavishnu's Birds Of Fire.  :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Moor on October 01, 2020, 03:12:04 AM
Very solid and complete album!
Extremely enjoyable. Following the lyrics/story is a must.
The choir addition is awesome.
NM is like those restaurants that you have been visiting for 20 years to eat the same meal, and each time you still find it delicious and look forward for the next  :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on October 01, 2020, 03:18:11 AM
Very solid and complete album!
Extremely enjoyable. Following the lyrics/story is a must.
The choir addition is awesome.
NM is like those restaurants that you have been visiting for 20 years to eat the same meal, and each time you still find it delicious and look forward for the next  :D

That is so accurate  :lol

Neal's new releases are consistently of high quality and I always look forward to his new albums. He is one of those constants you can always rely on. I sometimes feel bad for him because he gets so much shit for making "his" kind of music. But he is always so genuinely excited for everything he does. If you don't want more Morse music, just don't listen to it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 01, 2020, 07:19:25 AM
I was working on my deck last weekend, and I put on "The Grand Experiment".  I had sealer on my hands so I didn't want to touch the phone or speaker; I listened to the entire album FIVE times in a row, and even the fifth time I was excited for Alive Again (actually, all the songs except for Agenda). 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on October 01, 2020, 07:53:49 AM
It's overshadowed somewhat by Similitude having coming out the following year, but yeah, The Grand Experiment is a really good album. Alive Again is one of my favorite of Neal's epics, The Call is a superb track, and Waterfall is really beautiful.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on October 01, 2020, 08:16:19 AM
I think Alive Again is very good, maybe 3-4 minutes or so too long. Also, I'm always a little bummed that that very cool fast part from 3:25 never reappears in the track (I think! Please correct me if I'm wrong?)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 01, 2020, 08:50:16 AM
NM is like those restaurants that you have been visiting for 20 years to eat the same meal, and each time you still find it delicious and look forward for the next  :D

:rollin  Such a perfect analogy!  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 01, 2020, 08:51:42 AM
I think Alive Again is very good, maybe 3-4 minutes or so too long. Also, I'm always a little bummed that that very cool fast part from 3:25 never reappears in the track (I think! Please correct me if I'm wrong?)

I don't think it does, at least not in that form, but I may spin it later just to double check (the melodies in that song are positively addictive). 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DoctorAction on October 02, 2020, 12:10:47 AM
I need to get me some more Neal. I struggle with his very strongly worded Christian records but love the Whirlwind and Transatlantic generally. Would The Grand Experiment fit for me, do you think?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on October 02, 2020, 12:39:18 AM
I need to get me some more Neal. I struggle with his very strongly worded Christian records but love the Whirlwind and Transatlantic generally. Would The Grand Experiment fit for me, do you think?

I think so, yes. Most of Neal's music has that "spiritual" touch, but compared to Testimony or Sola Gratia, it's not that present on The Grand Experiment. And especially for a Transatlantic fan, this album is a good fit, I think.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DoctorAction on October 02, 2020, 01:03:09 AM
Thanks, man. I notice he sells it digitally in lossless on his site so I'm gonna do that.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 02, 2020, 01:29:47 AM
I need to get me some more Neal. I struggle with his very strongly worded Christian records but love the Whirlwind and Transatlantic generally. Would The Grand Experiment fit for me, do you think?

I think so, yes. Most of Neal's music has that "spiritual" touch, but compared to Testimony or Sola Gratia, it's not that present on The Grand Experiment. And especially for a Transatlantic fan, this album is a good fit, I think.

I'd also toss out Momentum, previously his last solo record before the NMB formed for TGE. It's a bit more secular, in an early-SB kind-of way, at least less spiritual than his previous solo albums.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 02, 2020, 05:50:24 AM
I need to get me some more Neal. I struggle with his very strongly worded Christian records but love the Whirlwind and Transatlantic generally. Would The Grand Experiment fit for me, do you think?

I'd recommend Sola Scriptura or One, for the music is the best, and at least SS is telling a story more than it is preachy.
Momentum is a good choice lyrically, as Letter M stated, it might not be Neal's best prog-related album but it's not his worst either.
The ones with a lot of "God" and "Jesus" in the lyrics would be:
Testimony 1, and Testimony 2 to a lesser extent, Question Mark (?), One, and Lifeline.
I can't comment on anything he's released the last 5 years I'm going to visiting that stuff myself soon enough, but I believe the Christian lyrics are at a minimum on recent stuff as well, at least besides Sola Gratia from what I see in the previous posts.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on October 02, 2020, 05:55:00 AM
I need to get me some more Neal. I struggle with his very strongly worded Christian records but love the Whirlwind and Transatlantic generally. Would The Grand Experiment fit for me, do you think?

Personally, as someone not into those type of lyrics either, The Neal Morse Band records are his best (so Experiment, Adventure and Dream).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DoctorAction on October 02, 2020, 07:31:40 AM
Thanks, guys. I had ? On CD when it was released but the God was to high in the mix for me on that one. Have just bought TGE so we'll see.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 02, 2020, 08:38:05 AM
I need to get me some more Neal. I struggle with his very strongly worded Christian records but love the Whirlwind and Transatlantic generally. Would The Grand Experiment fit for me, do you think?

Admittedly, the lyrics don't bother me, but I've taken to interpreting them more generally: "Supernatural" to me is about love, not god.   But if it does make a difference to you - and I understand that - on The Grand Experiment, knowing Neal you know full well what he's talking about on "The Call" and "Agenda", but it's not beating you in the face.  On Momentum, the only song I can think of that is hard to get by if you don't like "strongly worded Christian records" is "Freak", and even that is really allegory, not praise.  "Weathering Sky", my favorite song on that record is, for me, about encountering hardship and adversity; there's nothing inherently "Christian" about that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on October 03, 2020, 03:35:03 AM
I have to be honest and say I dont really pay any attention to Neals lyrics. Not in a bad way but I just dont dig into them at all. Ive got zero clue what Sola Scriptura or Sola Gratia are about or the last 2 NMB albums.  It doesnt hinder my enjoyment of them though.  I mean there are some like Heaven In My Heart and others where its very clear that its a Christian song.  Honestly though, for the vast majority of the time, I just listen along and get swept up in them without stopping to think about what he is singing about.  Not that there is anything wrong in him singing about this stuff, thats obviously what he feels passionately about and thats why we get these incredible records.

The Grand Experiment is not my favourite though, I have to say.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 03, 2020, 03:54:43 AM
I've got no problem with christian lyrics and I've got no problem with religious lyrics in general. What I don't like are preachy lyrics, lyrics that tell me what I should believe, lyrics that tell me what is right and what is wrong. And on Neal's prog records you don't get that imo.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ShadowWalker on October 03, 2020, 09:07:06 AM
I've got no problem with christian lyrics and I've got no problem with religious lyrics in general. What I don't like are preachy lyrics, lyrics that tell me what I should believe, lyrics that tell me what is right and what is wrong. And on Neal's prog records you don't get that imo.

Exactly. I listen to a lot of what Neal Morse does and I never feel like I am being preached at. Maybe some of his Worship CDs have that aspect (but I have none of those in my collection). His music stuff feels more like he is celebrating his faith, not telling me what I should be believing. I like listening because the music and the message is very uplifting and positive, a welcome sound in these hard times, even though I can't say I subscribe to his belief system.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DoctorAction on October 04, 2020, 01:49:40 AM
Yeah, that's totally true. He's not telling me what to do. But I wouldn't expect him to either.

Just to be clear, it's definitely me not him. I'm not complaining about the Christian words. Lyrics in music are extremely important to me. A lot of people say they don't think about them at all etc but it makes or breaks much music for me these days. And my reaction to a very literal Christian statement in a song is an internal, "oh, please..!!". I can't help it, I'm not saying it's right, it's just what happens to me when I'm listening. Even though his less overt lyrics are saying v similar things, I can totally relate to them.

Neal's sincere expression of his faith is what makes him so beautiful to listen so, yeah. It's me not him. I don't want him to change.  :)

If there's one thing i wish he would do is get Ryo and Dave, Alan and Ted together with Mike P and do a Super Spocks record!  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on October 04, 2020, 03:02:45 AM
Not sure I get the Spocks Beard issue.  I understand initially he gave everything up to see what God wanted him to do.  He then rejoined Transatlantic though and continued to make music in the vein of Spocks Beard as a solo artist. Why not just do it with Spocks Beard? Would they baulk at the Christian stuff? Snow was a very religious album and I dont know this for sure, as I dont follow them anymore, but I would think they dont sell many records without him.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 04, 2020, 03:55:10 AM
I'm glad Neal isn't writing for SB anymore, he has better musicians on his own albums/Transatlantic, plus, I never liked the guitarist's style, tones and sounds in Spock's.

Not sure I get the Spocks Beard issue.  I understand initially he gave everything up to see what God wanted him to do.  He then rejoined Transatlantic though and continued to make music in the vein of Spocks Beard as a solo artist. Why not just do it with Spocks Beard? Would they baulk at the Christian stuff? Snow was a very religious album and I dont know this for sure, as I dont follow them anymore, but I would think they dont sell many records without him.

Were they big sellers WITH Neal? Other than Dream Theater, what 90s prog bands were doing extremely well financially back then?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on October 04, 2020, 05:01:20 AM
I'm glad Neal isn't writing for SB anymore, he has better musicians on his own albums/Transatlantic, plus, I never liked the guitarist's style, tones and sounds in Spock's.

I strongly disagree. I think it's not fair to say he has "better" musicians now. Nick D'Virgilio is a phenomenal drummer and everyone who says otherwise has no idea what he's talking about  :biggrin:
Dave Meros is great on bass and not at all worse than Pete Trevawas or Randy George. I love his Chris Squire-like style. Ryo Okumoto and Alan Morse might not be as technical or versatile as Hubauer and Gillette, but they have very unique identities on their instruments. As have the other two. That is why Spock will alway sound like Spock, while Neal Morse solo will always sound like Neal Morse solo, no matter with whom he plays.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on October 04, 2020, 09:18:48 AM
I'm glad Neal isn't writing for SB anymore, he has better musicians on his own albums/Transatlantic, plus, I never liked the guitarist's style, tones and sounds in Spock's.

Not sure I get the Spocks Beard issue.  I understand initially he gave everything up to see what God wanted him to do.  He then rejoined Transatlantic though and continued to make music in the vein of Spocks Beard as a solo artist. Why not just do it with Spocks Beard? Would they baulk at the Christian stuff? Snow was a very religious album and I dont know this for sure, as I dont follow them anymore, but I would think they dont sell many records without him.

Were they big sellers WITH Neal? Other than Dream Theater, what 90s prog bands were doing extremely well financially back then?

Not suggesting they were big sellers but they had a decent and growing fan base.  I would suspect that they are not doing as well following his departure but that might just be my own bias as I dont listen to their stuff post Neal.  I tried the first one out of loyalty but it just wasnt for me.

Im not suggesting Neals SB is better than Neal solo or NMB nor am I saying it isnt.  Just curious why he didnt go back to them once he got back into making prog albums. They were his band anyway to all intents and purposes and would be nice to see them playing that stuff with him on tour.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DoctorAction on October 04, 2020, 09:38:51 AM
Those guys in Spocks are amazing musicians afaic. I'd take any of them over other musos Neal has played with. (I don't know why I didn't mention NDV in my previous posts. Just oversight. Stupendous drummer and singer.)

The Grand Experiment is fun so far. Except Agenda.  ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 04, 2020, 09:58:36 AM
I'm glad Neal isn't writing for SB anymore, he has better musicians on his own albums/Transatlantic, plus, I never liked the guitarist's style, tones and sounds in Spock's.

I strongly disagree. I think it's not fair to say he has "better" musicians now. Nick D'Virgilio is a phenomenal drummer and everyone who says otherwise has no idea what he's talking about  :biggrin:
Dave Meros is great on bass and not at all worse than Pete Trevawas or Randy George. I love his Chris Squire-like style. Ryo Okumoto and Alan Morse might not be as technical or versatile as Hubauer and Gillette, but they have very unique identities on their instruments. As have the other two. That is why Spock will alway sound like Spock, while Neal Morse solo will always sound like Neal Morse solo, no matter with whom he plays.

I actually like Meros' playing, and I've never thought much of Nick's playing other than 'solid'. Alan Morse's style just doesn't do it for me, though. Sounds too much like 90s alt-rock to me when Neal was in the band.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 04, 2020, 10:01:20 AM
Im not suggesting Neals SB is better than Neal solo or NMB nor am I saying it isnt.  Just curious why he didnt go back to them once he got back into making prog albums. They were his band anyway to all intents and purposes and would be nice to see them playing that stuff with him on tour.

All I can say is he didn't really stop making prog albums. Spock's Beard last album with Neal was Snow in 2002, and Testimony came out in 2003, if I'm not mistaken, followed by One in 04 and ? in 05.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 04, 2020, 12:05:14 PM
90s alt-rock is the last thing that comes to mind when I think of Alan Morse.  ;)

He's no shredder but he's got a unique somewhat quirky style and I like his playing a lot. And Nick is so much more than solid.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on October 05, 2020, 06:45:24 AM
Im not suggesting Neals SB is better than Neal solo or NMB nor am I saying it isnt.  Just curious why he didnt go back to them once he got back into making prog albums. They were his band anyway to all intents and purposes and would be nice to see them playing that stuff with him on tour.

All I can say is he didn't really stop making prog albums. Spock's Beard last album with Neal was Snow in 2002, and Testimony came out in 2003, if I'm not mistaken, followed by One in 04 and ? in 05.

It may seem that way in terms of timescales but, if memory serves, when he announced that he was quitting SB, he basically announced he was quitting music altogether, he was giving everything up to see what path God wanted him to take.  There was a definite feeling on my part that he was totally finished and we may never get any more music from him.  I was overjoyed when Testimony was eventually announced and it was clear that he would continue to make music in a similar vein to SB.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 05, 2020, 09:17:51 AM
Yeah, that's totally true. He's not telling me what to do. But I wouldn't expect him to either.

Just to be clear, it's definitely me not him. I'm not complaining about the Christian words. Lyrics in music are extremely important to me. A lot of people say they don't think about them at all etc but it makes or breaks much music for me these days. And my reaction to a very literal Christian statement in a song is an internal, "oh, please..!!". I can't help it, I'm not saying it's right, it's just what happens to me when I'm listening. Even though his less overt lyrics are saying v similar things, I can totally relate to them.

Neal's sincere expression of his faith is what makes him so beautiful to listen so, yeah. It's me not him. I don't want him to change.  :)

If there's one thing i wish he would do is get Ryo and Dave, Alan and Ted together with Mike P and do a Super Spocks record!  ;D

Are you like that with other lyrics that aren't "Christian" in nature?   I don't know you, we haven't talked about this before, but the topic in general has come up, and it's always fascinating where people - again not you - draw the line.  I think there IS - generally, again, not about you - something that some people find particularly off-putting about Christianity in lyrics, and I'm not quite sure why.   I have to listen to Neil Young and Michael Stipe and Eddie Vedder and Thom Yorke jamming their political nonsense down my throat (HAHAHA, I'm kidding: I don't have to listen to anything I don't want to) and not only is that okay, but it's often celebrated.  Make no mistake, Ed Vedder is ABSOLUTELY preaching to you. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on October 05, 2020, 10:32:02 AM
I also find this phenomenon interesting, Stadler. There are a lot of artists out there putting out their worldview in their lyrics, and many of them I don't agree with. Some of the time those disagreements don't bother me, and some of the time they do. But there's nothing special about Christianity for me in that regard, even though I am an atheist who disagrees quite deeply with the major messages of Christianity. I'd honestly much rather hear Neal Morse tell me a Christian story he finds inspiring than listen to, say, Steven Wilson tell me a depressing story about some person who lived a futile life and died.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on October 05, 2020, 10:39:31 AM
I'm a Christian, so I obviously have no issues with Neal's Christian lyrics :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on October 05, 2020, 10:44:01 AM
As far as Neal's lyrics go.   they are lost on me but as others have noted.  i never feel like i'm being preached at.  he's sharing his passion.  if i felt i was being preached at i wouldn't even bother with his music.  THE ONLY time i felt close to preached at was the Lifeline album.  as a result it's my least fav.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 05, 2020, 12:28:11 PM
I find myself "preached at" far more by a guy like Kerry King than I do Neal Morse.  Neal Morse isn't telling Kerry King (and by extension, his fans) that he's a sheep or anything like that; there's an element of that in some of the more extreme metal bands. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on October 05, 2020, 02:16:55 PM
I haven't paid any attention to a Neal Morse solo album lyric since, hell, since Testimony.  Once he got on the god train, I stopped paying attention because I just have no interest whatsoever.  I still buy the albums and I still enjoy most of the songs but I admit that I skip past quite a bit of the more Jesus-y stuff.  For example the final track to The Whirlwind - unlistenable.  It's a perfect album with that track removed, though. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on October 05, 2020, 03:45:47 PM
I'm glad Neal isn't writing for SB anymore, he has better musicians on his own albums/Transatlantic, plus, I never liked the guitarist's style, tones and sounds in Spock's.

I strongly disagree. I think it's not fair to say he has "better" musicians now. Nick D'Virgilio is a phenomenal drummer and everyone who says otherwise has no idea what he's talking about  :biggrin:
Dave Meros is great on bass and not at all worse than Pete Trevawas or Randy George. I love his Chris Squire-like style. Ryo Okumoto and Alan Morse might not be as technical or versatile as Hubauer and Gillette, but they have very unique identities on their instruments. As have the other two. That is why Spock will alway sound like Spock, while Neal Morse solo will always sound like Neal Morse solo, no matter with whom he plays.

I actually like Meros' playing, and I've never thought much of Nick's playing other than 'solid'. Alan Morse's style just doesn't do it for me, though. Sounds too much like 90s alt-rock to me when Neal was in the band.

I just rewatched A Mead Hall In Winter by Big Big Train live at the Night Of The Prog Festival in 2018 (and saw myself rocking out in the first row haha) and I can't stress enough that Nick D'Virgilio's playing is far more than "solid". He is definitely one of my favourite drummers of all time! Unfortunately, that video is only available for members of The Passengers Club (BBT's fan club), so I can't share it here  :-[ BBT is also one of my top 10 favourite bands by now, Mead Hall is one of my favourite songs of the last five years and watching this always leaves completely amazed.

I've been thinking about what video to show you that portrays Nick's insane drumming. It's always laid back and subtle, it serves the song, but it's also virtuose. I'm gonna leave these two videos here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_i-uqGNzgU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX5X19aHZ2M
His singing (background or lead) is also great.

But maybe someone has some ideas for live videos that might convince darkshade of this musician?  ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ben_Jamin on October 05, 2020, 04:18:17 PM
Neal Morse incorporated Gospel into his music. Which Testimony 1/2 and The Sola Albums can be considered Gospel Prog, or more Prog Gospel. It's a part of his music style now, since finding God. It does make for some Epic sounding endings though, which he overdid for me.

I don't know how else to say it other than, When you listen to Neal Morse, you are gonna get some Gospel in his music, it's a part of him. At least he has different outlets of how strong he wants to Gospel to be heard in his music.

Flying Colors is the only Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy project where you can't feel one personality dominating, and Neal doesn't have much of his Gospel at all.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DoctorAction on October 05, 2020, 04:22:15 PM
Yeah, that's totally true. He's not telling me what to do. But I wouldn't expect him to either.

Just to be clear, it's definitely me not him. I'm not complaining about the Christian words. Lyrics in music are extremely important to me. A lot of people say they don't think about them at all etc but it makes or breaks much music for me these days. And my reaction to a very literal Christian statement in a song is an internal, "oh, please..!!". I can't help it, I'm not saying it's right, it's just what happens to me when I'm listening. Even though his less overt lyrics are saying v similar things, I can totally relate to them.

Neal's sincere expression of his faith is what makes him so beautiful to listen so, yeah. It's me not him. I don't want him to change.  :)

If there's one thing i wish he would do is get Ryo and Dave, Alan and Ted together with Mike P and do a Super Spocks record!  ;D

Are you like that with other lyrics that aren't "Christian" in nature?   I don't know you, we haven't talked about this before, but the topic in general has come up, and it's always fascinating where people - again not you - draw the line.  I think there IS - generally, again, not about you - something that some people find particularly off-putting about Christianity in lyrics, and I'm not quite sure why.   I have to listen to Neil Young and Michael Stipe and Eddie Vedder and Thom Yorke jamming their political nonsense down my throat (HAHAHA, I'm kidding: I don't have to listen to anything I don't want to) and not only is that okay, but it's often celebrated.  Make no mistake, Ed Vedder is ABSOLUTELY preaching to you.

I'm not sure any of them are preaching to me. Something to write a song about is what most songwriters are after, I would guess. I just can't understand the Christian stuff.

Kerry King's lyrics in the later Slayer records were about the most offensively bad that lyrics can get. Much worse than anything i didn't enjoy from Neal. I didn't buy those later Slayer albums either and it ruined that band for me.

Edit: But I didn't feel Kerry King was preaching to me, I just thought the lyrics were cringe-worthily poor.

One more thought, a musician standing on a stage singing or yelling their opinion or viewpoint to an audience seems very similar to a religious minister preaching to a congregation in a temple, now I think about it. That's interesting. But the parallel doesn't bother me wrt music.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on October 06, 2020, 06:40:46 AM
I find myself "preached at" far more by a guy like Kerry King than I do Neal Morse.  Neal Morse isn't telling Kerry King (and by extension, his fans) that he's a sheep or anything like that; there's an element of that in some of the more extreme metal bands.

I just think that Rock music has always been seen to a degree as The devils music and rock fans want to hear songs about sex drugs and rock n roll or anti-establishment stuff.  Not songs about how much the artist loves Jesus.  Thats a big oversimplification but, whilst I own and love my Neal Morse albums, I do sometimes cringe inside when he overtly talks about Jesus in his songs.  Those moments are few and far between though and thats my issue not Neals. 

I also think theres a difference in Pearl Jam and others preaching about real world issues and Christians preaching about some magical being that they believe lived thousands of years ago.  I dont mean that to sound dismissive, just trying to put it in a brief way.  Millions of people share that belief and thats absolutely fine, I wish I had that strong faith and belief in something.

As I said earlier though, Neals passionate belief and faith is what fuels him to make this music that I love and I am grateful for it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 06, 2020, 07:28:35 AM

I also think theres a difference in Pearl Jam and others preaching about real world issues and Christians preaching about some magical being that they believe lived thousands of years ago.  I dont mean that to sound dismissive, just trying to put it in a brief way.  Millions of people share that belief and thats absolutely fine, I wish I had that strong faith and belief in something.

As I said earlier though, Neals passionate belief and faith is what fuels him to make this music that I love and I am grateful for it.

I think your last sentence is really key.  It's either passionate belief or it's not.  FOR ME, who doesn't dismiss other people's faith as belief in "magical beings that they believe lived thousands of years ago", I don't see a difference between Neal professing his belief and Eddie Vedder professing his belief, just because his belief happens to be in some liberal political policies.  Frankly, I see BOTH as fanciful in certain ways (my better example here is something like "Hail To The Thief", which I thought was ridiculous).  I respect Ed Vedder for his passion, but I personally think many of his political views are unsubstantiated and untenable; a position that many take regarding God (as you've written).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on October 06, 2020, 10:14:02 AM
Definitely agree with Stadler. I won't go into specifics to avoid unnecessary diversions into P/R territory, but, as an atheist, there are plenty of political proposals that I find as entirely unsubstantiated as belief in God. And many of those proposals are expressed in far more personally offensive terms than Neal's lyrics about Christianity. It might be a different situation for me if Neal was constantly singing about how those who don't believe in God are worthless people who deserve nothing but scorn. But that's not what's going on.

And just from his music and onstage persona, I get the sense that if I met Neal, he would treat me with complete respect and kindness even if he knew that I am not religious. People here who have met him can correct me if I'm mistaken, but even if he's secretly a jerk in person, that's certainly not what he puts out in his music and persona. Whereas I have no sense at all that, to go to the extreme opposite case, Roger Waters would show any sort of respect to someone who disagrees with him about Israel.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DoctorAction on October 06, 2020, 10:44:08 AM
I don't know Hail To The Thief. Radiohead, by the looks of it? I don't remember any Pearl Jam songs that were unusually political.

Either way, religion and politics are different to me, in that politics is talking about the material world we all live and religion is talking about the supernatural.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 06, 2020, 10:59:46 AM
Others probably know better than I do, but I met him once, and I made a point of saying that even if I didn't follow the letter of the words, the spirit - the fact that his lyrics are positive and affirming - was powerful.   He struck me as being...  not loopy, but sort of "California surf dude" aloof.  His answer to my comment was not at all what I expected; it was "well, that's really the point, isn't it?!" with a friendly laugh, and that told me that he was open as to impact of his lyrics (i.e. there wasn't preaching but if someone bought in, all the better).   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 06, 2020, 11:11:51 AM
I believe it was in the Testimony Live DVD from the original 2003 Testimony tour, where Neal was telling the story of Jayda during one of the songs and said that he didn't want to make anyone uncomfortable, but wanted to reach out to them with his feelings and his story. He's always seemed very sincere and open-minded, but still very earnest and rooted in his beliefs and feelings. I believe him to be respectful, however, if maybe a bit misunderstood on some things, but he has always seemed like a genuinely good person from all the videos and concerts and interviews I've seen him in. At times, he might get a bit stern and stubborn, as seen in some Making Of Album documentaries or tour behind-the-scenes videos, but those are few and far between.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 06, 2020, 11:20:17 AM
I don't know Hail To The Thief. Radiohead, by the looks of it? I don't remember any Pearl Jam songs that were unusually political.

Either way, religion and politics are different to me, in that politics is talking about the material world we all live and religion is talking about the supernatural.

Bu$hleaguer?    :)

He's not a leader, he's a Texas leaguer
Swinging for the fence, got lucky with a strike
Drilling for fear, makes the job simple
Born on third, thinks he got a triple


In fact most of Riot Act speaks loudly on political issues, with little room for compromise or discussion.  On "Can't Deny Me" (recorded for, but left off, the new album) he even explicitly dispenses with discussion.  A song played live, Ed has at least once introduced it with " this has nothing to do with Donald Trump", and "I wouldn't want to waste my breath."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DoctorAction on October 06, 2020, 12:49:56 PM
Ah, yeah. I remember that one. I'm in the UK so it didn't register hard with me. :lol That's political, alright. But I've got no problem with it.

Awesome that you got to meet Neal. I'd love to but I know id fall apart like an idiot.

I'm really enjoying TGE. Really fantastic production, lots of energy. Eric is excellent. Really like his vox and guitar. MP is really fun to listen to on it. Those double bass drum rolls near the end of Alive Again had me grinning ear to ear.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 06, 2020, 02:50:23 PM
Ah, yeah. I remember that one. I'm in the UK so it didn't register hard with me. :lol That's political, alright. But I've got no problem with it.

Awesome that you got to meet Neal. I'd love to but I know id fall apart like an idiot.

I'm really enjoying TGE. Really fantastic production, lots of energy. Eric is excellent. Really like his vox and guitar. MP is really fun to listen to on it. Those double bass drum rolls near the end of Alive Again had me grinning ear to ear.

I've been binging on on Alive Again lately; I must've listened to it eight or nine times in the last week.  That part that Bill sings...

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ShadowWalker on October 07, 2020, 09:25:29 AM
I believe it was in the Testimony Live DVD from the original 2003 Testimony tour, where Neal was telling the story of Jayda during one of the songs and said that he didn't want to make anyone uncomfortable, but wanted to reach out to them with his feelings and his story. He's always seemed very sincere and open-minded, but still very earnest and rooted in his beliefs and feelings. I believe him to be respectful, however, if maybe a bit misunderstood on some things, but he has always seemed like a genuinely good person from all the videos and concerts and interviews I've seen him in. At times, he might get a bit stern and stubborn, as seen in some Making Of Album documentaries or tour behind-the-scenes videos, but those are few and far between.

-Marc.

It is always the sincerity he exhibits that has stood out. I have interviewed him a few times and being the fan I am, I have seen him in quite a number of situations (Spock's Beard, Transatlantic, Neal Morse, The Neal Morse Band, Flying Colors, a solo acoustic performance) and he always stands out as being genuine and, as you put it, respectful. It is definitely one of the things that draws me to him as a fan. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 07, 2020, 12:35:42 PM
So I received Sola Gratia.

After one listen, this is the worst thing I've heard from Neal.

I am seriously hoping this is a grower, because I was really taken aback with how little I liked it.  Or more accurately, how much I dislike it. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 07, 2020, 12:45:32 PM
Honestly, I find that to be a REALLY strange reaction from a fan.  I mean, not that you aren't entitled to like or dislike whatever.  But it is VERY standard NM fare, so if you like a lot of his other works, I don't see anything to strongly dislike about this. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on October 07, 2020, 12:55:05 PM
That's interesting because I thought this album has a little bit more of an experimental nature with songs like "Seemingly Sincere" that don't really sound like anything he's ever done before.    But it also has plenty of those signature Neal Morse chord progressions and melodies. 


In the cannon of his work I'd probably agree it will end up somewhere in the bottom half of his body of work, but I am also a bit surprised by such a strong negative reaction from a fan.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 07, 2020, 01:00:56 PM
Honestly, I find that to be a REALLY strange reaction from a fan.  I mean, not that you aren't entitled to like or dislike whatever.  But it is VERY standard NM fare, so if you like a lot of his other works, I don't see anything to strongly dislike about this.
Yeah, I thought it was strange too.

Maybe it was a little too standard?  I don't know.  I really liked the appearances of themes from Sola Scriptura, but those were the highlights for me musically.  And while I have heard Neal described as cheesy before, I never really thought that about his stuff until this.

I don't know.  *shrugs*

That's interesting because I thought this album has a little bit more of an experimental nature with songs like "Seemingly Sincere" that don't really sound like anything he's ever done before.    But it also has plenty of those signature Neal Morse chord progressions and melodies. 


In the cannon of his work I'd probably agree it will end up somewhere in the bottom half of his body of work, but I am also a bit surprised by such a strong negative reaction from a fan.
Seemingly Sincere was my favorite song from the album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on October 07, 2020, 01:01:43 PM
Yep, mine too by a pretty big margin too. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 07, 2020, 01:05:57 PM
Quote
FROM RADIANT RECORDS

Pre-sales for "Jesus Christ The Exorcist (Live At Morsefest 2018)" start at 8AM CDT tomorrow. Make sure to visit www.nealmorse.com where the first 200 orders will receive a framable graphic autographed by Neal! We will also have an exclusive Love Has Called My Name t-shirt available, plus on release day, every pre-order will receive a downloadable copy of the original script from JCTE from Morsefest 2018.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on October 07, 2020, 03:12:18 PM
So I received Sola Gratia.

After one listen, this is the worst thing I've heard from Neal.

I am seriously hoping this is a grower, because I was really taken aback with how little I liked it.  Or more accurately, how much I dislike it.

I had a similar initial reaction and so did a few others.  It has grown on me quite a bit, its never going to be an all time classic for me but still a worthy addition to his catalogue.  Stick with it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on October 07, 2020, 03:38:52 PM

I also think theres a difference in Pearl Jam and others preaching about real world issues and Christians preaching about some magical being that they believe lived thousands of years ago.  I dont mean that to sound dismissive, just trying to put it in a brief way.  Millions of people share that belief and thats absolutely fine, I wish I had that strong faith and belief in something.

As I said earlier though, Neals passionate belief and faith is what fuels him to make this music that I love and I am grateful for it.

I think your last sentence is really key.  It's either passionate belief or it's not.  FOR ME, who doesn't dismiss other people's faith as belief in "magical beings that they believe lived thousands of years ago", I don't see a difference between Neal professing his belief and Eddie Vedder professing his belief, just because his belief happens to be in some liberal political policies.  Frankly, I see BOTH as fanciful in certain ways (my better example here is something like "Hail To The Thief", which I thought was ridiculous).  I respect Ed Vedder for his passion, but I personally think many of his political views are unsubstantiated and untenable; a position that many take regarding God (as you've written).

Im not seeking to dismiss anyones religion. Different religions and different people have different beliefs and they are perfectly entitled to have that.  If it helps them in their daily life then thats all the better and Im happy for them.

In Neals particular case though, he often sings about, and talks about, Jesus.  Jesus is literally a man who may or may not have existed around 2,000 years ago and, during his time, is reputed to have performed miracles and come back from the dead.  I am not mocking that belief, millions around the world believe it, Im just saying it is something you take on faith rather than a real world issue that U2 or Pearl Jam or whoever decide to beat us over the head with. I just think most rock fans are inclined to accept the latter as it is something happening in the world today that they can see, rather than the incredible tales of someone from 2,000 years ago that they dont really believe.

Neals faith is clearly something which brings joy and comfort to him and that joy radiates through his music and lifts my spirits sometimes to the point of tears even though I am not even a believer.  Who am I to doubt that belief especially when his daughters life was saved in circumstances that cant be fully explained.  Long may he continue to bring us his incredible music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on October 07, 2020, 04:42:58 PM
So I received Sola Gratia.

After one listen, this is the worst thing I've heard from Neal.

I am seriously hoping this is a grower, because I was really taken aback with how little I liked it.  Or more accurately, how much I dislike it.

I had a similar initial reaction and so did a few others.  It has grown on me quite a bit, its never going to be an all time classic for me but still a worthy addition to his catalogue.  Stick with it.

Yep, hang in there it's definitely a grower.  I was quite underwhelmed at first as well, but now enjoy it quite a bit.  Middle to bottom half of his discography for me, but with Neal, that's still quality work that's enjoyable.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on October 08, 2020, 07:36:48 AM
Acclaimed prog rocker Neal Morse returns with a new live set, Jesus Christ The Exorcist (Live At Morsefest 2018), which will be released on December 4, 2020. Pre-orders are now LIVE at Radiant Records pre-order now!

As the title suggests, this new live album and DVD/Blu-ray was captured at the annual Morsefest in 2018, where Neal and band performed his then new album, Jesus Christ The Exorcist in its entirety. Watch a performance of 'Love Has Called My Name' from the set below:

Performing 'Jesus Christ The Exorcist' with this extraordinary cast of singers and musicians was an absolute dream come true for me as a composer and musician. The way it came together was nothing short of miraculous! One of the greatest events of my life." Neal Morse

This unique live album presents the entire Jesus Christ The Exorcist story set as a progressive rock musical. Here, the biggest change from any typical Neal Morse performance was that he was the musical director and not the main performer. The backing band included some of his usual collaborators like Bill Hubauer and Randy George, of course. Eric Gillette, usually the guitarist, was the drummer for the musical and showed off his incredible skills while Paul Bielatowicz was on lead guitar for the show. The orchestra included a horn section, a choir, backing singers, and a string quartet. The staging and lighting was nothing short of impressive, with the visuals by Christian Rios and sound by Jerry Guidroz (Sons of Apollo, Neal Morse Band, Haken) taking things to the next level.

The lead role of Jesus was taken by Ted Leonard of Enchant and Spocks Beard. Leonards voice is one of the best in rock music and he sounded stellar throughout the night. Joining Leonard was a fantastic collection of singers that included Nick DVirgilio (Spock's Beard, Big Big Train) along with Jake Livgren (Protokaw), Matt Smith (Theocracy), John Schlitt (Petra), Rick Florian (White Heart), Mark Pogue, and Wil Morse. However, perhaps the one that stole the show was newcomer Talon David, a local Nashville singer who took the role of Mary Magdalene. She has an incredible voice and brought many to tears during the finale duet with Ted Leonard. A highlight moment during the show was in the first act with the song Madman of the Gadarenes, where Morse introduced his Gentle Giant influenced vocal medley with multiple vocalists all singing different lines in unison.

Whether or not an audience member knows or appreciates the subject matter might influence their opinion on the show, but it is impossible not to be impressed by the spectacle of this performance. What Neal Morse was able to write and produce with limited time and rehearsals is nothing short of amazing. The music is the definition of epic prog and certainly will delight any Morse fan.

ADIANT RECORDS PRE-ORDER EXCLUSIVES:

- First 200 pre-orders (any format) will include a frameable graphic autographed by Neal Morse!

- All pre-orders (any format) receive a never-before-released downloadable JCTE script!

- Limited Edition "Love Has Called My Name" t-shirt available now through Oct. 22nd only at Radiant Records!

(NOTE: JCTE script will be made available for download on album release day for those pre-ordered.)

Pre-order Jesus Christ The Exorcist (Live at Morsefest 2018) as a 2CD/DVD set or Blu-ray.

https://www.nealmorse.com/product/jesus-christ-the-exorcist-live-at-morsefest-2018
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 08, 2020, 09:31:23 AM
I haven't really listened to JCTE much over the last year or so, and I was reluctant to pre-order the live version, but when I saw it was only $20 with less than $5 shipping from Radiant, I figured "Eh, why not" because I was going to get it eventually anyway, and I'm sure the live version might make it more exciting.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DoctorAction on October 08, 2020, 10:50:54 AM
Ah, yeah. I remember that one. I'm in the UK so it didn't register hard with me. :lol That's political, alright. But I've got no problem with it.

Awesome that you got to meet Neal. I'd love to but I know id fall apart like an idiot.

I'm really enjoying TGE. Really fantastic production, lots of energy. Eric is excellent. Really like his vox and guitar. MP is really fun to listen to on it. Those double bass drum rolls near the end of Alive Again had me grinning ear to ear.

I've been binging on on Alive Again lately; I must've listened to it eight or nine times in the last week.  That part that Bill sings...

It's an absolutely cracking track. Gives me the shivers!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 08, 2020, 12:27:02 PM
So I received Sola Gratia.

After one listen, this is the worst thing I've heard from Neal.

I am seriously hoping this is a grower, because I was really taken aback with how little I liked it.  Or more accurately, how much I dislike it.

I had a similar initial reaction and so did a few others.  It has grown on me quite a bit, its never going to be an all time classic for me but still a worthy addition to his catalogue.  Stick with it.

Yep, hang in there it's definitely a grower.  I was quite underwhelmed at first as well, but now enjoy it quite a bit.  Middle to bottom half of his discography for me, but with Neal, that's still quality work that's enjoyable.
I'll give it more time, for sure.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on October 08, 2020, 07:41:35 PM
I haven't really listened to JCTE much over the last year or so, and I was reluctant to pre-order the live version, but when I saw it was only $20 with less than $5 shipping from Radiant, I figured "Eh, why not" because I was going to get it eventually anyway, and I'm sure the live version might make it more exciting.

-Marc.

I actually never got around to getting the studio release, so a live CD/DVD for the same amount I was going to spend on the studio album is an easy purchase for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on October 09, 2020, 10:24:09 AM
To be honest with you i don't even know if i'll buy the live JCTE.  it's not a very exciting album to me.  it just seems like an attempt to remake the much supieror Jesus Christ Superstar.  and why play JCTE when i have that?

i love certain songs.....mostly from disc 1.  but it's a rather floundering piece for something that was kicked around so long.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 09, 2020, 12:29:25 PM
Just listened to JCTE and ? today. I still like JCTE a lot and I'm curious about the live version.

And ? is still the best solo record Neal put out.  :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 10, 2020, 09:31:23 AM
I'm giving Snow another try, I never got into it. Maybe listened to it once or twice, and it's been years since. I'm a few songs in and I'm digging it. Not sure it's going to move up the ranks of favorite Morse albums a whole lot, but I like it more than Day For Night (my least favorite SB/NM album)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on October 10, 2020, 09:38:55 AM
I'm giving Snow another try, I never got into it. Maybe listened to it once or twice, and it's been years since. I'm a few songs in and I'm digging it. Not sure it's going to move up the ranks of favorite Morse albums a whole lot, but I like it more than Day For Night (my least favorite SB/NM album)

i like disc 1 of Snow.  Disc 2 loses me.  a problem with a bunch of double albums with me.  and no.....Snow live didn't help the album for me, lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 10, 2020, 09:50:25 AM
I'm giving Snow another try, I never got into it. Maybe listened to it once or twice, and it's been years since. I'm a few songs in and I'm digging it. Not sure it's going to move up the ranks of favorite Morse albums a whole lot, but I like it more than Day For Night (my least favorite SB/NM album)

i like disc 1 of Snow.  Disc 2 loses me.  a problem with a bunch of double albums with me.  and no.....Snow live didn't help the album for me, lol

I recall that 2nd disc being one of my main issues with the album. I'm still on the first disc, and I think it's great. I think I was also overloaded with Neal's music when I first got Snow as I had been getting into all his music up til that point (early 2010s) and I might have been burnt out when I got to Snow, which was after checking out most of his other albums.

My approach with most double albums, is to rest the ears for at least a little bit before listening to the 2nd disc/half, especially double albums in the digital era. Double albums from the 70s/80s are usually more-or-less the length of one CD, so those are more manageable.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on October 10, 2020, 09:54:09 AM
I'm giving Snow another try, I never got into it. Maybe listened to it once or twice, and it's been years since. I'm a few songs in and I'm digging it. Not sure it's going to move up the ranks of favorite Morse albums a whole lot, but I like it more than Day For Night (my least favorite SB/NM album)

i like disc 1 of Snow.  Disc 2 loses me.  a problem with a bunch of double albums with me.  and no.....Snow live didn't help the album for me, lol

I like both discs of Snow, with the first part of disc 2 (through Looking for Answers) having some of my favorite SB songs. But I did used to find the second half of the second disc to be a little weak. That said, they really knocked that whole section out of the park on the Snow live performance IMO.

Part of me wonders if they had made Freak Boy through Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Ryo Okumodo on Keyboards all one track if people would think of that as one amazing epic and have a more favorable view of it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 10, 2020, 10:48:49 AM
I don't know, I'm up to Snow's Night Out on disc 2, and I've been enjoying the 2nd disc as much as the first. I've been in a Neal Morse mood lately so that might help? Could help explain why sometimes you don't like an album of his you never heard before if you're not totally into his sound at that moment.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on October 10, 2020, 11:14:21 AM
Damn now i need to pull out snow.  the poor thing sits there as my most ignored beard album, lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 10, 2020, 11:30:25 AM
Out of all of Neal's works, Snow still remains a top 5 album for me, right up there with the likes of Bridge Across Forever and V (not sure what else I'd put up there, though).

I get a lot of the criticisms of Disc 2, and I can understand why some folks might disregard some of those tracks as filler or uninteresting, but it really helps expand the story of Snow himself, and there are quite a bit os twists and turns, at least for the first half of Disc 2, that I Find very enjoyable. Sure, it gets a little weird near the end before the final couple of songs, but that's just Neal and Spock's being themselves.

The live version really rocks my socks off, though, with the inclusion of Ted and Jimmy, they really brought new dimensions to the album and band dynamic, especially when they took vocal lead spots. The whole production was just fantastic and I often find myself wanting to re-watch that concert every now and then. If they could never tour on Snow as any formation of SB, this one-off concert was definitely the next best thing, and I'm really glad Neal and company were able to do it!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 10, 2020, 01:05:51 PM
Damn now i need to pull out snow.  the poor thing sits there as my most ignored beard album, lol

I definitely like it more than I did before today. It's got a lot of what I like about Neal's music in a constantly flowing album of ideas. Some of the riffs were cool, but a lot of it still hasn't stuck with me, whereas most of Neal's other music leaves me with at least one or two melodies repeating in my head for the next 48 hours. Snow is a lot of music so I'll revisit it as with other NM albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 10, 2020, 01:11:02 PM
Out of all of Neal's works, Snow still remains a top 5 album for me, right up there with the likes of Bridge Across Forever and V (not sure what else I'd put up there, though).


Surely The Whirlwind? I find that one is one of the best albums by all participants involved. One of the most well produced prog rock albums of all time as well.
The man has released nearly 30 albums of consistent quality prog rock across all his main bands, it is tough to pick a top 5.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on October 10, 2020, 05:16:46 PM
I actually prefer disc 2 of Snow, theres a 3 or 4 songs on the first disc Im not that keen on whereas I like pretty much everything on disc 2. Plus Made Alive Again/Wind At My Back (Reprise) is one of my all time favourite songs by any artist.  Its just incredible how that song is basically the same vocal melody repeating over and over but somehow it just builds and builds into this joyful emotionally uplifting climax to the album.  It chokes me up every time and not with sadness but with joy.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DoctorAction on October 11, 2020, 03:25:32 AM
Totally this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on October 11, 2020, 12:41:27 PM
I need to get me some more Neal. I struggle with his very strongly worded Christian records but love the Whirlwind and Transatlantic generally. Would The Grand Experiment fit for me, do you think?

Admittedly, the lyrics don't bother me, but I've taken to interpreting them more generally: "Supernatural" to me is about love, not god.   But if it does make a difference to you - and I understand that - on The Grand Experiment, knowing Neal you know full well what he's talking about on "The Call" and "Agenda", but it's not beating you in the face.  On Momentum, the only song I can think of that is hard to get by if you don't like "strongly worded Christian records" is "Freak", and even that is really allegory, not praise.  "Weathering Sky", my favorite song on that record is, for me, about encountering hardship and adversity; there's nothing inherently "Christian" about that.

I tend to take that approach as well. As long as it's not overt, I'm OK with it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on October 11, 2020, 12:45:55 PM
I've got no problem with christian lyrics and I've got no problem with religious lyrics in general. What I don't like are preachy lyrics, lyrics that tell me what I should believe, lyrics that tell me what is right and what is wrong. And on Neal's prog records you don't get that imo.

Exactly. I listen to a lot of what Neal Morse does and I never feel like I am being preached at. Maybe some of his Worship CDs have that aspect (but I have none of those in my collection). His music stuff feels more like he is celebrating his faith, not telling me what I should be believing. I like listening because the music and the message is very uplifting and positive, a welcome sound in these hard times, even though I can't say I subscribe to his belief system.

That's exactly how I look at it. That's one of the aspects that drew me to Spock's Beard in the first place.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 13, 2020, 07:36:17 AM
Anyone know of any interview/discussion with Neal about Alive Again?  Looking to get some insight into where he was going with the lyrics.  Some of it is straightforward, but there are entire sections I can't seem to fit into the bigger picture.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DoctorAction on October 15, 2020, 01:28:28 AM
I reads to me like his emergence from a state of being lost, looking at himself and comparing unfavourably to his previous self and potential. But that's no great insight on my part, right?  ;) No idea on the specifics. Sounds like his family might be referenced there. Not sure about the wounded soldier part...

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 15, 2020, 07:46:19 AM
I reads to me like his emergence from a state of being lost, looking at himself and comparing unfavourably to his previous self and potential. But that's no great insight on my part, right?  ;) No idea on the specifics. Sounds like his family might be referenced there. Not sure about the wounded soldier part...

I thought the "wounded soldier" WAS the "new self", or at least the self that was battling the demons and losing (at first).   Then of course the King of angel armies is God, but the tenses of that verse don't make sense.   I was also wondering about this verse:

Daughters of angst and wretched rage
Pulled a sword from the stone
Like Al Capone
As the king of pain goes insane
Where the pope of Rome
Meets the pope at home
And the nicotine stain goes unexplained

WTF does Al Capone have to do with the legend of King Arthur, and why are they smoking?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 15, 2020, 07:50:55 AM
I reads to me like his emergence from a state of being lost, looking at himself and comparing unfavourably to his previous self and potential. But that's no great insight on my part, right?  ;) No idea on the specifics. Sounds like his family might be referenced there. Not sure about the wounded soldier part...

I thought the "wounded soldier" WAS the "new self", or at least the self that was battling the demons and losing (at first).   Then of course the King of angel armies is God, but the tenses of that verse don't make sense.   I was also wondering about this verse:

Daughters of angst and wretched rage
Pulled a sword from the stone
Like Al Capone
As the king of pain goes insane
Where the pope of Rome
Meets the pope at home
And the nicotine stain goes unexplained

WTF does Al Capone have to do with the legend of King Arthur, and why are they smoking?
And why is Sting part of this wild menagerie?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 15, 2020, 09:20:23 AM
Hahaha, I didn't catch that at first!    :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on October 15, 2020, 09:37:53 AM
In the last DVD commentary neal says that sometime he adds phrases that "sounds good" but dont have a real or significant meaning.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 15, 2020, 10:48:17 AM
In the last DVD commentary neal says that sometime he adds phrases that "sounds good" but dont have a real or significant meaning.
Oh.  So, he's a songwriter.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on October 15, 2020, 10:57:13 AM
I reads to me like his emergence from a state of being lost, looking at himself and comparing unfavourably to his previous self and potential. But that's no great insight on my part, right?  ;) No idea on the specifics. Sounds like his family might be referenced there. Not sure about the wounded soldier part...

I thought the "wounded soldier" WAS the "new self", or at least the self that was battling the demons and losing (at first).   Then of course the King of angel armies is God, but the tenses of that verse don't make sense.   I was also wondering about this verse:

Daughters of angst and wretched rage
Pulled a sword from the stone
Like Al Capone
As the king of pain goes insane
Where the pope of Rome
Meets the pope at home
And the nicotine stain goes unexplained

WTF does Al Capone have to do with the legend of King Arthur, and why are they smoking?
And why is Sting part of this wild menagerie?

I was just about to go insane and ask you guys if I'm stupid, but then I saw it  :loser:
Is King of Pain an expression that is from Sting originally though?

May I remind you guys that Morse has also written songs with lyrics about riding the lightning, puppets AND justice - and all appear on the same album. And he is not even a Metallica fan, in fact, he doesn't even really know those albums and didn't know about the parallels until MP told him about them  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 15, 2020, 11:04:20 AM
I reads to me like his emergence from a state of being lost, looking at himself and comparing unfavourably to his previous self and potential. But that's no great insight on my part, right?  ;) No idea on the specifics. Sounds like his family might be referenced there. Not sure about the wounded soldier part...

I thought the "wounded soldier" WAS the "new self", or at least the self that was battling the demons and losing (at first).   Then of course the King of angel armies is God, but the tenses of that verse don't make sense.   I was also wondering about this verse:

Daughters of angst and wretched rage
Pulled a sword from the stone
Like Al Capone
As the king of pain goes insane
Where the pope of Rome
Meets the pope at home
And the nicotine stain goes unexplained

WTF does Al Capone have to do with the legend of King Arthur, and why are they smoking?
And why is Sting part of this wild menagerie?

I was just about to go insane and ask you guys if I'm stupid, but then I saw it  :loser:
Is King of Pain an expression that is from Sting originally though?

May I remind you guys that Morse has also written songs with lyrics about riding the lightning, puppets AND justice - and all appear on the same album. And he is not even a Metallica fan, in fact, he doesn't even really know those albums and didn't know about the parallels until MP told him about them  :lol
That Police song is the only time I remember hearing that phrase.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on October 15, 2020, 12:19:06 PM





Neals faith is clearly something which brings joy and comfort to him and that joy radiates through his music and lifts my spirits sometimes to the point of tears even though I am not even a believer.  Who am I to doubt that belief especially when his daughters life was saved in circumstances that cant be fully explained.  Long may he continue to bring us his incredible music.


Uh, actually, what happened to his daughter is a rather common condition that almost always clears itself up.  She was born with a ventricular septal defect.  It's literally the most common heart defect in newborns and most who have it live normal lives.  Of course it shouldn't be a surprise that a religious man would attribute this to a deity, but the fact is thousands of children around the world are born with ventricular septum (i.e. "a hole in the heart") and they suffer no consequences whatsoever.




Here's an article on the condition:
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/ventricular-septal-defect#1
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on October 15, 2020, 02:01:20 PM
Love Mike & NM to pieces but I've had two spins of the new album and, so far, it moves me less than all the other albums.

That's fine. Testimony and One will always be classics and when I get the NM urge, I will pull them off the shelf.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on October 15, 2020, 02:17:13 PM
Seemingly Sincere might be my favorite song of the year (did I mention this already? well, it is).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on October 15, 2020, 02:40:36 PM
Love Mike & NM to pieces but I've had two spins of the new album and, so far, it moves me less than all the other albums.

That's fine. Testimony and One will always be classics and when I get the NM urge, I will pull them off the shelf.

This. Honestly, I've been really disappointed in this year's big releases.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 15, 2020, 03:22:19 PM
I'm glad it wasn't just me!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 15, 2020, 10:13:40 PM
Sola Gratia has kind of come and gone for me, and to be honest, despite there being FIVE releases from Neal this year (Great Adventour, Cover To Cover Anthology/Cov3r To Cov3r, Flying Colors Third Stage, and JCTE Live At Morsefest 2018 being the other four), and SG being the only one of original studio content, I just haven't given it its due.

There have been a SWARM of other new albums since July that I have been digging a bit more. That isn't to say I didn't enjoy SG for the few times I spun it at the beginning of September, but I've been listening to the new Tangent, Gungly, Ayreon, and others a bit more, even though I consider Neal to be one of my favorite artists of all time. I guess in 2020, I am kind of Neal'd out, but I'm sure I'll get back to it in the coming months before TA5 gets released, as I try to get Neal's music back into my listening rotation.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on October 16, 2020, 01:58:38 AM
Love Mike & NM to pieces but I've had two spins of the new album and, so far, it moves me less than all the other albums.

That's fine. Testimony and One will always be classics and when I get the NM urge, I will pull them off the shelf.

This. Honestly, I've been really disappointed in this year's big releases.

For me it's exactly the opposite. There have been such awesome releases this year, it's insane.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on October 16, 2020, 09:59:26 AM
In case you need further convincing...
Pre-order it at: https://buff.ly/3nCYwff
Watch the video for "Love Has Called My Name" (Live): https://buff.ly/2IsabgD
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on October 16, 2020, 12:52:16 PM
Love Mike & NM to pieces but I've had two spins of the new album and, so far, it moves me less than all the other albums.

That's fine. Testimony and One will always be classics and when I get the NM urge, I will pull them off the shelf.

I had a similar initial reaction and it took a lot more than 2 spins for it to grow on me. Not saying you should persevere with it though. I cant remember if youre the one who said you havent loved anything since One, if so, this will not change your mind. I like it but its not amongst his very best.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on October 16, 2020, 03:07:02 PM
Love Mike & NM to pieces but I've had two spins of the new album and, so far, it moves me less than all the other albums.

That's fine. Testimony and One will always be classics and when I get the NM urge, I will pull them off the shelf.

I had a similar initial reaction and it took a lot more than 2 spins for it to grow on me. Not saying you should persevere with it though. I cant remember if youre the one who said you havent loved anything since One, if so, this will not change your mind. I like it but its not amongst his very best.

Agreed.  Took several spins before it "clicked" with me.  Not his best but solid release nonetheless.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on October 17, 2020, 10:13:39 AM
Sola gratia is top 5 neal for me.

After 2 disappointing prior releases from him  i love this one to pieces.

i'm in the minority i see, lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 17, 2020, 12:58:10 PM
I'm going to get around to Sola Gratia sooner or later. I'm on a big Neal kick and been going through all his albums from The Light forward, but usually no more than one album per day or so. Too much other music to listen to. I'm up to Testimony and listened early this morning after listening to the first Codona album (check it out, it's weird.) First time listening in years, I recall it was too long for its own good, and that opinion remains; however, I really enjoyed the experience overall, so many wonderful moments, and I really think this is overall his best work up to this point in his career. I think the first handful of times I listened to this album, it was overwhelming because of its length. With time away and having many moments of "oh I remember this part" throughout the whole thing, I wasn't checking my watch as often as I thought I would be. So many great melodies and those moments of glory that are ever so present in Neal's music, especially from this point onward, are like a guilty pleasure of mine, I pay little attention to the lyrics in Neal's solo albums, but this one isn't so bad even with the J-bomb drops. No matter what, though, it's still leagues better than The Astonishing. :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on October 17, 2020, 02:10:19 PM
I like Sola Gratia, but a thing that make me enjoy the three preceding Neal Morse Band albums more is the variety in vocals (same applies to the Jesus musical). It fits his music very well and adds to the variety. Which, given his amount of material, is welcome.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on October 17, 2020, 02:28:22 PM
I like Sola Gratia, but a thing that make me enjoy the three preceding Neal Morse Band albums more is the variety in vocals (same applies to the Jesus musical). It fits his music very well and adds to the variety. Which, given his amount of material, is welcome.

To me it's the opposite, I like that we got an album with Neal's vocals only, specially since I'm not the biggest fan of Bill's vocals (Eric's are good, but I'd prefer 100% Neal, honestly).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on October 17, 2020, 03:13:54 PM
I reads to me like his emergence from a state of being lost, looking at himself and comparing unfavourably to his previous self and potential. But that's no great insight on my part, right?  ;) No idea on the specifics. Sounds like his family might be referenced there. Not sure about the wounded soldier part...

I thought the "wounded soldier" WAS the "new self", or at least the self that was battling the demons and losing (at first).   Then of course the King of angel armies is God, but the tenses of that verse don't make sense.   I was also wondering about this verse:

Daughters of angst and wretched rage
Pulled a sword from the stone
Like Al Capone
As the king of pain goes insane
Where the pope of Rome
Meets the pope at home
And the nicotine stain goes unexplained

WTF does Al Capone have to do with the legend of King Arthur, and why are they smoking?

Total uneducated guess, But Al Capone became "king" of the underworld at one time and the smoking line is autobiographical in some way. Neal is trying to live up to this ideal that the Pope represents and being human Neal realizes that isn't all that easy.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on October 17, 2020, 03:25:52 PM
I like Sola Gratia, but a thing that make me enjoy the three preceding Neal Morse Band albums more is the variety in vocals (same applies to the Jesus musical). It fits his music very well and adds to the variety. Which, given his amount of material, is welcome.

To me it's the opposite, I like that we got an album with Neal's vocals only, specially since I'm not the biggest fan of Bill's vocals (Eric's are good, but I'd prefer 100% Neal, honestly).

Haven't opened the plastic on it yet, but I think I appreciate the varied approach more to the vocals.

It's more dynamic that way. I also wonder if they play around with who sings what so they can order it in a way that might have more of an impact.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on October 17, 2020, 05:44:42 PM
I like Sola Gratia, but a thing that make me enjoy the three preceding Neal Morse Band albums more is the variety in vocals (same applies to the Jesus musical). It fits his music very well and adds to the variety. Which, given his amount of material, is welcome.

To me it's the opposite, I like that we got an album with Neal's vocals only, specially since I'm not the biggest fan of Bill's vocals (Eric's are good, but I'd prefer 100% Neal, honestly).

Im somewhere in between. Theres times when a song will particularly suit Bills voice for example. He has an unusual voice but it can sound great in certain moments like Ways Of a Fool which I love. Other times however (like his section in Alive Again) I just find myself wishing Neal was singing as he drains the life out of the song imo.  I liked the novelty of Eric singing the epic moments in Alive Again but dont like that it seems to now be a thing that he sings all the big epic album ending moments. I miss Neal in those moments at times.  All in all I do like the occasional mixing up of the lead vocals where it works and I do like the harmonies when they sing together. For me though Neal remains the best singer in the band and should not be giving all the big moments to Eric.  Mike Portnoy should not be allowed to do anything but backing vocals!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 18, 2020, 11:43:35 AM
Finally got around to Sola Gratia, and "we are the champions" is a little too obvious.

My initial feelings are a little mixed right now, so I'm gonna see where this goes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on October 18, 2020, 03:18:14 PM
I like Sola Gratia, but a thing that make me enjoy the three preceding Neal Morse Band albums more is the variety in vocals (same applies to the Jesus musical). It fits his music very well and adds to the variety. Which, given his amount of material, is welcome.

To me it's the opposite, I like that we got an album with Neal's vocals only, specially since I'm not the biggest fan of Bill's vocals (Eric's are good, but I'd prefer 100% Neal, honestly).

While I do have my preference, I think his timing for the more solo oriented Sola Gratia is great. If you take the three Neal Morse Band albums and the Jesus musical and Sola Gratia, I think there is a good amount of variety between them and something for every type of fan. So it wasn't really a complaint from me that Sola is focused on Neal's vocals.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 19, 2020, 07:12:14 AM
I like Sola Gratia, but a thing that make me enjoy the three preceding Neal Morse Band albums more is the variety in vocals (same applies to the Jesus musical). It fits his music very well and adds to the variety. Which, given his amount of material, is welcome.

To me it's the opposite, I like that we got an album with Neal's vocals only, specially since I'm not the biggest fan of Bill's vocals (Eric's are good, but I'd prefer 100% Neal, honestly).

Im somewhere in between. Theres times when a song will particularly suit Bills voice for example. He has an unusual voice but it can sound great in certain moments like Ways Of a Fool which I love. Other times however (like his section in Alive Again) I just find myself wishing Neal was singing as he drains the life out of the song imo.  I liked the novelty of Eric singing the epic moments in Alive Again but dont like that it seems to now be a thing that he sings all the big epic album ending moments. I miss Neal in those moments at times.  All in all I do like the occasional mixing up of the lead vocals where it works and I do like the harmonies when they sing together. For me though Neal remains the best singer in the band and should not be giving all the big moments to Eric.  Mike Portnoy should not be allowed to do anything but backing vocals!


Again, simply for contrast, that section of Alive Again may be my favorite segment of any Neil Morse/The Neil Morse Band song ever.  (I can tell you it starts at 16:48 from memory, if that reinforces the point). 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 19, 2020, 08:58:21 AM
Man, I really enjoy One. The Creation is a classic Neal epic, so much air-keyboarding when I listen to this one. So many great melodies and riffs throughout. There is a heaviness to this album that is not really heard on any of Neal's other albums (SS's heaviness is different) This one took me a little longer to get into than some of his other albums for some reason, but I always liked the first 3 tunes especially Author Of Confusion. Portnoy just kills it throughout this album. This whole album is one of the best examples of Neal reprising themes and melodies in other songs. I've never listened to Neal's original track listing with the bonus tracks.

I've been listening to a bunch of Neal's music lately, so there is no Morse-burnout, but I wasn't thrilled with Sola Gratia.

I kind of thought the album was going to be heavier, but that's fine. I didn't think all the references to Sola Scriptura fit well, or were even necessary, and it really took me out of the music. There were some moments that I wasn't liking, but some that I really liked, so I obviously need to re-listen and see what's going on, but not a good first impression overall. I didn't notice George or Portnoy too much, either, seemed they played a more background role than usual, at least based on one listen. My opinions may change with more listens.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on October 19, 2020, 06:03:19 PM
Yes Stadler, thats the bit I mean. I just find it seems to go on forever and drags the song down as his voice makes it sound quite depressing and a chore to listen to.  Just shows how subjective music can be that you love it and I wish it wasnt there or that Neal was singing.  There is one really nice note he hits though when he goes really high on one of the all Ill ever bes.  Thats a great moment but doesnt make up for the rest of it.

I dont hate Bills voice in general, I quite enjoy it for the most part but thats a long section for him to carry on his own and it just outstays its welcome for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on October 19, 2020, 09:17:46 PM
Again, simply for contrast, that section of Alive Again may be my favorite segment of any Neil Morse/The Neil Morse Band song ever.  (I can tell you it starts at 16:48 from memory, if that reinforces the point).

I really like this section. Stadler, I think I've probably voiced this already in the last couple of weeks, but if not, I definitely share your affinity for Alive Again. I also went through a phase of listening it to a bunch, last year. As it stands right now, I'd say it's my favorite non-Transatlantic Neal epic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 20, 2020, 07:48:19 AM
Yes Stadler, thats the bit I mean. I just find it seems to go on forever and drags the song down as his voice makes it sound quite depressing and a chore to listen to.  Just shows how subjective music can be that you love it and I wish it wasnt there or that Neal was singing.  There is one really nice note he hits though when he goes really high on one of the all Ill ever bes.  Thats a great moment but doesnt make up for the rest of it.

I dont hate Bills voice in general, I quite enjoy it for the most part but thats a long section for him to carry on his own and it just outstays its welcome for me.
Again, TOTALLY not arguing because I understand people have tastes, but for me what makes it great is the contrast between the jammy section that comes before, and the wrap up at the end.   I love the tension and release of "in the corner... of my... life!", and the way that it feeds the buildup to the thematic resolution of the ending two sections (the "Now the wounded warrior" and "Now I feel like I'm alive again" sections).

I haven't said this yet, but that song so much reminds me of Genesis as well; that instrumental buildup between Bill's section and when Neal comes back in could be straight off Wind and Wuthering, in my opinion.   Dammit, now I have to go listen to it again!   :) :) :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on October 20, 2020, 09:40:15 AM
Yes Stadler, thats the bit I mean. I just find it seems to go on forever and drags the song down as his voice makes it sound quite depressing and a chore to listen to.  Just shows how subjective music can be that you love it and I wish it wasnt there or that Neal was singing.

I completely agree with you. They ruined that part (obviously IMO) by having Bill sing it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 20, 2020, 11:24:46 AM
FWIW, Stads, I'm with you completely on that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 30, 2020, 01:10:48 PM
Wow, repeat listens to Sola Gratia sounds like a completely different album from my first impressions. It's not top 5 or anything, but it's solid just like pretty much all of Neal's output. If you're burnt out on his music, I could see how this would feel like too much, and there's still a couple of parts of the album I'm not that into, and I still don't think it's his strongest work by far, but it's got lots to enjoy as well. They can't all be Whirlwinds and Question Marks.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on October 30, 2020, 01:25:16 PM
Well, I've heard it probably 10 times now and I like it a hell of a lot more than the new The Flower Kings album, but that's not saying much.  I have been thinking this for several years now but I think it's really starting to show that Neal Morse is spreading himself way too thin.  This album if full of riffs and melodies I can go and lift off pretty much every one of his previous albums, they're just in a slightly different order and/or key, but it's all the same bag of tricks he's been using since Snow. 


I will say that he seems to have at least tried a few new things like "Seemingly Sincere" which stands head and shoulders above the rest of this album. 


This is one of those rare Neal Morse albums that I seemed to like a little bit less with each listen. 


It's decent, but definitely not essential.  It will be at or near the bottom of my rankings for Morse's solo work.  I didn't think he could make an album I'd like less than Lifeline, but this one...yeah, it just doesn't really register with me. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 30, 2020, 01:37:06 PM
I think I would at least put it above Lifeline and Day For Night, my two least favorite of his albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on October 30, 2020, 04:51:42 PM
Wow, repeat listens to Sola Gratia sounds like a completely different album from my first impressions. It's not top 5 or anything, but it's solid just like pretty much all of Neal's output. If you're burnt out on his music, I could see how this would feel like too much, and there's still a couple of parts of the album I'm not that into, and I still don't think it's his strongest work by far, but it's got lots to enjoy as well. They can't all be Whirlwinds and Question Marks.

Yep, it grows on you for sure.  Still middle to bottom half of his discography for me, but that's still pretty good compared to just about everyone else.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 31, 2020, 12:33:56 PM
Is "?" the best Neal Morse album?
Maybe not your favorite, but a good gateway album if you like something with Transatlantic or Dream Theater?
Listening right now, and this one always knocks it out of the park.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on October 31, 2020, 12:47:53 PM
Is "?" the best Neal Morse album?
Maybe not your favorite, but a good gateway album if you like something with Transatlantic or Dream Theater?
Listening right now, and this one always knocks it out of the park.

I think its the best of his non-NMB solo albums. Its concise and stays interesting throughout.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 31, 2020, 02:27:34 PM
For me "?" is definitely Neal's best.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on October 31, 2020, 05:25:34 PM
Is "?" the best Neal Morse album?
Maybe not your favorite, but a good gateway album if you like something with Transatlantic or Dream Theater?
Listening right now, and this one always knocks it out of the park.

Quite possibly.  It's definitely in the upper echelon of his discography with One, Sola Scriptura, V and Similitude.  5 Star release!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on November 01, 2020, 02:18:51 AM
For me "?" is definitely Neal's best.

I agree. I haven't heard all of his albums, but so far it's my favourite.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on November 01, 2020, 06:09:20 AM
I'm the opposite. After Testimony and One, two amazing albums, ? did not connect with me. Parts are solid but not the whole. I rarely spin it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 01, 2020, 08:47:08 AM
For me personally.  Testimony and One didn't do much for me at all.  Testimony didn't click for me till Morsefest '14.  that's the definitive version for me.  One never clicked.  i like things like the Creation, Author of Confusion and The Separated Man.  but the album as a whole is WAAY too long for it's own good.  even for a neal album, lol. It just goes on and on and on......and on.  the '14 live version is even longer, lol

but i ADORE the one-two punch of ? and Scriptura.  two of my fav Neal albums ever.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on November 01, 2020, 09:26:35 AM
I still haven't checked out Sola Scriptura. I should do that soon.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 01, 2020, 10:08:30 AM
To me, ? and Sola Scriptura are the most "Dream Theater-y" Neal Morse albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 01, 2020, 10:59:52 AM
"?" has Jordan Rudess as guest so there's that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 01, 2020, 12:04:21 PM
Giving Sola Scriptura a listen. Fantastic album, one of Neal's best IMO. I wish Neal's new album wasn't connected or related to this album, as SS is such a massive piece of work. Some of Neal's strongest work, some of his strongest melodies, and some heavy riffs (for Neal) By contrast, Sola Gratia seems small in comparison. If I was just comparing SG to a more recent album like Momentum or The Grand Experiment that would be a different story, and I wouldn't view it as a so-so follow up/prequel to SS. Plus, structurally, Sola Gratia is more like ? than SS, with each track bleeding into the next one, so it seems unfair to compare the two.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 01, 2020, 12:35:45 PM
I'm the opposite. After Testimony and One, two amazing albums, ? did not connect with me. Parts are solid but not the whole. I rarely spin it.

This is an accurate description of ? to me also. And its  my least listened to Neal album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on November 01, 2020, 12:41:35 PM
To me, ? and Sola Scriptura are the most "Dream Theater-y" Neal Morse albums.

Agreed.  Especially sonically with the heavier guitars.  Plus Paul Gilbert's guitar solo at the end of The Door, is one of my all-time favorite guitar solos by anyone
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on November 01, 2020, 04:22:28 PM
That is an absolutely monumental solo :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 02, 2020, 08:22:58 AM
I may have been hard on Lifeline. It isn't as good as the albums that came before and after, but it isn't as bad as many people claim, including myself. The Christian lyrics are more in your face, but musically, it's standard Neal Morse fare. An underrated epic So Many Roads that is arguably his weakest epic ever, maybe 2nd weakest, which is still good. Title track is one of Neal's best songs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 02, 2020, 09:13:16 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrbPPoZe5RM

Speaking of guitar solos: whenever Steve Hackett's incredible, soaring guitar sound kicks in at 3:20, I make this face:


(https://coloradopeakpolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Shocked.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on November 02, 2020, 09:25:33 AM
haha yeah, Steve Hackett often has that effect on me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on November 02, 2020, 12:11:36 PM
To me, ? and Sola Scriptura are the most "Dream Theater-y" Neal Morse albums.

Agreed.  Especially sonically with the heavier guitars.  Plus Paul Gilbert's guitar solo at the end of The Door, is one of my all-time favorite guitar solos by anyone

100% agree  :metal   It fits that moment in the song so perfectly and is an incredible display of pure talent and genius at the same time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on November 02, 2020, 12:28:08 PM
I may have been hard on Lifeline. It isn't as good as the albums that came before and after, but it isn't as bad as many people claim, including myself. The Christian lyrics are more in your face, but musically, it's standard Neal Morse fare. An underrated epic So Many Roads that is arguably his weakest epic ever, maybe 2nd weakest, which is still good. Title track is one of Neal's best songs.

I like Lifeline pretty well. It might help that I came to it years later and am not comparing in the position of comparing it quite so directly to Sola Scriptura, but I never understood why people ragged on it so much.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 02, 2020, 12:39:11 PM
I may have been hard on Lifeline. It isn't as good as the albums that came before and after, but it isn't as bad as many people claim, including myself. The Christian lyrics are more in your face, but musically, it's standard Neal Morse fare. An underrated epic So Many Roads that is arguably his weakest epic ever, maybe 2nd weakest, which is still good. Title track is one of Neal's best songs.

I like Lifeline pretty well. It might help that I came to it years later and am not comparing in the position of comparing it quite so directly to Sola Scriptura, but I never understood why people ragged on it so much.

When I was getting into Neal's solo stuff, which was around 2010/2011, I checked out Lifeline last out of all the albums Neal had put out at that point, and Lifeline just couldn't compare to Testimony, One, ? or the 3 Transatlantic albums up til that point. With time, I have found myself enjoying it more and more, though I still find it weaker than most of his other work. One reason many people dislike it is that the lyrics are way more Jesus-y than his other albums, which I find he's more restrained with in that regard, for the most part.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 02, 2020, 01:18:37 PM
I just never thought lifelines songwriting was that strong.

The epic is just ok.  and the ballads are too cheesey even for Neal.  the title song i great though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 02, 2020, 01:51:53 PM
Yea, I've warmed up to it more, but Lifeline still remains a lower tier album.

It's amazing how Neal went from one of his least best, to what I consider, his best work, in The Whirlwind. Obviously the rest of the band contribute, especially Roine Stolt, but TA to me has always had a strong Neal presence, moreso than having a TFK vibe. Just like Neal Morse Band is still predominantly Neal. I consider Neal (and MP) working with Roine a great combo though, as Transatlantic albums chart high for both artists, I think TW is Neal, Roine, and Portnoy's best work out of anything they've done; I don't know Marillion well, I'm gonna go ahead and say it's likely the same for Pete.

I think it's a near perfect album, and has so much energy it's addicting. Even though they're divided into tracks, it really does feel like one long composition with distinct parts, as opposed to something like DT's Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence which sounds more like a suite, though there are some structural similarities to SDoIT.

Everything from the melodies to the riffs to the instrumental sections to the more equal share of vocals by Neal and Roine to the powerhouse sound that comes from the rhythm section of MP and PT, Pete's bass is monstrous on this album. One of the best bass tones I've ever heard, prog or otherwise. I could see this being a good album to start with if you are unfamiliar with Neal and Roine's music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 02, 2020, 03:50:03 PM
I know I'm in the minority, but So Many Roads is hands down my favorite Neal Morse epic.  There's just something about it...  Since Lifeline came out, So Many Roads has pretty much been in the top spot for my overall favorite song of all time.  World Without End from Momentum was a close second for a very long time, I remember listening to that monster of a song daily for a long time after Momentum came out.  I'm a lyric guy, so it could be that the lyrics of So Many Roads really hit home or something, too.

And I'm also in the minority when I say that Seeds of Gold is probably my LEAST favorite Neal epic.  To me that one sounds so uninspired and cookie cutter.  I know that's just my taste/opinion. It's not bad by any means, I just never listen to it unless maybe if it comes up on shuffle or something.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 02, 2020, 04:46:48 PM
In the run of "So Many Roads", "Seeds Of Gold", "World Without End" and "Alive Again", I think I enjoyed each about the same as they came out, but looking back, I'd probably say SOG and AA are my favorites, though SMR has some catchy moments. It's definitely the highlight of Lifeline, but I still really enjoy SOG a lot, and same with AA whenever I get around to listening to it, though WWE is still a bit of a slog to get through. I'm kind of glad that Neal didn't pump out more long epics on the following two NMB albums, just to give them a bit of a rest, but you could also toss in "Falling For Forever" for Spock's Beard (which also came out in 2015, same as The Grand Experiment). Couple all of those with the two epics on Transatlantic's Kaleidoscope in 2014, Neal had a *LOT* of epics 2008 and 2015, but we haven't had any since then, which is why I'm expecting at LEAST one 20-minute epic from Transatlantic's new album.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on November 03, 2020, 08:06:40 AM
AA and SOG are incredible.   AA is usually my favorite of the epics, and SOG is not far behind.   I'm just not as familiar with WWE and SMR; I may spend some time with them this weekend.    The thing about AA and SOG is that they both have several moments that are very "Genesis-esque", and particularly the period I like best (Selling England...  through Abacab).   The intro to SOG is so evocative of the Firth Of Fifth intro (that's a good thing) and there are several moments of AA that might as well have been an outtake from Wind And Wuthering.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on November 03, 2020, 12:00:28 PM
Lifeline was always a little underwhelming to me although I have always loved the title track. I always saw it as a weaker album and SMR as a weaker epic track.  However I listened to it last year again as we were discussing SMR on here and I really enjoyed the album.  Will have to have a Neal marathon soon to confirm but I certainly ended my last listen feeling that Id been a little unfair on Lifeline and it was actually a really good record.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on November 03, 2020, 12:07:43 PM
Is "?" the best Neal Morse album?


Neal Morse solo?  Yeah, definitely.  Not his best work overall though.  I have to give that to his Transatlantic material. 


But "?" is a 5-star album for me.  And I only own about a dozen of those out of well over 1500 albums I've purchased in the last 15 - 20 years



Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 06, 2020, 09:58:01 AM
Testimony 2 is a great follow-up to the first Testimony, and what a follow up. Always loved this album since it came out. I think it's a notch stronger than the first album, partly because it does what Testimony does, but in half the time, and because the sound production is phenomenal, as Neal's abums have become over time. The production values on NM/Transatlantic albums, especially since 2000, have always been good, but I think Lifeline is the first album where it became substantially better, did Neal make studio updates around that time??

Anyway, T2 is another one of Neal's best, with powerhouse prog, some of Neal's best keyboard work, and also really ripping down the guitar. I get the feeling of taking that energy from The Whirlwind and bringing it over to Neal land, Portnoy is crushing it, and you can hear it in Randy's bass lines too, so crisp, so punchy. Yea that sound production is kicked up a notch. Everyone is so clear.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 06, 2020, 01:03:43 PM
Momentum is another winner. Some say this is one of his weaker albums, I don't see it that way. It's got some of his best stuff on here. It's just that it doesn't try to be anything other than what it is. It's a Neal Morse album, that's it. It's not a 55 minute epic, it's not a multi disc tale, not a concept, themed album. It's just a Neal Morse album. Thankfully, it's better and more prog than Neal's first 2 albums prior to Testimony, which were "just" Neal Morse albums to me. First two songs are classic Neal tunes, some nice breather moments in between some great rock Neal. The epic closer World Without End, while not my favorite and could have been a little shorter, is a fantastic epic. This is a good albums for noobs as this is a shorter album of Neal's as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on November 06, 2020, 05:08:32 PM
Momentum is another winner. Some say this is one of his weaker albums, I don't see it that way. It's got some of his best stuff on here. It's just that it doesn't try to be anything other than what it is. It's a Neal Morse album, that's it. It's not a 55 minute epic, it's not a multi disc tale, not a concept, themed album. It's just a Neal Morse album. Thankfully, it's better and more prog than Neal's first 2 albums prior to Testimony, which were "just" Neal Morse albums to me. First two songs are classic Neal tunes, some nice breather moments in between some great rock Neal. The epic closer World Without End, while not my favorite and could have been a little shorter, is a fantastic epic. This is a good albums for noobs as this is a shorter album of Neal's as well.

I really like Momentum! The only song I dislike is Freak.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: LudwigVan on November 06, 2020, 05:25:53 PM
Actually, I think Ive got Sola Gratia over Momentum. But its close.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on November 06, 2020, 11:24:26 PM
I really like Momentum, too. I think it has a lot of songs that don't get enough love. Weathering Sky is an awesome short track, and Smoke and Mirrors and Freak have distinct personality among the ballads.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on November 07, 2020, 12:59:17 AM
I really like Smoke And Mirrors - Freak too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on November 07, 2020, 07:08:02 AM
I really like Momentum, too. I think it has a lot of songs that don't get enough love. Weathering Sky is an awesome short track, and Smoke and Mirrors and Freak have distinct personality among the ballads.

Weathering Sky is for me a top ten Neal Morse track. I LOVE that song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on November 07, 2020, 10:37:31 AM
Momentum was the first solo album of Neal's I heard after years of being a SB and Transatlantic fan. I fell in love with World without end immediately, as well as Thoughts Part V. The rest of the album grew on me over the years. It's pretty great.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 07, 2020, 12:07:47 PM
Nice to see some support for Momentum.

After Momentum came out, I started to distance myself from Neal's work and most other prog rock, modern or classic. I got into a big Frank Zappa kick that went on for months, but once that ended, I wasn't in the mood for prog rock. I still kept up with what was going on, still bought an album on occasion, but my head was not there for a few years or so.

To me, Kaleidoscope seemed like a prog by numbers album when it first came out. It sounded generic/standard, but listening to it recently I'm more impressed with it. Into The Blue is fun, it isn't the best epic ever conceived, but it's got a great vibe. I like the riffs and the section with Daniel singing is great. Shine is fine. Black As The Sky is cool, and a song I've always liked. Has great energy. TA need a few more "shorter" songs that are still great tunes that aren't 25-79 minute epics or ballads.

The title epic is still an epic that hasn't clicked with me, I can't say too much about it because I can never recall anything about it, it's one of those dense Neal Morse epics like The Great Nothing, which took a long time to click with me as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 08, 2020, 03:08:05 AM
Nice to see some support for Momentum.

After Momentum came out, I started to distance myself from Neal's work and most other prog rock, modern or classic. I got into a big Frank Zappa kick that went on for months, but once that ended, I wasn't in the mood for prog rock. I still kept up with what was going on, still bought an album on occasion, but my head was not there for a few years or so.

To me, Kaleidoscope seemed like a prog by numbers album when it first came out. It sounded generic/standard, but listening to it recently I'm more impressed with it. Into The Blue is fun, it isn't the best epic ever conceived, but it's got a great vibe. I like the riffs and the section with Daniel singing is great. Shine is fine. Black As The Sky is cool, and a song I've always liked. Has great energy. TA need a few more "shorter" songs that are still great tunes that aren't 25-79 minute epics or ballads.

The title epic is still an epic that hasn't clicked with me, I can't say too much about it because I can never recall anything about it, it's one of those dense Neal Morse epics like The Great Nothing, which took a long time to click with me as well.

Interesting take. I always liked Kaleidoscope, it's more or less on one level with SMPTe for me (with Whirlwind probably being my favorite TA album and Bridge being my second favorite).
Into The Blue is amazing in my opinion, and when I think about it, I like it better than So Many Roads, Seeds Of Gold and Alive Again. Not sure about World Without End, because that track is phenomenal.

The song Kaleidoscope has to be listened together with Beyond The Sun as an "intro" in my opinion, since they are connected musically. Kinda like Wait For Sleep/Learning To Live or Far From Heaven/Breaking All Illusions. Kaleidoscope is not as well structured as The Great Nothing, it's actually quite the mess  :lol but I like it anyway. It's just great fun, with loads of cool stuff, like the vocals by Pete and the drum solo by Mike, just to name a few.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on November 08, 2020, 05:19:01 AM
I'm kicking back with Songs From November, a chill "Sunday album". Lots of great tracks here, my favourite song being Flowers In A Vase (with nice vocals from Eric Gillette).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 08, 2020, 08:05:06 AM
I'm kicking back with Songs From November, a chill "Sunday album". Lots of great tracks here, my favourite song being Flowers In A Vase (with nice vocals from Eric Gillette).

Same here. One of the few "non-prog" Neal Morse solo albums I have. It's got that singer-songwriter feel akin to some of Bruce Hornsby's work.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on November 08, 2020, 09:10:11 AM
I'm kicking back with Songs From November, a chill "Sunday album". Lots of great tracks here, my favourite song being Flowers In A Vase (with nice vocals from Eric Gillette).

Great album. Life & Times is similar and is an album I'd probably rank above quite a few of his prog releases.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on November 08, 2020, 10:02:07 AM
I'm kicking back with Songs From November, a chill "Sunday album". Lots of great tracks here, my favourite song being Flowers In A Vase (with nice vocals from Eric Gillette).

This is the best thing Neal has done since he left Spocks Beard IMO.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on November 08, 2020, 01:54:57 PM
Got to admit, I wasnt a fan at all.  I always listened to his prog stuff and they had really great pop song moments in them so I thought he would be a great pop writer. When I actually bought the album though, I didnt really enjoy any of the tunes on it. It was really disappointing for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 08, 2020, 03:03:52 PM
I'm kicking back with Songs From November, a chill "Sunday album". Lots of great tracks here, my favourite song being Flowers In A Vase (with nice vocals from Eric Gillette).

This is the best thing Neal has done since he left Spocks Beard IMO.

If we're counting *all* of Neal's projects and bands, I'd say the best thing Neal has done since leaving SB is probably Transatlantic's The Whirlwind. If we're talking Neal solo/NMB stuff, it might be Similitude, though I also really enjoy The Grand Experiment and One. It's just hard to say, but then again, I have a heavy bias towards Neal's works in general, at least his proggy stuff.

I actually own Songs From November, but I've probably only listened to it a couple of times. He's a great singer-songwriter but it just doesn't appeal to me as much as his prog rock stuff. I think the closest I get to enjoying that kind of material is what he contributes towards Flying Colors, but even that stuff is a bit more prog and rock than Songs From November.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on November 08, 2020, 03:29:32 PM
To me, Kaleidoscope seemed like a prog by numbers album when it first came out. It sounded generic/standard, but listening to it recently I'm more impressed with it. Into The Blue is fun, it isn't the best epic ever conceived, but it's got a great vibe. I like the riffs and the section with Daniel singing is great. Shine is fine. Black As The Sky is cool, and a song I've always liked. Has great energy. TA need a few more "shorter" songs that are still great tunes that aren't 25-79 minute epics or ballads.

The title epic is still an epic that hasn't clicked with me, I can't say too much about it because I can never recall anything about it, it's one of those dense Neal Morse epics like The Great Nothing, which took a long time to click with me as well.

I adore Kaleidoscope the album and especially its title track. It took some time to click with me as well, but it's now probably my third favorite TA song, behind The Whirlwind and All of the Above. There's a lot going on there, and there are some unexpected elements to the structure, but I think it's ultimately all wonderful. The "Desolation Days" section ("High on a hill, there sits a man who is watching himself...") is one of my favorite sections in the entire Morse catalogue.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 09, 2020, 02:47:59 AM
To me, Kaleidoscope seemed like a prog by numbers album when it first came out. It sounded generic/standard, but listening to it recently I'm more impressed with it. Into The Blue is fun, it isn't the best epic ever conceived, but it's got a great vibe. I like the riffs and the section with Daniel singing is great. Shine is fine. Black As The Sky is cool, and a song I've always liked. Has great energy. TA need a few more "shorter" songs that are still great tunes that aren't 25-79 minute epics or ballads.

The title epic is still an epic that hasn't clicked with me, I can't say too much about it because I can never recall anything about it, it's one of those dense Neal Morse epics like The Great Nothing, which took a long time to click with me as well.

I adore Kaleidoscope the album and especially its title track. It took some time to click with me as well, but it's now probably my third favorite TA song, behind The Whirlwind and All of the Above. There's a lot going on there, and there are some unexpected elements to the structure, but I think it's ultimately all wonderful. The "Desolation Days" section ("High on a hill, there sits a man who is watching himself...") is one of my favorite sections in the entire Morse catalogue.

Oh yes. Neal always knows how to bring it with with only an acoustic guitar, a 6/8 and a beautiful melody.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on November 09, 2020, 02:53:06 AM
So far I've delved into these albums by NM (as a solo artist):

One
?
Sola Scriptura
Momentum
Songs From November
Life & Times
Sola Gratia

Next up is Testimony. What are your thoughts on that album? Apparently it tells about his departure from SB and how he found Christianity?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 09, 2020, 03:03:41 AM
So far I've delved into these albums by NM (as a solo artist):

One
?
Sola Scriptura
Momentum
Songs From November
Life & Times
Sola Gratia

Next up is Testimony. What are your thoughts on that album? Apparently it tells about his departure from SB and how he found Christianity.

Testimony is very gospel-like, he sings a lot about how he found God etc. It's also very uplifting at times. If you're not a fan of that, you might have a problem with this album  ;D
I think it's beautifully orchestrated. And it has some of Morse's most touching ballads. Some of them have that positive "thank you God"-spirit, but some are also quite somber (It's All I Can Do), which is something we don't hear often from Neal. But there all also some awesome proggy stuff, like the first two Overtures or The Storm Before The Calm.
It's probably Neal's most personal album (along with Testimony II). While I like Morse's darker, heavier side more, I still think that Testimony is a great album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 09, 2020, 07:48:14 AM
Testimony is a long album and took some time for me, but I think it's one of his strongest albums, along with the sequel.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 09, 2020, 09:42:02 AM
i enjoy the first Testimony BUT.....it took forever and it has to be the Morsefest 2014 version.  that's what made it come alive for me and having the then emerging NMB play it is a bonus.  the studio version seems flat as a pancake by comparison.

it's still not a fav for me.  but i enjoy it more than i did.

Testimony 2 however is in my top 5 neal albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on November 09, 2020, 09:46:44 AM
I enjoy T1, but find it very hard/tiring to listen to it in one go, that's why I don't revisit it too often, and I definitely agree that T2 is better.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 09, 2020, 10:09:19 AM
Both Testimony records are okay but I like a lot of Neal's other records better. Especially T1 is too long imo.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 09, 2020, 10:42:47 AM
Re Testimony

it SHOULD have just ended with God's Theme instrumental.

that whole 5th part just drags it way down and is really overkill to the max.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 09, 2020, 10:57:22 AM
With regards to Testimony, yes, it is pretty dang long, even after Snow (which many think was pretty long as long). Could it have been shorter? Sure, most definitely, but I think every song has its place in Neal's story, and because it's a pretty auto-biographical album, I think it would do the album a disservice if anything was cut out. Thankfully, Neal divided it up into 5 parts that are a bit more digestible if you cannot take it all in one go, and then continued that idea with Testimony 2 (in its three parts).

I think Neal just had a lot to say and a lot of music to say it with, so he just went for it. It's a brave record, for sure, but definitely not for everyone. Testimony 2 does things a bit better, and takes what makes Neal's music great and amplifies it a bit, cuts out a lot of the fluff and presents 13 tracks that are all fairly solid and memorable. The 2nd disc also features some prime cuts, and so I'll always prefer T2 over T1, but that isn't to say T1 is awful IMO.

After Testimony, i think Neal knew that he could scale things back, which is probably why One had bonus tracks cut out of the main concept so it could fit onto 1 CD because it would've been his third double album in a row if he didn't. Then things got even shorter with ?, which I think is some of his best writing and playing.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on November 09, 2020, 02:11:57 PM
Both of the Testimony albums are great and must have Neal Morse material IMO.  As others have pointed out, T1 is a bit long, and could probably have been trimmed a bit.  There's some absolutely awesome music in both albums, so enjoy the ride!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 10, 2020, 08:30:59 AM
In case you didn't know, I'm going through Neal's albums, and now I'm up to the Neal Morse Band, these albums came out when I wasn't listening to Neal or related projects. This is area of his discography I don't know well, if at all. In the case of "The Grand Experiment" I checked this out when it was released, maybe 2-3 times, but never went back to it, and now I'm listening to it for the first time since, so I remember very little of this music. I'm very impressed so far, I do remember this chorus for the title track. This sounds like a step up from the usual Neal Morse fare. Eric Gillette and Bill Hubauer must have something to do with it, plus this being more of a band than Neal's other albums. Particularly Gillette's sound has got that fusion sound, and not to knock Neal's own guitar skills, he's great, but it's nice to have a full time guitarist in Neal's band, like he has Mike and Randy as his usual rhythm section. Who's the one singing the most besides Neal?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on November 10, 2020, 10:04:37 AM
Eric and Bill probably extended Neals career by another 20 years. I think he wouldve run out of steam without their input and Erics voice. Theyre great players and add a ton to the NMB albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on November 10, 2020, 11:29:31 AM
In case you didn't know, I'm going through Neal's albums, and now I'm up to the Neal Morse Band, these albums came out when I wasn't listening to Neal or related projects. This is area of his discography I don't know well, if at all. In the case of "The Grand Experiment" I checked this out when it was released, maybe 2-3 times, but never went back to it, and now I'm listening to it for the first time since, so I remember very little of this music. I'm very impressed so far, I do remember this chorus for the title track. This sounds like a step up from the usual Neal Morse fare. Eric Gillette and Bill Hubauer must have something to do with it, plus this being more of a band than Neal's other albums. Particularly Gillette's sound has got that fusion sound, and not to knock Neal's own guitar skills, he's great, but it's nice to have a full time guitarist in Neal's band, like he has Mike and Randy as his usual rhythm section. Who's the one singing the most besides Neal?

Singing?  Probably Eric.  If you have the "The Grand Experiment", in Alive Again, Eric sings the part:

"Now I feel like I'm alive again
Spread my arms upon the open wind
Yeah, I feel like I'm alive again
Crashing waves like breath upon my skin"

Bill sings the part:
"Locks on a box
Holding inside
Face in a mirror
Seems to disguise
The boy at the door
Who I was before
Is more than I'll ever be"

He sings that whole section, starting around 16:30.  When that ends, it goes to Neal again:
"The wounded warrior
With no temporary shelter
Had lost the will to stand and fight
To the enemy that lives inside"

Then back to Eric:
"Now I feel like I'm alive again
Spread my arms upon the open wind
Yeah, I feel like I'm alive again
Never going back to where I've been"



Neal is probably my favorite musician right now; I've been listening to him almost exclusively (outside of the discography threads, and the CD/DVD ripping I've been doing) and it moves me, but to be honest, he's NOT my favorite singer.  There are just as many moments I don't love as I do love, and the infusion of the three voices really works for me (and by the way, I think Mike fits in PERFECTLY; the contrast of the four voices is my musical nirvana, since I love harmony singing).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on November 10, 2020, 02:03:47 PM
This thread inspired me to give "The Great Adventure" a listen.  What a great record that is.    :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on November 10, 2020, 03:22:52 PM
Neal is probably my favorite musician right now; I've been listening to him almost exclusively (outside of the discography threads, and the CD/DVD ripping I've been doing) and it moves me, but to be honest, he's NOT my favorite singer.  There are just as many moments I don't love as I do love, and the infusion of the three voices really works for me (and by the way, I think Mike fits in PERFECTLY; the contrast of the four voices is my musical nirvana, since I love harmony singing).

I really like Neal's voice, but I love the combination of different voices. I think NMB has figured out how to play to Mike's strengths. In particular, I think it was a stroke of brilliance to have Bill and Mike combine to play the "evil" characters on The Great Adventure, on Fighting with Destiny and Welcome to the World 2.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 11, 2020, 08:09:20 AM
Today is the 4th anniversary of the release of Similitude of a Dream, and I'm listening for the first time since checking it out once soon after it was released. This is already a great album I can just tell, the band sounds great here. Guitarist sounds fantastic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on November 11, 2020, 08:10:42 AM
Such an awesome album. And yeah, Eric Gillette is a beast on the guitar.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 11, 2020, 08:18:13 AM
Such an awesome album. And yeah, Eric Gillette is a beast on the guitar.

I recall bits and pieces, like the City of Destruction chorus, but this is basically all new to me, pretty much.
The flow is excellent. I need to buy this one on CD asap though, I'm listening on Neal's Waterfall app, and there is a super quick pause between tracks. Kind of annoying.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on November 11, 2020, 08:23:52 AM
My favourite track on that one is The Ways Of A Fool (which is mostly written by Bill Hubauer). The vocal harmonies and interplay is so nice, aside from being a catchy song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 11, 2020, 08:37:36 AM
I like Eric providing harmony vocals, but I'm on the fence on whether I like his lead vocals. Something about his tonality makes him sound like he needs to clear his throat or sinuses.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 11, 2020, 09:25:00 AM
My favourite track on that one is The Ways Of A Fool (which is mostly written by Bill Hubauer). The vocal harmonies and interplay is so nice, aside from being a catchy song.

That could possibly be a top 10 NM song for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on November 11, 2020, 09:37:33 AM
I dont think I ever made it all the way through Similitude. It was kind of my last ditch maybe Ill finally like this Neal Morse prog album the way I used to like Spocks Beard/Transatlantic effort (MPs hype probably got me to bite). I do like Ways of a Fool (which was what convinced me to buy the album but thats Bills composition).  I just cant get past the style Neal has adopted since he was in SB (not the religious aspect mind you, that doesnt bother me).

I dont know how to describe it really, but its just sort of tedious to me now to listen to his prog epics. I do like Flying Colors, but hes minimized there, at least in the over the top prog aspect. TA has been ok as well (The Whirlwind at least, Kaleidoscope not so much), but again theres lots of input from others there.

Like I said before, I thought Songs from November was great. More of a songwriters album and had more of the warmth and charm of Spocks Beard. Ill always have a high regard for Neal as a person and musician, I just dont have much interest in his musical output these days. Holding out hopes for the next Transatlantic though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on November 11, 2020, 10:14:11 AM
It's weird; the "purer" the Neal, the less I sort of like it.  He's one of those guys like Jagger, Richards, Waters, Lennon where I like what he brings, but I don't like it as much when its the only element there.   He's like a special sauce that makes everything else better.   I love TNMB, I love the Neal Morse with Randy and Mike, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Flying Colors, I love the Yellow Matter Custard stuff... I'm still warming to Transatlantic, because I'm not sold on Roine, but Neal knows how to collaborate and work as part of an ensemble, that's for DAMN sure. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on November 11, 2020, 02:44:16 PM
Similitude AND The Great Adventure are both 5 Star albums IMO.  Having said that, I'm interested to see where they go with the next one, and I hope it's a bit of a different direction.  I think a third continuation of the same story would be too much.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 11, 2020, 10:58:44 PM
Such an awesome album. And yeah, Eric Gillette is a beast on the guitar.

I recall bits and pieces, like the City of Destruction chorus, but this is basically all new to me, pretty much.
The flow is excellent. I need to buy this one on CD asap though, I'm listening on Neal's Waterfall app, and there is a super quick pause between tracks. Kind of annoying.

Oh Neal  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on November 12, 2020, 07:48:20 AM
I dont think I ever made it all the way through Similitude. It was kind of my last ditch maybe Ill finally like this Neal Morse prog album the way I used to like Spocks Beard/Transatlantic effort (MPs hype probably got me to bite). I do like Ways of a Fool (which was what convinced me to buy the album but thats Bills composition).  I just cant get past the style Neal has adopted since he was in SB (not the religious aspect mind you, that doesnt bother me).

I dont know how to describe it really, but its just sort of tedious to me now to listen to his prog epics. I do like Flying Colors, but hes minimized there, at least in the over the top prog aspect. TA has been ok as well (The Whirlwind at least, Kaleidoscope not so much), but again theres lots of input from others there.

Like I said before, I thought Songs from November was great. More of a songwriters album and had more of the warmth and charm of Spocks Beard. Ill always have a high regard for Neal as a person and musician, I just dont have much interest in his musical output these days. Holding out hopes for the next Transatlantic though.

Check out Life And Times. Close to Songs From November, but maybe a little more stripped down. It's one of my favorite Neal releases.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on November 12, 2020, 08:03:02 AM
I dont think I ever made it all the way through Similitude. It was kind of my last ditch maybe Ill finally like this Neal Morse prog album the way I used to like Spocks Beard/Transatlantic effort (MPs hype probably got me to bite). I do like Ways of a Fool (which was what convinced me to buy the album but thats Bills composition).  I just cant get past the style Neal has adopted since he was in SB (not the religious aspect mind you, that doesnt bother me).

I dont know how to describe it really, but its just sort of tedious to me now to listen to his prog epics. I do like Flying Colors, but hes minimized there, at least in the over the top prog aspect. TA has been ok as well (The Whirlwind at least, Kaleidoscope not so much), but again theres lots of input from others there.

Like I said before, I thought Songs from November was great. More of a songwriters album and had more of the warmth and charm of Spocks Beard. Ill always have a high regard for Neal as a person and musician, I just dont have much interest in his musical output these days. Holding out hopes for the next Transatlantic though.

Check out Life And Times. Close to Songs From November, but maybe a little more stripped down. It's one of my favorite Neal releases.

I somehow forgot about Life and Times. I do still need to check that out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on November 12, 2020, 08:03:49 AM
That's a nice one too. A couple of fine songs there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on November 12, 2020, 08:30:43 AM
I'm just listening to Life and times. It's one of the best albums to relax to I've ever heard.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on November 12, 2020, 03:18:06 PM
Such an awesome album. And yeah, Eric Gillette is a beast on the guitar.


When Neal first left Spock's Beard I had the pleasure of sitting about 6' from Eric Gillette at one of Neal's first concerts touring the Testimony album.  I was close enough to him that he dripped sweat on me a few times.  He really is an incredible player.  I don't think he hit one bum note all night. 

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on November 12, 2020, 05:18:49 PM
Random thought after just hearing "Weathering Sky" on the way home from the store.   Years ago I was listening to this and thought it kind of sounded like the song could be a commercial for a new brand of Vodka called "Weathering Sky".   I can't unhear it and I think of it every time I hear the song from there on after.  Seriously though, it checks out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 12, 2020, 05:42:48 PM
Such an awesome album. And yeah, Eric Gillette is a beast on the guitar.

I recall bits and pieces, like the City of Destruction chorus, but this is basically all new to me, pretty much.
The flow is excellent. I need to buy this one on CD asap though, I'm listening on Neal's Waterfall app, and there is a super quick pause between tracks. Kind of annoying.

Oh Neal  :lol

Other albums on there with between track segues was seamless, like on "?". Wasn't happy with that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 12, 2020, 06:03:25 PM
Giving Life & Times a listen for the first time. I like it, maybe more than Songs For November.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on November 12, 2020, 06:10:57 PM
Such an awesome album. And yeah, Eric Gillette is a beast on the guitar.


When Neal first left Spock's Beard I had the pleasure of sitting about 6' from Eric Gillette at one of Neal's first concerts touring the Testimony album.  I was close enough to him that he dripped sweat on me a few times.  He really is an incredible player.  I don't think he hit one bum note all night.

Are you sure? He would have only been about 19 at that time, and I can't find anything about him playing with Neal before 2012.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 12, 2020, 09:18:09 PM
Such an awesome album. And yeah, Eric Gillette is a beast on the guitar.


When Neal first left Spock's Beard I had the pleasure of sitting about 6' from Eric Gillette at one of Neal's first concerts touring the Testimony album.  I was close enough to him that he dripped sweat on me a few times.  He really is an incredible player.  I don't think he hit one bum note all night.

Are you sure? He would have only been about 19 at that time, and I can't find anything about him playing with Neal before 2012.

Maybe he is confusing Eric Gillette for Eric Brenton, who played guitar, violin, pedal steel guitar, mandolin, and sang vocals on that 2003 Testimony Tour.

Otherwise, Eric didn't even MEET Neal until the "Once In A Lifetime" auditions in April 2012. His first performance with Neal was doing some backing vocals for the Momentum album, before going on tour with Neal, Randy, Mike, Bill, and Adson.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 13, 2020, 09:20:13 PM
I don't care much for the first Flying Colors album, but the closer Infinite Fire is great. Why wasn't the whole album like this?  :huh:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on November 14, 2020, 05:49:22 AM
Because the album/band overall was meant to go in much more of a pop direction. Infinite Fire is the one time they really let their prog flag fly.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 14, 2020, 08:19:45 AM
Yeah, they brought more of the prog on the next two albums, but the Flying Colors debut album was definitely meant to be more in the poppy/catchy direction with not much emphasis on the prog.  Infinite Fire definitely is a killer song, though!

Looks like much of the fanbase has a similar feel for Sola Gratia that I do: it's good, but not great, and too much "more of the same" from Neal.  I do think songs like Overflow, Never Change and Seemingly Sincere are all a bit different for Neal, and not coincidentally those feel the standouts. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 14, 2020, 09:51:11 AM
I only like Second Nature.  was never fond of the debut.  and honestly third Degree was awful.

too bad cause the band does have potential
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 14, 2020, 10:10:37 AM
I find the debut very forced and trying to play a style that these guys are not known for, and was outdated by the time they recorded. No strong hooks imo, outside of the opener and closer. If the album was more like Blue Ocean and Infinite Fire, that album would have probably been more successful.

Listening to Neal Morse Band - The Great Adventure for the first time, almost done with the 2nd disc.This is really, really good. A great follow up to Similitude of a Dream and plenty of original material on its own. I'm inclined to say this tops Similitude. Neal Morse Band has put out nothing but strong material, especially SoaD->TGA.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on November 14, 2020, 10:31:30 AM
I find the debut very forced and trying to play a style that these guys are not known for, and was outdated by the time they recorded. No strong hooks imo, outside of the opener and closer. If the album was more like Blue Ocean and Infinite Fire, that album would have probably been more successful.

I disagree that they were playing outside a style they are known for. Casey obviously comes from a more mainstream background. But Neal Morse has always written shorter, poppier songs as well as prog epics. Its something I love about those old Spocks Beard albums, and one of the reasons I like Flying Colors better than most of his output since leaving that band. Anyway, I think Kayla and The Storm are pretty good as far as songs with hooks, and then a song like Better Than Walking Away could have been on an early SB album for sure. That said, I do think Infinite Fire and Blue Ocean are examples of the best of Neals proggier side as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 14, 2020, 10:50:38 AM
I would also ask, what is wrong with playing outside of your normal style or ones for which you are known?  Considering Neal Morse in particular is often accused of not breaking out of his normal style enough, I, for one, found it refreshing to hear him doing stuff that was a little different from his usual material.  Sure, he has done a lot of catchy songs that could be deemed as pop in certain circles, but nothing quite like the catchy songs we got on the FC debut.

As for The Great Adventure, I like it a lot, but it still doesn't touch Similitude, IMO. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 14, 2020, 11:01:46 AM
I would also ask, what is wrong with playing outside of your normal style or ones for which you are known?  Considering Neal Morse in particular is often accused of not breaking out of his normal style enough, I, for one, found it refreshing to hear him doing stuff that was a little different from his usual material.  Sure, he has done a lot of catchy songs that could be deemed as pop in certain circles, but nothing quite like the catchy songs we got on the FC debut.

As for The Great Adventure, I like it a lot, but it still doesn't touch Similitude, IMO. :biggrin:

i still don't get the drooling over TGA.  it's good i'm not saying it isn't but it's over reliance on the Love That Never Dies theme brings it down several notches for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on November 14, 2020, 11:04:13 AM
I would also ask, what is wrong with playing outside of your normal style or ones for which you are known?  Considering Neal Morse in particular is often accused of not breaking out of his normal style enough, I, for one, found it refreshing to hear him doing stuff that was a little different from his usual material.  Sure, he has done a lot of catchy songs that could be deemed as pop in certain circles, but nothing quite like the catchy songs we got on the FC debut.

As for The Great Adventure, I like it a lot, but it still doesn't touch Similitude, IMO. :biggrin:

Id add that my favorite FC song is probably A Place In Your World, which I think is almost a perfect blend or prog and pop. Thats really the style of song Im most interested in hearing by a band like Flying Colors.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 14, 2020, 11:08:04 AM


i still don't get the drooling over TGA.  it's good i'm not saying it isn't but it's over reliance on the Love That Never Dies theme brings it down several notches for me.

Agreed.  And while I get that some prefer TGA, looking at different sites and whatnot with ratings and such, Similitude is definitely the higher regarded album by the fanbase as a whole, which is correct ;), so we can all breathe easier, hehe.


Id add that my favorite FC song is probably A Place In Your World, which I think is almost a perfect blend or prog and pop. Thats really the style of song Im most interested in hearing by a band like Flying Colors.

Oddly, that has become one of my least favorite FC songs. :lol  Don't get me wrong, I like it, but I just like most of the others MORE.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on November 14, 2020, 11:24:59 AM
I think Flying Colors' debut is the only really excellent record in all MP production since he left DT. Not that all other works are bad. There are horrible records (like SoA's debut) and there are good records (the rest of FC's albums, Winery Dogs in a certain sense, works with Neal Morse).

But the only one that I really think is excellent is the FC debut.
Unlike the rest of humanity, I'm not that much of a fan of NMB albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on November 14, 2020, 11:27:57 AM
I think Flying Colors' debut is the only really excellent record in all MP production since he left DT. Not that all other works are bad. There are horrible records (like SoA's debut) and there are good records (the rest of FC's albums, Winery Dogs in a certain sense, works with Neal Morse).

But the only one that I really think is excellent is the FC debut.
Unlike the rest of humanity, I'm not that much of a fan of NMB albums.

I love both of The Winery Dog albums, but Im a big fan of Mr. Big too, so those were right up my alley.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on November 14, 2020, 11:32:21 AM
I think Flying Colors' debut is the only really excellent record in all MP production since he left DT. Not that all other works are bad. There are horrible records (like SoA's debut) and there are good records (the rest of FC's albums, Winery Dogs in a certain sense, works with Neal Morse).

But the only one that I really think is excellent is the FC debut.
Unlike the rest of humanity, I'm not that much of a fan of NMB albums.

I love both of The Winery Dog albums, but Im a big fan of Mr. Big too, so those were right up my alley.

I've never been a big fan of bands like that. I like it, but that's it.
I think if I were a huge fan of this style, Winery Dogs would go up a lot in my concept.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 14, 2020, 12:49:04 PM
I would also ask, what is wrong with playing outside of your normal style or ones for which you are known?  Considering Neal Morse in particular is often accused of not breaking out of his normal style enough, I, for one, found it refreshing to hear him doing stuff that was a little different from his usual material.

I have no problem with an artist playing outside their 'normal' style, trying something different, or artists who have diverse catalogs; doesn't mean I have to like everything they do.

As for The Great Adventure, I like it a lot, but it still doesn't touch Similitude, IMO. :biggrin:

It still seemed stronger than some of Neal's own solo albums, even the newest Sola Gratia.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 14, 2020, 03:30:24 PM
Yeah, I would definitely take The Great Adventure over Sola Gratia, The Exorcist, Lifeline and Momentum (when looking at Neal's solo prog albums), but not over One, ? or Testimony 2.  Would be a close call with both the original Testimony and Sola Scriptura.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on November 14, 2020, 09:38:51 PM
The Great Adventure is my favorite non-Transatlantic Morse album. I think it's more focused than Similitude, which meanders just a little bit on the first disc. I don't mind the repetition of the Love That Never Dies theme.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 15, 2020, 06:30:59 AM
Listening to the 2nd Flying Colors, it sounds a lot better to me so far, I'm about halfway through.

Yeah, I would definitely take The Great Adventure over Sola Gratia, The Exorcist, Lifeline and Momentum (when looking at Neal's solo prog albums), but not over One, ? or Testimony 2.  Would be a close call with both the original Testimony and Sola Scriptura.

I've come to realize that my favorite run of Neal albums is Testimony, One, ?, and Sola Scriptura. Just one knock out album after another, a million great melodies I get stuck in my head.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 15, 2020, 07:33:31 AM
The Great Adventure is my favorite non-Transatlantic Morse album. I think it's more focused than Similitude, which meanders just a little bit on the first disc. I don't mind the repetition of the Love That Never Dies theme.

Not sure if I'd say it's my favourite of his, but on the rest I completely agree. I love the slightly darker, heavier direction of The Great Adventure. Similitude may have the more epic finale. But I'm inclined to say that I like The Great Adventure more than Similitude. Also, I never had a problem with the use of the Love that never dies theme.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on November 16, 2020, 03:50:28 PM
I spun Sola Gratia this weekend for the first time in several weeks.  I've got to say, it's holding up pretty well.  I was really digging Never Change, with Neal great guitar solo, then going into Seemingly Sincere - good stuff!  Still middle of the pack of Neal's catalog, but that's due to just how amazing his top tier material is, Sola Gratia is a solid album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 17, 2020, 01:58:03 AM
I spun Sola Gratia this weekend for the first time in several weeks.  I've got to say, it's holding up pretty well.  I was really digging Never Change, with Neal great guitar solo, then going into Seemingly Sincere - good stuff!  Still middle of the pack of Neal's catalog, but that's due to just how amazing his top tier material is, Sola Gratia is a solid album.

Seemingly Sincere is absolutely amazing. I love that it takes its time until it establishes a "real" groove.

And Never Change has that epic Floyd/Gilmour vibe, in the vein of Comfortably Numb/In Any Tongue.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on November 17, 2020, 05:04:32 AM
I am slightly underwhelmed by that "real" groove in Seemingly sincere. To me, the build up is way more exciting than the actual chorus.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 21, 2020, 08:17:48 AM
Sola Gratia is growing on me. I try to not really think of it as Sola Scriptura part 2 even if they are related. These are two different albums.
SG sounds more like a Neal Morse Band album too, so my expectations going in were a lot different. Now with a few more listens in, I'm starting to enjoy this album a lot. I'm thinking this is a stronger album than I first thought. I got new speakers this week, and they sound pretty great, so that helps. In fact, music has come to life now with these speakers, I upgraded from an old set of computer speakers to a set of Edifier 1850, so big difference in sound.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 21, 2020, 08:44:01 AM
Sola Gratia is growing on me. I try to not really think of it as Sola Scriptura part 2 even if they are related. These are two different albums.
SG sounds more like a Neal Morse Band album too, so my expectations going in were a lot different. Now with a few more listens in, I'm starting to enjoy this album a lot. I'm thinking this is a stronger album than I first thought. I got new speakers this week, and they sound pretty great, so that helps. In fact, music has come to life now with these speakers, I upgraded from an old set of computer speakers to a set of Edifier 1850, so big difference in sound.

I am sure it is lyrically a proper follow-up to Sola Scriptura (I never go out of my way to dig deep into the stories behind Neal's spiritual lyrics), but musically it doesn't feel like one at all, outside of the few musical nods to it, all of which, to me anyway, feel totally shoe-horned in for the sake of having continuity rather than feeling natural.  The "All I Ask For" section being randomly reprised in the middle of Building a Wall might be the oddest and most unnatural part of a Neal Morse song ever.  It just feels so random and out of place.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 21, 2020, 08:51:19 AM
Sola Gratia is growing on me. I try to not really think of it as Sola Scriptura part 2 even if they are related. These are two different albums.
SG sounds more like a Neal Morse Band album too, so my expectations going in were a lot different. Now with a few more listens in, I'm starting to enjoy this album a lot. I'm thinking this is a stronger album than I first thought. I got new speakers this week, and they sound pretty great, so that helps. In fact, music has come to life now with these speakers, I upgraded from an old set of computer speakers to a set of Edifier 1850, so big difference in sound.

I am sure it is lyrically a proper follow-up to Sola Scriptura (I never go out of my way to dig deep into the stories behind Neal's spiritual lyrics), but musically it doesn't feel like one at all, outside of the few musical nods to it, all of which, to me anyway, feel totally shoe-horned in for the sake of having continuity rather than feeling natural.  The "All I Ask For" section being randomly reprised in the middle of Building a Wall might be the oddest and most unnatural part of a Neal Morse song ever.  It just feels so random and out of place.

I felt the same way about the nods to SS on the initial listens, but they don't seem as unnatural to me now, and they're not overdone and beaten over the head, and in some parts I think it works really well, particularly on Never Change and Seemingly Sincere.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 21, 2020, 10:48:59 AM
Sola Gratia is growing on me. I try to not really think of it as Sola Scriptura part 2 even if they are related. These are two different albums.
SG sounds more like a Neal Morse Band album too, so my expectations going in were a lot different. Now with a few more listens in, I'm starting to enjoy this album a lot. I'm thinking this is a stronger album than I first thought. I got new speakers this week, and they sound pretty great, so that helps. In fact, music has come to life now with these speakers, I upgraded from an old set of computer speakers to a set of Edifier 1850, so big difference in sound.

I am sure it is lyrically a proper follow-up to Sola Scriptura (I never go out of my way to dig deep into the stories behind Neal's spiritual lyrics), but musically it doesn't feel like one at all, outside of the few musical nods to it, all of which, to me anyway, feel totally shoe-horned in for the sake of having continuity rather than feeling natural.  The "All I Ask For" section being randomly reprised in the middle of Building a Wall might be the oddest and most unnatural part of a Neal Morse song ever.  It just feels so random and out of place.

I felt the same way about the nods to SS on the initial listens, but they don't seem as unnatural to me now, and they're not overdone and beaten over the head, and in some parts I think it works really well, particularly on Never Change and Seemingly Sincere.

I suppose.  My guess is I would feel differently if I liked Sola Gratia a lot more than I do.  It's funny because Neal's albums are sometimes accused of being overcooked in the sense of too many reprises and/or being too long, but this one feels undercooked.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 21, 2020, 02:34:09 PM
Sola Gratia is growing on me. I try to not really think of it as Sola Scriptura part 2 even if they are related. These are two different albums.
SG sounds more like a Neal Morse Band album too, so my expectations going in were a lot different. Now with a few more listens in, I'm starting to enjoy this album a lot. I'm thinking this is a stronger album than I first thought. I got new speakers this week, and they sound pretty great, so that helps. In fact, music has come to life now with these speakers, I upgraded from an old set of computer speakers to a set of Edifier 1850, so big difference in sound.

I am sure it is lyrically a proper follow-up to Sola Scriptura (I never go out of my way to dig deep into the stories behind Neal's spiritual lyrics), but musically it doesn't feel like one at all, outside of the few musical nods to it, all of which, to me anyway, feel totally shoe-horned in for the sake of having continuity rather than feeling natural.  The "All I Ask For" section being randomly reprised in the middle of Building a Wall might be the oddest and most unnatural part of a Neal Morse song ever.  It just feels so random and out of place.

I felt the same way about the nods to SS on the initial listens, but they don't seem as unnatural to me now, and they're not overdone and beaten over the head, and in some parts I think it works really well, particularly on Never Change and Seemingly Sincere.

I suppose.  My guess is I would feel differently if I liked Sola Gratia a lot more than I do.  It's funny because Neal's albums are sometimes accused of being overcooked in the sense of too many reprises and/or being too long, but this one feels undercooked.

As I said, this one wasn't doing much for me til today, it just clicked.

Listening to Flying Colors 2 again, much much better than the debut. To me, this is what the debut should have been.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 21, 2020, 03:22:47 PM
Sola Gratia is growing on me. I try to not really think of it as Sola Scriptura part 2 even if they are related. These are two different albums.
SG sounds more like a Neal Morse Band album too, so my expectations going in were a lot different. Now with a few more listens in, I'm starting to enjoy this album a lot. I'm thinking this is a stronger album than I first thought. I got new speakers this week, and they sound pretty great, so that helps. In fact, music has come to life now with these speakers, I upgraded from an old set of computer speakers to a set of Edifier 1850, so big difference in sound.

I am sure it is lyrically a proper follow-up to Sola Scriptura (I never go out of my way to dig deep into the stories behind Neal's spiritual lyrics), but musically it doesn't feel like one at all, outside of the few musical nods to it, all of which, to me anyway, feel totally shoe-horned in for the sake of having continuity rather than feeling natural.  The "All I Ask For" section being randomly reprised in the middle of Building a Wall might be the oddest and most unnatural part of a Neal Morse song ever.  It just feels so random and out of place.

I felt the same way about the nods to SS on the initial listens, but they don't seem as unnatural to me now, and they're not overdone and beaten over the head, and in some parts I think it works really well, particularly on Never Change and Seemingly Sincere.

Where are the nods to Scriptura in Never Change and Seemingly Sincere?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 21, 2020, 03:47:08 PM


Listening to Flying Colors 2 again, much much better than the debut. To me, this is what the debut should have been.

I don't agree.  I can't remember the exact wording at the time, but the whole point of the band was to write catchy short songs, not proggy ones, and the debut accomplished that perfectly.  The second and third albums, while both good (especially the third), were basically them saying, "to hell with it, we can't help ourselves, so here's the prog!!"  :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 22, 2020, 03:22:12 AM


Listening to Flying Colors 2 again, much much better than the debut. To me, this is what the debut should have been.

I don't agree.  I can't remember the exact wording at the time, but the whole point of the band was to write catchy short songs, not proggy ones, and the debut accomplished that perfectly.  The second and third albums, while both good (especially the third), were basically them saying, "to hell with it, we can't help ourselves, so here's the prog!!"  :lol :lol

I think, that's because the first album was not produced by the band themselves, but by Peter Collins. I wish they would allow that again.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 22, 2020, 08:33:39 AM


I think, that's because the first album was not produced by the band themselves, but by Peter Collins. I wish they would allow that again.

Agreed. The outside producer pushed them out of their normal comfort zone, which can often be a good thing.  Without him on the subsequent albums, it obviously became too easy to fall back on old habits and do their normal thing.  Again, I like those albums, and really like the third album, but the debut is so special because of how fresh and different it was (from the usual Neal/Portnoy stuff).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on November 22, 2020, 08:51:09 AM
I agree with all of this and also find the debut to be their best, but oddly enough, I think Cosmic Symphony is probably their greatest song and it is long with multiple parts. I think the way it's structured makes it feel less like the usual NM/MP fare and more like a 'Scenes From An Italian Restaurant/Bohemian Rhapsody' type song. A non-prog prog song... so to speak  :o
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 22, 2020, 08:55:20 AM
I like Cosmic Symphony, but despite being a massive Neal fan, his part is, I feel, easily the least best of the three, and quite frankly the song sounds like three different short songs all stitched together.  The song is not cohesive at all, IMO, but Casey's parts are awesome enough that I can still get a lot of enjoyment out of the song, even with the arrangement feeling off.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 22, 2020, 09:16:23 AM
I see the opposite. The first two Flying Colors albums sound like prog infused pop rock. The first one may be out of their comfort zone or different or 'more' mainstream sounding, but I don't think the actual quality is all that great. There is some good quality pop music made in the last 10 years, and the Flying Colors debut is not among them. This is why I find the music forced, because they're doing something that is not a part of them, same critiques I have with modern Dream Theater.  The 2nd album works because it has just as much pop sensibilities mixed with progginess but with a brighter, fun sound, with much stronger compositions and melodies. This is because they retain a lot of who and what they are as musicians. Having outside producers is a double edged sword.

It's like when the 70s giants who started producing music in the 80s and tried to keep up with the times. Looking back, there were few good results and mostly mixed or bad results and their prior work still stands the test of time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on November 22, 2020, 10:34:06 AM
The first one may be out of their comfort zone or different or 'more' mainstream sounding, but I don't think the actual quality is all that great. There is some good quality pop music made in the last 10 years, and the Flying Colors debut is not among them.

This is basically why I haven't really gotten into Flying Colors. I just don't find the songs to be particularly strong qua pop music. If I want to listen to songs written by Neal Morse, I'll just listen to one of his many prog albums, where I think the songwriting is much stronger. If I want to listen to pop or pop rock, I'll listen to one of many artists who specialize in that sort of thing and do it better, in my eyes.

I did find the second album stronger than the first one because of the brighter sound and stronger melodies, but it wasn't a massive step up, either. And I didn't like either one enough to bother checking out the third. Maybe at some point I'll give these albums another chance, but they're just not ones that have interested me very much.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on November 22, 2020, 10:40:26 AM
Flying Colors has some great stuff, but I agree some of the rest is hit or miss. I specially don't like it when they do the mandaroty Muse-inspired song for each album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 22, 2020, 11:47:33 AM
I see the opposite. The first two Flying Colors albums sound like prog infused pop rock. The first one may be out of their comfort zone or different or 'more' mainstream sounding, but I don't think the actual quality is all that great. There is some good quality pop music made in the last 10 years, and the Flying Colors debut is not among them. This is why I find the music forced, because they're doing something that is not a part of them, same critiques I have with modern Dream Theater.  The 2nd album works because it has just as much pop sensibilities mixed with progginess but with a brighter, fun sound, with much stronger compositions and melodies. This is because they retain a lot of who and what they are as musicians. Having outside producers is a double edged sword.

It's like when the 70s giants who started producing music in the 80s and tried to keep up with the times. Looking back, there were few good results and mostly mixed or bad results and their prior work still stands the test of time.

Looking at just Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy, pop music is absolutely a big part of them.  They are both HUGE Beatles fans, and the Beatles are the biggest pop band of all time!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 22, 2020, 02:38:06 PM
For those of you who are familiar with Survivors, I am running the Neal Morse Survivor 2021 Edition soon, starting in a couple of days actually. You can check out the Results & Discussion Thread (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=55906.0), and read up on what I have planned. It's been over 5 years since I ran the last one, and since then, Neal has released two more NMB albums and Sola Gratia, so I've got a lot more to go over this time around!

I hope to see some familiar faces over there and voting as the more the merrier! Would love to see at least 10 voters per round for each album, but I understand that not every Neal Morse fan is familiar with all of his prog albums, so I'm posting here in the hopes that more folks will join in! This will take a few months, but I'm looking forward to it, especially coming off of my Rush Survivor this year, which took quite awhile itself with 19 albums, Consolation, and Finals involved! Neal isn't a slouch either, with 11 albums that I'm covering in this survivor, three of which are lengthy double albums, so I can see this running til at least next April or May!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on November 23, 2020, 12:09:38 AM
Nice! Since I haven't listened to all his albums I'll only be participating in the ones I am familiar with.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 23, 2020, 09:21:58 AM
Glad you're skipping JC Exorcist, I've not checked that one out yet myself and I'm not sure there's any rush to do so.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 23, 2020, 11:49:29 AM
Glad you're skipping JC Exorcist, I've not checked that one out yet myself and I'm not sure there's any rush to do so.

it's super cheesy.  and i like some songs mostly on disc 1....but yea this project was ill advised.

I liked it at first but it quickly wore off.  it just comes across as a way inferior remake of Jesus Christ Superstar.  and if i want that.  i'll just play that album.  now Neal's is closer to the new Testament but.  it's so heavy handed and cheesey.

i'm even skipping for the first time the Morsefest Blu ray/cd live version of it........zero interest.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 23, 2020, 01:22:26 PM
I think that JCTE is a really good record, I like it a lot. And of course it's cheesy, it's a musical, it's got to be cheesy.  ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 27, 2020, 11:07:35 AM
BLACK FRIDAY SALE AT RADIANT:



- So Many Roads - Live in Europe 2008 - $4.99

- Morsefest 2014 - Testimony, One & Encores - $7.99

- Morsefest 2015 - ?, Sola Scriptura & Encores - $7.99

- Morsefest 2017 - Testimony of a Dream - $7.99

- The Similitude of a Dream - Live in Tilburg 2017 - $7.99

- Spocks Beard - Progfest 1995 - $4.99

- Spocks Beard - Live at the Whiskey and Nearfest - $4.99

- Spocks Beard - Dont Try This At Home Complete - $4.99

- Spocks Beard - Snow Live at Morsefest 2016 - $7.99

Hi Res - 48k/24 bit audio:

- The Neal Morse Band - The Similitude of a Dream - $9.99

- The Neal Morse Band - The Great Adventure - $9.99



FOR OUR INNER CIRCLE MEMBERS...

Check out the 20 Inner Circle downloads available today for just $4.99 demos, live shows, commentaries and much more! (Available to Inner Circle members only! If you arent yet a member, you can join today.)



- May 2017 - The Similitude Demos Part 1 (Audio)

- July 2017 - Neal Morse and Friends 2015 Morsefest Acoustic Concert (Audio and Video)

- September 2017 - Testimony 2 Demos (Audio)

- November 2017 - Spock's Beard - Morsefest 2016 Inner Cicle Jam (Audio and Video)

- January 2018 - Morsefest 2017 Inner Circle Show (Audio)

- March 2018 - Morsefest 2016 Storytellers Part 1 (Audio and Video)

- May 2018- Morsefest 2016 Storytellers Part 2 (Audio and Video)

- July 2018 - Life & Times Tour: Live in NYC and a Few Other Places (Audio)

- August 2018 - Jesus Christ The Exorcist: The Demos (Audio)

- November 2018 - The Similitude Demos Part 2 (Audio)

- January 2019 - The Neal Morse Band: Live in Limbourg - TSOAD Live (Video)

- March 2019 - The Neal Morse Band: The Great Adventure Commentary (Video)

- May 2019 - NMB 3: Beginning the Adventure (Audio)

- July 2019 - Neal Morse and Friends: Voices of the Beard - Storytellers 2 (Audio)

- September 2019 - Flying Colors: Second Nature Roughs (Audio)

- November 2019 - More Songs About Coffee & My Wife (Audio)

- January 2020 - Spock's Beard: But Wait ... There's More! (Video)

- March 2020 - NMB 3: Continuing the Adventure (Audio)

- May 2020 - Morsefest 2019 Inner Circle Concert (Audio and Video)

- July 2020 - Covers and Encores (Audio)

https://www.nealmorse.com/2020/11/27/black-friday-sale/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on November 27, 2020, 02:13:03 PM
At this price, if you're not wedded to physical media, I think you'd almost have to go for some of the Morsefest audios. Those are such great performances.

I'm thinking I'm going to grab the three SB shows (I already got Snow Live on a previous Radiant sale).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on November 27, 2020, 03:51:38 PM
At this price, if you're not wedded to physical media, I think you'd almost have to go for some of the Morsefest audios. Those are such great performances.

I'm thinking I'm going to grab the three SB shows (I already got Snow Live on a previous Radiant sale).

I picked up the CD of Dont Try This At Home during either a Black Friday or some other deep sale at Radiant a while back. Its not easy on the ears from a sonic perspective. Would be interested to know if either of the others are better presentations of the sound of the original lineup.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on November 27, 2020, 04:14:40 PM
So, I just downloaded them, and while I obviously haven't listened all the way through, here's what I'd say just from sampling.

The Official Live Bootleg (Progfest 1995) sounds pretty good. I wouldn't say it sounds any worse than an official label release from today would. That one has the full Light album plus Thoughts.

Live at The Whisky and NEARfest does not sound as good. It sounds a little more distant, and Neal's voice is a bit low in the mix some of the time. He tries to get the crowd to sing on June, and they are completely inaudible from what I can tell. It's not terrible, but it's definitely more in the area of a solid soundboard bootleg in terms of audio quality, not what one would expect from a professional label release today. This one has a mix of songs from the first four albums.

Both sound significantly better, from what I've sampled, than Don't Try This at Home
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on November 27, 2020, 05:13:03 PM
So, I just downloaded them, and while I obviously haven't listened all the way through, here's what I'd say just from sampling.

The Official Live Bootleg (Progfest 1995) sounds pretty good. I wouldn't say it sounds any worse than an official label release from today would. That one has the full Light album plus Thoughts.

Live at The Whisky and NEARfest does not sound as good. It sounds a little more distant, and Neal's voice is a bit low in the mix some of the time. He tries to get the crowd to sing on June, and they are completely inaudible from what I can tell. It's not terrible, but it's definitely more in the area of a solid soundboard bootleg in terms of audio quality, not what one would expect from a professional label release today. This one has a mix of songs from the first four albums.

Both sound significantly better, from what I've sampled, than Don't Try This at Home

Thanks for the scouting report! Sounds like the Progfest 95 is the highest quality, but truthfully wouldnt be my favorite set list. Will probably pass on these.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on November 27, 2020, 05:29:13 PM
No problem! I'm happy to get these for $5 each, though I don't think I'd want to pay significantly more. Looking forward to enjoying my three new versions of The Light and Go the Way You Go. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on November 27, 2020, 08:57:40 PM
I was hoping to pick up a bunch of the old Inner Circle CDs, but only the recent downloads are on sale, and I have all of those already. I actually have everything that's on sale already. Oh well, next time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 28, 2020, 07:39:06 AM
Eh, after the Flying Colors vinyl fiasco, I won't buy from Radiant ever again, but glad to see some fans are getting some good deals.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on November 28, 2020, 10:41:36 AM
Eh, after the Flying Colors vinyl fiasco, I won't buy from Radiant ever again, but glad to see some fans are getting some good deals.

What happened?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 28, 2020, 12:03:23 PM
Eh, after the Flying Colors vinyl fiasco, I won't buy from Radiant ever again, but glad to see some fans are getting some good deals.

What happened?

I pre-ordered the first two Flying Colors album on vinyl back in late June, which were set for a new release in the middle of September.  By the middle of October, after no vinyl, no emails from Radiant about any delays, and no replies to multiple emails I had sent asking about it, I basically had to call them out on the FB forum page (and I try to avoid FB mostly now) and eventually one of the guys there who I think is friends with the lady who runs Radiant reached out to me via PM and I expressed my dissatisfaction.  After some back and forth and whatnot, Radiant eventually emailed me about it, and I did end up getting the vinyl a week or so ago.  But it is recurring problem with them.  I see countless other peeps having to get their attention by posting about it on FB because their emails to Radiant went unanswered.   

And to be clear, I get that delays are going to happen, especially this year with COVID and many other factors.  I am more than willing to wait for such things, as I am fairly patient person. Just freaking let us know.  To not update your customers in a timely fashion, and to ignore their emails (which I have seen many others online happen to them as well), is just poor customer service, especially for items where they sure as heck charge your credit card for it right away.   

The lady who runs it, Amy, probably does her best and seems like a nice person, but she posted on FB a few weeks back that she basically runs it by herself.  I get that it is a small operation and it is probably not cost effective for Neal to hire more people to help out, but it reflects poorly on him when Radiant's customers are not given good service.   It's a shame because Neal is by all accounts a great guy - you won't find a more gracious and classy individual in the rock game nowadays - but it is undeniable at this point that Radiant's bad service is costing him customers.  Whoever ran it prior to Amy didn't do a good job either (same issues always happened then). 

So yeah, I don't see myself ordering from Radiant again any time soon, future possible Morsefest tickets notwithstanding of course. :lol :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on December 02, 2020, 12:44:38 PM
Jesus Christ The Exorcist available at LaserCD

https://www.lasercd.com/dvd/jesus-christ-exorcist-live-morsefeset-2018-blu-ray

https://www.lasercd.com/cd/jesus-christ-exorcist-live-morsefest-2018-2cddvd
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 02, 2020, 07:38:57 PM
Jesus Christ The Exorcist available at LaserCD

https://www.lasercd.com/dvd/jesus-christ-exorcist-live-morsefeset-2018-blu-ray

https://www.lasercd.com/cd/jesus-christ-exorcist-live-morsefest-2018-2cddvd

It's awfully tempting to order the Blu-ray from LaserCD, who always gives great service.  It could be a release that is only available for a limited time, so I probably need to not wait too long to decide.  And I was there for that performance at Morsefest, so there's that.  Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 08, 2020, 08:29:11 AM
I was able to scoop up a copy of JC Exorcist for 11 bucks on Amazon with a coupon, it came in, still haven't listened to it yet. Sola Gratia came in as well, and I watched the DVD making of which was a bit boring but it reignited my Neal listening as I had taken a break last few weeks.

I've been revisiting recent Neal albums this week, TA's Kaleidoscope is growing on me a little, mainly the epic Into The Blue. I generally enjoy this one now, a classic Transatlantic tune. Shine is ok.. The rest is hit or miss with me, and the title track is still not clicking with me. There is this section in there where Roine is singing and it's got some real strong Flower Kings vibes to me, and I liked that part a lot. Structurally, the album feels like a hybrid of the first two TA albums. Over to NM Band, The Grand Experiment is a little better overall as an album, the opening and closing tracks are the strongest, but I still need to give Alive Again a few more listens. I feel like I don't know this album at all.

Then I listened to The Similitude of a Dream and The Great Adventure back to back yesterday. What a ride. Both listened to straight through without break, other than about 20 minutes between albums. Been meaning to do something like that for a while, it was helpful in noticing more call backs to TSoaD on TGA. Both these albums are very strong, and while TSoaD might edge out as a bit better, TGA is right up there, and I think as one complete journey, there is really no lull in the 4 hour experience. It reminded me of when I listened to the Dream Theater meta-album Scenes through 8vm, but this was a better experience because those DT albums are unrelated to each other, otherwise.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 08, 2020, 03:38:09 PM
The Grand Experiment should probably be right near the top on my list of favorite Neal(-related) albums since it has three of my favorite songs of his ever (The Call, Waterfall, Alive Again).  I am just a sucker for concept albums done well, and I will usually favor those (Similitude, ?, One, The Whirlwind) when "forced" to list favorites.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on December 08, 2020, 03:57:25 PM
If pressed, I might name The Call and Alive Again as my two favorite NM/NMB songs. There are a lot of contenders, but those two are just stunning. The Call is pretty much my go-to song for a 10-minute demonstration of what prog rock is.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on December 08, 2020, 05:49:48 PM
If pressed, I might name The Call and Alive Again as my two favorite NM/NMB songs. There are a lot of contenders, but those two are just stunning. The Call is pretty much my go-to song for a 10-minute demonstration of what prog rock is.

Funny thing; never liked The Call, until I saw it live, and figured it was one of "those" songs that was a live chestnut, but needed work in the studio.  THEN I fell in love with Alive Again, and having listened to the album so much, The Call has really grown on me.  Such a catchy melody.

Top three Neal songs:

- Supernatural
- Alive Again
- Weathering Skies
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 09, 2020, 11:30:25 AM
Seeing The Call live was amazing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on December 09, 2020, 01:14:50 PM
Seeing The Call live was amazing.

I saw the Similitude tour in Ridgefield, CT, and that song was like a revival, like a religious experience (and I don't mean that in the context of Neal, I mean that generally).  It was so powerful, you could feel it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 09, 2020, 06:25:39 PM
All of The Call is great, but from the bass solo till the end is just ridiculous amounts of greatness.  I am lucky to have seen it three times (the whole song performed on the Similitude tour and at Morsefest that year, and then most of the ending played in the medley on the 2019 tour).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on December 10, 2020, 10:15:14 AM
I agree, The Call is one of Neal's all time greatest songs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on December 10, 2020, 10:33:24 AM
I agree, The Call is one of Neal's all time greatest songs.

Jaci Gillette doesn't like this post :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 10, 2020, 10:34:48 AM
I agree, The Call is one of Neal's all time greatest songs.

Jaci Gillette doesn't like this post :lol

HAHAHAHAHAHA
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on December 10, 2020, 11:20:02 AM
Yeah, The Call has been a highlight every time I've seen them (CttE 2017, Similitude tour, 2x TGA tour, and Morsefest 2019). Oftentimes if I'm listening through all of the live Similitude release hearing it in the encore will nudge me to start Morsefest 2015 next so I can double dip :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 10, 2020, 11:31:41 AM
Seeing The Call live was amazing.

I saw the Similitude tour in Ridgefield, CT, and that song was like a revival, like a religious experience (and I don't mean that in the context of Neal, I mean that generally).  It was so powerful, you could feel it.
Yep.  Saw them do Similitude (and The Call) at ROSFest (along with various and sundry other DTF Irregulars).  Fantastic show.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on December 10, 2020, 11:40:03 AM
The Call is a song I can never get sick of.  It was amazing live. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on December 10, 2020, 01:19:15 PM
I agree, The Call is one of Neal's all time greatest songs.

Jaci Gillette doesn't like this post :lol

I actually thought about that while hitting the "post" button  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 12, 2020, 11:11:15 AM
The Call is a really fun song, I put that one on earlier. MP's performance is pretty great.
That and TA's Black As The Sky, that one is warming up for me as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on December 12, 2020, 11:11:49 AM
Black As The Sky is easily my favourite track off that album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on December 12, 2020, 12:15:55 PM
I love the first minute or so of The Call, but then it's just typical Neal. Way too familiar.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 17, 2020, 01:57:56 PM
https://www.facebook.com/12101716415/posts/10159293532301416/?substory_index=0

Quote
#LastMinute?

(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/131675400_10159293532311416_8006874069064156132_o.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=2&_nc_sid=da1649&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ohc=gVmiPGROJSIAX8rwmDk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&tp=14&oh=9ec4a9e77a3ee705df6772cf4ed1de5a&oe=6002398D)

🤔🤔🤔 hmmm...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on December 17, 2020, 03:25:24 PM
Maybe his putting out a Christmas album or something?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Moor on December 18, 2020, 01:54:45 AM
I agree, The Call is one of Neal's all time greatest songs.

Jaci Gillette doesn't like this post :lol

I actually thought about that while hitting the "post" button  :lol

 :lol :lol :lol
From now on, any reference to Jaci Gillette in the prog community, is a warning related to Intellectual Property and music credits infringements.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 18, 2020, 08:13:21 AM
I agree, The Call is one of Neal's all time greatest songs.

Jaci Gillette doesn't like this post :lol

I actually thought about that while hitting the "post" button  :lol

 :lol :lol :lol
From now on, any reference to Jaci Gillette in the prog community, is a warning related to Intellectual Property and music credits infringements.

Ha! I remember when I posted bosk1 review on Eric's forum over FB. Man, Jaci was pissed! Because it was clearly a band effort and the review didn't reflected that. She even banned me from the forum.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on December 18, 2020, 08:22:34 AM
You can tell it's a band effort. It sounds nothing like Neal's solo work.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 18, 2020, 08:23:20 AM
That was just ridiculous.  I could not have written a more positive, glowing review.  It was fun joining the Eric Gillette Facebook group just so I could see her not know what to do when all I posted was positive stuff.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on December 18, 2020, 08:28:25 AM
I agree, The Call is one of Neal's all time greatest songs.

Jaci Gillette doesn't like this post :lol

I actually thought about that while hitting the "post" button  :lol

 :lol :lol :lol
From now on, any reference to Jaci Gillette in the prog community, is a warning related to Intellectual Property and music credits infringements.

Ha! I remember when I posted bosk1 review on Eric's forum over FB. Man, Jaci was pissed! Because it was clearly a band effort and the review didn't reflected that. She even banned me from the forum.

Nice to see some MP influence as well :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 18, 2020, 10:54:56 AM
You can tell it's a band effort. It sounds nothing like Neal's solo work.

I wouldn't go that far. I agree the 3 NMB albums sound more like collaborative efforts than Neal's solo efforts, but that's like saying Transatlantic sounds nothing like Neal's solo work.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on December 18, 2020, 11:50:37 AM
Green is for sarcasm

Just FYI
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on December 18, 2020, 12:25:30 PM
I thought it would be obvious it was sarcastic even if it wasn't green. I was wrong.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on December 18, 2020, 12:36:34 PM
I think sarcasm is one of those things that doesn't translate well from language to language so when an English speaker uses it and non-native English speaker reads it, they rarely "get" it. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 18, 2020, 06:19:21 PM
Green is for sarcasm

Just FYI

lol sometimes the green is too dark to see on my laptop screen if it's angled a certain way.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on December 19, 2020, 10:03:10 AM
Neal ist releasing a digital last minute christmas album called Last Minute Christmas Album! This guy is insanely productive  :lol

Quote
Merry Christmas, everyone! Ive been writing Christmas songs over the last two weeks and thought maybe I could make a last minute Christmas album... here it is! Weve literally just finished mixing it and its exclusively available to download right now from www.radiantrecords.com or you can stream it on www.waterfallstreaming.com. I hope you enjoy it and it brings some of the holiday spirit to your home this Christmas!
1. Caroling, Caroling!
2. All You Need Is Love On Christmas
3. Worldwide Sleigh Ride
4. Its Christmas Time At Last
5. Silver Bells And Promises
6. On This Most Holy Night
7. Mrs. Claus
8. Everything I Want For Christmas
9. Tis The Season To Be Blue
10. Lo How A Rose Eer Blooming
11. O Come, All Ye Faithful
Download here: https://www.nealmorse.com/.../neal-morse-last-minute.../
Stream on waterfall: https://waterfallstreaming.com/

(https://www.nealmorse.com/wp-content/uploads/Neal-Morse-Album-Cover-Image-2-scaled.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on December 19, 2020, 12:22:42 PM
Just got a message from Joel Barrios that I won the check set of blu rays from the Morsefest 2017 release as part of the annual holiday giveaway he runs in Neal's Facebook group :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 19, 2020, 12:39:32 PM
Just got a message from Joel Barrios that I won the check set of blu rays from the Morsefest 2017 release as part of the annual holiday giveaway he runs in Neal's Facebook group :hat

Nice!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on December 19, 2020, 02:14:05 PM
Neal ist releasing a digital last minute christmas album called Last Minute Christmas Album! This guy is insanely productive  :lol

Quote
Merry Christmas, everyone! Ive been writing Christmas songs over the last two weeks and thought maybe I could make a last minute Christmas album... here it is! Weve literally just finished mixing it and its exclusively available to download right now from www.radiantrecords.com or you can stream it on www.waterfallstreaming.com. I hope you enjoy it and it brings some of the holiday spirit to your home this Christmas!
1. Caroling, Caroling!
2. All You Need Is Love On Christmas
3. Worldwide Sleigh Ride
4. Its Christmas Time At Last
5. Silver Bells And Promises
6. On This Most Holy Night
7. Mrs. Claus
8. Everything I Want For Christmas
9. Tis The Season To Be Blue
10. Lo How A Rose Eer Blooming
11. O Come, All Ye Faithful
Download here: https://www.nealmorse.com/.../neal-morse-last-minute.../
Stream on waterfall: https://waterfallstreaming.com/

(https://www.nealmorse.com/wp-content/uploads/Neal-Morse-Album-Cover-Image-2-scaled.jpg)

I got up this morning and made a pot of coffee. Apparently Neal got up this morning and wrote an album.  ;)

Guy's phenomenal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 19, 2020, 03:09:17 PM
Neal ist releasing a digital last minute christmas album called Last Minute Christmas Album! This guy is insanely productive  :lol

Quote
Merry Christmas, everyone! Ive been writing Christmas songs over the last two weeks and thought maybe I could make a last minute Christmas album... here it is! Weve literally just finished mixing it and its exclusively available to download right now from www.radiantrecords.com or you can stream it on www.waterfallstreaming.com. I hope you enjoy it and it brings some of the holiday spirit to your home this Christmas!
1. Caroling, Caroling!
2. All You Need Is Love On Christmas
3. Worldwide Sleigh Ride
4. Its Christmas Time At Last
5. Silver Bells And Promises
6. On This Most Holy Night
7. Mrs. Claus
8. Everything I Want For Christmas
9. Tis The Season To Be Blue
10. Lo How A Rose Eer Blooming
11. O Come, All Ye Faithful
Download here: https://www.nealmorse.com/.../neal-morse-last-minute.../
Stream on waterfall: https://waterfallstreaming.com/

(https://www.nealmorse.com/wp-content/uploads/Neal-Morse-Album-Cover-Image-2-scaled.jpg)

I got up this morning and made a pot of coffee. Apparently Neal got up this morning and wrote an album.  ;)

Guy's phenomenal.

HAHAHA I thought something similar.

I woke up this morning and went to poo...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on December 19, 2020, 07:54:19 PM
Just got a message from Joel Barrios that I won the check set of blu rays from the Morsefest 2017 release as part of the annual holiday giveaway he runs in Neal's Facebook group :hat

Awesome!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on December 20, 2020, 10:25:17 AM
Just got a message from Joel Barrios that I won the check set of blu rays from the Morsefest 2017 release as part of the annual holiday giveaway he runs in Neal's Facebook group :hat

That's very cool!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on December 27, 2020, 04:41:29 PM
Neal just announced hes starting a podcast, Musicians Having Coffee & Talking About Stuff. First guest is Mike Portnoy, dropping tomorrow. Audio will only be on Waterfall, but the video will be on YouTube.

https://twitter.com/nealmorse/status/1343340335079034880?s=21
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 27, 2020, 05:12:06 PM
Neal just announced hes starting a podcast, Musicians Having Coffee & Talking About Stuff. First guest is Mike Portnoy, dropping tomorrow. Audio will only be on Waterfall, but the video will be on YouTube.

https://twitter.com/nealmorse/status/1343340335079034880?s=21

Just saw the trailer on YouTube and I've gotta say, I'm kinda excited, even if they're just gabbing about random stuff! I wonder who else he'll have on this podcast in future episodes? I would love tonsee his brother Al make an appearance, and maybe other prog contemporaries as well!

-Marc.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 28, 2020, 08:52:07 AM
Neal just announced hes starting a podcast, Musicians Having Coffee & Talking About Stuff. First guest is Mike Portnoy, dropping tomorrow. Audio will only be on Waterfall, but the video will be on YouTube.

https://twitter.com/nealmorse/status/1343340335079034880?s=21

Episode 1:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymUP5AgL8F0

 :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on December 28, 2020, 09:23:33 AM
Neal just announced hes starting a podcast, Musicians Having Coffee & Talking About Stuff. First guest is Mike Portnoy, dropping tomorrow. Audio will only be on Waterfall, but the video will be on YouTube.

https://twitter.com/nealmorse/status/1343340335079034880?s=21

Episode 1:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymUP5AgL8F0

 :metal

Interesting discussion around the 26 minute mark about how Neal and Mikes music would be received if they were making it in the early 70s. Mike points out that they would have been unnoticed altogether unless they were signed by one of the big record companies. This is the point people tend to miss when they bemoan streaming, YouTube, downloading, etc. Back in the day, artists had no way to get their music out to people unless they had major label backing, radio promotion, and good media reviews. Now you can at least carve out a dedicated following going it alone if you can connect with enough people.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 28, 2020, 09:43:22 AM
It's interesting how Neal and Mike talk about Americans 'us Americans need to be heard' and both repeated it several times in the podcast, it SEEMS like it is directed to Roine's interview with Rodrigo:

Quote
...everyone goes in with kind of an aggressive attitude, especially the Americans, because its very American to do that: you take what  you can take. I noticed that Pete and myself, have more laid back personalities. we talk a little less and were more humble. And I think I made a decision that this time Im going to go in really aggressive. I mean not in a negative way, but more like in a positive way, Im going to put as much Roine in this recording as possible.

https://lotsofmuzik.com/our-interview-with-roine-stolt-from-transatlantic/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on December 28, 2020, 10:57:03 AM
Still watching the video, but noticed that and my mind went right there as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on December 28, 2020, 11:44:58 AM
It's interesting how Neal and Mike talk about Americans 'us Americans need to be heard' and both repeated it several times in the podcast, it SEEMS like it is directed to Roine's interview with Rodrigo:

Quote
...everyone goes in with kind of an aggressive attitude, especially the Americans, because its very American to do that: you take what  you can take. I noticed that Pete and myself, have more laid back personalities. we talk a little less and were more humble. And I think I made a decision that this time Im going to go in really aggressive. I mean not in a negative way, but more like in a positive way, Im going to put as much Roine in this recording as possible.

https://lotsofmuzik.com/our-interview-with-roine-stolt-from-transatlantic/

Wow, I watched it, and I think you're right!!!! Do you think they meant it as a joke, or were they upset by what Roine said?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 28, 2020, 12:30:47 PM
It's interesting how Neal and Mike talk about Americans 'us Americans need to be heard' and both repeated it several times in the podcast, it SEEMS like it is directed to Roine's interview with Rodrigo:

Quote
...everyone goes in with kind of an aggressive attitude, especially the Americans, because its very American to do that: you take what  you can take. I noticed that Pete and myself, have more laid back personalities. we talk a little less and were more humble. And I think I made a decision that this time Im going to go in really aggressive. I mean not in a negative way, but more like in a positive way, Im going to put as much Roine in this recording as possible.

https://lotsofmuzik.com/our-interview-with-roine-stolt-from-transatlantic/

Wow, I watched it, and I think you're right!!!! Do you think they meant it as a joke, or were they upset by what Roine said?

Can't tell, but, I shared your interview with Mike, he saw my message and ignored me, in the past, he sees my messages and share the articles I sent him, or makes a retweet, or whatever. This time: NADA! I don't think Roine's word sit well with MP, and NM usually is more easy-going with things, but he at least referred to 'US AMERICANS' like 3 or 4 times during the podcast.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 28, 2020, 03:47:46 PM
I was only able to watch a little of the interview so far (will watch the rest later), but it seemed to me that the "Us Americans" joke was in jest.  I doubt if they were legitimately annoyed by it, they would passively-aggressively make those remarks in a podcast, Neal especially. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 28, 2020, 04:51:23 PM
Just watched/listened to the podcast and that was fun! Heard some stories and tidbits I'd never heard of before, which was neat! Glad that Neal didn't want to retread a ton of old, well-told stories.

The most interesting bit came at the end, and I can only assume that they're talking about getting together for a new album. I'm thinking the Neal Morse Band might finally get back together and begin writing their next album, but I also wouldn't be surprised if it was Flying Colors. Both bands released their last album in 2019, so it could be either, but I think Mike or Neal alluded to a plan to reconvene the NMB in the summer of 2020, before the pandemic caused lockdown and prevented their reunion.

Either way, if there is new music in the works for either of those bands, I'm definitely excited.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 28, 2020, 08:14:48 PM
I was only able to watch a little of the interview so far (will watch the rest later), but it seemed to me that the "Us Americans" joke was in jest.  I doubt if they were legitimately annoyed by it, they would passively-aggressively make those remarks in a podcast, Neal especially.

I see what you are saying. But since the joke was made more than one time is what made me believe that Roine sword annoyed them. In any case I could be wrong.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on December 29, 2020, 01:35:56 AM
It's possible they were slightly annoyed about it, but decided to just laugh it off. They do mention it in a slightly passive-agressive way, but they laugh about it every time they address it.

Also, the podcast put me in such a good mood last night as I watched it, I felt completely relaxed afterwards. Given that I'm a big fan of Comedians in cars getting coffee, it is a perfect sequel to have Musicians having coffee talking about stuff.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pettor on December 29, 2020, 04:13:39 AM
Didn't see if this was mentioned but the lack of Sola Scriptura of streaming has been partly fixed since The Door is available now from the Neal Morse Collection. The Door is my personal Neal Morse favorite so I am really happy about this 😁
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 29, 2020, 02:10:58 PM
None of Neal's stuff is on regular streaming services, except the last 2 albums SG and JCTE, and a handful of songs on that collection album, nor is any of Transatlantic or Neal era Spock's.

I also caught that little bit at the end about reconvening for (likely) new NMB album. I almost hope it's another long double album to complete the TSOAD/TGA trilogy just to see people lose their shit.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on December 29, 2020, 02:28:25 PM
When Mike told Neal "I'll be seeing you soon", I thought they will just get together as pals. They talked about it in such a friendly and casual matter that my mind didn't go to another album right away.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 29, 2020, 03:30:40 PM
When Mike told Neal "I'll be seeing you soon", I thought they will just get together as pals. They talked about it in such a friendly and casual matter that my mind didn't go to another album right away.  ;D

Well Portnoy gave it away when he said, "oh I didn't know if you were going to bring that up during this show" or something to that effect.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 29, 2020, 03:41:50 PM
I'd love to see another double album from the Neal Morse Band. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on December 29, 2020, 04:27:48 PM
I'd love to see another double album from the Neal Morse Band.

Similitude of a THREEm
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on December 30, 2020, 02:07:42 AM
When Mike told Neal "I'll be seeing you soon", I thought they will just get together as pals. They talked about it in such a friendly and casual matter that my mind didn't go to another album right away.  ;D

Well Portnoy gave it away when he said, "oh I didn't know if you were going to bring that up during this show" or something to that effect.
I heard that and still didn't quite put the pieces together.  ;D

Maybe they're doing something related to Transatlantic, like a music video or something. But if it's The Neal Morse Band, bring it on!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on December 30, 2020, 03:47:54 AM
None of Neal's stuff is on regular streaming services, except the last 2 albums SG and JCTE, and a handful of songs on that collection album, nor is any of Transatlantic or Neal era Spock's.

I also caught that little bit at the end about reconvening for (likely) new NMB album. I almost hope it's another long double album to complete the TSOAD/TGA trilogy just to see people lose their shit.

All Transatlantic albums are on Apple Music here in Germany!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: BRGM on December 30, 2020, 11:25:26 AM
None of Neal's stuff is on regular streaming services, except the last 2 albums SG and JCTE, and a handful of songs on that collection album, nor is any of Transatlantic or Neal era Spock's.

I also caught that little bit at the end about reconvening for (likely) new NMB album. I almost hope it's another long double album to complete the TSOAD/TGA trilogy just to see people lose their shit.

All Transatlantic albums are on Apple Music here in Germany!

And on Spotify in Sweden
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on December 30, 2020, 11:45:57 AM
Spotify Germany too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 30, 2020, 12:03:58 PM
Well, nothing in the US..
Which doesn't bother me, I have most of his albums and use his Waterfall app.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 30, 2020, 12:18:35 PM
Yeah, nothing but Flying Colors on Spotify here in the U.S.  And I'm not buying another service just to get Neal.

So I still get his CDs.  No biggie, I guess, but definitely a little annoying.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on December 30, 2020, 12:44:45 PM
And I'm not buying another service just to get Neal.


I'm with you.  $83 and change for the privilege of streaming music from a single artist for a year is quite expensive when you put it up against a service like Amazon Music Unlimited.  For just a little bit more money I can listen to anything I want, from 99% of the groups I'm interested in.  I'd rather just pay $20 every couple of years for his CDs and rip them to my phone. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 30, 2020, 12:52:54 PM
And I'm not buying another service just to get Neal.


I'm with you.  $83 and change for the privilege of streaming music from a single artist for a year is quite expensive when you put it up against a service like Amazon Music Unlimited.  For just a little bit more money I can listen to anything I want, from 99% of the groups I'm interested in.  I'd rather just pay $20 every couple of years for his CDs and rip them to my phone.

I thought Waterfall was only $2 99/month, so less than $36 a year.
Either way, despite how you feel about it, it's not "just Neal", but at least everything Neal is a part of, including Transatlantic and Flying Colors. He also throws up some rare and old songs and recordings. I still have my Waterfall subscription, even though I rarely use it, but it's such a small cost that I barely remember I even subscribe to it.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on December 30, 2020, 01:13:01 PM
I don't mind paying for Waterfall because it's Neal's service and it's getting the money to him/them directly rather than going through Apple or Spotify or whatever. I buy the hard copies of all his and MP's, Haken....any band I like's music as well just to try and get them some $$. I love having the Waterfall app and having all the music right there at the touch of a finger. I pay $6.99 a month so $83.88 a year and I think it's completely worth it. It saves the hassle of downloading CD's then transferring that to my phone and so on and it supports my favorite musicians.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 30, 2020, 02:01:27 PM
Hey, I don't mind that anyone else is going to do it, or why.  I just said that I'm not doing it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on December 30, 2020, 02:09:58 PM
And I'm not buying another service just to get Neal.


I'm with you.  $83 and change for the privilege of streaming music from a single artist for a year is quite expensive when you put it up against a service like Amazon Music Unlimited.  For just a little bit more money I can listen to anything I want, from 99% of the groups I'm interested in.  I'd rather just pay $20 every couple of years for his CDs and rip them to my phone.

I thought Waterfall was only $2 99/month, so less than $36 a year.
Either way, despite how you feel about it, it's not "just Neal", but at least everything Neal is a part of, including Transatlantic and Flying Colors. He also throws up some rare and old songs and recordings. I still have my Waterfall subscription, even though I rarely use it, but it's such a small cost that I barely remember I even subscribe to it.

-Marc.


It's $6.99 per month unless you are a patron - I think he calls it "The Inner Circle" or something.  I give the guy credit for his ideas, I know he makes decent money on that patron thing with several hundred subscribers and I'm sure he does OK with the Waterfall thing too.  I'm just not into forking over money I don't need to fork over.  Why would I pay MORE to stream a bunch of music I already own?  I guess I can see it for someone who has never heard a classic Spock's Beard or Neal Morse album, in that case it might be worth it, but for an existing fan who already owns all of his studio and live releases?  Nah. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on December 30, 2020, 02:11:53 PM
I don't mind paying for Waterfall because it's Neal's service and it's getting the money to him/them directly rather than going through Apple or Spotify or whatever. I buy the hard copies of all his and MP's, Haken....any band I like's music as well just to try and get them some $$. I love having the Waterfall app and having all the music right there at the touch of a finger. I pay $6.99 a month so $83.88 a year and I think it's completely worth it. It saves the hassle of downloading CD's then transferring that to my phone and so on and it supports my favorite musicians.


You think it's worth $83.88 to save a couple of hours of ripping CDs you already own to your phone?  Not sure I follow that logic.


Supporting the artist is fine, it's your money.  I'm just not into paying for stuff I already have.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 30, 2020, 03:31:31 PM
Yeah, I am with you on that.  I own all of the Neal stuff that I think is worth owning (which is almost all of it, with the worship stuff on the outside looking in), so I don't need Waterfall.  I don't care about demos or a random live version that you can't hear anywhere else.  I don't listen to any streaming service, and if I did, I can't imagine listening to one dedicated to a single artist, even one like Neal whose work is spread out over multiple projects/bands. 

And to be completely honest, I am so turned off by how awful Radiant Records is now that it makes me less likely to want to spend on the little things when it comes to Neal and his work.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 30, 2020, 04:41:38 PM
And I'm not buying another service just to get Neal.


I'm with you.  $83 and change for the privilege of streaming music from a single artist for a year is quite expensive when you put it up against a service like Amazon Music Unlimited.  For just a little bit more money I can listen to anything I want, from 99% of the groups I'm interested in.  I'd rather just pay $20 every couple of years for his CDs and rip them to my phone.

I thought Waterfall was only $2 99/month, so less than $36 a year.
Either way, despite how you feel about it, it's not "just Neal", but at least everything Neal is a part of, including Transatlantic and Flying Colors. He also throws up some rare and old songs and recordings. I still have my Waterfall subscription, even though I rarely use it, but it's such a small cost that I barely remember I even subscribe to it.

-Marc.


It's $6.99 per month unless you are a patron - I think he calls it "The Inner Circle" or something.  I give the guy credit for his ideas, I know he makes decent money on that patron thing with several hundred subscribers and I'm sure he does OK with the Waterfall thing too.  I'm just not into forking over money I don't need to fork over.  Why would I pay MORE to stream a bunch of music I already own?  I guess I can see it for someone who has never heard a classic Spock's Beard or Neal Morse album, in that case it might be worth it, but for an existing fan who already owns all of his studio and live releases?  Nah.

For me, it's been cool to check out the stuff I don't have, like his (mostly) non-prog albums, his many live albums which I own only one Transatlantic live album, (London 2010) and the rare stuff that's on there. I don't know if I plan on keeping the subscription all year long, though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Trav86 on December 30, 2020, 05:45:20 PM
I just got the Waterfall app and Im digging into Neal Morses solo work and the old Spocks Beard material for the first time. Ive been a Transatlantic fan since Bridge came out. Should I start at The Light and just work my way up? Should I start with Testimony?  Wish me luck!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on December 31, 2020, 02:07:36 AM
I just got the Waterfall app and Im digging into Neal Morses solo work and the old Spocks Beard material for the first time. Ive been a Transatlantic fan since Bridge came out. Should I start at The Light and just work my way up? Should I start with Testimony?  Wish me luck!

Old SB has some of Neals most interesting writing. The Light is a great starting spot but each album is a lot of fun to listen to (except Snow imo).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on December 31, 2020, 03:23:28 AM
I just got the Waterfall app and Im digging into Neal Morses solo work and the old Spocks Beard material for the first time. Ive been a Transatlantic fan since Bridge came out. Should I start at The Light and just work my way up? Should I start with Testimony?  Wish me luck!


I would go in chronological order.  Start with The Light and go from there.  You'll finish the Spock's Beard era with Snow and then move on to Testimony 1, just get ready to be lyrically bludgeoned with his religion when you get to his solo stuff.  The first couple of albums are positively dripping with Christian themes.  I mean, really all of his solo work from Testimony on is very, very religious.  It was a challenging adjustment for me because a lot of it is very off-putting for this confirmed atheist.  But his music is so good that I'm willing to ignore the lyrics.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 31, 2020, 08:28:43 AM
Work begins on the next Neal Morse Band album next Monday, as confirmed by Neal this morning.

 :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on December 31, 2020, 08:29:49 AM
Work begins on the next Neal Morse Band album next Monday, as confirmed by Neal this morning.

 :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal

Great news :metal

Hopefully not another Similitude/Great Adventure sequel, though :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 31, 2020, 08:58:38 AM
Great news. Neal is pumping out a lot of music the last couple of years or so.

I just got the Waterfall app and Im digging into Neal Morses solo work and the old Spocks Beard material for the first time. Ive been a Transatlantic fan since Bridge came out. Should I start at The Light and just work my way up? Should I start with Testimony?  Wish me luck!

Old SB has some of Neals most interesting writing. The Light is a great starting spot but each album is a lot of fun to listen to (except Snow imo).

I would start at The Light and go chronologically. The Light is a very strong album, IMO their best album aside from V.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 31, 2020, 09:15:47 AM
I don't mind paying for Waterfall because it's Neal's service and it's getting the money to him/them directly rather than going through Apple or Spotify or whatever. I buy the hard copies of all his and MP's, Haken....any band I like's music as well just to try and get them some $$. I love having the Waterfall app and having all the music right there at the touch of a finger. I pay $6.99 a month so $83.88 a year and I think it's completely worth it. It saves the hassle of downloading CD's then transferring that to my phone and so on and it supports my favorite musicians.
You think it's worth $83.88 to save a couple of hours of ripping CDs you already own to your phone?  Not sure I follow that logic.
Supporting the artist is fine, it's your money.  I'm just not into paying for stuff I already have.

Agreed, especially if you already have the CDs ripped to the computer/iPod/phone. I would never subscribe to a Dream Theater app as I have most of their catalog, and what I don't have is mostly non-essential stuff I wouldn't listen to much anyway, and new stuff I would just buy if I wanted to listen to it.
It works for bands with large catalogs, too, such as jam bands if you're into them, like Phish and Umphrey's McGee where you might not own a copy of every show they have officially released, which also might not be available on regular streaming services.

However, to me, if you just have access to all that music with something like Spotify, it is easy to listen to something, then move on to the next, and not go back to anything, or rarely do so. So I still purchase music when I find something I really enjoy. I've found that the more music I hear, the less impressed I am with anything, especially 21st century music in the rock, metal, pop and related areas. A lot of stuff has little staying power to me, so it's nice to not commit $$$ for music I'm going to listen to a few times then throw on the shelf for perpetuity. Once in a while, however, I find something that pops out to me, so I buy that, which is rare these days. For example, I haven't bought the last 2 Haken albums because the first one didn't do much for me after a few listens and I never bothered with the most recent as I've read they're like companion albums. Without streaming, I would have bought two albums I don't like very much, which I've done all too often throughout my life. Sure I would likely have given them a few more tries if I did buy them, but I've heard enough music at this point that I basically know what I like, and Haken took a left turn I wasn't into (they were already losing me after The Mountain, but I digress..)

But I'm not into people buying a streaming subscription like Spotify and never buying anything else to support the artists. I like the idea of buying the CD then mostly listening on Spotify to keep supporting the artist, which is more than if I listened exclusively on my iPod.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 31, 2020, 10:03:48 AM
Hey, I don't mind that anyone else is going to do it, or why.  I just said that I'm not doing it.

That's where I am as well.  It just doesn't make sense for me and for how I consume music.  And maybe this is just my age showing, but I find it hard to get past not having physical media for things I want to keep longterm.  There are a few albums I have bought digitally-only.  But that is reserved for those few cases where I want to listen to something repeatedly now, but don't see myself being a long-time fan a decade or two from now (e.g., Jinjer).  As an example for why I am uncomfortable, we have all of our family pictures digitally only since about 2001 when we got our first digital camera.  For various reasons through the years, we have lost some of those (hard drive failures, storing them in places that have been forgotten, etc.).  As a result, we are spending quite a bit of time and money lately going back year-by-year, and trying to find as many as we can, and print photo books so that the ones we want the most are preserved in a format we are less likely to lose.  Is that quaint and outdated?  Maybe.  But it just gives us a bit more security, as well as the ability to pull out a random book from time to time and flip through it whenever we please.  I like that, and it is worth it to me.  I'm kinda the same with my music.  I want the physical media so I know the music won't be lost, and I can pull out the CD whenever I want to listen.  If I lose my phone, or it gets erased, or whatever, I still have the music.  I mean, don't get me wrong, I LOVE the convenience of having thousands of pictures and songs available instantly through a device I carry around in my pocket that either has them stored internally or in the cloud.  But I like the added security of having most of that backed up on a physical format.  And since I have the physical CDs, and have some of that music available on my phone, I don't see the need to duplicate that and have it on a streaming service.  So paying for something I would almost never use makes no sense for me personally.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 31, 2020, 10:21:56 AM
On a completely different note, I'm on a bit of a Neal kick at the moment, due to some catching up and getting a massive NM-related haul as part of my Christmas gifts.  Got Sola Gratia, JCTE Live (Morsefest 2018), and BRNO (TGE live). 

Just watched the making of Sola Gratia DVD.  This one was different, for obvious reasons.  But still VERY entertaining.  Going back to my post above, this is yet another reason I prefer buying the physical media.  I often really enjoy this sort of bonus content, and am willing to pay a bit extra for "special editions" and such, so that I can get it.  And yeah, I know a lot of that stuff eventually gets pirated and put up on YouTube.  But if I am going to consume official content, I think it is only right to pay the artist for that. 

Watching JCTE live now.  I am only a few songs in, but WOW!  I enjoy the studio version a lot, but I had a feeling it would REALLY come alive in a live setting, and I was not wrong.  SO powerful.  Everybody so far is just crushing it.  In particular, a couple of early shout-outs:
-Forget what I have said in the past about Ted Leonard as Jesus.  At least from the intro, he completely crushes it.  I mean, for those who may not remember my comments about him in the past, I have no criticism of his voice in general.  He is a really good singer.  I just felt that his voice lacked a bit of power and gravitas for this specific role.  And, to me, that is highlighted when he is contrasted with so many powerful singers on the album.  But I don't get that at all in the live setting.  He is absolutely fantastic in this role.
-Eric Gillette on drums is killing it.  The guy is just such a talented all-around musician.  I love his drumming here (and the mix, which gives his drumming a lot of punch).
-The guitarist adds quite a bit of fun stage presence.  I don't know this guy, but he is a lot of fun to watch, and is obviously having a lot of fun onstage.
-Interesting to see Neal's setup farther back from front stage to give the vocalists their space to shine.  Which is how it should be.  Glad he thought that through.  It is subtle, but important to the overall presentation.  When a singer comes to the front to perform his or her role, you rightly focus on him or her without having to force it.  Again, that should be a no-brainer.  But given that Neal has literally decades of setting up a certain way, I give him credit for thinking that through.
-The stage is relatively simple.  And that's fine.  At least so far, the simple things like lighting, the fog machine, and the video screen nicely set the mood and atmosphere for the songs.  I don't feel like anything is "lacking."  But it would have been nice if they had more time to make it a bit bigger of a stage production.  But this is just an observation, not a criticism.
I look forward to watching the documentary on this. 
-EDIT:  OK, Rick Florian is AMAZING as Satan! Not only his voice, but his stage mannerisms.  Just...  :rollin :metal  He is just perfect.  And going back to Ted, his voice stands up to Rick's nicely in a live setting. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on December 31, 2020, 10:45:40 AM
One of the really great things about Ted if you ever get to meet him is he is super, super humble.   :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 31, 2020, 10:58:12 AM
Work begins on the next Neal Morse Band album next Monday, as confirmed by Neal this morning.

 :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal

Very nice, but where did he say this? I checked his FB page and his Twitter and saw nothing about it.

At any rate, I guess I was right in guessing what he and Mike were teasing at the end of his podcast earlier this week.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 31, 2020, 01:22:09 PM


Very nice, but where did he say this? I checked his FB page and his Twitter and saw nothing about it.

At any rate, I guess I was right in guessing what he and Mike were teasing at the end of his podcast earlier this week.

His month Inner Circle newsletter.



Hopefully not another Similitude/Great Adventure sequel, though :P

Bring on Part III in the form of a triple album. :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 31, 2020, 01:27:52 PM


Very nice, but where did he say this? I checked his FB page and his Twitter and saw nothing about it.

At any rate, I guess I was right in guessing what he and Mike were teasing at the end of his podcast earlier this week.

His month Inner Circle newsletter.

Huh. I just checked my email and realized I hadn't received ANY IC emails since September, despite being a paying member ever since. I just emailed them to see if they could fix that.

Now I feel like I've missed out on some good emails and notifications of IC releases. Great.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 31, 2020, 01:38:17 PM
Radiant strikes again! :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 31, 2020, 01:45:57 PM
Radiant strikes again! :lol :lol

Sadly, this is honestly my first real big issue with them. Every order has always shipped and been received in a timely manner. This new website of his is an awful mess, and it strikes me as hilarious that they have an Accessibility Statement at the bottom, even though the Search function doesn't even work. Simply awful.

Honestly, I may just quit being an IC member if I can't even download to be notified of new downloads for members. Even looking at the website now there is only 1 IC download currently available, from May 2018. What happened to everything else?!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 31, 2020, 02:01:30 PM
No clue.  You could always go to the FB Neal fan page and ask, but beware of the Radiant Apologist Group who defend them like it's their grandma. :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 03, 2021, 10:58:52 AM
Mike has posted that he is driving to TN to begin work on the NMB4 album! I wonder if it'll get released before the end of the year.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on January 03, 2021, 01:25:55 PM
I would imagine so because it's not like they'll have much else to do the next few months :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 03, 2021, 06:49:26 PM
I would imagine a summer release is the likely goal, that way it is out in time for the annual Morsefest in September. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 03, 2021, 08:04:50 PM
I would imagine a summer release is the likely goal, that way it is out in time for the annual Morsefest in September.

Morsefest should be Transatlantic, though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 03, 2021, 09:54:56 PM
I would imagine a summer release is the likely goal, that way it is out in time for the annual Morsefest in September.

Morsefest should be Transatlantic, though.

I'd love that, but that honestly depends on the state of the world, with regards to the pandemic and how easy (or difficult) it'll be for Pete and Roine to get new work Visas to perform in the US.

I think Neal probably wants to do TA since it was one of the initial plans for 2020, but circumstances as they were, they couldn't do it. It would be a miraculous return for Transatlantic if they started a tour from Morsefest and did some shows this fall, but I won't hold my breath.

If the NMB pump out an album before Fall, it might be likely that they'll perform it at Morsefest.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 04, 2021, 08:28:56 AM
Marc, that was pretty much my line of thinking. I can't imagine things being good enough by next fall for Roine and Pete to make the trip to Nashville AND for a fully packed venue to be realistic, and I can't see them wanting to do Transatlantic at Morsefest for the first time until they can do it right.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on January 04, 2021, 12:20:29 PM
When you consider that they had a goal of vaccinating 20 million people by January 1, 2021 and the number came in at just a little over 4 million, I have a feeling 2021 isn't going to be the end of the pandemic or the travel restrictions.  Not unless we can get our shit together.  At the current pace it will take 11 years to vaccinate the entire population of the US
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 09, 2021, 07:27:55 AM
NM just posted:

Musicians Having Coffee & Talking About Stuff - Episode #2 with special guest Phil Keaggy. This time we talk about movie stars, looping and The Beatles! It goes live on waterfall www.waterfallstreaming.com on Mon Jan 11th and everywhere else on Wed Jan 13th. https://youtu.be/EQwmRCYLFt8
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on January 09, 2021, 07:52:39 AM
Oh damn, I'll have to watch this, I love Phil Keaggy.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 09, 2021, 08:43:19 AM
NM just posted:

Musicians Having Coffee & Talking About Stuff - Episode #2 with special guest Phil Keaggy. This time we talk about movie stars, looping and The Beatles! It goes live on waterfall www.waterfallstreaming.com on Mon Jan 11th and everywhere else on Wed Jan 13th. https://youtu.be/EQwmRCYLFt8

This is going to be really cool! I still remember being a kid and watching my dad (a guitar player) play along with Phil's instructional VHS tape from way back in the day :o
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 12, 2021, 09:30:25 AM
An update from the NMB:

Quote
Wow! What an amazing time The Neal Morse Band have had in our writing sessions. Check out an update from the band here: https://youtu.be/v5oCmZ0g7yY

Also look out for the January 2021 Inner Circle release coming soon! This months release, NMB3 - Some More Adventures, is a collection of songs I demoed during the process of making The Great Adventure album. Some of whats included made it to the final album in very different forms, and some of it has never been heard before!  If youre not yet an IC member, you can join now: www.nealmorse.com/#circle

Writing and arranging is done! Now they'll probably spend a few months recording and tracking and finishing the album. I suspect a late summer release, just before Moresefest 2021 (if it happens).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 12, 2021, 09:47:22 AM
Interesting that Neal didn't bring any ideas with him into the studio whatsoever.  I wonder how apparent that will sound, if at all, in the final product. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 12, 2021, 11:06:51 AM
Interesting that Neal didn't bring any ideas with him into the studio whatsoever.  I wonder how apparent that will sound, if at all, in the final product.

That's only until Neal starts to work his magic and twist everybody's arm to turn this into a double concept album. And then the PRESS RELEASE will read: "we never planned to do three double concept albums in a row, but it happened organically". COPYRIGHT OF THE COMMENT GOES TO RODRIGOALTAF
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 12, 2021, 12:39:32 PM
Interesting that Neal didn't bring any ideas with him into the studio whatsoever.  I wonder how apparent that will sound, if at all, in the final product.

That's only until Neal starts to work his magic and twist everybody's arm to turn this into a double concept album. And then the PRESS RELEASE will read: "we never planned to do three double concept albums in a row, but it happened organically".

Hmmmmm...where have I read that before?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 12, 2021, 12:43:44 PM
An update from the NMB:

Quote
Wow! What an amazing time The Neal Morse Band have had in our writing sessions. Check out an update from the band here: https://youtu.be/v5oCmZ0g7yY

Also look out for the January 2021 Inner Circle release coming soon! This months release, NMB3 - Some More Adventures, is a collection of songs I demoed during the process of making The Great Adventure album. Some of whats included made it to the final album in very different forms, and some of it has never been heard before!  If youre not yet an IC member, you can join now: www.nealmorse.com/#circle

Writing and arranging is done! Now they'll probably spend a few months recording and tracking and finishing the album. I suspect a late summer release, just before Moresefest 2021 (if it happens).

-Marc.

Nice! :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 12, 2021, 01:36:10 PM
Interesting that Neal didn't bring any ideas with him into the studio whatsoever.  I wonder how apparent that will sound, if at all, in the final product.

That's only until Neal starts to work his magic and twist everybody's arm to turn this into a double concept album. And then the PRESS RELEASE will read: "we never planned to do three double concept albums in a row, but it happened organically".

Well, they were together for about 9 days (they flew/drove in to Nashville on Sunday the 3rd), which seems about normal for Neal's sessions with Mike. I was also a bit surprised that Neal has said that he went in with little to no pre-demoed material for these sessions, but even MORE surprising that Bill brought in a lot! I wonder how that'll affect the final album, or if everyone's in-the-studio contributions kind of leveled the playing field. Maybe next time Eric can bring in a ton of material and they could be called the Eric Gillette Band.  :lol

I honestly hope we get another single album like TGE, and a new long epic from Neal, because it feels like forever since we've gotten one of those from him in ANY band.

I also still stand by my hypothesis that they will perform this album at Morsefest 2021, but the opposite night of music...Hmmm, I wouldn't mind if they played all of Momentum in its entirety, since we are now far away enough from that album/tour cycle that they could probably bring back those songs and it would seem fresh. Their last two tours were almost entirely concept albums performed live, minus the encores (which were all mostly over-played classics anyway), so playing some of the latter-day NM Solo stuff would be welcomed.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on January 12, 2021, 01:44:04 PM
Interesting that Neal didn't bring any ideas with him into the studio whatsoever.  I wonder how apparent that will sound, if at all, in the final product.

That's only until Neal starts to work his magic and twist everybody's arm to turn this into a double concept album. And then the PRESS RELEASE will read: "we never planned to do three double concept albums in a row, but it happened organically".


You know what's really interesting about this is back around the time between the release of "V" and "Snow" - the final Spock's Beard album with Neal Morse on it, he said in an interview that he wasn't crazy about doing concept albums and his argument boiled down to "because they're hard to do" and two months later Spock's Beard dropped "Snow" and Neal Morse quit the band to go solo and produce concept album after concept album after concept album  :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 12, 2021, 08:13:15 PM
Interesting that Neal didn't bring any ideas with him into the studio whatsoever.  I wonder how apparent that will sound, if at all, in the final product.

I recall reading that for 'TGE' he didn't have a lot of material...if any...prepared either. I remember him saying it felt really strange going in with no pre-planned ideas. I think his idea of 'having no ideas ready' and our idea of it are probably two different things also. I'm sure he has a ton of melodies and musical ideas floating around all the time. Anyway....looking forward to what they have to give us.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 12, 2021, 10:45:43 PM
Plus, the guy writes songs like I grow ear hair, and there's always the interplay between the musicians that he can feed off of.  NMB is a high musical priority for me, and yet I have zero concerns about this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 13, 2021, 12:19:59 PM
An update from Mike:

Quote
While the rest of the Neal Morse Band have returned home (Randy to AZ, Bill to PA, Eric to OK and Neal has gone skiing in CO), I am still here in TN recording my drums this week for #NMB4 🥁
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/137244572_5328271137190485_3671327853530153057_o.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=2&_nc_sid=110474&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ohc=tAWzywqu8gsAX9BDdw5&_nc_oc=AQkWTSKW-Dz9DL6swomx9ac-UaxdnE9-1k_b6tampP4HrVWN7JPqiS0R1ekzlhKo7H8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&tp=14&oh=a448542977e4a8e96aea111fcc09d4f8&oe=602413F5)
https://m.facebook.com/116713035013014/posts/5328271223857143/

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 13, 2021, 12:26:15 PM
Seriously, I wish these guys would take a little more time to write their albums. What do they all have to do now that they have to hurry away and can't even spend at least 2-3 weeks for the writing? Re-arrange stuff, throw away stuff, compose new stuff, let the new music work a little...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 13, 2021, 01:24:39 PM
Seriously, I wish these guys would take a little more time to write their albums. What do they all have to do now that they have to hurry away and can't even spend at least 2-3 weeks for the writing? Re-arrange stuff, throw away stuff, compose new stuff, let the new music work a little...

 They're busy recording other albums, man.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on January 13, 2021, 02:03:05 PM
I don't care how much or how little time they spend working on it as long as it's good and the albums they've released as NMB so far have been good so I don't expect this one to be any different.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 13, 2021, 02:24:56 PM
This discussion comes up every time it is reported that a new album by Neal Morse is done. Whether its NMB, or Flying Colors, or Transatlantic. People wonder if it being written quickly will influence the quality. And yet, the album is damn good every time.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 13, 2021, 02:35:09 PM
Is it me or does Neal go skiing in CO like every other week? :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on January 13, 2021, 02:48:31 PM
Those trips aren't cheap either, Neal must be doing pretty good financially  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 14, 2021, 04:59:39 AM
I absolutely love Neal Morse and his music, but on (almost) every album there are just a few situations where I think "this could have been thought over a little more" or transitions which could have composed a little better so parts flow into each other.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 14, 2021, 09:09:20 AM
I absolutely love Neal Morse and his music, but on (almost) every album there are just a few situations where I think "this could have been thought over a little more" or transitions which could have composed a little better so parts flow into each other.

I just don't understand the need some of these guys have, specially Mike, to pour out as much music as they can, as fast as they can, unless it's about financial struggles. Neal, however, has a great track record, so if he's confident enough to release this with his name on it, I'm in :tup

What still annoys me a bit is that they copy/pasted an entire section from their version of The Little Drummer Boy from A Proggy Christmas (5:29) and used it on Alive Again (16:21), but I guess it's ok if you copy yourself :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 14, 2021, 10:02:16 AM
I absolutely love Neal Morse and his music, but on (almost) every album there are just a few situations where I think "this could have been thought over a little more" or transitions which could have composed a little better so parts flow into each other.
I just don't understand the need some of these guys have, specially Mike, to pour out as much music as they can, as fast as they can, unless it's about financial struggles. Neal, however, has a great track record, so if he's confident enough to release this with his name on it, I'm in :tup

Without the steady paycheck from DT, Mike has to release as many albums as he can, and tour as much as he can, to maintain his cashflow. I don't think he's struggling financially, but that's what it takes to maintain a certain level of profitability in this business in the current scenario.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 14, 2021, 11:22:55 AM
What still annoys me a bit is that they copy/pasted an entire section from their version of The Little Drummer Boy from A Proggy Christmas (5:29) and used it on Alive Again (16:21), but I guess it's ok if you copy yourself :lol

Oh wow, those ARE similar, mostly rhythmically, but the 3-note melodic lines in TLDB go up, while the ones in AA go down.

I could probably cite another half-dozen instances of Neal copying himself, but one of my favorites is "Something Blue" from It's Not Too Late has a guitar melody that's pretty similar to "Outside Looking In" from the Question Mark album. It was really obvious to me when I starting discovering Neal's music in 2005 and ? was his first new album after I became a fan.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 14, 2021, 12:10:04 PM
Is it me or does Neal go skiing in CO like every other week? :lol

Doesn't one of his kids live there or something?  Still not cheap, with flights and lift tickets, but might explain the frequency.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 14, 2021, 12:11:29 PM
Is it me or does Neal go skiing in CO like every other week? :lol

Doesn't one of his kids live there or something?  Still not cheap, with flights and lift tickets, but might explain the frequency.

Yes, Will, lives there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 14, 2021, 12:28:02 PM
I hadn't picked up on frequency.  But if Will lives there and Neal can keep a set of ski equipment there so he doesn't have to travel with his or rent when he gets there, and if he buys a season rather than single day lift tickets, the skiing part isn't really that expensive.  It's really just the travel expenses.  And if he can somehow tie the travel to his musical endeavors, which is his business, he can potentially get some of that back at tax time, which makes it less expensive as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on January 14, 2021, 02:34:04 PM
Seriously, I wish these guys would take a little more time to write their albums. What do they all have to do now that they have to hurry away and can't even spend at least 2-3 weeks for the writing? Re-arrange stuff, throw away stuff, compose new stuff, let the new music work a little...

 They're busy recording other albums, man.

Music Fordism  :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 14, 2021, 08:43:23 PM


I just don't understand the need some of these guys have, specially Mike, to pour out as much music as they can, as fast as they can, unless it's about financial struggles. Neal, however, has a great track record, so if he's confident enough to release this with his name on it, I'm in :tup



To isolate it on just Neal for a minute, since this is the Neal Morse thread after all ;), I think spacing things out a bit more at times would help, in regards to release dates and hype. A good example is late 2019.  The Flying Colors new album had barely been released and all of a sudden the release a few months later of The Exorcist studio album was being hyped.  Not saying fans cannot enjoy two albums released super close to each other, but spacing them out a bit couldn't hurt either.  And it also felt like the Flying Colors album was released in a way and at a time where the band had almost no time to tour on it due to everything else the members had going on at the time.  I mean, they did, what, 9-10 shows for that entire album cycle?  It felt like the album kind of just came and went. 

And I say that as someone who totally acknowledges how lucky I am to have one of my favorite musicians be so prolific; it's an embarrassment of riches, to be honest.  Contrast to another favorite of mine in Radiohead, who releases a new album every other leap year nowadays. :lol  It just feels like at times that some of Neal's (or Neal-related) albums fall by the wayside more quickly than they should because it is always "on to the next!"

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 15, 2021, 06:44:29 AM
Yeah, I have no complaints.  If I'm not hyped about something, I just don't get it (the live Sons Of Apollo, fer instance).  I'm not sure the release schedule has any bearing as to what I buy and/or enjoy, and I compare it to a band like Maiden, who has material in the can and is waiting for PRECISELY the right time to release it.  I think if COVID has shown us anything new (as opposed to just reinforcing previously held political beliefs) it's that "man plans and God laughs".  There is no "precisely right time" for ANYTHING.

The other thing about Neal is, his stuff is so varied; I'm sure there are people that buy his Transatlantic or NMB stuff and have no or little interest in the more praise-oriented material, and vice versa.  And that's fine.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 15, 2021, 08:24:49 AM
I think it's great that he releases so much.  But, yeah, it can be overwhelming.  I just did a big "catch up" haul over the holidays, and it's kinda funny from one perspective.  Here's what I bought (LOVE those gift cards!):
-Dream Theater:  Distant Memories
-John Petrucci:  Terminal Velocity
-Neal Morse:  Morsefest 2018 (JCTE)
-Neal Morse:  Sola Gratia
-Neal Morse Band:  Live in BRNO, 2019

3 out of 5 are Neal Morse releases.  And pretty recent ones, at that.  Not to mention that MP plays on 4/5 of those releases.  For those that are completists, or even those that just enjoy a lot of the music and want to have it, it can be overwhelming if you get behind on purchasing.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 15, 2021, 08:30:30 AM
Regarding how fast Neal works on his albums, let us not forget that The Great Adventure went through a couple of iterations before it was released, including a whole new draft by Neal as it transformed into a sequel to TSOAD. They spent quite a bit of time on that one I believe.

With Transatlantic's The Absolute Universe, they spent over a year getting it finished and worked on it through 2020 to give us TWO (well, three) versions of the album, and with Neal having worked on the Abridged version, I think we can expect that one to sound really fresh as well.

And from what I can recall, didn't Flying Colors spend quite a few writing sessions on Third Degree before even getting together to record anything? I think I remember Neal or Mike talking about a few Skype calls the band had in the year or two leading up to Third Degree's release.

Then again, Neal did pump out Sola Gratia fairly quickly, but being a strictly solo album (with little input from anyone else, at least), I don't mind him not taking much longer to work on that one. As for the new NMB album, even though the writing was done in about 7-9 days, I trust them to put out a good album given how talented they all are.



I just don't understand the need some of these guys have, specially Mike, to pour out as much music as they can, as fast as they can, unless it's about financial struggles. Neal, however, has a great track record, so if he's confident enough to release this with his name on it, I'm in :tup



To isolate it on just Neal for a minute, since this is the Neal Morse thread after all ;), I think spacing things out a bit more at times would help, in regards to release dates and hype. A good example is late 2019.  The Flying Colors new album had barely been released and all of a sudden the release a few months later of The Exorcist studio album was being hyped.  Not saying fans cannot enjoy two albums released super close to each other, but spacing them out a bit couldn't hurt either.  And it also felt like the Flying Colors album was released in a way and at a time where the band had almost no time to tour on it due to everything else the members had going on at the time.  I mean, they did, what, 9-10 shows for that entire album cycle?  It felt like the album kind of just came and went. 

And I say that as someone who totally acknowledges how lucky I am to have one of my favorite musicians be so prolific; it's an embarrassment of riches, to be honest.  Contrast to another favorite of mine in Radiohead, who releases a new album every other leap year nowadays. :lol  It just feels like at times that some of Neal's (or Neal-related) albums fall by the wayside more quickly than they should because it is always "on to the next!"

I do kind of agree with this to a certain extent. Flying Colors really did fly by in late 2019, and it's a prime example of how fast Neal's works just sort of come and go. Heck, look at 2020 alone - Neal was a part of 5 releases!!! You had the Great AdvenTour show, the new Morse Portnoy George Cover album, Sola Gratia, the Flying Colors Third Degree tour set, and the JCTE live show from Morsefest 2019.

If anyone recalls my thread that compared the discographies of Steven Wilson, Roine Stolt, and Neal Morse (three of the most prolific writers and performers in prog music over the last 25+ years), even though all three have had pretty stuffed careers, it seems that Neal is the only one who has kept up their pace steadily, and at his current rate, he doesn't show signs of slowing down. For 2021 so far, we've got new Transatlantic and, sometime this year, a new NMB album. If it wasn't for COVID and the inability to tour, I'm sure we would've gotten a live album from Neal this year, too! Maybe if he wants to make the money from it, he could release Morsefest 2020 for some sort of live release this year. Or maybe he'll release another singer-songwriter album as well.

After last year, it'll seem weird to only get two albums with Neal on them this year.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 15, 2021, 08:56:03 AM
To be fair, the lack of FC touring was more because of Steve's DP schedule than anything else, but I definitely agree that it isn't the best idea to release a lot of similar albums in a short period of time. Not everyone who buys the album is a die hard fan like most of us :lol they usually aren't following every single step the band does and need a more elaborate/specific marketing campaign to get them hyped for the album(s) to be released.

Mike's schedule doesn't help that much either (and I know he most likely needs to keep busy to get the $ flowing), as he seems, to me, the one who pushes the most for "we're gonna write the album from Monday through Thursday, I'll record my drum parts on Friday and will be heading off somewhere else on Sunday to record this other band's new album". You can't always get things done best in a time crunch like that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 15, 2021, 09:11:56 AM
I think it's great that he releases so much.  But, yeah, it can be overwhelming.  I just did a big "catch up" haul over the holidays, and it's kinda funny from one perspective.  Here's what I bought (LOVE those gift cards!):
-Dream Theater:  Distant Memories
-John Petrucci:  Terminal Velocity
-Neal Morse:  Morsefest 2018 (JCTE)
-Neal Morse:  Sola Gratia
-Neal Morse Band:  Live in BRNO, 2019

3 out of 5 are Neal Morse releases.  And pretty recent ones, at that.  Not to mention that MP plays on 4/5 of those releases.  For those that are completists, or even those that just enjoy a lot of the music and want to have it, it can be overwhelming if you get behind on purchasing.  :lol

Curious what you think of the Petrucci solo record.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 15, 2021, 09:20:56 AM
On Neal, I think that while he records prodigiously, I think he's shown a remarkable ability to be reasonably self-aware.  Not EVERY release requires going back and revising, rewriting or restructuring.  These are artists, and we don't pay for the number of iterations, we pay for the choices they ultimately make and stick with.  I think it's part of the art to see what releases get (or require) the extensive revisions and which are deemed, by the participants, to be release worthy. 

We don't seem to question Marillion, when they volley between extensive efforts (Marbles) and more urgent releases (Something Else).   Out of genre, but people tripped over themselves to praise Prince's productivity when he died and a similar thing with Eddie Van Halen, but as the archives open (more for Prince than EVH, though there is a smattering of solo material on the web), those are far more egregious cases of material not spending enough time in the oven. 

I don't expect everyone - anyone - to follow this approach, but for me, I take the releases for what they are, and incorporate the timing element into the choices they made during the creation.   If they think it's ready for me to hear, I can't really argue with that, since I don't know what more time would have done; would it have added something, or killed what little spark might have been there? 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 15, 2021, 09:29:14 AM
I think it's great that he releases so much.  But, yeah, it can be overwhelming.  I just did a big "catch up" haul over the holidays, and it's kinda funny from one perspective.  Here's what I bought (LOVE those gift cards!):
-Dream Theater:  Distant Memories
-John Petrucci:  Terminal Velocity
-Neal Morse:  Morsefest 2018 (JCTE)
-Neal Morse:  Sola Gratia
-Neal Morse Band:  Live in BRNO, 2019

3 out of 5 are Neal Morse releases.  And pretty recent ones, at that.  Not to mention that MP plays on 4/5 of those releases.  For those that are completists, or even those that just enjoy a lot of the music and want to have it, it can be overwhelming if you get behind on purchasing.  :lol

Curious what you think of the Petrucci solo record.

OK, well first a bit of a disclaimer:  In general, I just don't tend to gravitate toward instrumentals.  Never have.  It is a rare thing for me to pull out an LTE album and listen to it, even though I like the songs and can definitely appreciate the playing, songwriting, and craft of it.  It's why, despite my immense respect for Joe Satriani, for example, I do not (and will not) own any of his albums, and his live sets the couple of times I have seen him (co-headlining with DT and G3) really make me struggle to pay attention after a couple of songs. 

So all that being said, I like it for what it is.  There are some pretty amazing moments, and some good songs.  I'm glad he recorded it, and I enjoy it.  What sets John's albums apart to me is that he is REALLY good at capturing heaviness and melody simultaneously, which holds my interest a lot longer than something like this otherwise would.  But just because of my tastes more broadly, it probably isn't something I will listen to all that often, other than as some great background music while working. 

To compare albums, I would say that I don't like it quite as much as the first one.  But it's still solid.  And over time, it might overtake the first one. 

I really wish he could have included Wrath of the Amazons.  That song live was a monster.  I get why it isn't on here, but it's a shame.  Actually, his entire set from G3 was great.  I would have loved it if Satch would have done another official G3 live release.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 15, 2021, 09:29:36 AM
On Neal, I think that while he records prodigiously, I think he's shown a remarkable ability to be reasonably self-aware.  Not EVERY release requires going back and revising, rewriting or restructuring.  These are artists, and we don't pay for the number of iterations, we pay for the choices they ultimately make and stick with.  I think it's part of the art to see what releases get (or require) the extensive revisions and which are deemed, by the participants, to be release worthy. 

We don't seem to question Marillion, when they volley between extensive efforts (Marbles) and more urgent releases (Something Else).   Out of genre, but people tripped over themselves to praise Prince's productivity when he died and a similar thing with Eddie Van Halen, but as the archives open (more for Prince than EVH, though there is a smattering of solo material on the web), those are far more egregious cases of material not spending enough time in the oven. 

I don't expect everyone - anyone - to follow this approach, but for me, I take the releases for what they are, and incorporate the timing element into the choices they made during the creation.   If they think it's ready for me to hear, I can't really argue with that, since I don't know what more time would have done; would it have added something, or killed what little spark might have been there? 

I couldn't agree more with this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 15, 2021, 02:30:35 PM
Watching the BRNO DVD for the first time.  I managed to find myself in the U.S. documentary video.  :)  When I started the documentary and realized they were going city by city, and showing a little bit of footage from each gig, I was wondering whether I would be visible once they got to the SF show.  Sure enough! 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 15, 2021, 03:17:16 PM
Watching the BRNO DVD for the first time.  I managed to find myself in the U.S. documentary video.  :)  When I started the documentary and realized they were going city by city, and showing a little bit of footage from each gig, I was wondering whether I would be visible once they got to the SF show.  Sure enough!

Damn, I may have to get this now just to see if I am in the documentary.  We were literally in the front row at the show here in St Louis (there were times I could have reached out and touched Neal when he came to the front of the stage), so the odds are high, I suppose.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 15, 2021, 03:54:56 PM
Watching the BRNO DVD for the first time.  I managed to find myself in the U.S. documentary video.  :)  When I started the documentary and realized they were going city by city, and showing a little bit of footage from each gig, I was wondering whether I would be visible once they got to the SF show.  Sure enough!

Damn, I may have to get this now just to see if I am in the documentary.  We were literally in the front row at the show here in St Louis (there were times I could have reached out and touched Neal when he came to the front of the stage), so the odds are high, I suppose.

I'm in the bonus disc, interviewing the whole band in Toronto. Neil was filming me when we were all chatting.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 15, 2021, 03:59:03 PM
Watching the BRNO DVD for the first time.  I managed to find myself in the U.S. documentary video.  :)  When I started the documentary and realized they were going city by city, and showing a little bit of footage from each gig, I was wondering whether I would be visible once they got to the SF show.  Sure enough!

Damn, I may have to get this now just to see if I am in the documentary.  We were literally in the front row at the show here in St Louis (there were times I could have reached out and touched Neal when he came to the front of the stage), so the odds are high, I suppose.

I'm in the bonus disc, interviewing the whole band in Toronto. Neil was filming me when we were all chatting.

Yeah, saw that!  :)  And hearing the band speak, I remembered the specific interview that appeared in. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 15, 2021, 05:55:23 PM
Watching the BRNO DVD for the first time.  I managed to find myself in the U.S. documentary video.  :)  When I started the documentary and realized they were going city by city, and showing a little bit of footage from each gig, I was wondering whether I would be visible once they got to the SF show.  Sure enough!

Damn, I may have to get this now just to see if I am in the documentary.  We were literally in the front row at the show here in St Louis (there were times I could have reached out and touched Neal when he came to the front of the stage), so the odds are high, I suppose.

I'm in the bonus disc, interviewing the whole band in Toronto. Neil was filming me when we were all chatting.
. Whos Neil?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 15, 2021, 06:58:49 PM
Watching the BRNO DVD for the first time.  I managed to find myself in the U.S. documentary video.  :)  When I started the documentary and realized they were going city by city, and showing a little bit of footage from each gig, I was wondering whether I would be visible once they got to the SF show.  Sure enough!

Damn, I may have to get this now just to see if I am in the documentary.  We were literally in the front row at the show here in St Louis (there were times I could have reached out and touched Neal when he came to the front of the stage), so the odds are high, I suppose.

I'm in the bonus disc, interviewing the whole band in Toronto. Neil was filming me when we were all chatting.
. Whos Neil?

Neil Moors, formerly of Speck's Beered.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on January 16, 2021, 01:46:08 AM


I just don't understand the need some of these guys have, specially Mike, to pour out as much music as they can, as fast as they can, unless it's about financial struggles. Neal, however, has a great track record, so if he's confident enough to release this with his name on it, I'm in :tup



To isolate it on just Neal for a minute, since this is the Neal Morse thread after all ;), I think spacing things out a bit more at times would help, in regards to release dates and hype. A good example is late 2019.  The Flying Colors new album had barely been released and all of a sudden the release a few months later of The Exorcist studio album was being hyped.  Not saying fans cannot enjoy two albums released super close to each other, but spacing them out a bit couldn't hurt either.  And it also felt like the Flying Colors album was released in a way and at a time where the band had almost no time to tour on it due to everything else the members had going on at the time.  I mean, they did, what, 9-10 shows for that entire album cycle?  It felt like the album kind of just came and went. 

And I say that as someone who totally acknowledges how lucky I am to have one of my favorite musicians be so prolific; it's an embarrassment of riches, to be honest.  Contrast to another favorite of mine in Radiohead, who releases a new album every other leap year nowadays. :lol  It just feels like at times that some of Neal's (or Neal-related) albums fall by the wayside more quickly than they should because it is always "on to the next!"

You're right. And it is curious how the fanbase reacts with releases that are not necessarily a "success of public". Sola Gratia exemplified this. It was released, generated lukewarm reactions here for just a few days and was gone. I think the record generated more engagement BEFORE it was released than AFTER the release. It is almost as if people thought "OK, let's wait for the next one, which will come soon".
When a band like Iron Maiden or Dream Theater releases a new album, whether people think it is good or not, it will be turned inside out. There will be no lukewarm reception.

But I believe that the fact of being a solo record also influenced that. I highly doubt that the new Transatlantic or the new NMB will have so few comments after release.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 16, 2021, 02:40:56 AM
I am considering buying the DVD just for the documentary and bonus features. Those are always cool.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 16, 2021, 06:24:55 AM
Watching the BRNO DVD for the first time.  I managed to find myself in the U.S. documentary video.  :)  When I started the documentary and realized they were going city by city, and showing a little bit of footage from each gig, I was wondering whether I would be visible once they got to the SF show.  Sure enough!

Damn, I may have to get this now just to see if I am in the documentary.  We were literally in the front row at the show here in St Louis (there were times I could have reached out and touched Neal when he came to the front of the stage), so the odds are high, I suppose.

I'm in the bonus disc, interviewing the whole band in Toronto. Neil was filming me when we were all chatting.
. Whos Neil?

Neil Moors, formerly of Speck's Beered.

-Marc.

Neil Morse and Neal Peart of Rush are two artists I talk about a lot. It's easy to mix the two from time to time!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 16, 2021, 06:30:19 AM


You're right. And it is curious how the fanbase reacts with releases that are not necessarily a "success of public". Sola Gratia exemplified this. It was released, generated lukewarm reactions here for just a few days and was gone. I think the record generated more engagement BEFORE it was released than AFTER the release. It is almost as if people thought "OK, let's wait for the next one, which will come soon".
When a band like Iron Maiden or Dream Theater releases a new album, whether people think it is good or not, it will be turned inside out. There will be no lukewarm reception.

But I believe that the fact of being a solo record also influenced that. I highly doubt that the new Transatlantic or the new NMB will have so few comments after release.

Well, this being a Dream Theater forum, anything they release is always going to be dissected to the nth degree :lol ;), but I think Sola Gratia fell under the banner of "solid/pretty good record that isn't great enough to talk about a lot, but also not bad enough to criticize a lot."  I have seen quite a few albums by artists normally talked about a lot here get similar treatment, the last few Muse albums for example.  Heck, even the last album by Haken didn't seem like it generated as much overall chatter as the last few records before it. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on January 16, 2021, 09:19:52 AM

Well, this being a Dream Theater forum, anything they release is always going to be dissected to the nth degree :lol ;), but I think Sola Gratia fell under the banner of "solid/pretty good record that isn't great enough to talk about a lot, but also not bad enough to criticize a lot."  I have seen quite a few albums by artists normally talked about a lot here get similar treatment, the last few Muse albums for example.  Heck, even the last album by Haken didn't seem like it generated as much overall chatter as the last few records before it.

Truth. But I wasn't just referring here.
But ok, they are artists who generate different types of engagement. Dream Theater is even capable of having Haters. Neal Morse is not, either people like him or ignore him.

But I still think that Sola Gratia's reception is symptomatic. It didn't generate a week of comments here. Outside here, protocol reviews and I think that was it. Perhaps it was more debated somewhere specializing in Neal Morse. In some groups about prog, prog metal that I follow, the record was ignored. But people are already looking forward to the new Transatlantic.

Before, this kind of cold reception was relegated to Neal's non-prog records.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 16, 2021, 09:27:58 AM
Watching the BRNO DVD for the first time.  I managed to find myself in the U.S. documentary video.  :)  When I started the documentary and realized they were going city by city, and showing a little bit of footage from each gig, I was wondering whether I would be visible once they got to the SF show.  Sure enough!

Damn, I may have to get this now just to see if I am in the documentary.  We were literally in the front row at the show here in St Louis (there were times I could have reached out and touched Neal when he came to the front of the stage), so the odds are high, I suppose.

I'm in the bonus disc, interviewing the whole band in Toronto. Neil was filming me when we were all chatting.
. Whos Neil?

Neil Moors, formerly of Speck's Beered.

-Marc.

HAHAHAHAHA
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 16, 2021, 02:43:10 PM
I know, for me, regarding Sola Gratia, it was coming out not too long before other albums I had been anticipating for awhile, including new releases from Ayreon, The Flower Kings, John Petrucci, and other new releases like the Dyble/Longdon album. Last summer/fall was a VERY packed time for new albums, so it was a battle for attention.

I will admit to not giving Sola Gratia a lot of time or attention, but I think I'll revisit it some day, probably in the weeks leading up to the new NMB album sometime later this year. And speaking of the next NMB album, I kind of hope that it'll be a short one, something nice and quick, maybe an hour long of really good, solid material. I think having a shorter album from Neal might also help listener's retention of it, simply because Neal has released SO MUCH music over the last few years, including two double albums with the NMB, and two albums with Transatlantic in a few weeks.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 16, 2021, 03:13:31 PM
I still think that Sola Gratia is a very good record. Not sure where I would rank it, but it surely would end up in the upper half of Neal's vast discography. And I listened to it more than to other records that came out in 2020, where I thought they would be better but turned out not to be.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 16, 2021, 03:44:49 PM
I still think that Sola Gratia is a very good record. Not sure where I would rank it

It is. There are some good songs on there. It's certainly not Neal's most complex album....but I enjoy it when I listen to it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on January 16, 2021, 07:51:49 PM
I don't care how much or how little time they spend working on it as long as it's good and the albums they've released as NMB so far have been good so I don't expect this one to be any different.

As long as it's good, that's really all that matters.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on January 16, 2021, 08:01:10 PM
I know, for me, regarding Sola Gratia, it was coming out not too long before other albums I had been anticipating for awhile, including new releases from Ayreon, The Flower Kings, John Petrucci, and other new releases like the Dyble/Longdon album. Last summer/fall was a VERY packed time for new albums, so it was a battle for attention.

I will admit to not giving Sola Gratia a lot of time or attention, but I think I'll revisit it some day, probably in the weeks leading up to the new NMB album sometime later this year. And speaking of the next NMB album, I kind of hope that it'll be a short one, something nice and quick, maybe an hour long of really good, solid material. I think having a shorter album from Neal might also help listener's retention of it, simply because Neal has released SO MUCH music over the last few years, including two double albums with the NMB, and two albums with Transatlantic in a few weeks.

-Marc.


I didn't give it what is deserved either. Mostly because of the new Fish and Flying Colors live album.  It got lost in the shuffle. So much music, so little time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on January 17, 2021, 12:50:08 PM
I still think that Sola Gratia is a very good record. Not sure where I would rank it, but it surely would end up in the upper half of Neal's vast discography. And I listened to it more than to other records that came out in 2020, where I thought they would be better but turned out not to be.

This.  I said in another thread, no album in recent memory has grown on me as much as Sola Gratia.  I was totally underwhelmed when it first came out - but now, after sticking with it, I really enjoy it and think it's very very good!  Still not in Neal's "upper echelon", but again, that's more due to how incredible some of his other efforts have been.  4.25 out of 5 stars for me.  I think I'll listen to it again today!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on January 17, 2021, 03:12:29 PM
Is Sola Gratia a religious overtone record? 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: roa71 on January 17, 2021, 04:52:50 PM
yes.  it's the account of Paul, author of many of the books of the New Testament.  it focuses on his conversion from someone who persecuted Christians to becoming a follower.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 17, 2021, 09:15:38 PM
I like Sola Gratia a lot.  But the problem I have with it is that, once you get to the climax, it doesn't really go anywhere.  The ending is just kind of "there" and just feels like "standard NM ending tacked on because we didn't know how else to finish this." 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 17, 2021, 10:13:58 PM
I think, Sola Gratia might be the best sounding album, by Neal Morse. Just listen to MP's drums (octobans!) in the Overture, they sound amazing. All albums by Neal sound good, but this one knocked me out of my socks with its sound. I think the difference in sound can also be made out when it's compared to Kaleidoscope and The Absolute Universe.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on January 18, 2021, 11:37:37 AM
Is Sola Gratia a religious overtone record?


Is it a Neal Morse album?  :rollin


I mean, aren't they all religious overtone records now? Every single one of them since Testimony has been about God in some way.  He's tried to keep it interesting, I'll give him that.  And it's a topic that could be mined indefinitely for material and you'd never have to repeat yourself, lyrically.  But I find that Neal Morse's solo albums all seem to kind of blend in to one, long, massive concept album describing his journey with his religion, which is clearly central to his life.  And I don't mean that in a bad way, necessarily.  I think it's kind of cool that he drops breadcrumbs throughout his body of work, but his solo albums all have recycled riffs, melodies and phrases, sometimes the exact duplicate of something he's already done, but most of the time it's very, very similar to something he's done before, and I think that's what makes his body of solo work come across as sort of "samey" sometimes.  I mean, when I listen to a Neal Morse album, it's like putting on my favorite sweater.  I know exactly what I'm going to get, even if it's my first time hearing it.

This is why I've lately, over the last few years, grown much more fond of his Neal Morse Band project because those albums sound quite a bit more collaborative and varied than his solo albums.  That said, I don't think Neal's got a bad record in his entire catalog.  Sure, there are a few I'm not interested in, but the man has a huge body of extraordinary work.  So much creativity.  I really admire him a lot. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on January 18, 2021, 12:18:41 PM
I think, Sola Gratia might be the best sounding album, by Neal Morse. Just listen to MP's drums (octobans!) in the Overture, they sound amazing. All albums by Neal sound good, but this one knocked me out of my socks with its sound. I think the difference in sound can also be made out when it's compared to Kaleidoscope and The Absolute Universe.

Yes, agreed!  The drums, the bass - all the instruments sound clear and powerful.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 18, 2021, 02:29:53 PM
Is Sola Gratia a religious overtone record?


Is it a Neal Morse album?  :rollin

 :lol


I mean, aren't they all religious overtone records now? Every single one of them since Testimony has been about God in some way.  He's tried to keep it interesting, I'll give him that.  And it's a topic that could be mined indefinitely for material and you'd never have to repeat yourself, lyrically.  But I find that Neal Morse's solo albums all seem to kind of blend in to one, long, massive concept album describing his journey with his religion, which is clearly central to his life.  And I don't mean that in a bad way, necessarily.  I think it's kind of cool that he drops breadcrumbs throughout his body of work, but his solo albums all have recycled riffs, melodies and phrases, sometimes the exact duplicate of something he's already done, but most of the time it's very, very similar to something he's done before, and I think that's what makes his body of solo work come across as sort of "samey" sometimes.  I mean, when I listen to a Neal Morse album, it's like putting on my favorite sweater.  I know exactly what I'm going to get, even if it's my first time hearing it.

This is why I've lately, over the last few years, grown much more fond of his Neal Morse Band project because those albums sound quite a bit more collaborative and varied than his solo albums.  That said, I don't think Neal's got a bad record in his entire catalog.  Sure, there are a few I'm not interested in, but the man has a huge body of extraordinary work.  So much creativity.  I really admire him a lot.

I think his albums, everything including Spock's Beard, his solo stuff, Transatlantic, the Neal Morse Band, and to some extent Flying Colors, all have some of his touch, at least lyrically. His early work with SB could definitely be seen as having religious connotations if you listen to them in that way. Same goes for the first two Transatlantic albums, but they're all sort of vague enough to be interpreted in many different ways, either personally or in a broader sense.

When Neal left SB and TA and pursued his solo career with greater degree, he definitely wrote with his Christianity in mind, but I think when he got to Momentum, and for most of The Grand Experiment, he dialed back the overtly religious material. This was also the era of Flying Colors and TA's Kaleidoscope, so I think he may have pulled back a bit on it (after releasing one of his most religiously-tinged albums, Lifeline, and a sequel to Testimony). Of course, that isn't to say those works can't also be interpreted as religious in nature, but I'd say Momentum and Kaleidoscope are more like his early SB/TA albums than anything he did between 2003-2010.

Sola Gratia, though, being his first purely solo prog album since Momentum, definitely has his mid-00's feel in terms of lyrics. Being tangentially related to Sola Scriptura should give anyone an idea how Sola Gratia should sound.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 18, 2021, 03:14:44 PM
As someone who can tolerate, but does not actively seek out, Morse's more overt religious material, I think it's in the eye of the beholder. I just see a lot of positivity and affirmation in his work (across all his outlets); some might attribute that specifically to his faith, but I think one can just as easily look at more general life observations.  For me, "Alive Again" and "Weathering Skies" fits that model. I know I sent "Supernatural" to a (Catholic) friend, and she immediately identified that as having a religious basis; I've always heard that song more generally as being about "love".

When I met him (albeit briefly) I said to him something to the effect of "thank you for the music; there's a positivity there that I really like" or something equally dumb, and he laughed and said "well, that's the point, really, isn't it?"
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 18, 2021, 03:37:14 PM
As someone who can tolerate, but does not actively seek out, Morse's more overt religious material, I think it's in the eye of the beholder. I just see a lot of positivity and affirmation in his work (across all his outlets); some might attribute that specifically to his faith, but I think one can just as easily look at more general life observations.  For me, "Alive Again" and "Weathering Skies" fits that model. I know I sent "Supernatural" to a (Catholic) friend, and she immediately identified that as having a religious basis; I've always heard that song more generally as being about "love".

When I met him (albeit briefly) I said to him something to the effect of "thank you for the music; there's a positivity there that I really like" or something equally dumb, and he laughed and said "well, that's the point, really, isn't it?"

I'm not at ALL religious anymore, but Neal's positivity in his music is definitely something I can agree with, more so when his lyrics are a bit more vague and open to interpretation. Even when his lyrics and songs out-right speak of Jesus and God, I'm not offended in the slightest, and in the case of his concept albums, particularly the narrative based ones, I take them as just stories with a message of positivity and love. To me, his narrative concept albums aren't any different than rock operas like Tommy, The Lamb, or The Wall, although they have different meanings and purposes, they're all just stories.

I do appreciate that Neal is very open to having fans who aren't necessarily religious or Christian, but love his music anyway. I remember watching the Testimony Live DVD for the first time and being touched by how he was willing to share his story about Jayda, but prefaced it with saying he didn't want to offend anyone with his words or music, but wanted to spread, what HE felt, is a miraculous story that obviously touched and moved him in a way that prompted him to make music about it and share it with the world, and I cannot fault anyone for having that drive and passion, regardless of where it comes from.

Neal's music never fails to lift me up, no matter the content or context of his works. If that's the point of his music, then it definitely works for me!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 18, 2021, 05:01:52 PM
Bill and Marc, I am with you guys.  By and large, I tolerate the lyrics that are overtly religious, largely because the music is always so damn good.  In the hands of just about anyone else, the lyrics to So Many Road would have me throwing the song in the recycle bin for eternity, but Neal makes his songs sound so uplifting and celebratory that I can't help but love most of 'em.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on January 23, 2021, 03:42:51 PM
Sorry to interject here but I've been following this thread for ages it feels like but have never checked out Neal's work. I see there are three albums on Spotify, sola gratis, Jesus christ the exorcist, neal morse collection. What would you guys recommend checking out of those three?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on January 23, 2021, 03:49:39 PM
Does the Neal Morse collection have any more description as to what albums/songs are included?

Sola Gratia is a good intro. Its concise and pretty much encapsulates what hes all about.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 23, 2021, 03:56:43 PM
By process of elimination, I would go with Sola Gratia.  It is the only one of those three that is a "typical" Neal Morse album.  And it's a pretty good one, even if it might not be up near the top of what he has done.  Interestingly, Neal's solo work has more concept albums than not, and Sola Gratia is no exception. 

Jesus Christ the Exorcist is good, but it is not typical in many respects.  It is much more in the Broadway musical style than his other albums, and features guest vocalists for most of the vocal parts.  Think of if you listened to The Astonishing as your first Dream Theater experience:  really good album, and in many ways, does a lot of what DT typically do.  But as an album as a whole, it is NOT typical of their style. 

I don't know what is on "Collection," but I imagine it is a lot of songs taken out of context of their various albums.  And while a lot of them might tend to be fan favorites, I don't think hearings songs from concept albums out of context and mashed together with other songs is the best way to go.



Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on January 23, 2021, 10:37:25 PM
This is the track list for "The Neal Morse Collection"
I would listen to the bold songs.

First 2 are solid "single" Neal Morse tunes from 2 albums that aren't concept albums.
The Door is almost half of the Sola Scriptura album, and pairs well with Sola Gratia
Author of Confusion  is Spock's Dream Beard Theater
Then you have the first 4 tracks of Testimony 2 and Testimony 1, respectively, acting as the bun of an epic Seeds of Gold sandwich.
I don't think I recognize any of the songs I didn't bold.


My Time of Dying
Daddy's Daughter
Wear The Chains
Momentum
Lifeline

There is Nothing God Can't Change
Talkin' Mega Church Blues
The Door
Author of Confusion

Entrance
Mercy Street
Overture No. 4
Time Changer
Jayda
Seeds of Gold
The Land of Beginning Again
Overture No. 1
California Nights

Nowhere Fast
Emma
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 23, 2021, 10:50:01 PM
This is the track list for "The Neal Morse Collection"
I would listen to the bold songs.

First 2 are solid "single" Neal Morse tunes from 2 albums that aren't concept albums.
The Door is almost half of the Sola Scriptura album, and pairs well with Sola Gratia
Author of Confusion  is Spock's Dream Beard Theater
Then you have the first 4 tracks of Testimony 2 and Testimony 1, respectively, acting as the bun of an epic Seeds of Gold sandwich.
I don't think I recognize any of the songs I didn't bold.


My Time of Dying
Daddy's Daughter
Wear The Chains
Momentum
Lifeline

There is Nothing God Can't Change
Talkin' Mega Church Blues
The Door
Author of Confusion

Entrance
Mercy Street
Overture No. 4
Time Changer
Jayda
Seeds of Gold
The Land of Beginning Again
Overture No. 1
California Nights

Nowhere Fast
Emma

"Nowhere Fast and "Emma" are from Neal's 1999 debut solo album. "Entrance" is from the 2005 Question Mark album.
"There is Nothing God Can't Change" and "Talkin' Mega Church Blues" are from his 2007 solo album Songs From The Highway.
The first three, "My Time of Dying", "Daddy's Daughter", and "Wear The Chains" come from his 2014 solo album Songs From November.

All of those except "Entrance" are from his singer-songwriter albums, and are less proggy, but are from an integral side of his musical career.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on January 23, 2021, 11:10:10 PM
Thanks I forgot about Entrance, I treat the Question Mark album as one big epic and I don't always recall the names of some of the individual movements.
That would be best listened to within the context of the album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 24, 2021, 12:36:55 AM
Yeah, looking at that track list, Collection seems like an absolutely awful way to introduce someone to Neal Morse.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 24, 2021, 05:08:04 AM
I think Neal is one of those artists where you have to listen to complete albums - mostly because most of them are concept albums. I'd recommend One, Question Mark ("?") and Sola Scriptura to start with.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on January 24, 2021, 07:08:29 AM
Thanks guys, going to give Sola Gratia a spin later today or tomorrow.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: me7 on January 24, 2021, 07:38:47 AM
I think Neal is one of those artists where you have to listen to complete albums - mostly because most of them are concept albums. I'd recommend One, Question Mark ("?") and Sola Scriptura to start with.

Question Mark and Sola Scriptura get my vote.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on January 24, 2021, 07:39:49 AM
Question Mark was my introduction to his solo stuff. I believe it's still my favourite.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on January 24, 2021, 07:43:26 AM
Yeah, looking at that track list, Collection seems like an absolutely awful way to introduce someone to Neal Morse.

I think Spock's Beard's The Light and the first Transatlantic album are the best introductions to Neal. If you like that, I think you can pick any of his prog solo albums at random, and there's a good chance you'll enjoy it.

Out of the Collection track list, Seeds of Gold would be worth checking out, it's a stand alone epic that isn't connected to Testimony 2, the album it's from, as it's on the bonus disc.

Question Mark was my introduction to his solo stuff. I believe it's still my favourite.

Mine as well, I still think it's one of his best works.

Thanks guys, going to give Sola Gratia a spin later today or tomorrow.

I actually think this album is better than the ho-hum response it got on first release. I saw many comments here about being 'tired' of the Neal Morse sound, and I'm coming into this having mostly not listened to anything Neal related for a while, so even though I also had mixed reactions to the album on first listen, Sola Gratia has been nothing but an enjoyable listen from the 2nd listen on. I've found it to be a strange phenomenon.

The only album of his that I think is a little weak is Lifeline but only in relation to the rest of his other solo/NMB albums, as it's still pretty good. Day For Night (SB) is the only Neal album I really never have any desire to listen to.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 24, 2021, 09:18:56 AM
I agree that Sola Gratia is the best to start with out of those three.  It's not one of Neal's better albums, but it's still good, and then you can work your way up.  Most of Neal's albums are too conceptual to start with a collection that is a mish-mash of songs. 

As for favorite, I know I have said this many times, but for me, it usually varies between One, the Question Mark album and Testimony 2.  I love all three of those albums to pieces and wish one I love the most depends on what day it is.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 24, 2021, 09:40:06 AM
The best is Question Mark, and Sola Gratia is one of his better albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on January 24, 2021, 11:26:05 AM
I think an issue with Sola Gratia is it starts off promising yet another grand epic only Neal Morse can deliver, but moves to what could be seen as the weakest tracks on the album, Ballyhoo, and maybe the most controversial, Building A Wall. These really aren't so bad, but maybe don't fit the concept here, as after BAW, there's still a lot of album to go, and everything from here on out is good stuff. Overflow is a classic NM melody. Seemingly Sincere is pretty good. There are a bunch of instrumental interludes and a few call backs to Sola Scriptura. Still digesting the album, but I put it somewhere near the middle of his discography, which means solid-standard-good Neal Morse. Not a bad album for a new listener, but there are better.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 24, 2021, 08:19:24 PM
I gave Sola Gratia a spin earlier before the football games and enjoyed it a lot, but it definitely does not stand out when looking at Neal's prolific discography.  It is the rare Neal concept album in which the majority of the songs are merely solid/good, with only a few songs I would call great, Overflow and Never Change being the obvious standouts (IMO).  One major checkmark in its favor is the mix; it sounds fantastic (might be one of Rich Mouser's best mixes ever).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 24, 2021, 08:46:42 PM
I gave Sola Gratia a spin earlier before the football games and enjoyed it a lot, but it definitely does not stand out when looking at Neal's prolific discography.  It is the rare Neal concept album in which the majority of the songs are merely solid/good, with only a few songs I would call great, Overflow and Never Change being the obvious standouts (IMO).  One major checkmark in its favor is the mix; it sounds fantastic (might be one of Rich Mouser's best mixes ever).

This! Rich's work over the last couple of years with Neal and Pattern-Seeking Animals has me REALLY hyped for Transatlantic's The Absolute Universe, as well as Liquid Tension Experiment 3! Rich has always been good, but it seems like he's just gotten better over the years!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 25, 2021, 09:09:33 AM
I hate to even say this just because mix is so subjective, and whatever you say about a given mix, you will have people who disagree jumping down your throat...but I'll say it anyway:  The mix on The Absolute Universe is fantastic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 25, 2021, 10:50:43 AM
Randy has posted that he has begun tracking bass for NMB4! I'm thinking the recording process will take a couple of months, and maybe mixing will begin in mid-Spring, say April or so. I think they're probably aiming for an August release (just in time for Morsefest).

I hate to even say this just because mix is so subjective, and whatever you say about a given mix, you will have people who disagree jumping down your throat...but I'll say it anyway:  The mix on The Absolute Universe is fantastic.

That's good news. I assume that accounts for both versions of the album, correct?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 25, 2021, 03:15:09 PM


This! Rich's work over the last couple of years with Neal and Pattern-Seeking Animals has me REALLY hyped for Transatlantic's The Absolute Universe, as well as Liquid Tension Experiment 3! Rich has always been good, but it seems like he's just gotten better over the years!

-Marc.

For sure.  I don't see his name listed as having worked on the Exorcist studio album (and I never bought a physical copy to check, only the digital files from iTunes), which could explain why the mix on that one is a bit lacking; it sounds very flat and dry.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 26, 2021, 03:17:36 AM
I agree on the fantastic sound on Sola Gratia! It's Neal's best sounding record in my opinion. I feel like the mix on The Absolute Universe is not as in-your-face as the one on Sola Gratia. Still good, but I would have loved to have that huge sound on there. To me, it sounds a lot like Kaleidoscope, in terms of sound and mix.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on January 26, 2021, 07:08:22 AM
I just gave Sola Gratia my first spin and my initial impression is that I liked the album with "In The Name Of The Lord", "Never Change", and "Seemingly Sincere" being my favorite tracks. That said though I think the weakest part of the album were Neal's voice, his voice seeming off at best and jarring at worst. I'll give it a few more listens later down the road and see if it's something I get used to the way I did with JLB when I discovered DT.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on January 26, 2021, 08:20:54 AM
I like the album, "Seemingly Sincere" might be the best song Neal has written over the last few albums.  It's somewhat of departarture from his "normal" style, emphasis on somewhat, it's really just the intro that sounds different than anything else I've heard over the last few albums - but it's a great song.  Almost all of Neal's solo albums are like a collection of old comfortable sweaters, all knitted by the same person.  The minute you put one on, even when it's a new one, you recognize the contours of its knitting pattern, the way the sweater hangs on you and is just a bit too long in the arms, so you have to roll up the sleeves, etc.  Sola Gratia follows this formula if you will.  And I don't mean that as a slam at all.  In fact, I admire him as a musician and songwriter, he is one gifted mofo.



That said, I think his solo albums are becoming a little predictable at this point.  Which is one reason why "Seemingly Sincere" was such a stand-out track.


I'd love to see him really focus on the Neal Morse Band for a few albums, give his solo work a rest.  Maybe a follow that up with a new Transatlantic album after "The Ultimate Universe."  For me, Neal's best music has always been the more collaborative stuff.  That's not to say that he doesn't have his share of masterpieces as a solo artist.  I think "?" was pretty close to perfection.  I still rate it a 5 star album.







Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 26, 2021, 09:01:49 AM
Almost all of Neal's solo albums are like a collection of old comfortable sweaters, all knitted by the same person.  The minute you put one on, even when it's a new one, you recognize the contours of its knitting pattern, the way the sweater hangs on you and is just a bit too long in the arms, so you have to roll up the sleeves, etc.  Sola Gratia follows this formula if you will.  And I don't mean that as a slam at all.  In fact, I admire him as a musician and songwriter, he is one gifted mofo.

Yeah, I know what you mean.  It's why, even though I generally gravitate toward heavier music, Neal has become one of my favorite musicians, and I will buy his solo albums day of release without having heard a note (and Transatlantic too).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 26, 2021, 09:48:09 AM
I loved that comparison, kirksnosehair.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on January 26, 2021, 11:37:02 AM
A bit off topic, but cool one-man cover of Journeys Separate Ways here by Eric Gillette:

https://twitter.com/ericgillette/status/1354131332885078016?s=21
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 26, 2021, 12:29:40 PM
Outstanding!  Eric is such a talented musician that it is almost not fair.  I went into it fully confident that he would nail it.  But it exceeded my expectations with some of the little extras he put into it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 26, 2021, 01:02:08 PM
Look, I'm a fan of Eric, and I love what he brings to TNMB.   No question, and I was thrilled to sit right in front of him during the Similitude show, and he delivered.  But I considered him a guitar player, and while I like his singing, I was never sure if he was a really good singer, or he just had the right timbre to sound good next to Neal and Bill.     

He NAILED this.   Holy crap; that's not an easy song to sing, and he got right to it.  I even like the little bits he took from Steve Perry (the "in vain!" part at the end of the second verse, and the "true love won't desert you" from the outro).   

That was really, REALLY good.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on January 26, 2021, 02:34:32 PM
Holy crap, that was awesome.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 26, 2021, 02:51:04 PM
Yeah, I'm a big fan of Eric's. Love his Youtube channel. He has some cool stuff on there. I like how he will provide a guitar or keyboard solo to bands who are making CDs...I'm sure he's paid for it but it's cool that if you have a couple extra bucks you can get someone of his talent level to supply a good solo.


He also did 'Immigrant Song'    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcCaVJr7dXU


Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 26, 2021, 03:02:31 PM
Also, much like the guys in DT, he's really, really short.

He's a super nice guy.  Met him at RoSFest a couple of years ago.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 26, 2021, 03:24:15 PM
Nice covers by Eric! I used to work with a guy who played bass, worshipped LZ & John Paul Jones, and always said what a nightmare it was to get the bass line in Immigrant Song right.  Too bad I have no clue what happened to him or else I'd send him that video. :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on January 27, 2021, 09:20:27 AM
I haven't noticed he did these covers. He is just an insane musician!

Someone commented under the Immigrant Song video that he should do an album with Martin Miller - I think that would be an absolute shredfest  :lol Although both are also VERY good singers, so who knows how this collaboration would sound...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 27, 2021, 09:31:59 AM
Apparently Neal's next podcast interview will be with none other than prog legend Jon Anderson!! It'll be on Waterfall on February 1st, then elsewhere/YouTube on the 3rd.

https://twitter.com/nealmorse/status/1354444180613976070?s=19

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 27, 2021, 10:08:37 AM
I've been having a sort of a Neal Morse revival in my life during these past couple of months. I kinda stopped caring a bit about his output, because although very good as it usually is it all started sounding very same-y to me. "Oh, another overture. Oh, another string section piece followed by diminished-sounding scales. Oh, the same fill Portnoy has been playing for 15 years over and over again". Similitude and Adventure both feel very long to me, and I would've loved if they took the best out of those two albums and blended them into one. There's a lot of pieces in there that don't do much for me (but that being said, they both have really incredible moments. Eric's voice is incredible and suits the Morse style like a glove).

That being said, I'm slowly drifting back into his musical arms. Testimony 2 is SO GOOD. Even Testimony 1, which has not been by any means my favorite, is growing on me. The Door is one of my favorite songs of all time and I just fell in love with it again. The thing about NM is that he has put out so much music in the same style/genre that it's really difficult to measure in a quality scale because it's all very...consistent (for the lack of a better word). Such consistency plays against him from time to time, in my opinion, as he ends up putting albums that are sonically, musically and thematically very similar. But man, when he strikes on the right place, he strikes like no other. Such a talented composer. I just wish sometimes that he could be more adventurous in his sound (maybe he could go on a Great Adventure :neverusethis: ), his compositional approach and the musicians he works with. I know Portnoy and him are inseparable but I would love to hear him do something entirely different with an entirely different cast of musicians (preferably not from the progressive rock world).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on January 27, 2021, 11:47:09 AM
Can someone break a tie in the Neal Morse survivor for Momentum in the Poll section?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 27, 2021, 11:51:32 AM
I've been having a sort of a Neal Morse revival in my life during these past couple of months. I kinda stopped caring a bit about his output, because although very good as it usually is it all started sounding very same-y to me. "Oh, another overture. Oh, another string section piece followed by diminished-sounding scales. Oh, the same fill Portnoy has been playing for 15 years over and over again". Similitude and Adventure both feel very long to me, and I would've loved if they took the best out of those two albums and blended them into one. There's a lot of pieces in there that don't do much for me (but that being said, they both have really incredible moments. Eric's voice is incredible and suits the Morse style like a glove).

That being said, I'm slowly drifting back into his musical arms. Testimony 2 is SO GOOD. Even Testimony 1, which has not been by any means my favorite, is growing on me. The Door is one of my favorite songs of all time and I just fell in love with it again. The thing about NM is that he has put out so much music in the same style/genre that it's really difficult to measure in a quality scale because it's all very...consistent (for the lack of a better word). Such consistency plays against him from time to time, in my opinion, as he ends up putting albums that are sonically, musically and thematically very similar. But man, when he strikes on the right place, he strikes like no other. Such a talented composer. I just wish sometimes that he could be more adventurous in his sound (maybe he could go on a Great Adventure :neverusethis: ), his compositional approach and the musicians he works with. I know Portnoy and him are inseparable but I would love to hear him do something entirely different with an entirely different cast of musicians (preferably not from the progressive rock world).

I agree with the bolded.  I don't necessarily need him to strike out in more adventurous ways; that consistency works in his favor, since there's so much to dig into.  I have all the (prog) solo albums since Testimony, and while they are familiar when I listen, I don't know them well enough to say, sing you "Cradle To The Grave".  But every once in a while, something will stick; a couple months ago it was Alive Again.  I must've heard it a number of times but it never really differentiated itself, then it clicked and now it's one of my favorites of his work (probably top epic or second to Seeds Of Gold).   Such a rich catalogue.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on January 27, 2021, 01:57:38 PM
Damn, that Eric Gillette is one hell of a musician.  I wasn't aware that he played drums. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 27, 2021, 02:05:54 PM
Damn, I struggle to play even one instrument decently and guys like this Eric Gilette can play everything and can even sing. I hate those guys ....



... not, I'm just jealous.  :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on January 27, 2021, 02:06:59 PM
I could play that song on drums guitar and bass, no problem, but you do NOT want to hear me sing  :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on January 27, 2021, 02:44:28 PM
I forget which Morsefest it was or maybe it was Alive Again concert or maybe both, the section in some song when they all switch instruments and Eric plays the drums is great to watch, his playing is fun and still on point and not look like he's flailing all over the place.

Eric was so chill at the meet and greet during the adventour gig. He's insanely talented and even really good looking too!

Is that ink on his left forearm new? Don't think I remember seeing that before.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 27, 2021, 03:12:13 PM
Don't forget The Exorcist album, too, where Eric plays the drums on the whole thing.  And I was there at Morsefest '18 to see it performed in full with Eric on the drums. :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on January 27, 2021, 05:23:04 PM
Neal Morse has a whole discography outside of his prog rock work, much of which I've never heard, so while I understand the argument within the confines of the progressive rock music that he doesn't venture out too much, his catalog IS diverse, or at least he does other things, like his non-prog solo albums, his worship albums, and Flying Colors is different enough. I'm not sure we should expect a 60 year old symphonic rock composer/singer-songwriter who loves '60s pop music to start venturing off into progressive world-ethno-jazz-fusion-death metal classical music, but I understand wanting Neal to bring new flavors into his prog music. I think that is what the Neal Morse Band is about, that is Neal branching out a bit. Also, there's no separating Neal from Mike (and Randy) they are all great friends it seems; but look at it from a business standpoint, I assume that Neal's prog albums with Mike Portnoy probably sell a lot more than his albums without Mike Portnoy. Besides, between SB, TA, NM, NMB, and Flying Colors to a small extent, you know what you're getting with Neal Morse, but each project has it's own feel. I also lost interest in the Neal Morse, Roine Stolt, style of prog rock a while back, but I've made my way back and that happens with all music I like. I think Neal makes consistently great music as well, and when you're in the mood for it, it's pretty much all good. At this point, I say enjoy it while it lasts.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on February 03, 2021, 07:50:30 AM
FROM NEAL MORSE:

"Hey, fellow music lovers!

I dont know about you, but I could use some music and interaction just about now. So, Im gonna do some songwriting/recording/production/barista sessions and you are welcome to hang out for two of my favorite things: creating music and drinking coffee!

The three topics Ive chosen for the three sessions are:

1. Songwriting and Initial Inspiration - The First Level

2. Completing and Recording - The Demo Level

3. Making Records - Bringing It to the Next Level

Each session will be 75-90 minutes long and will be interactive and spontaneous. I will be writing a song before your eyes and ears and you can give me your suggestions live in the moment. It will be watchable after the fact and at the very end we can hang out, have a special coffee, and discuss music and whatever else is on your mind. Sound like fun? Who's in?!"


Three sessions: Feb. 20, Feb. 27, Mar. 6 at 11:00 AM CST. All will be on Zoom and recorded to be watched later by the participants.

https://www.nealmorse.com/product/neal-morse-virtual-masterclass/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 03, 2021, 08:01:57 AM
I'm actually thinking about doing this, and I sent the link to my daughter, who is taking a songwriting class in college now.   This might give her a bit of perspective.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on February 05, 2021, 02:26:52 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O92pSG21iNI&ab_channel=NealMorse

The third episode of Musicians having coffe & talking about stuff features the one and only Jon Anderson. I loved it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 05, 2021, 02:39:28 PM
The Neal Morse Band discussing what's going on with the new album, and it seems that the next album is going to be the most "band" album as Neal confirmed he didn't come in with any preconceived material, and that the writing was dominated with Bill's ideas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5oCmZ0g7yY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5oCmZ0g7yY)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Revenge319 on February 05, 2021, 02:47:52 PM
I'm interested in checking out Neal Morse's music after listening to a lot of Transatlantic (specifically, Bridge Across Forever and The Whirlwind). What would be a good place to start with his discography?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 05, 2021, 03:13:31 PM
I came to the Neal Morse party late; I started with Testimony and moved through chronologically, but Testimony followed by Testimony II (with bonus disk) would have been enough to hook me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on February 05, 2021, 03:52:38 PM
I think starting with Testimony can be a bit intimidating. Sola scriptura would be a good starting point if you like Bridge across forever.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 05, 2021, 04:17:16 PM
I'm interested in checking out Neal Morse's music after listening to a lot of Transatlantic (specifically, Bridge Across Forever and The Whirlwind). What would be a good place to start with his discography?

? (Question Mark) - I think this is his best overall album, it's not overlong, flows very well, has a lot of rockin moments, and some of his most memorable melodies. Features Portnoy of course, but also Jordan Rudess, Roine Stolt, and Steve Hackett make appearances.
The Light - Spock's Beard's first album, Neal wrote all the music in SB and I think this is a great album and the title track is one of Neal's best.
Sola Scriptura - Spock's Dream Beard Theater, as I sometimes classify this album as. It doesn't sound like DT, but it has that DT flavor to it, also Neal's heaviest album.
V - Spock's Beard's 5th album. At The End of the Day is worth the price of admission alone.
The Similitude of a Dream - The Neal Morse Band's 2nd album, and a mammoth double album that is a wild ride all the way through and doesn't let up. Pairs well with the follow up, The Great Adventure (which is basically TSoaD pt 2)

Some will recommend One, and that is also a fantastic album. Honestly, I have something good to say about all his albums.
Testimony 2 is one of his best albums as well, but you need to/should listen to the first Testimony first, it's just a lot of music to start off with.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on February 06, 2021, 01:58:12 AM
I'm interested in checking out Neal Morse's music after listening to a lot of Transatlantic (specifically, Bridge Across Forever and The Whirlwind). What would be a good place to start with his discography?

I usually recommend starting with an artist's first album and moving on chronologically, but Testimony is very Jesus-y. I think a very good starting point would be either of the following:

One
Question Mark
Sola Scriptura


Those are his best solo albums, and they showcase what Neal is all about in my opinion.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: me7 on February 06, 2021, 02:36:20 AM
I'd recommend Question Mark as a starting point for a less preachy but very spiritual prog album.
Testimony 2 for a full dose of Jesus (don't start with Testimony 1).
Sola Scriptura for his closest work to DT.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 06, 2021, 01:10:22 PM
Solo material:

Sola Scriptura is really good, but I'd wait on that one.  Not only it is tough to get into an album that kicks off with back to back songs over 25 minutes, but I don't think the hooks in them are as immediate as ones found in many of his other long epics.

I'd start with One and ?, both of which are awesome and more easily digestible right away.

Spock's Beard:

All six Neal-era albums are really good (by and large), so you can't go wrong with any of them, really.  Day for Night has a few clunkers, and Snow is super long, so I might not start with either of those. 

Neal Morse Band:

The Similitude of a Dream is awesome sauce from start to finish.  A top 10 all-timer now, in my book. :coolio :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on February 06, 2021, 03:06:28 PM
Solo material:

Sola Scriptura is really good, but I'd wait on that one.  Not only it is tough to get into an album that kicks off with back to back songs over 25 minutes, but I don't think the hooks in them are as immediate as ones found in many of his other long epics.

I'd start with One and ?, both of which are awesome and more easily digestible right away.

Spock's Beard:

All six Neal-era albums are really good (by and large), so you can't go wrong with any of them, really.  Day for Night has a few clunkers, and Snow is super long, so I might not start with either of those. 

Neal Morse Band:

The Similitude of a Dream is awesome sauce from start to finish.  A top 10 all-timer now, in my book. :coolio :coolio

For Spocks Beard, V would be a great starting place. That was my introduction after having already heard the first two TA albums. Similar structure in terms of number and length of the songs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 08, 2021, 05:45:58 PM
Sola Scriptura is so awesome, I don't even notice the time passing while 2 half hour epics are happening back to back.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on February 09, 2021, 12:06:30 AM
Sola Scriptura is so awesome, I don't even notice the time passing while 2 half hour epics are happening back to back.

Agreed, I think it's awesome when Neal goes heavy. For the same reason I also love The Great Adventure. It's not AS heavy, but still more than most of his other stuff. His heavy music always gives me that "fuck yeah  :metal " moment.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 13, 2021, 08:10:53 PM
Sola Scriptura is so awesome, I don't even notice the time passing while 2 half hour epics are happening back to back.

Agreed, I think it's awesome when Neal goes heavy. For the same reason I also love The Great Adventure. It's not AS heavy, but still more than most of his other stuff. His heavy music always gives me that "fuck yeah  :metal " moment.

I'd like to see the next NMB album be a heavier album, I think Neal can get pretty heavy if he wants to, and with Eric it can happen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 13, 2021, 08:22:34 PM
Momentum has aged well with me. It's a short album by Neal's standards, and is something I can throw on when I don't want to commit a whole lot of time to Neal but can still get the full album listen satisfaction. I usually just want to listen to Momentum the song and/or Thoughts pt 5 then before you know it World Without End has started up. I feel like I've been sleeping on this epic. This one peels itself back slowly.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 13, 2021, 08:28:40 PM

I'd like to see the next NMB album be a heavier album, I think Neal can get pretty heavy if he wants to, and with Eric it can happen.

I don't think I've ever described Neal's music as heavy, except for maybe the beginning of The Conflict, but he can rock pretty hard at times for sure.  I did like how The Great Adventure was darker tonally than the average Neal/NMB album.  Venture in Black, in particular, has really held up well as one of the best songs from that record, and I would describe that song as darker, without a doubt; great song to crank up when driving at night.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 13, 2021, 08:31:11 PM
Momentum has aged well with me. It's a short album by Neal's standards, and is something I can throw on when I don't want to commit a whole lot of time to Neal but can still get the full album listen satisfaction. I usually just want to listen to Momentum the song and/or Thoughts pt 5 then before you know it World Without End has started up. I feel like I've been sleeping on this epic. This one peels itself back slowly.

Only a Neal Morse album that ends with a 34-minute epic could be described as a "short album" by his standards. :lol :P

World Without End is definitely killer, but it's so long that it's become one of those songs I only get to once or twice a year now.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 13, 2021, 08:37:40 PM
Momentum has aged well with me. It's a short album by Neal's standards, and is something I can throw on when I don't want to commit a whole lot of time to Neal but can still get the full album listen satisfaction. I usually just want to listen to Momentum the song and/or Thoughts pt 5 then before you know it World Without End has started up. I feel like I've been sleeping on this epic. This one peels itself back slowly.

Only a Neal Morse album that ends with a 34-minute epic could be described as a "short album" by his standards. :lol :P

World Without End is definitely killer, but it's so long that it's become one of those songs I only get to once or twice a year now.

World Without End is longer than the rest of the album put together, that's why it feels short, only 25 minutes into the album we're on the last track, but then there's still a half hour+ of music to go.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 13, 2021, 08:42:37 PM


World Without End is longer than the rest of the album put together, that's why it feels short, only 25 minutes into the album we're on the last track, but then there's still a half hour+ of music to go.

Very true. And that's probably why I don't get to it often cause in my head, I think that World Without End is soooo long, and only Thoughts Part 5 (from Side 1, if we can call it that) is a song I would call myself a big fan of from the rest, so it can be tough to make myself listen to a Neal album with that many "take it or leave it" songs AND a super long epic when he has so many other albums that I find far more rewarding.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 13, 2021, 08:46:55 PM
Thoughts Pt 5 really is a great song. Love that middle instrumental section and outro.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on February 14, 2021, 09:22:11 AM
I really like Momentum, and probably would have it higher in a NM ranking than most. I have a real fondness for all the songs. Thoughts Part 5 might actually be the one that stands out least to me, although that's probably just because of the (intended) resemblances to the previous Thoughts songs. Weathering Sky is my favorite stand-alone rocker of Neal's solo career, and I think Smoke and Mirrors and Freak are both distinctive ballads with really nice melodies.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on February 14, 2021, 09:33:05 AM
Momentum's a choppy Album for me.  I like the Title Track, Thoughts Pt. 5 and freak.  not much else.

the big epic World without end i'm not fond of much.  just seems like a re-write of So Many Roads.....almost point for point.  at 33 minutes.....it seems needlessly long even for Neal. and i actually really like So many Roads.  Especially the european band's version.

BUT......i loved the live album we got from this.  that was actually a pretty great set list.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on February 14, 2021, 09:45:13 AM
I cannot restrain myself from expressing my love towards World without end. No wonder it's so long. How can you not make your best song your longest song?  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 14, 2021, 10:30:29 AM
Momentum and Weathering Sky are both fun little rockers, but ones I never have the urge to hear.  I do like Freak and Smoke and Mirrors both quite a bit, but neither is a favorite.  To clarify, Momentum is a very good album, one I like a lot.  It's just that Neal has so many prog albums to choose from already that it is hard for that one to works its way into the rotation, especially since I prefer most of them to Momentum.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on February 14, 2021, 10:52:38 AM
Momentum and Weathering Sky are both fun little rockers, but ones I never have the urge to hear.  I do like Freak and Smoke and Mirrors both quite a bit, but neither is a favorite.  To clarify, Momentum is a very good album, one I like a lot.  It's just that Neal has so many prog albums to choose from already that it is hard for that one to works its way into the rotation, especially since I prefer most of them to Momentum.

this is true.  If i want A Neal fix i will grab like ? sola Scriptura, Similitude, Testimony 2.....even Sola Gratia (which i to this day i find underrated) over Momentum.

Momentum isn't bad but it's a bit devoid of any standout track.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 15, 2021, 03:03:34 PM
I've never been able to get into Momentum, and World Without End does practically nothing for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on February 16, 2021, 01:04:40 PM
I got my copy of Similitude of a Dream yesterday. Very good album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on February 16, 2021, 02:00:02 PM
I've never been able to get into Momentum, and World Without End does practically nothing for me.


+1

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 16, 2021, 04:12:40 PM
I've never been able to get into Momentum, and World Without End does practically nothing for me.


+1

That's how I felt about Momentum for a long time.

I'm not even saying it's the best album ever or an essential album, but it's pretty solid if you like Neal's stuff. I put it above Lifeline, Sola Gratia, and his first two solo albums.

I got my copy of Similitude of a Dream yesterday. Very good album.

Now this album. Only thing I'm not as into are Eric's vocals, but they're tolerable, just like Portnoy's.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on February 16, 2021, 05:37:13 PM
I've never been able to get into Momentum, and World Without End does practically nothing for me.


+1

That's how I felt about Momentum for a long time.

I'm not even saying it's the best album ever or an essential album, but it's pretty solid if you like Neal's stuff. I put it above Lifeline, Sola Gratia, and his first two solo albums.

I got my copy of Similitude of a Dream yesterday. Very good album.

Now this album. Only thing I'm not as into are Eric's vocals, but they're tolerable, just like Portnoy's.
Interesting - I love Eric's vocals. And Bill's as well, as unique as they are.

Eric's vocals at first I was kind of neutral on, but over time they have really grown on me. He puts emotion into them often enough that I look forward to his sections.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on February 16, 2021, 09:18:40 PM
Eric's voice took a while to grow on me, too. I think it was really on The Great Adventure where I came to like it a lot, and then I went back and enjoyed his singing more on the previous albums. He has so many great parts on TGA: I Got to Run, Hey Ho Let's Go, The Great Despair, and of course Neal even let him have the big conclusion on A Love That Never Dies.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on February 17, 2021, 01:43:14 PM
I think bringing in some new talent, especially in the vocal department but also on the guitar, was a very savvy move by Neal.  Eric is an incredibly talented dude and so is Bill and they both add an entirely new dimension to Neal's music that definitely improves the end product substantially.  Being 100% honest I was kind of hoping he'd focus all his energy on NMB and give his solo stuff a rest for a while.  I think the albums he's done with Eric and Bill are his best output in 20+ years.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on February 18, 2021, 08:37:18 AM
Stadler, check this out for your daughter:

FROM NEAL MORSE:

"Hi everyone!

Its not too late to sign up for my Virtual Masterclass, which kicks off at 11AM CST this Saturday, Feb. 20th. In this session, Im going to be coming to you live from my studio and we will be looking at songwriting and initial inspiration. Not only will I tell you how I get my ideas and inspirations into shape, but I will be writing a song before your eyes and I want to interact with you to get some suggestions while Im doing that!

The course continues on the following two Saturdays (Feb. 27 & Mar. 6) and the sessions will be available for download for those who attend. You can buy a ticket for the first session, or get a 20% discount for buying tickets for all three.

Sound like fun? Whos in?!"


1. Songwriting and Initial Inspiration - The First Level

2. Completing and Recording - The Demo Level

3. Making Records - Bringing It to the Next Level


Three sessions: Feb. 20, Feb. 27, Mar. 6 at 11:00 AM CST. All will be on Zoom and recorded to be watched later by the participants.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 18, 2021, 09:14:19 AM
Thank you!   Good head's up!     
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on February 18, 2021, 11:23:01 AM
I think bringing in some new talent, especially in the vocal department but also on the guitar, was a very savvy move by Neal.  Eric is an incredibly talented dude and so is Bill and they both add an entirely new dimension to Neal's music that definitely improves the end product substantially.  Being 100% honest I was kind of hoping he'd focus all his energy on NMB and give his solo stuff a rest for a while.  I think the albums he's done with Eric and Bill are his best output in 20+ years.

I agree. And I think the contrast between the vocals of the band is great. Particulary  Eric has a very nice sound/tone to his vocals.

Still, the output of TNMB is more than enough, they have released three albums in like five years, two of which are doubles. And a testament to their talent that Simultude and Adventure are as great as they are.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on February 18, 2021, 11:30:01 AM
Now this album. Only thing I'm not as into are Eric's vocals, but they're tolerable, just like Portnoy's.

I thought I was the only human being who didn't like his vocals. Everyone seems to love this guy.

In fact, I'm definitely not a fan of Eric Gillette.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 18, 2021, 01:55:43 PM
I think bringing in some new talent, especially in the vocal department but also on the guitar, was a very savvy move by Neal.  Eric is an incredibly talented dude and so is Bill and they both add an entirely new dimension to Neal's music that definitely improves the end product substantially.  Being 100% honest I was kind of hoping he'd focus all his energy on NMB and give his solo stuff a rest for a while.  I think the albums he's done with Eric and Bill are his best output in 20+ years.

I agree. And I think the contrast between the vocals of the band is great. Particulary  Eric has a very nice sound/tone to his vocals.

Still, the output of TNMB is more than enough, they have released three albums in like five years, two of which are doubles. And a testament to their talent that Simultude and Adventure are as great as they are.

I gotta agree - the introduction of Eric and Bill was a big leap for Neal in terms of diversifying his musical palette. I remember hearing TGE for the first time and beind blown away by the opening a capella vocal of "The Call", and pretty much every song on there was so refreshing for Neal (yes, even "Agenda"). I did not expect that they would do two double albums following that, but for the most part, they are as good as anything Neal had done by himself in the past, but with Eric's and Bill's input, vocal and instrumental performances, they really help them stand out among Neal's other long, conceptual works (like Snow and Testimony).

As a change-up, I hope the new album is back to a collection of separate songs like TGE and Momentum, with a big epic. I think "Alive Again" was the last epic that Neal had released, and that was in 2015, right? It's been six years, which may be the longest time between any of his typical epic tracks dating all the way back to the SB days. If you count the longest songs on One as epics, they bridge the gap between "The Great Nothing" and the songs on Sola Scriptura, but since then, Neal had done one big epic per album - "So Many Roads", "Seeds Of Gold", "World Without End", "Alive Again", and "Falling For Forever" (for Spock's Beard). I think it's about time that Neal penned a new epic!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on February 19, 2021, 02:33:39 AM
Now this album. Only thing I'm not as into are Eric's vocals, but they're tolerable, just like Portnoy's.

I thought I was the only human being who didn't like his vocals. Everyone seems to love this guy.

In fact, I'm definitely not a fan of Eric Gillette.

Because?

I think one doesn't have to "like" his voice to acknowledge that he definitely can sing. And he's one hell of a guitar player.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 19, 2021, 07:59:48 AM
Eric is very very good.  I think some of the "worship" (pun intended) goes a little above board, but he's very good.  "Alive Again" is one of my favorite Neal songs, and in large part because of the beautiful way the three (main) vocalists intertwine their parts.

I'd say that my top three Neal songs are all from the NMB era. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on February 19, 2021, 08:38:41 AM
Now this album. Only thing I'm not as into are Eric's vocals, but they're tolerable, just like Portnoy's.

I thought I was the only human being who didn't like his vocals. Everyone seems to love this guy.

In fact, I'm definitely not a fan of Eric Gillette.

Because?

I think one doesn't have to "like" his voice to acknowledge that he definitely can sing. And he's one hell of a guitar player.

Yes, it is not a technical issue, it is a matter of timbre. I find the timbre of his voice very annoying.
But I like Bill's vocals.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on February 19, 2021, 09:24:47 AM
Now this album. Only thing I'm not as into are Eric's vocals, but they're tolerable, just like Portnoy's.

I thought I was the only human being who didn't like his vocals. Everyone seems to love this guy.

In fact, I'm definitely not a fan of Eric Gillette.

Because?

I think one doesn't have to "like" his voice to acknowledge that he definitely can sing. And he's one hell of a guitar player.

Yes, it is not a technical issue, it is a matter of timbre. I find the timbre of his voice very annoying.
But I like Bill's vocals.

I like Eric's vocals, but can't stand Bill's :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 19, 2021, 06:20:49 PM
Bill has the classic "great to do the occasional lead vocal, but you wouldn't want him singing him every song" voice.  That said, the juice he and Eric have brought to the NMB is immense.  Neal has proven that he can write great albums more often than not on his own, but let him collaborate with other songwriters, whether it be Roine and Pete in TA, or Eric and Bill in NMB, or the guys in Flying Colors, and the magic is pretty damn consistent.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on February 19, 2021, 06:22:36 PM
Bill is NMB's Pete Trewavas (vocals-wise) :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on February 19, 2021, 10:39:31 PM
Bill is NMB's Pete Trewavas (vocals-wise) :lol

He is a far better singer than Pete in my opinion. He can also hit high notes but at times those notes sound forced, so I think maybe he should mostly stick to the lower register of his voice, which has a nice Peter Gabriel timbre!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on February 20, 2021, 03:50:54 AM
I think Neal figured out Bill can hit high notes, so he immediately goes to him when there is a section that requires higher vocals. In an interview on a cruise, Bill mentioned he realized there were too many high sections on the last album when it came time to rehearse it for live performances.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 20, 2021, 06:37:49 AM
I don't get the indifference to Bill's voice; I like the reference to Peter Gabriel and I like what he brings to the mix.   In my humble opinion, and as much as I like him otherwise, Pete isn't in Bill's league. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 20, 2021, 06:38:59 AM
By the way, anyone doing the songwriting seminar later today?   Any idea when/where you get the Zoom link?   I'm all paid up (as is my daughter) but I don't know what to do next, and she keeps asking me.  I can only look so stupid for so long!   :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on February 20, 2021, 08:22:33 AM
By the way, anyone doing the songwriting seminar later today?   Any idea when/where you get the Zoom link?   I'm all paid up (as is my daughter) but I don't know what to do next, and she keeps asking me.  I can only look so stupid for so long!   :) :) :) :)
 

I asked for you at the NM forum, let's see.

Does the email purchase says anything?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on February 20, 2021, 08:29:08 AM
By the way, anyone doing the songwriting seminar later today?   Any idea when/where you get the Zoom link?   I'm all paid up (as is my daughter) but I don't know what to do next, and she keeps asking me.  I can only look so stupid for so long!   :) :) :) :)

Someone posted this as an answer:

(https://i.ibb.co/CnjtMPr/Captura-de-pantalla-2021-02-20-102748.png) (https://ibb.co/fC3SnDc)

You should get the meeting room codes 30-60 minutes before the masterclass
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 20, 2021, 08:59:21 AM
By the way, anyone doing the songwriting seminar later today?   Any idea when/where you get the Zoom link?   I'm all paid up (as is my daughter) but I don't know what to do next, and she keeps asking me.  I can only look so stupid for so long!   :) :) :) :)

Someone posted this as an answer:

(https://i.ibb.co/CnjtMPr/Captura-de-pantalla-2021-02-20-102748.png) (https://ibb.co/fC3SnDc)

You should get the meeting room codes 30-60 minutes before the masterclass

THANK YOU.  You're a life-saver.   (The email didn't say anything, by the way).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 20, 2021, 05:53:00 PM
MinistroRaven, thanks again!    I attended today, as did my daughter, and while it's not as if I'm about to write The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway right now, my daughter (who is not really a hardcore fan) got a LOT out of it.

(I thought this was funny:   At one time she texted me, "who is Jon Anderson that he keeps mentioning?" and I said, "The singer from Yes".  She says "wait, Yes is a really big band.  How does he know HIM?"   Then later, Neal was saying how it's important to listen to different things for inspiration, and he noted how he really liked Taylor Swift's new record; and my daughter, a huge T-Swiftie, texted "I LOVE TAYLOR SWIFT!  TELL HIM THAT!"   I didn't. :))
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 21, 2021, 08:55:10 AM
Haha, that's great. I guess we could say that Neal has seen the light. ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on February 26, 2021, 11:39:42 PM
"If I could, I'd release more music than I do."
-Neal Morse

https://youtu.be/dKTKPhpEI5Y?t=1152 (https://youtu.be/dKTKPhpEI5Y?t=1152)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on March 03, 2021, 09:58:18 AM
How about this? Neal and Alan Morse talking about stuff for an hour:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR2pqUeI1TmYybuwsrcar_dVelTfa-o2zaKhk-ibXISCDaOgnV-yCV29ddE&v=S7WJwatItM4&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=NealMorse
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on March 03, 2021, 10:00:28 AM
How about this? Neal and Alan Morse talking about stuff for an hour:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR2pqUeI1TmYybuwsrcar_dVelTfa-o2zaKhk-ibXISCDaOgnV-yCV29ddE&v=S7WJwatItM4&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=NealMorse

Just finished watching this. Some fun stories about the early days of Spocks Beard. Wish they had touched on what Al is up to and whether or not there were any plans for SB in the near future, but oh well!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on March 03, 2021, 10:01:28 AM
"If I could, I'd release more music than I do."
-Neal Morse

https://youtu.be/dKTKPhpEI5Y?t=1152 (https://youtu.be/dKTKPhpEI5Y?t=1152)

and i'd like to do other stuff not involving you......so thanks for not doing so Neal :biggrin: :lol

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 04, 2021, 03:28:02 PM
"If I could, I'd release more music than I do."
-Neal Morse

https://youtu.be/dKTKPhpEI5Y?t=1152 (https://youtu.be/dKTKPhpEI5Y?t=1152)

and i'd like to do other stuff not involving you......so thanks for not doing so Neal :biggrin: :lol

Personally, as someone who was burnt out on Neal's music years ago, I'd rather the artist pump out as much music as they can while they can, as long as it's quality. We have the rest of our lives to digest it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 14, 2021, 05:51:07 PM
Quote
Tracking is officially done for the new NMB album. All tracks have been delivered to Rich Mouser for mixing. Our target release is end of August early September. We are all very excited about how this album turned out. We cant wait for all of you to hear it!

(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/160921239_446968726757072_6211108567545066796_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=110474&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ohc=EHkQLZc0n9MAX-bf_00&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&tp=14&oh=5b30bddb744f125c2ccf09e5edb4b964&oe=6072A8C9)
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/160993438_446968793423732_523168829780389437_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=110474&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ohc=YG9YfAnG5rQAX_FQQUO&_nc_oc=AQnyyyUqObF4ICurc3xzfFXb6nvbtGGDNG2FYA4jfDjIpITMoawAvdbxpy_LdeSn1NQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&tp=14&oh=2008b396a8b69479b2585c5ec89aa635&oe=607581DB)
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/160944608_446968850090393_7218941809259568795_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=110474&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ohc=iiYBsRldulMAX-yNeaS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&tp=14&oh=74890b1fca1c4dcdbda13fcb4cc5d956&oe=6074ACC7)
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/160999454_446968783423733_4376159196503645813_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=110474&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ohc=ZQYQpHxZNTUAX98iaFN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&tp=14&oh=ba8196c5b69548b7aef2b87285b6470f&oe=6075971D)
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/160663564_446968743423737_578807149499807383_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=110474&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ohc=9hHcRpJP9BsAX8LZhLz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&tp=14&oh=fdb7af7301631e1fc74e1deb8d7e5eb1&oe=6075AB7E)

https://www.facebook.com/102918897828725/posts/446971040090174/

Very exciting news! I assume we will get more info around June or so, 2 months before release, with the usual 2-3 pre-release singles.

Any bets on the album format? Multi-track concept? One big epic with several shorter songs? A double or single CD album? If it's a single, will it have a bonus disc? Will there be covers?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on March 14, 2021, 06:28:23 PM
Nice! I'd bet it will be a single. At least some of the other guys seemed to be reluctant about doing two double albums in a row, and Neal himself seems to be heading in a more compact direction for now, between Sola Gratia and The Breath of Life. For this reason I'm also kind of betting against seeing another epic, although I'd definitely like another one from the NMB, seeing as Alive Again has become a favorite of mine.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 14, 2021, 06:36:16 PM
I've love to see an album with a bunch of mini-epics, like three or four songs in the 9 to 15 minute range, and then a handful of shorter tunes, but I am sure whatever it is, it will be good, so bring it on.  :tup :tup

Target date definitely sets up right around when Morsefest would normally be (September), so we will see how that pans out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on March 14, 2021, 06:48:11 PM
I'd like to see a single disk album, not another double album like they did twice in a row with TSOAD and TGA, not a concept album either, just a bunch of great songs. Another epic would be great too.

As for the release date, it seems like it's going to be quite close to DT15 (maybe a little earlier), so I'm even more excited now for September to arrive :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 14, 2021, 06:49:20 PM
I've love to see an album with a bunch of mini-epics, like three or four songs in the 9 to 15 minute range, and then a handful of shorter tunes, but I am sure whatever it is, it will be good, so bring it on.  :tup :tup

Target date definitely sets up right around when Morsefest would normally be (September), so we will see how that pans out.

Good point. Now we can once again debate whether or not Morsefest will feature Transatlantic or the Neal Morse Band.  :lol

If it is another NMB Morsefest, I wonder what else they could play from the back catalog, other than Momentum in its entirety, or maybe all of TGE, since we don't yet have those albums in complete live performances.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on March 14, 2021, 08:42:47 PM
Is there any reason it can't be both? I know a lot of us were hoping for a two-night Transatlantic Morsefest, but I could see it being one night NMB, one night TA, and then maybe have Eric, Bill and Randy join for Stranger or something as the last encore.

Although I think any idea of a TA Morsefest is dependent on whether Roine and Pete will even be able to come to the US at that time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on March 14, 2021, 09:12:34 PM
I kinda would like to see a single album of really strong songs ending with an epic.  it's been a minute since Neal has made an epic.  i miss them.

also i don't need another concept.  i don't pay attention to the story anyway, lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 14, 2021, 11:26:53 PM
Gonna call it here, a single album with normal to moderately longer songs flowing from one to the next, with a filled up bonus disc featuring (hopefully) at least one long epic, some random songs that didn't fit the main disc, some other songs, and a few covers.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 14, 2021, 11:35:37 PM
My guess for the album:
Opening track will be the title track, an epic in the 10-12 minute range.
There will then be 3-4 more songs, ranging from 3-8 minutes of varying length.
The album closer will be an epic in 5-7 movements, and it'll be roughly 25 minutes long.

There will be a bonus disc but no covers, just 3 or 4 songs that the band didn't find suitable for the main album, probably two or three compositions by Eric and Bill, maybe one by Neal.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 15, 2021, 09:19:49 AM
So Radiant takes forever to ship items out?
I ordered a few things from them, including the re-release of TAU Ultimate Edition blu ray, a few weeks ago at this point, and haven't gotten an email about shipping anything out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on March 15, 2021, 09:52:41 AM
So Radiant takes forever to ship items out?

Yes, that whole online shop is just utter chaos...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 18, 2021, 10:08:44 AM
For those in the Inner Circle:

Hi, everyone!

Just wanted to share the news of this months Inner Circle release that will land on Monday, March 22nd.

As you probably know, for Transatlantics The Absolute Universe, I took the lead role in putting together the "Breath of Life" version. If you have the Blu-ray, you will have seen the Making of documentary which mainly focuses on the work we did in Sweden. This months IC release tells the rest of the story the long journey from the initial idea to edit in March 2020 to November 2020, when the final mixes were signed off, and everything in between which includes me catching Coronavirus!

The documentary is around 70 minutes long, and youll see me doing some of the lyric rewrites, adding overdubs and chopping and editing this thing!

If you arent yet a member of the Inner Circle, you can sign up today. Youll immediately be able to get the January 2020 release NMB 3: Some More Adventures plus get the March release on Monday, the 22nd.

I look forward to hearing what you think of the documentary!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 18, 2021, 03:35:42 PM
For those in the Inner Circle:

Hi, everyone!

Just wanted to share the news of this months Inner Circle release that will land on Monday, March 22nd.

As you probably know, for Transatlantics The Absolute Universe, I took the lead role in putting together the "Breath of Life" version. If you have the Blu-ray, you will have seen the Making of documentary which mainly focuses on the work we did in Sweden. This months IC release tells the rest of the story the long journey from the initial idea to edit in March 2020 to November 2020, when the final mixes were signed off, and everything in between which includes me catching Coronavirus!

The documentary is around 70 minutes long, and youll see me doing some of the lyric rewrites, adding overdubs and chopping and editing this thing!

If you arent yet a member of the Inner Circle, you can sign up today. Youll immediately be able to get the January 2020 release NMB 3: Some More Adventures plus get the March release on Monday, the 22nd.

I look forward to hearing what you think of the documentary!

Saw that email earlier today. I'm glad he's releasing this because that part of the album-making process seemed VERY glossed over in the Making Of Documentary on the BD. I had been wondering how he got the new parts on there, and if Pete and Mike actually recorded new music for the new instrumental parts, or if Neal played them? The album credits don't list any drums or bass for Neal, so I assume he got them to play new stuff, but it wasn't shown on the BD, just Neal crafting new parts for "Can You Feel It". Can't wait to see how in-depth Neal gets with this IC Video download. I wanna see just how he went about carving and recrafting the album!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 18, 2021, 03:51:32 PM
That sounds cool, but I haven't gotten the blu ray yet.. I'm interested in NMB3: Some More Adventures, is that new original songs that didn't make TGA?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on March 18, 2021, 05:50:04 PM
Looks like it's demos (https://www.nealmorse.com/product/inner-circle-public-nmb-3-some-more-adventures-january-2021/), some of which are promised to be mostly different from the final release.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 19, 2021, 08:24:41 AM
Morsefest is a go this year. October 8th and 9th. Tickets on sale in a week. Neal Morse Band both nights.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on March 19, 2021, 08:50:51 AM
Morsefest is a go this year. October 8th and 9th. Tickets on sale in a week. Neal Morse Band both nights.

I just might have to do it this year. I've never done it....problem is I have three sons who LOVE Neal Morse and TNMB so it's going to be expensive!!!  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on March 19, 2021, 09:20:35 AM
Morsefest is a go this year. October 8th and 9th. Tickets on sale in a week. Neal Morse Band both nights.

I just might have to do it this year. I've never done it....problem is I have three sons who LOVE Neal Morse and TNMB so it's going to be expensive!!!  :lol

All on you Gary.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on March 19, 2021, 10:39:36 AM
Morsefest is a go this year. October 8th and 9th. Tickets on sale in a week. Neal Morse Band both nights.

I just might have to do it this year. I've never done it....problem is I have three sons who LOVE Neal Morse and TNMB so it's going to be expensive!!!  :lol

I'm debating it, too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on March 19, 2021, 01:06:57 PM
Definitely going. I need a live show like a ball player needs a dunk.

I'm a little upset that it looks like only VIPs will be able to get into the Inner Circle concert. I definitely can't afford a $900 ticket, especially since my buddy looks like he's down for the roadtrip. But I'll be pumped to see what they pull out this year. Kind of cool that the set is going to be secret!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 19, 2021, 01:31:27 PM
Definitely going. I need a live show like a ball player needs a dunk.

I'm a little upset that it looks like only VIPs will be able to get into the Inner Circle concert. I definitely can't afford a $900 ticket, especially since my buddy looks like he's down for the roadtrip. But I'll be pumped to see what they pull out this year. Kind of cool that the set is going to be secret!

Will the current IC members have to pay for the IC concert? You should ask on his FB forum, maybe it's cheaper to get into IC only for that
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on March 19, 2021, 01:57:48 PM
Yeah, I dunno. It specifically says VIPs get entry. I know at previous Morsefests, it's been free for IC members. I don't mind paying if I have to, but it's unclear if IC members will be invited or just VIPs
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 19, 2021, 03:07:01 PM
Morsefest is a go this year. October 8th and 9th. Tickets on sale in a week. Neal Morse Band both nights.

I just might have to do it this year. I've never done it....problem is I have three sons who LOVE Neal Morse and TNMB so it's going to be expensive!!!  :lol

That is a good "problem" to have.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 19, 2021, 05:11:28 PM
Definitely going. I need a live show like a ball player needs a dunk.

I'm a little upset that it looks like only VIPs will be able to get into the Inner Circle concert. I definitely can't afford a $900 ticket, especially since my buddy looks like he's down for the roadtrip. But I'll be pumped to see what they pull out this year. Kind of cool that the set is going to be secret!

I asked at the FB forum, and one of the guys that works for NEAL MORSE during the Morsefests told me that regular IC members can attend the show. So, there you go.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 19, 2021, 05:25:14 PM
Morsefest is a go this year. October 8th and 9th. Tickets on sale in a week. Neal Morse Band both nights.

Where is this info?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 19, 2021, 05:35:41 PM
Morsefest is a go this year. October 8th and 9th. Tickets on sale in a week. Neal Morse Band both nights.

Where is this info?

https://youtu.be/TpczOITQb5g

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on March 19, 2021, 05:44:20 PM
Definitely going. I need a live show like a ball player needs a dunk.

I'm a little upset that it looks like only VIPs will be able to get into the Inner Circle concert. I definitely can't afford a $900 ticket, especially since my buddy looks like he's down for the roadtrip. But I'll be pumped to see what they pull out this year. Kind of cool that the set is going to be secret!

I asked at the FB forum, and one of the guys that works for Anmary during the Morsefests told me that regular IC members can attend the show. So, there you go.

Wahooooo
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on March 19, 2021, 05:49:08 PM
Thanks
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 19, 2021, 08:03:47 PM
I wasn't able to read the details earlier, but I did just now and was bummed to see they will be afternoon shows again, which will enable them to stream them in the evening again.  Ugh.  Given that it is 4-5 hours from here to Cross Plains, getting there in time for the Friday afternoon show would be pretty difficult, and taking an extra day off work (Thursday) to come down a day early ain't happening. Might have to sit this one and just do the stream again.  :( :(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 19, 2021, 08:38:14 PM
FROM NEAL MORSE:

In 2020 we were in Lockdown but its 2021 and its time for Morsefest 2021: Renewal! I am so excited to announce that on Friday, March 26th at 9:00 AM CDT, tickets will go on sale for this years Morsefest. On Friday, October 8th and Saturday, October 9th, The Neal Morse Band will be playing two amazing shows! The setlist is a closely-guarded secret but I can tell you that it will include a chance to hear the live premieres of songs from the new NMB album, which will be released later this year.

We will be having both an in-person and an online event so as many of you can join us as possible. There will be 50 VIP and 150 regular double show tickets for people who would like to attend in person in Tennessee. If you cant make the trip, you can see the stream of both shows in the comfort of your own home! Those of you who attended online last year will know that we were able to have a brilliant audio and video experience, and this year will be even better! We have an early sign-up discount on the Virtual Two Show, Virtual VIP, and Live Double Show tickets for the first two weeks so get signed up early! We expect that the in-person tickets will sell quickly, so do make sure you secure yours. All the details are at the bottom of the email and look out for the ticket link next week!

God bless you,

image
Live VIP**: $899 ($999 after 2 weeks)

Only 50 tickets available (due to expected attendance restrictions)
VIPs will spend the afternoon and evening in the venue, with full facilities
Your chance to be in the audience for both shows!
Attendance at the band commentary sessions during the live streams on Friday and Saturday evening.
You will also be able to purchase merch onsite, as well as the special online merch deals.
VIP Merch Bag including exclusive Morsefest VIP t-shirt, VIP lanyard, poster and other surprises
Free copy of the live video of both shows
VIP games and Q&A on both days
Dinner each evening and snacks throughout the day
Entry to Inner Circle Concert
Live Double-Show Ticket: $250 ($300 after 2 weeks)

Only 150 tickets available (due to expected attendance restrictions)
Your chance to be in the audience for both shows!
You will also be able to purchase merch onsite and buy the live video of both shows as well as the special online merch deals.
** Please note to facilitate the live stream, the shows will take place in the afternoon. Double-Show ticket holders will able to be access the venue beforehand to buy merch and for the duration of the shows. Due to expected attendance restrictions and meeting social distancing requirements, we dont expect to be able to offer catering or the ability to access the building at other times at this ticket level.

Virtual VIP: $175 ($199 after 2 weeks)

Front row seats (on your couch!) to attend the virtual concert on Friday and Saturday nights
Live online VIP game and Q&A on both days
VIP Merch Bag including Morsefest VIP t-shirt, VIP lanyard, poster and other surprises (this will be shipped to you in advance of the event)
Free copy of the live video of both shows - only available to ticketholders
Access to private Morsefest web portal, behind the scenes live video, special merch deals and other cool stuff!
Virtual Double-Show Tickets: $60 ($75 after 2 weeks)

Front row seats (on your couch!) to attend the virtual concert on Friday and Saturday nights
Opportunity to purchase an exclusive Morsefest release and other merch
Opportunity to purchase the live video of both shows - only available to ticketholders
Access to private Morsefest web portal, special merch deals and other cool stuff!
Blessings,

The Radiant Records Team
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on March 20, 2021, 11:58:43 AM
Much as I'd love to make it down there again for Morsefest, I'll probably go with the streaming option again this year. I'm supposed to be moving to Florida for September, but I don't know how the timeline will shake out exactly between Covid and when I'm able to close on a house. Feels like a bad idea to plan any travel in that window.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 26, 2021, 01:22:26 AM
FROM NEAL MORSE:

MORSEFEST 2021: RENEWAL
Greetings Everyone!

As you all know, we had planned to put Morsefest 2021 tickets on sale tomorrow, March 26th. Unfortunately we have been notified by our credit card processor of some technical issues causing some payments to be declined over the past few days. They are trying to resolve this for us now. Because of these issues we have decided to postpone the Morsefest 2021 ticket launch for a few days to ensure everyone gets a fair chance to purchase tickets. When we are sure it has been resolved, we will announce a new launch time.

We are sorry for the inconvenience, and really appreciate your understanding and patience.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 26, 2021, 05:51:03 AM
I guess this gives me some time to potentially change my mind, since my brother had planned to buy his tickets this morning and I was a no-go.  I doubt I will, though, as there are a few nagging things about this that just don't feel right.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on March 26, 2021, 09:39:56 AM
I guess this gives me some time to potentially change my mind, since my brother had planned to buy his tickets this morning and I was a no-go.  I doubt I will, though, as there are a few nagging things about this that just don't feel right.

Like?  (You don't have to answer if you don't want, just curious)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 26, 2021, 07:44:47 PM
THAT WAS FAST!

From NM:

MORSEFEST 2021: RENEWAL
OK... WE'RE READY! Its all systems go for Morsefest 2021: Renewal. Tickets go on sale Saturday, March 27th at 9:00 AM CDT at www.radiantrecords.com.

For info on both in-person and virtual tickets, click the button below.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 26, 2021, 09:07:52 PM
I guess this gives me some time to potentially change my mind, since my brother had planned to buy his tickets this morning and I was a no-go.  I doubt I will, though, as there are a few nagging things about this that just don't feel right.

Like?  (You don't have to answer if you don't want, just curious)

Not a fan of them not announcing the actual start times of the concerts.  "In the afternoon" is a bit too vague.  I am not keen on spending money on this and then finding out that the concert is so early that it will feel like a race to make it to the Friday show on time (4 1/2 hour drive one way with no stops), and what is they decide to it at 1 or 2 pm?  The idea of an afternoon concert seems very deflating in general (for any concert that is not part of a festival), although I get why they are doing it this way, so they can stream it in the evening.  Hope that is not a trend that continues, once things get back to normal in 2022 (hopefully).  Not knowing what they are playing as well is a hair in the soup as well (I would have felt let down last year had I paid all of that money to go and gotten that covers shows and the night 2 of just the Thoughts trilogy and Sola Gratia).  Maybe I am just being a poor sport, but just too many unknowns at the moment, and I totally understand that planning this on their end cannot be easy, so I am sympathetic.  It just doesn't feel like something I want to pay big bucks for at the moment.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on March 26, 2021, 09:23:32 PM
I'm excited not knowing what's coming. First Morsefest with no known agenda. Although I totally get your point and also would have been disappointed if I had gone to last years show. MPG covers aren't really my thing and I am not too keen on neither the Thoughts Trilogy nor Sola Gratia. But I gotta think this year will be all NMB music (along with possible solo stuff). Who knows? But I havent seen a concert since October last year at a drive in. I'll just be excited to see live music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 27, 2021, 08:06:41 AM
Naturally, tickets were on sale for Morsefest a few minutes ago (my brother is trying to buy his) and nothing is showing up on the Radiant site to buy. Radiant strikes again. :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 27, 2021, 08:16:12 AM
Naturally, tickets were on sale for Morsefest a few minutes ago (my brother is trying to buy his) and nothing is showing up on the Radiant site to buy. Radiant strikes again. :lol :lol

I see all in there.

(https://i.ibb.co/JQ0GpJm/Captura-de-pantalla-2021-03-27-091540.png) (https://ibb.co/jRBQwXb)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 27, 2021, 08:31:41 AM
Yep, it looks like it eventually worked.  Radiant eventually figures it out. :lol :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 27, 2021, 06:07:56 PM
Yep, it looks like it eventually worked.  Radiant eventually figures it out. :lol :P

hahaha  :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on March 27, 2021, 08:13:17 PM
Taking the plunge for the virtual Morsefest this year, just bought my ticket.  Last year it was $100 I think, and that felt pretty steep to me for an online concert.  $60 was much more convincible.  I guess since I likely won't be going to any other concerts this year I can't really go wrong.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on April 02, 2021, 09:12:36 AM
The newest episode of Musicians having coffee and talking about stuff features Dave Meros:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3hOrlvo9hs&ab_channel=NealMorse

I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. Towards the end, Neal and Dave get really emotional talking about the height of their career and Neal's departure. There is also a hilarious story about how Dave thought he was absolutely terrible at his audition for Spock's Beard.  :lol

I cannot recommend this podcast enough. Please go for it.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on April 02, 2021, 09:50:15 AM
The newest episode of Musicians having coffee and talking about stuff features Dave Meros:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3hOrlvo9hs&ab_channel=NealMorse

I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. Towards the end, Neal and Dave get really emotional talking about the height of their career and Neal's departure. There is also a hilarious story about how Dave thought he was absolutely terrible at his audition for Spock's Beard.  :lol

I cannot recommend this podcast enough. Please go for it.  :tup

I shared this in the Spock's Beard thread yesterday as well. It really is a great listen/watch, and I second the recommendation to watch it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on April 04, 2021, 08:28:15 AM
You know, other than taking a while to ship product, I didn't really have all that negative of an experience dealing with Radiant.

It is, however, unfortunate to see that so many of Neal's work is missing from his store, and elsewhere. Snow is just out of print everywhere, as is Testimony. I think V is as well, and some of the other earlier solo albums are becoming hard to come by or are way overpriced due to limited copies still available, especially special editions. The Neal era Spock's albums seem to be disappearing. Thankfully I've collected all of Neal's albums at this point, but I see this happening to many albums by many bands, big and small.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 04, 2021, 09:07:51 AM


It is, however, unfortunate to see that so many of Neal's work is missing from his store, and elsewhere. Snow is just out of print everywhere, as is Testimony. I think V is as well, and some of the other earlier solo albums are becoming hard to come by or are way overpriced due to limited copies still available, especially special editions. The Neal era Spock's albums seem to be disappearing. Thankfully I've collected all of Neal's albums at this point, but I see this happening to many albums by many bands, big and small.

That is unfortunate for sure, but as less and less people buy physical CD's, I can't see how it would be cost effective for record companies to produce them, especially for fringe artists like Neal, so it becomes a "once we run out of what physical CD's are still left over, no point in making any new ones" situation.  With vinyl having a resurgence, I think it would be neat if all new vinyl purchases included a CD version of the album as well as a download link for the digital files, but I wouldn't count on that becoming an every album kind of thing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on April 04, 2021, 09:23:09 AM


It is, however, unfortunate to see that so many of Neal's work is missing from his store, and elsewhere. Snow is just out of print everywhere, as is Testimony. I think V is as well, and some of the other earlier solo albums are becoming hard to come by or are way overpriced due to limited copies still available, especially special editions. The Neal era Spock's albums seem to be disappearing. Thankfully I've collected all of Neal's albums at this point, but I see this happening to many albums by many bands, big and small.

That is unfortunate for sure, but as less and less people buy physical CD's, I can't see how it would be cost effective for record companies to produce them, especially for fringe artists like Neal, so it becomes a "once we run out of what physical CD's are still left over, no point in making any new ones" situation.  With vinyl having a resurgence, I think it would be neat if all new vinyl purchases included a CD version of the album as well as a download link for the digital files, but I wouldn't count on that becoming an every album kind of thing.

Even new albums go out of print less than a year after they're released if not sooner. If I'm not mistaken, this is how it was back in the 60s, 70s, and early 80s, but this time, it's because only so many copies are made, unless you're the big super star of the month, not because of copies flying off the shelves in the hundreds of thousands, or millions.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on April 05, 2021, 06:40:02 AM
I just got lucky and found Snow packaged in with Feel Euphoria and SB for $40 on ebay. I had no idea they are getting so expensive, so I'm going to go ahead and rush collecting them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on April 05, 2021, 07:21:05 AM


It is, however, unfortunate to see that so many of Neal's work is missing from his store, and elsewhere. Snow is just out of print everywhere, as is Testimony. I think V is as well, and some of the other earlier solo albums are becoming hard to come by or are way overpriced due to limited copies still available, especially special editions. The Neal era Spock's albums seem to be disappearing. Thankfully I've collected all of Neal's albums at this point, but I see this happening to many albums by many bands, big and small.

That is unfortunate for sure, but as less and less people buy physical CD's, I can't see how it would be cost effective for record companies to produce them, especially for fringe artists like Neal, so it becomes a "once we run out of what physical CD's are still left over, no point in making any new ones" situation.  With vinyl having a resurgence, I think it would be neat if all new vinyl purchases included a CD version of the album as well as a download link for the digital files, but I wouldn't count on that becoming an every album kind of thing.

Even new albums go out of print less than a year after they're released if not sooner. If I'm not mistaken, this is how it was back in the 60s, 70s, and early 80s, but this time, it's because only so many copies are made, unless you're the big super star of the month, not because of copies flying off the shelves in the hundreds of thousands, or millions.

I imagine at some point these will get the box set treatment like The Flower Kings and Enchant (and others) have done recently where all the CDs are available in one box (but just in the cardboard slip packaging without the full artwork and liners). But it is unfortunate that its hard to get the individual CDs. I recently picked up Day for Night again on Discogs because my original copy had a bad skip in it (right during the ending of My Shoes Revisited!)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on April 05, 2021, 10:38:35 AM
Not sure if the SB releases will ever get repackaged. The first few releases were through Metal Blade and they are known for not reissuing (specially if they are not financially feasible, like a SB band). In order for I/O (or the band) to release the boxset, they would have to buy the rights fro Metal Blade (assuming they still own them, SB or Neal might own the rights as well...will depend on the contract).

AFM bought all the rights for the Evergrey releases (which the 1st ones where from Inside Out) and they remastered them and released them both physically and digitally. But Inside Out never did a boxset for Evergrey.

I don't expect any boxset for anniversary treatment from Spocks' Beard anytime soon. It's tough on the financial side from either the band or a record label to make money out of a SP boxset.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on April 05, 2021, 11:05:06 AM
Not sure if the SB releases will ever get repackaged. The first few releases were through Metal Blade and they are known for not reissuing (specially if they are not financially feasible, like a SB band). In order for I/O (or the band) to release the boxset, they would have to buy the rights fro Metal Blade (assuming they still own them, SB or Neal might own the rights as well...will depend on the contract).

AFM bought all the rights for the Evergrey releases (which the 1st ones where from Inside Out) and they remastered them and released them both physically and digitally. But Inside Out never did a boxset for Evergrey.

I don't expect any boxset for anniversary treatment from Spocks' Beard anytime soon. It's tough on the financial side from either the band or a record label to make money out of a SP boxset.

Didnt Inside Out release all of the early albums remastered with bonus tracks?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on April 05, 2021, 11:08:11 AM
Not sure if the SB releases will ever get repackaged. The first few releases were through Metal Blade and they are known for not reissuing (specially if they are not financially feasible, like a SB band). In order for I/O (or the band) to release the boxset, they would have to buy the rights fro Metal Blade (assuming they still own them, SB or Neal might own the rights as well...will depend on the contract).

AFM bought all the rights for the Evergrey releases (which the 1st ones where from Inside Out) and they remastered them and released them both physically and digitally. But Inside Out never did a boxset for Evergrey.

I don't expect any boxset for anniversary treatment from Spocks' Beard anytime soon. It's tough on the financial side from either the band or a record label to make money out of a SP boxset.

Didnt Inside Out release all of the early albums remastered with bonus tracks?
]
I know Snow was at some point and Beware of Darkness. Don't know about the rest.

Beware of Darkness is available at LaserCD (Inside Out reissue)
https://www.lasercd.com/search_results?fulltext=spock%27s%20beard
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 05, 2021, 12:28:57 PM
The first 3 Neal-era SB albums had a slipcover/O-card re-release/digital remaster through Metal Blade, and each came with bonus tracks. They came out in 2004, and then in 2007, they re-released DFN, V, and Snow with slipcovers and bonus tracks as well.

Inside Out had a digipak release of V in Europe, and it came with a multimedia track. Snow had a mediabook and a a 3-disc box set from IO Europe as well.

These are just what I have in my own collection, but I've always been under the impression that the Neal-era albums were shared releases with Metal Blade and IO Europe. After Snow, all my SB albums have come from Inside Out (except X and BNADS).

As for a box set, I think if they do it it'll be 2 full sets - a 7 or 8 disc Neal set with the first 6 albums, and maybe a bonus disc of demos and B-sides; and a Nick and Ted era box set of 7 or 8 discs as well. But I have no idea if they'd be able to re-release the Neal stuff again. They did for certain tracks for The First Twenty Years compilation, so maybe they can do whole albums?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on April 05, 2021, 05:24:17 PM
So Neal became a grandpa today. Nick DVirgilio became one a couple weeks ago. Time marching on!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 05, 2021, 07:34:39 PM
So Neal became a grandpa today. Nick DVirgilio became one a couple weeks ago. Time marching on!

Saw that on Twitter earlier, about Neal. Yay for him and his family, and of course, NDV and his family as well!  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 16, 2021, 07:36:22 PM
Because I follow Neal on Twitter, I saw that Portnoy tweeted the following (Neal retweeted it):

Mike Portnoy
@MikePortnoy

Apr 14
I know this is officially LTE release week & want to stay focused on that, but I have to share that we literally just signed off today on the final masters of NMB4...and its another really special album! More info coming soon...


Hell yeah. Bring on the next album!!  :coolio :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on April 16, 2021, 07:47:51 PM
New JP solo album in 15 years, followed by new TA, new LTE, new TNMB, new TFK after one just came out, and eventually new DT, all in the span of a year.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 16, 2021, 09:56:09 PM
New JP solo album in 15 years, followed by new TA, new LTE, new TNMB, new TFK after one just came out, and eventually new DT, all in the span of a year.

Cue the Jumanji "WHAT YEAR IS IT?" meme. Also, don't forget Arjen Lucassen is working on a new Star One album, which only comes once a decade it seems. All of that plus a new Big Big Train, 2021 is shaping up to be a big contender against 2020.

Alright - so what predictions do we all have about NMB4? My guesses - single album, not a narrative concept album (but the songs might have a loose theme), there will be a new side-length epic (22-25 minutes). No bonus disc or bonus songs, but we will also get a Making Of DVD, plus a couple music videos of them tracking the songs or overdubbing in their own studios (like most videos have been over the last year). Since Morsefest will feature the new album, I assume we will get a late September release.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 17, 2021, 08:03:51 AM
Can't remember where I saw it, but Randy George supposedly said this album will be different, so fans should prepare themselves.  I am not expecting some radical departure, but would be cool to hear a different type of album structure and whatnot.  I'd love to see Neal, Eric and Bill take on more of an equal parts deal when it comes to lead vocals, which wouldn't surprise me given that Neal's voice is getting older and starting to sound a bit weary at times.  Less lead vocals would help him when it comes to the eventual touring.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on April 17, 2021, 08:08:51 AM
*Neal Morse fans and haters put on new Neal Morse Band album claimed to be different*

---

30 seconds later:


Everyone: "This sounds like every Neal Morse album!"
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on April 17, 2021, 08:10:03 AM
By the way, I'm thinking about listening through a bunch of albums I haven't listened to in a bit, inspired by the new TA and LTE albums, and I thought I'd get DTF in on it.

Basically, I'll do a "duel" discography thread: a Mike Portnoy discography thread that merges with a Neal Morse discography thread. So no post-Neal Spock's Beard, or post-Portnoy Dream Theater. Also not trying to go through every album Portnoy has ever played on, just sticking to Dream Theater related studio albums and Neal Morse related studio material, and only prog-related albums for Neal.

Chronologically going back and forth (based on release date) between:

* Dream Theater's first 3 albums
* 1990s DT, Liquid Tension Experiment, Neal era Spock's Beard + his first solo album
* 2000s DT, Neal solo, and Transatlantic
* 2010s NM solo, The Neal Morse Band, Flying Colors
* 2020s Transatlantic, Terminal Velocity, and LTE3

Who's down?

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=41524.msg2766417#msg2766417 (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=41524.msg2766417#msg2766417)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 17, 2021, 08:12:01 AM
*Neal Morse fans and haters put on new Neal Morse Band album claimed to be different*

---

30 seconds later:


Everyone: "This sounds like every Neal Morse album!"

Haha, exactly.  However, once Neal starts singing in his distinctive tone and the lyrics are of a, shall we say, spiritual nature, it's hard to get past that and think, "This is different."   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on April 17, 2021, 08:18:24 AM
*Neal Morse fans and haters put on new Neal Morse Band album claimed to be different*

---

30 seconds later:


Everyone: "This sounds like every Neal Morse album!"

Haha, exactly.  However, once Neal starts singing in his distinctive tone and the lyrics are of a, shall we say, spiritual nature, it's hard to get past that and think, "This is different."

I've always wanted to hear a Neal Morse solo album where Roine Stolt handles all lead vocal duties, or a Roine Stolt solo album where Neal handles all lead vocals. But I guess that is what Transatlantic is for.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on April 17, 2021, 10:57:55 AM
Can't remember where I saw it, but Randy George supposedly said this album will be different, so fans should prepare themselves.  I am not expecting some radical departure, but would be cool to hear a different type of album structure and whatnot.  I'd love to see Neal, Eric and Bill take on more of an equal parts deal when it comes to lead vocals, which wouldn't surprise me given that Neal's voice is getting older and starting to sound a bit weary at times.  Less lead vocals would help him when it comes to the eventual touring.

They said something similar about The Grand Experiment.
And then they named the album The Grand Experiment.
But the album actually wasn't that grand of an experiment.
It was a typical Morse album with some different singers sometimes singing. And I was and still am completely fine with that!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on April 17, 2021, 11:52:08 AM
Can't remember where I saw it, but Randy George supposedly said this album will be different, so fans should prepare themselves.  I am not expecting some radical departure, but would be cool to hear a different type of album structure and whatnot.  I'd love to see Neal, Eric and Bill take on more of an equal parts deal when it comes to lead vocals, which wouldn't surprise me given that Neal's voice is getting older and starting to sound a bit weary at times.  Less lead vocals would help him when it comes to the eventual touring.

They said something similar about The Grand Experiment.
And then they named the album The Grand Experiment.
But the album actually wasn't that grand of an experiment.
It was a typical Morse album with some different singers sometimes singing. And I was and still am completely fine with that!!

I don't know; my daughter thinks "Agenda" sounds like a One Direction song (and I don't disagree with her in some ways).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on April 17, 2021, 04:17:29 PM
I think The Grand Experiment is the most "different" album in the prog Neal Morse/NMB catalog. That's not to say that it's, like, a particularly sharp left turn or anything, but it stands out, in my opinion. There are no songs like Waterfall or Agenda on any other Morse album, the title track definitely has a different edge, and I think the middle section of Alive Again ("The king of surprise and the boredom queen...") is unusual even while the bookends are classic Morse.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on April 17, 2021, 04:20:50 PM
Can't remember where I saw it, but Randy George supposedly said this album will be different, so fans should prepare themselves.  I am not expecting some radical departure, but would be cool to hear a different type of album structure and whatnot.  I'd love to see Neal, Eric and Bill take on more of an equal parts deal when it comes to lead vocals, which wouldn't surprise me given that Neal's voice is getting older and starting to sound a bit weary at times.  Less lead vocals would help him when it comes to the eventual touring.

They said something similar about The Grand Experiment.
And then they named the album The Grand Experiment.
But the album actually wasn't that grand of an experiment.
It was a typical Morse album with some different singers sometimes singing. And I was and still am completely fine with that!!

 :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 17, 2021, 09:16:07 PM
I think The Grand Experiment is the most "different" album in the prog Neal Morse/NMB catalog. That's not to say that it's, like, a particularly sharp left turn or anything, but it stands out, in my opinion. There are no songs like Waterfall or Agenda on any other Morse album, the title track definitely has a different edge, and I think the middle section of Alive Again ("The king of surprise and the boredom queen...") is unusual even while the bookends are classic Morse.

Agreed.  In fact, as samey as Neal's music gets accused of being, the three NMB albums so far have all been different from one another as well.  Even when they did the Similitude follow-up with the Great Adventure, the sequel managed to be just different enough to not sound like a copycat album at all (Similitude was much lighter tonally and The Great Adventure was much darker and grittier). 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on April 20, 2021, 05:38:42 PM
I gave The Grand Experiment a listen yesterday, and while it has some nice moments, it's not necessarily one of my favorite Neal albums. I like that this is more of a band than a Neal solo album, so there is definitely a slightly different feel, but Mike has been playing with Neal for 20 years and Randy's been there on most albums, so the big difference I hear is added vocalists and the Petrucci -influenced style of Eric on guitar, which I think works really well with Neal's music. The Call, while I find it a little cheesy with some of the vocals, is a top notch tune with in the big epic style Neal brings but without it being 34 minutes long. The 'actual' epic Alive Again is still not fully clicking with me but the ending is pretty dramatic. The middle tune, Waterfall, is one of the more original songs from Neal's world over the last 10 years, and is a nice tune with good melody. The other two songs I can take em or leave em. At least on Momentum I enjoy every track on their own. To me, this was always the Neal Morse Band version of Kaleidoscope, very similar album structure, though unlike TA, they didn't really go heavy with the ballads and instead went with weird clunky 'mainstream sounding' rock songs. Having said that, Agenda gets stuck in my head. It's like I want to dislike the song, because I really dislike the title track, but for some reason that one works.

I think they struck gold on their next two albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 21, 2021, 06:36:15 AM
I actually think The Grand Experiment is NMB's 2nd best album (behind Similitude).  The Call, Waterfall and Alive Again are all totally awesome, and all, IMO, light years better than anything from The Great Adventure, which I consider very good overall.   No, the title track and Agenda are not world beaters (solid tunes, but fairly unspectacular), but The Call, Waterfall and Alive Again take up over 43 minutes of the proper album's 53 minutes (-ish) running order, and when over 80% of an album is that awesome, that's a major winner in my book.

Note that I am not considering the bonus tracks since they are not part of the proper album, although I will say that had New Jerusalem and Doomsday Destiny been part of the proper album instead of Agenda and The Grand Experiment, it could have been in the convo for Neal's best album (from any of his projects) to date.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on April 21, 2021, 06:47:14 AM
Totally agree. Those two bonus tracks are better songs. For me, TGE has some of his best work and some of his lesser work so for me it doesn't stack up against Neal's best albums, solo or with TA. The Call has to be one of the best openers on a NM related album though, one of his and the band's best tunes, I just wish it didn't start with those acapella vocals. Alive Again to me is an upper mid-tier Neal epic, like World Without End or Kaleidoscope; good, but he's produced better.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on April 21, 2021, 11:12:12 AM
Alive Again is my favorite Neil epic, the only one that comes close is Seeds Of Gold.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 21, 2021, 11:13:26 AM
Alive Again is my favorite Neil epic, the only one that comes close is Seeds Of Gold.
Love both of those.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 21, 2021, 11:29:50 AM
Alive Again is my favorite Neil epic, the only one that comes close is Seeds Of Gold.

"Seeds Of Gold" is probably my favorite epic Neal has done outside of Transatlantic. For one reason or another "Alive Again" just never stuck with me, but I like it a bit more than "World Without End", which felt a bit bloated to me.

Out of curiosity, how would everyone rank the following four Neal epics - "So Many Roads", "Seeds Of Gold", "World Without End", and "Alive Again"?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on April 21, 2021, 12:03:57 PM
Out of curiosity, how would everyone rank the following four Neal epics - "So Many Roads", "Seeds Of Gold", "World Without End", and "Alive Again"?

-Marc.

World Without End
Seeds of Gold
Alive Again
So Many Roads

I haven't listened to SMR more than a couple times I think, but I don't remember liking it that much.

WWE and SOG are wonderful and either could be spot 1 or 2, I just haven't listened to Seeds in a while and World is a bit fresher in my mind.

As for Alive Again being that low... I love the song and I'm actually listening to it as I type this, but it's that dang Bill vocal section that brings it down for me. Can't stand the guy's lead voice (his harmonies are really good tho). I'd take Pete Trewavas singing lead any day over Bill :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on April 21, 2021, 12:10:54 PM
Alive Again is my favorite Neil epic, the only one that comes close is Seeds Of Gold.

"Seeds Of Gold" is probably my favorite epic Neal has done outside of Transatlantic. For one reason or another "Alive Again" just never stuck with me, but I like it a bit more than "World Without End", which felt a bit bloated to me.

Out of curiosity, how would everyone rank the following four Neal epics - "So Many Roads", "Seeds Of Gold", "World Without End", and "Alive Again"?

-Marc.

Seeds of Gold (absolutely the best out of these 4 imo)
Alive Again
World Without End
So Many Roads
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on April 21, 2021, 12:12:56 PM

FANTASTIC:
World Without End
Seeds of Gold


GOOD:
Alive Again


EH, IT'S OK:
So Many Roads
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on April 21, 2021, 12:15:29 PM

FANTASTIC:
World Without End
Seeds of Gold


GOOD:
Alive Again

 :tup :tup :tup
EH, IT'S OK:
So Many Roads

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 21, 2021, 12:44:47 PM
Out of curiosity, how would everyone rank the following four Neal epics - "So Many Roads", "Seeds Of Gold", "World Without End", and "Alive Again"?

-Marc.

Alive Again
Seeds of Gold





World Without End









So Many Roads
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on April 21, 2021, 12:58:27 PM
Out of curiosity, how would everyone rank the following four Neal epics - "So Many Roads", "Seeds Of Gold", "World Without End", and "Alive Again"?

-Marc.

World Without End
Seeds of Gold
Alive Again
So Many Roads

I haven't listened to SMR more than a couple times I think, but I don't remember liking it that much.

WWE and SOG are wonderful and either could be spot 1 or 2, I just haven't listened to Seeds in a while and World is a bit fresher in my mind.

As for Alive Again being that low... I love the song and I'm actually listening to it as I type this, but it's that dang Bill vocal section that brings it down for me. Can't stand the guy's lead voice (his harmonies are really good tho). I'd take Pete Trewavas singing lead any day over Bill :lol

Not to argue, but just as counterpoint, that section - it starts about 16:30 into the song - is far and away my favorite part of the song, and it's why Alive Again is my favorite epic; I think it brings a neat little balance and contrast to the rest of the song. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on April 21, 2021, 01:26:15 PM
Alive Again is my favorite Neil epic, the only one that comes close is Seeds Of Gold.

"Seeds Of Gold" is probably my favorite epic Neal has done outside of Transatlantic. For one reason or another "Alive Again" just never stuck with me, but I like it a bit more than "World Without End", which felt a bit bloated to me.

Out of curiosity, how would everyone rank the following four Neal epics - "So Many Roads", "Seeds Of Gold", "World Without End", and "Alive Again"?

-Marc.


World Without End
Seeds Of Gold
Alive Again
So Many Road

I don't understand why World Without End is so rarely talked about. I think it's up there with the best epics in Neal's entire catalogue.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on April 21, 2021, 01:45:24 PM

World Without End
Seeds Of Gold
Alive Again
So Many Roads


My ranking as well, and yeah World Without End is one of Neal's best epic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on April 21, 2021, 04:25:39 PM
So Many Roads - my easy favorite

World Without End / Alive Again - both great Ill call them equal

Seeds of Gold - maybe the only Neal epic that never really clicked with me. Its not bad or anything but I never really go back to it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on April 21, 2021, 04:45:09 PM
Seeds of Gold
World Without End
Alive Again
So Many Roads

I think SoG is one of Neal's best epics, and the others are all good, but I like World Without End the most of the bottom 3. I've brought up WWE at least once in the last few months either here or on the TA thread, and few respond, so I'm not sure why no one talks about it. Maybe because it's on one of his least popular albums with MP on drums?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on April 21, 2021, 05:53:10 PM
I haven't spent a lot of time with Seeds of Gold. Testimony 2 and Sola Gratia are going to be the albums I focus on next time I'm in a NM phase. I'd rank the other three:

Alive Again
World Without End
So Many Roads

I suspect I'll end up putting Seeds of Gold either second or third out of these. It's unlikely that it will beat Alive Again, which I love. I think it has a good chance of beating World Without End, and I'm pretty sure it does beat So Many Roads (which isn't a bad song, but not really up to the standard of the others).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on April 21, 2021, 06:11:20 PM
So Many Roads
Seeds of Gold
Alive Again
----big gap----
World Without End

I ended up going to Morsefest 2017 because I was sure they were gonna end up playing my two favorite Morse epics. Glad I was right!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on April 22, 2021, 02:17:35 AM
1. World without end (masterpiece)

2. Seeds of gold (fantastic)


3. So many roads (really great)












4. Alive again (haven't felt the need to listen to it in at least five years)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on April 22, 2021, 02:23:39 AM
1. World without end (masterpiece)

2. Seeds of gold (fantastic)


3. So many roads (really great)












4. Alive again (haven't felt the need to listen to it in at least five years)

 :tup

WWE
SoG
SMR
AA
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 22, 2021, 10:27:23 AM
Just a little self-promotion here - my Neal Morse Survivor (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=55906.0) has entered into the Consolation Rounds (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=56407.0) today, which will run for 13 rounds (it'll take about a month to complete), and then we will head into the Finals where you can vote off least-favorite songs until the Top Neal Morse Song reigns! The last time I ran the survivor in 2015, these were the results of the Finals:
1. Seeds Of Gold
2. The Separated Man
3. The Creation
4. World Without End
5. Author Of Confusion
6. The Call
7. 12
8. The Door
9. Alive Again
10. In The Fire
11. The Conflict
12, It's For You
13. Somber Days
14. Sing It High
15. It's All I Can Do
16. Thoughts Part 5
      The Conclusion
18. Oh, To Feel Him
19. Lifeline
20. Leviathan

This time, there will be ten extra songs (due to Neal having released two more NMB albums, and one more solo album), so the Finals will be a bit bigger this time around! Feel free to check out the survivor in the Polls/Survivor subforum here, I would love to see more participants, especially through Consolation and Finals rounds!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 22, 2021, 03:10:17 PM
You're a trooper to persist with that survivor given how few seem to be voting.  I'd vote, but I simply never wander into the polls section of the forum, and even if tried to remember to vote on these, I know I'd forget.  :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on April 22, 2021, 03:22:50 PM
Can't remember where I saw it, but Randy George supposedly said this album will be different, so fans should prepare themselves.  I am not expecting some radical departure, but would be cool to hear a different type of album structure and whatnot.  I'd love to see Neal, Eric and Bill take on more of an equal parts deal when it comes to lead vocals, which wouldn't surprise me given that Neal's voice is getting older and starting to sound a bit weary at times.  Less lead vocals would help him when it comes to the eventual touring.

They said something similar about The Grand Experiment.
And then they named the album The Grand Experiment.
But the album actually wasn't that grand of an experiment.
It was a typical Morse album with some different singers sometimes singing. And I was and still am completely fine with that!!

I don't know; my daughter thinks "Agenda" sounds like a One Direction song (and I don't disagree with her in some ways).

Agenda reminds me so much of I Love It Loud that I can't believe it's not intentional
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 29, 2021, 04:55:55 PM
Neal just shared this upset about 25 minutes ago:

Quote
Tomorrow is the official release date of the reissue of Transatlantics SMPTe on vinyl.  Unfortunately we havent yet received our stock of Cover To Cover, Cover 2 Cover and SMPTe vinyl from the supplier.

Apologies to everyone but I can assure you that when the stock arrives, it will be dispatched as quickly as possible. I know youll enjoy them a lot when they arrive and at Radiant, we really appreciate your order and your patience.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on April 30, 2021, 08:47:17 AM
Neal just shared this upset about 25 minutes ago:

Quote
Tomorrow is the official release date of the reissue of Transatlantics SMPTe on vinyl.  Unfortunately we havent yet received our stock of Cover To Cover, Cover 2 Cover and SMPTe vinyl from the supplier.

Apologies to everyone but I can assure you that when the stock arrives, it will be dispatched as quickly as possible. I know youll enjoy them a lot when they arrive and at Radiant, we really appreciate your order and your patience.

-Marc.

Typo or no?   :)  :) :) :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 30, 2021, 01:59:29 PM
Neal just shared this upset about 25 minutes ago:

Quote
Tomorrow is the official release date of the reissue of Transatlantics SMPTe on vinyl.  Unfortunately we havent yet received our stock of Cover To Cover, Cover 2 Cover and SMPTe vinyl from the supplier.

Apologies to everyone but I can assure you that when the stock arrives, it will be dispatched as quickly as possible. I know youll enjoy them a lot when they arrive and at Radiant, we really appreciate your order and your patience.

-Marc.

Typo or no?   :)  :) :) :)

Freudian typo.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 11, 2021, 08:12:43 AM
News about Morsefest 2021 from Neal:

Quote
Exciting news! As restrictions on all gatherings in Nashville venues are lifting this week, weve decided to release more in-person double show tickets for Morsefest 2021. These will go on sale on Wed May 12th at 9:00AM Central at https://www.nealmorse.com/product-category/morsefest/ Dont miss out on the live premiere of tracks from the new NMB album and many other surprises!

If you wanted tickets but missed out, now is your chance!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 01, 2021, 07:15:04 AM
Quote
NMB are pleased to announce the release of their much-anticipated fourth studio album Innocence & Danger on August 27th, 2021.

With NMB’s previous two releases being concept albums, it’s perhaps remarkable that Innocence & Danger is a series of unrelated songs, but drummer Mike Portnoy says “After two sprawling back to back double concept albums in a row, it was refreshing to get back to writing a collection of unrelated individual songs in the vein of our first album.”

Indeed, making this album came easy to the band; while the initial inspiration came particularly from Bill Hubauer (keyboards) and Randy George (bass), the ideas flowed from everybody from there on, as George recalls: “I am excited about the level of collaboration that we achieved on this one. We even went in with a lot of ideas that weren’t necessarily developed, and I think in the end we have something that represents the best of everybody in the band.”

In fact – like its two acclaimed predecessors – Innocence & Danger is a double-album by inspiration, rather than design, as Portnoy explains: “As much as we wanted to try and keep it to a single album after having just done two double albums, we wrote so much material that we found ourselves with our third double album in a row! That’s pretty prog!”

There is also plenty: “There's one half hour epic and another that's about 20 minutes long. I really didn't realise that they were that long when we were recording them, which I guess is great because if a movie is really good, you don't realise that it's three hours long! But there are also some shorter songs: some have poppier elements, some are heavier and some have three part acoustic sections. I’m excited about all of it, really.”

The album will be released as a Limited 2CD+DVD Digipak (featuring a Making Of documentary), 3LP+2CD Boxset, Standard 2CD Jewelcase & Digital Album, featuring artwork by Thomas Ewerhard (Transatlantic). Pre-orders start on the 18th June, and the full track-listing is below:

CD 1 (Innocence):

1. Do It All Again 08:55

2. Bird On A Wire 07:22

3. Your Place In The Sun 04:12

4. Another Story To Tell 04:50

5. The Way It Had To Be 07:14

6. Emergence 03:12

7. Not Afraid Pt. 1 04:53

8. Bridge Over Troubled Water 08:08

CD 2 (Danger):

1. Not Afraid Pt. 2 19:32

2. Beyond The Years 31:22

The Neal Morse Band (now NMB) was formed in 2012, featuring long-time collaborators Neal Morse (vocals, keyboards and guitars), Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals) and Randy George (bass), as well as Bill Hubauer (keyboards, vocals) and Eric Gillette (guitars, vocals). The band’s first album, The Grand Experiment, showed both a freshness and maturity that was further developed in 2016’s The Similitude Of A Dream, 2019’s The Great Adventure and 2021’s Innocence & Danger.

Look for NMB on tour in North America in October 2021 and in Europe throughout May/June 2022. Tour dates coming soon!
Blessings,

The Radiant Records Team

(https://www.nealmorse.com/wp-content/uploads/NMB-ID-Cover.png)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on June 01, 2021, 07:18:18 AM
Cool! Another double album then, with two long epics.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on June 01, 2021, 07:41:29 AM
Glad the title is somewhat different for this group (doesn't begin with "The ...") and thankfully no Overture. The cover art is pretty interesting also. I'm curious about the decision to stick both epics on the 2nd disc....I'd prefer them to be spaced out and have each disc be more balanced, especially since there's no concept running throughout. This group of musicians works really well together and I'm very excited to hear something non-Similitude for the first time in 5 years.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on June 01, 2021, 07:44:06 AM
I'm curious as to why they named CD 1 'Innocence' and CD 2 'Danger' if there's no concept or theme to the album this time (aside from referencing the album title).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on June 01, 2021, 07:51:23 AM
This might sound a bit odd, but is anyone slightly less interested in the album given the bigger contribution from the remaining members of the band? I am aware of everyone's talent and general input, but I hope the album isn't deprived of the Morse magic, if that makes sense. Hopefully my point didn't come across as harsh, since that is not the intention.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: lucasembarbosa on June 01, 2021, 08:02:18 AM
This might sound a bit odd, but is anyone slightly less interested in the album given the bigger contribution from the remaining members of the band? I am aware of everyone's talent and general input, but I hope the album isn't deprived of the Morse magic, if that makes sense. Hopefully my point didn't come across as harsh, since that is not the intention.

I have the opposite opinion. I'd like to see more contribution especially from Bill and Eric, they bring fresh ideas to the already established NM compositional style well known to us.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on June 01, 2021, 08:07:35 AM
Opposite for me as well.  This keeps a band fresh.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 01, 2021, 08:08:41 AM
This might sound a bit odd, but is anyone slightly less interested in the album given the bigger contribution from the remaining members of the band? I am aware of everyone's talent and general input, but I hope the album isn't deprived of the Morse magic, if that makes sense. Hopefully my point didn't come across as harsh, since that is not the intention.

The Grand Experiment was also written as a full band with a lot of input from the other members, and that turned out quite good, in my opinion.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 01, 2021, 08:10:14 AM
Glad the title is somewhat different for this group (doesn't begin with "The ...") and thankfully no Overture. The cover art is pretty interesting also. I'm curious about the decision to stick both epics on the 2nd disc....I'd prefer them to be spaced out and have each disc be more balanced, especially since there's no concept running throughout. This group of musicians works really well together and I'm very excited to hear something non-Similitude for the first time in 5 years.

Well, there are two 20 min+ songs, one even longer than 30 minutes. I bet a jolt there's an overture for one of those two  :lol


This might sound a bit odd, but is anyone slightly less interested in the album given the bigger contribution from the remaining members of the band? I am aware of everyone's talent and general input, but I hope the album isn't deprived of the Morse magic, if that makes sense. Hopefully my point didn't come across as harsh, since that is not the intention.

Don't worry, music with Neal Morse involved always sounds like Neal Morse. No matter how much the others' contributions are advertised in the announcements.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 01, 2021, 09:01:35 AM
I&D looks to serve up 100 minutes of proggy goodness, half of which forms just two songs!

The two epics on disc 2 reminds me of The Tangent's Not As Good As The Book, which also features two epics on its second disc. I think naming the discs as "ainnocence" and "Danger" is probably just using the album title to their advantage as the album ended up being two CDs, so it sort of worked out that way.

I'm excited to hear what they've got, especially since they've included more ideas from Bill and Randy, but I'm sure they also wrote and re-wrote a lot of stuff in the studio. I'm also glad they're including another Making-of Documentary again, I love watching those!

Edit - apparently the final track of disc one *is* the famed Simon & Garfunkel song, as confirmed by Randy on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/629499552/posts/10159511970974553/

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on June 01, 2021, 09:13:11 AM
This might sound a bit odd, but is anyone slightly less interested in the album given the bigger contribution from the remaining members of the band? I am aware of everyone's talent and general input, but I hope the album isn't deprived of the Morse magic, if that makes sense. Hopefully my point didn't come across as harsh, since that is not the intention.

Isn't this the case for all The Neal Morse Band albums? (the whole reason why there is a branding disctintion between NM and TNMB). And I think most at the very least will agree their three albums thus far are good (and include all the elements that people love NM music for).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 01, 2021, 09:16:07 AM
^ Totally agree about The Tangent album. Similar track listing.

I'm excited to hear what they wrote. This isn't the first NM album to have two epics in a row (Sola Scriptura) and it works on that one, but that last track Beyond The Years on Innocence & Danger does look massive. I would prefer the epics spaced out as well, but we'll see.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 01, 2021, 09:21:36 AM
First album I thought of when I saw the tracklist was IQ's Resistance. But Not As Good As The Book fits even better.

The two epics are probably the thing I look forward to the most. But I agree, I would have liked them spaced out a bit more too.

Cover is very random and unimaginative (again) in my opinion. As is the whole concept and idea of the album name.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 01, 2021, 09:31:32 AM
Cover is very random and unimaginative (again) in my opinion.

It looks like a Symphony X cover because of the maks :lol

apparently the final track of disc one *is* the famed Simon & Garfunkel song, as confirmed by Randy on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/629499552/posts/10159511970974553/

Will need to check the original song in preparation for the album. Not a big fan of bands recording covers, though.

Anyway, really excited about this :metal

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 01, 2021, 09:32:47 AM
This might sound a bit odd, but is anyone slightly less interested in the album given the bigger contribution from the remaining members of the band? I am aware of everyone's talent and general input, but I hope the album isn't deprived of the Morse magic, if that makes sense. Hopefully my point didn't come across as harsh, since that is not the intention.

Isn't this the case for all The Neal Morse Band albums? (the whole reason why there is a branding disctintion between NM and TNMB). And I think most at the very least will agree their three albums thus far are good (and include all the elements that people love NM music for).

My understanding is that for TSOAD and especially for TGA, Neal brought demos and the rest of the band made contributions. On TGE and I&D, the band wrote together without Neal bringing in a bunch of existing ideas.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on June 01, 2021, 09:41:14 AM
I seem to remember that The Grand experiment was also very collaborative. Unfortunately, I didn't care for that album that much. I will not look for patterns, though. As long as the music moves me, it doesn't matter who writes it.  ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 01, 2021, 10:00:17 AM
I love that we get a double album (for sheer content, as I love this band's output) AND not a concept album (because that would be too much).

Can't wait for this!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on June 01, 2021, 10:16:49 AM
I'm not a big fan of NMB albums. But honestly I didn't think the last projects outside the NMB were that good (JCTE and Sola Gratia). So I got to a point where I don't expect anything, I don't have any demands,  I don't feel any excitement etc.

So I think I'm at a comfortable point.

I listen to Neal Morse's releases. If I like it, OK. If I don't like it so much, OK.  :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 01, 2021, 10:17:55 AM
I didn't think the last projects outside the NMB were that good (JCTE and Sola Gratia).
I agree with you on this.  Which is why I'm glad to him back making music with the band again.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on June 01, 2021, 10:22:41 AM
Glad the title is somewhat different for this group (doesn't begin with "The ...") and thankfully no Overture. The cover art is pretty interesting also. I'm curious about the decision to stick both epics on the 2nd disc....I'd prefer them to be spaced out and have each disc be more balanced, especially since there's no concept running throughout. This group of musicians works really well together and I'm very excited to hear something non-Similitude for the first time in 5 years.

Well, there are two 20 min+ songs, one even longer than 30 minutes. I bet a jolt there's an overture for one of those two
  :lol

A safe bet  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 01, 2021, 11:11:30 AM
Glad the title is somewhat different for this group (doesn't begin with "The ...") and thankfully no Overture. The cover art is pretty interesting also. I'm curious about the decision to stick both epics on the 2nd disc....I'd prefer them to be spaced out and have each disc be more balanced, especially since there's no concept running throughout. This group of musicians works really well together and I'm very excited to hear something non-Similitude for the first time in 5 years.

Well, there are two 20 min+ songs, one even longer than 30 minutes. I bet a jolt there's an overture for one of those two
  :lol

A safe bet  :lol

I think there assuredly will be at least ONE "I. Overture" movement between those two epics, if both don't have one or some variation of the term Overture.

I didn't think the last projects outside the NMB were that good (JCTE and Sola Gratia).
I agree with you on this.  Which is why I'm glad to him back making music with the band again.

Agreed as well - I was luke-warm on Sola Gratia. It's not an AWFUL album, but I don't find myself going back to it very often these days. I had grown used to the musical variety and collaboration between the members of the NMB, so I am more excited to hear what Neal can do with them again. Hard to believe it's only been two years since The Great Adventure, but I suppose that's because 2020 felt like a really long time, and we've gotten Sola Gratia and Transatlantic's The Absolute Universe in the time between TGA and I&D, so Neal fans haven't exactly been super-starved for proggy Neal output.

apparently the final track of disc one *is* the famed Simon & Garfunkel song, as confirmed by Randy on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/629499552/posts/10159511970974553/

Will need to check the original song in preparation for the album. Not a big fan of bands recording covers, though.

Anyway, really excited about this :metal

I don't mind Neal's covers, and in this case, if they treat it the way they did "MacArthur Park", then I'm actually looking forward to hearing how it'll work out. I wonder if it was Bill who brought the cover idea up again (as he did with "MacArthur Park")? I'm sure it'll be revealed in the Making-Of Documentary.

-Marc
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on June 01, 2021, 11:33:14 AM
Glad the title is somewhat different for this group (doesn't begin with "The ...") and thankfully no Overture. The cover art is pretty interesting also. I'm curious about the decision to stick both epics on the 2nd disc....I'd prefer them to be spaced out and have each disc be more balanced, especially since there's no concept running throughout. This group of musicians works really well together and I'm very excited to hear something non-Similitude for the first time in 5 years.

Well, there are two 20 min+ songs, one even longer than 30 minutes. I bet a jolt there's an overture for one of those two
  :lol

A safe bet  :lol

I think there assuredly will be at least ONE "I. Overture" movement between those two epics, if both don't have one or some variation of the term Overture.

 :tup :biggrin:

I didn't think the last projects outside the NMB were that good (JCTE and Sola Gratia).
I agree with you on this.  Which is why I'm glad to him back making music with the band again.

Agreed as well - I was luke-warm on Sola Gratia. It's not an AWFUL album, but I don't find myself going back to it very often these days. I had grown used to the musical variety and collaboration between the members of the NMB, so I am more excited to hear what Neal can do with them again. Hard to believe it's only been two years since The Great Adventure, but I suppose that's because 2020 felt like a really long time, and we've gotten Sola Gratia and Transatlantic's The Absolute Universe in the time between TGA and I&D, so Neal fans haven't exactly been super-starved for proggy Neal output.

The problem I see with NMB's idea of freshness is that two of the other four musicians have been collaborating with NM since 2003/2004.
The freshness has to come from Bill and Eric. At least I think Bill tries.

apparently the final track of disc one *is* the famed Simon & Garfunkel song, as confirmed by Randy on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/629499552/posts/10159511970974553/

Will need to check the original song in preparation for the album. Not a big fan of bands recording covers, though.

Anyway, really excited about this :metal

I don't mind Neal's covers, and in this case, if they treat it the way they did "MacArthur Park", then I'm actually looking forward to hearing how it'll work out. I wonder if it was Bill who brought the cover idea up again (as he did with "MacArthur Park")? I'm sure it'll be revealed in the Making-Of Documentary.

-Marc

MacArthur Park is my favorite song from TGE sessions.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 01, 2021, 11:58:26 AM
Glad the title is somewhat different for this group (doesn't begin with "The ...") and thankfully no Overture. The cover art is pretty interesting also. I'm curious about the decision to stick both epics on the 2nd disc....I'd prefer them to be spaced out and have each disc be more balanced, especially since there's no concept running throughout. This group of musicians works really well together and I'm very excited to hear something non-Similitude for the first time in 5 years.

Well, there are two 20 min+ songs, one even longer than 30 minutes. I bet a jolt there's an overture for one of those two
  :lol

A safe bet  :lol

I think there assuredly will be at least ONE "I. Overture" movement between those two epics, if both don't have one or some variation of the term Overture.

I wish he did the bolded. In retrospective, they could've had "Breath of Life Overture" and "Forevermore Overture" on TAU (or something similar), but missed it. Same applies to all Neal's other tracks titled Overture :lol

apparently the final track of disc one *is* the famed Simon & Garfunkel song, as confirmed by Randy on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/629499552/posts/10159511970974553/

Will need to check the original song in preparation for the album. Not a big fan of bands recording covers, though.

Anyway, really excited about this :metal

I don't mind Neal's covers, and in this case, if they treat it the way they did "MacArthur Park", then I'm actually looking forward to hearing how it'll work out. I wonder if it was Bill who brought the cover idea up again (as he did with "MacArthur Park")? I'm sure it'll be revealed in the Making-Of Documentary.

-Marc

Just listened to the Simon & Garfunkel song for the first time and it sounded to me like Bill will definitely sing lead for that one, so I'm even less interested in that one now :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on June 01, 2021, 12:08:43 PM
Glad the title is somewhat different for this group (doesn't begin with "The ...") and thankfully no Overture. The cover art is pretty interesting also. I'm curious about the decision to stick both epics on the 2nd disc....I'd prefer them to be spaced out and have each disc be more balanced, especially since there's no concept running throughout. This group of musicians works really well together and I'm very excited to hear something non-Similitude for the first time in 5 years.

Well, there are two 20 min+ songs, one even longer than 30 minutes. I bet a jolt there's an overture for one of those two  :lol



 ;D Maybe we'll get the ever-elusive Prelude instead
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on June 01, 2021, 12:48:00 PM
(http://shutupandtakemymoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/shut-up-logo-1000.png)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 01, 2021, 01:38:19 PM
Nice!  Less than three months away, woohoo!  :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 01, 2021, 01:47:57 PM
I'm curious as to why they named CD 1 'Innocence' and CD 2 'Danger' if there's no concept or theme to the album this time (aside from referencing the album title).

Well, not afraid pt 1 is in disc one and pt 2 on 2, I thnk there's a concept or theme on the album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 01, 2021, 03:34:39 PM
;D Maybe we'll get the ever-elusive Prelude instead

I think there assuredly will be at least ONE "I. Overture" movement between those two epics, if both don't have one or some variation of the term Overture.

What if it's "I. Prelude" and "II. Overture"?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on June 01, 2021, 03:52:17 PM
;D Maybe we'll get the ever-elusive Prelude instead

I think there assuredly will be at least ONE "I. Overture" movement between those two epics, if both don't have one or some variation of the term Overture.

What if it's "I. Prelude" and "II. Overture"?

He already pulled that shit on Sola Gratia with Preface so I hope not but he has been known to repeat himself...

I. Prelude
II. Overture
III. Introduction
IV. Precursor
V. The End
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 01, 2021, 03:55:52 PM

Agreed as well - I was luke-warm on Sola Gratia. It's not an AWFUL album, but I don't find myself going back to it very often these days. 

As a whole, me neither, but it did give us Overflow and Never Change, both of which I already consider two stone cold Neal classic tunes.  Seemingly Sincere is pretty darn good as well.  I still revisit those three somewhat often.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Volante99 on June 01, 2021, 04:01:29 PM
Oh yippee another double album... :P

So I know it sounds petty but my issue with NMB and like 90% of prog albums today is that the albums are just too damn long. The real tragedy of losing the physical album format is that it forced artists to self edit, trim the fat. So the album is 100 minutes- I bet theres probably 55 minutes of killer, amazing music buried in a big chunk of fluff and half baked ideas...

Similitude and Great Adventure are nearly perfect- but just too damn long to be enjoyed in one go around.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on June 01, 2021, 04:09:34 PM

Agreed as well - I was luke-warm on Sola Gratia. It's not an AWFUL album, but I don't find myself going back to it very often these days. 

As a whole, me neither, but it did give us Overflow and Never Change, both of which I already consider two stone cold Neal classic tunes.  Seemingly Sincere is pretty darn good as well.  I still revisit those three somewhat often.
Those are 3 really good songs.  Ive mentioned before that Sola Gratia grew on me more than any album in recent memory (I was quite lukewarm to it at first as well, but ended up really liking it).  But in the end it's only a middle tier NM album for me.  Really excited for the new NMB album though.  Similitude and TGA are both 5 star albums as far as I'm concerned.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DoctorAction on June 01, 2021, 04:13:11 PM
Bridge Over Troubled Water is a perfect song, afaic. I don't believe it can be successfully covered.

(That's not a slight on Neal and the boys)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 01, 2021, 04:28:56 PM
Oh yippee another double album... :P

So I know it sounds petty but my issue with NMB and like 90% of prog albums today is that the albums are just too damn long. The real tragedy of losing the physical album format is that it forced artists to self edit, trim the fat. So the album is 100 minutes- I bet theres probably 55 minutes of killer, amazing music buried in a big chunk of fluff and half baked ideas...

Similitude and Great Adventure are nearly perfect- but just too damn long to be enjoyed in one go around.

I can see your point, and it could be a cause for concern, but I trust the guys in the NMB. I think in this case, the lack of physical media's limitations means that we get as much as they are willing to write and release, and we aren't left with any un-released B-Sides or songs that didn't make it past the demo stage. Can you imagine if Transatlantic's The Absolute Universe got released as a single disc ONLY and we missed out on such gems as "Rainbow Sky" and "The World We Used To Know"? It's quite possible that they had considered a single album for Innocence & Danger, but they obviously felt strongly enough about all the material that they wanted to release it as a double.

I wonder if Inside Out had advised Neal not to release a double after the NMB had already released two double albums, and Transatlantic JUST had a double (triple?) album earlier this year? Perhaps the music is just so good that they said "What the hey, let them release it all." It will definitely make for one heck of a Morsefest show, though!

Speaking of, I assume that one night of Morsefest 2021 will feature the new album in its entirety, so now I am wondering what the other night will be? Nothing but epics? Fan classics? Songs they haven't played in a long time? I wouldn't mind seeing them finally play Momentum in its entirety, especially since "World Without End" hasn't been played at a Morsefest yet.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 01, 2021, 04:34:13 PM
I think a lot of fans were lukewarm to Sola Gratia because (a) they were burnt out on Neal's music, and (b) it isn't one of his best, and also maybe (c) people had high expectations being related to Sola Scriptura, an album that is considered his heaviest and the closest to prog-metal he's gotten. However I don't think it is anywhere near his worst either, and I think it's a solid Neal Morse album, and it came out around the time I was getting back into his music, so I had fresh ears. It wouldn't be a bad album for someone's first foray into his vast discography.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 01, 2021, 04:40:25 PM
Oh yippee another double album... :P

So I know it sounds petty but my issue with NMB and like 90% of prog albums today is that the albums are just too damn long. The real tragedy of losing the physical album format is that it forced artists to self edit, trim the fat. So the album is 100 minutes- I bet theres probably 55 minutes of killer, amazing music buried in a big chunk of fluff and half baked ideas...

Similitude and Great Adventure are nearly perfect- but just too damn long to be enjoyed in one go around.

I can see your point, and it could be a cause for concern, but I trust the guys in the NMB. I think in this case, the lack of physical media's limitations means that we get as much as they are willing to write and release, and we aren't left with any un-released B-Sides or songs that didn't make it past the demo stage. Can you imagine if Transatlantic's The Absolute Universe got released as a single disc ONLY and we missed out on such gems as "Rainbow Sky" and "The World We Used To Know"? It's quite possible that they had considered a single album for Innocence & Danger, but they obviously felt strongly enough about all the material that they wanted to release it as a double.

I wonder if Inside Out had advised Neal not to release a double after the NMB had already released two double albums, and Transatlantic JUST had a double (triple?) album earlier this year? Perhaps the music is just so good that they said "What the hey, let them release it all." It will definitely make for one heck of a Morsefest show, though!

Speaking of, I assume that one night of Morsefest 2021 will feature the new album in its entirety, so now I am wondering what the other night will be? Nothing but epics? Fan classics? Songs they haven't played in a long time? I wouldn't mind seeing them finally play Momentum in its entirety, especially since "World Without End" hasn't been played at a Morsefest yet.

-Marc.

There's something to be said for just putting out your best 45-50 minutes of music and be done with it, but Neal and co deal in gigantism in regards to their music, and it's just what they do. If Neal was a major artist in the 70s, he would just be like Zappa, releasing multiple albums a year because of the limitations with vinyl. Instead he doesn't have to limit himself to those time constraints. And Neal does release shorter albums by his standards (Sola Gratia or The Breath of Life for recent examples.)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 01, 2021, 05:45:19 PM
   Ive mentioned before that Sola Gratia grew on me more than any album in recent memory (I was quite lukewarm to it at first as well, but ended up really liking it).  But in the end it's only a middle tier NM album for me.  Really excited for the new NMB album though.  Similitude and TGA are both 5 star albums as far as I'm concerned.

Sola Gratia is lower tier for me despite the presence of those three songs I mentioned earlier, but that is only because his overall catalogue is so strong.  To me, it's a good album, with a few great songs, and I cannot argue with that.  And even though I find the Sola Scriptura callbacks to be shoe-horned in and almost distracting to where they throw off the flow at times, there is nothing on it I dislike.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 01, 2021, 05:50:35 PM


Speaking of, I assume that one night of Morsefest 2021 will feature the new album in its entirety, so now I am wondering what the other night will be? Nothing but epics? Fan classics? Songs they haven't played in a long time? I wouldn't mind seeing them finally play Momentum in its entirety, especially since "World Without End" hasn't been played at a Morsefest yet.


I am thinking more of what the set list will be for the U.S. tour this fall. I can't imagine they'd play the whole thing in order, as with it being an album of unrelated songs, there is no need to give it the concept album treatment and play it in full every night from start to finish, meaning they can, for the first time since The Grand Experiment, do a set list for a tour where they can bounce from album to album all night.  Considering how good those first three NMB albums are, it will be nice if many of the songs get brought back for this tour.  Tons of those songs are too good to get the "one and done" treatment in regards to tours.  They should be able to do a set list of nothing but NMB songs now that they have four albums to pull from, three of which are doubles.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 01, 2021, 06:41:03 PM
   Ive mentioned before that Sola Gratia grew on me more than any album in recent memory (I was quite lukewarm to it at first as well, but ended up really liking it).  But in the end it's only a middle tier NM album for me.  Really excited for the new NMB album though.  Similitude and TGA are both 5 star albums as far as I'm concerned.

Sola Gratia is lower tier for me despite the presence of those three songs I mentioned earlier, but that is only because his overall catalogue is so strong.  To me, it's a good album, with a few great songs, and I cannot argue with that.  And even though I find the Sola Scriptura callbacks to be shoe-horned in and almost distracting to where they throw off the flow at times, there is nothing on it I dislike.

For me, some of the call backs work, but some don't. It could have been worse, and I feel like Neal tried not to overdo it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on June 01, 2021, 07:31:03 PM
Oh yippee another double album... :P

So I know it sounds petty but my issue with NMB and like 90% of prog albums today is that the albums are just too damn long. The real tragedy of losing the physical album format is that it forced artists to self edit, trim the fat. So the album is 100 minutes- I bet theres probably 55 minutes of killer, amazing music buried in a big chunk of fluff and half baked ideas...

Similitude and Great Adventure are nearly perfect- but just too damn long to be enjoyed in one go around.

I think I can condense the best of Similitude and GA into just one CD (I said one CD, not two CDs).

I think a lot of fans were lukewarm to Sola Gratia because (a) they were burnt out on Neal's music, and (b) it isn't one of his best, and also maybe (c) people had high expectations being related to Sola Scriptura, an album that is considered his heaviest and the closest to prog-metal he's gotten. However I don't think it is anywhere near his worst either, and I think it's a solid Neal Morse album, and it came out around the time I was getting back into his music, so I had fresh ears. It wouldn't be a bad album for someone's first foray into his vast discography.

But is there any record from his progressive production that isn't? 

For an artist to have controversial work like St. Anger, Risk, Chameleon, The Astonishing, etc. it takes at least a little daring.

Neal makes his type of music in his comfort zone. The probability of him releasing something that is mostly considered bad or controversial is practically zero. 
The most he can get is lukewarm  :lol

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 01, 2021, 08:09:14 PM
And that is a bad thing??

I think it's a testament to how good of a songwriter he is that he never releases bad albums (talking his official releases, not the online worship albums). 

As for being controversial or daring, I remember the reaction when he left Spock's Beard, and the release of Testimony less than a year could have easily tanked his fandom.  While it wasn't an intentional daring move on his part (he was following what his heart was telling him to do, for whatever that is worth based on your belief system), it was still a career move that could have backfired on him in a big, big way.  I would call that daring.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on June 01, 2021, 08:53:10 PM
It's not a bad thing... and neither is it a virtue (at least in my opinion).

It's just a statement. If he knows how to do what he does and doesn't risk leaving his comfort zone (and I don't think he does, at least musically - leaving SB had less to do with music and more to do with faith) it's logical to expect the results are minimally consistent.

Whether people think this is ideal or not, then it's up to everyone. I tend to have more admiration for daring artists. All my favorite bands have records that are very controversial. Just a way of looking at things.

I only commented on this because darkshade said that SG is a solid album, indicating this with a positive point. Ok, I got it. But in my view, all are minimally solid. If everyone is like that, then that is not a quality in and of itself. This is expected.

It's as if Motorhead still existed, they released a new album and someone pointed out as their main quality the fact that it was a solid Motorhead album. Well, yes... all other records are like that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on June 02, 2021, 05:45:10 AM
:caffeine: :caffeine: :caffeine:

I cannot wait for this! I literally got butterflies when I read the news about the release. I can't remember the last time that happened.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on June 02, 2021, 07:14:49 AM
I guess I'm the only one bummed about being a double album. I'm a bit burned out by Neal's music (except Transatlantic). I was hoping for a bit of less is more approach and reignite that Neal flame.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 02, 2021, 07:49:41 AM
I guess I'm the only one bummed about being a double album. I'm a bit burned out by Neal's music (except Transatlantic). I was hoping for a bit of less is more approach and reignite that Neal flame.

Not exactly Neal's kind of approach  :biggrin:


Honestly, the thing that bugs me most about the announcement (apart from the random cover and title) is this statement:

Quote
Indeed, making this album came easy to the band

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on June 02, 2021, 07:57:36 AM
I guess I'm the only one bummed about being a double album. I'm a bit burned out by Neal's music (except Transatlantic). I was hoping for a bit of less is more approach and reignite that Neal flame.

Not exactly Neal's kind of approach  :biggrin:


Honestly, the thing that bugs me most about the announcement (apart from the random cover and title) is this statement:

Quote
Indeed, making this album came easy to the band

Yeah but that last album they talked about their struggles in the writing process so I think they are just being honest.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on June 02, 2021, 08:04:18 AM
I'm excited about this release.   Big time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on June 02, 2021, 12:42:54 PM
I guess I'm the only one bummed about being a double album. I'm a bit burned out by Neal's music (except Transatlantic). I was hoping for a bit of less is more approach and reignite that Neal flame.
He pretty much did that with Sola Gratia.  That was quite short by NM standards.  Count me as one who says more is better (that's assuming the "more" is good).  But I have faith in these guys that it will be "good" - Similitude and TGA were both great IMO
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 02, 2021, 02:27:36 PM
Agreed.  I mean, you can't spell "Morse" without "more."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on June 02, 2021, 02:35:34 PM
Neal has said on many occasions that he writes way more music than he can realistically release, so the double album is no surprise.  I can't think of another musician who is this prolific



Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 02, 2021, 02:43:38 PM
Neal has said on many occasions that he writes way more music than he can realistically release, so the double album is no surprise.  I can't think of another musician who is this prolific

Which is why I don't see the need for them to record/release covers regularly, specially when they're in the "main" album like this time. It's not like they have shortage of ideas.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on June 02, 2021, 02:44:12 PM
Frank Zappa, Buckethead, Willie Nelson, Omar Rodrguez-Lpez, Prince, Tangerine Dream, etc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 02, 2021, 03:12:56 PM


Which is why I don't see the need for them to record/release covers regularly, specially when they're in the "main" album like this time. It's not like they have shortage of ideas.

I suspect they do the covers for fun, but I agree that it seems a little odd to have a cover on this album right in the middle of it.  My guess would be that they were gonna do a cover or two for the bonus disc, and then ended up having enough new songs to expand the proper album to a double one, so they said to heck with it and made Bridge... a part of the regular album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 02, 2021, 04:22:49 PM
To me, it's not really that unusual for an album to have one cover in amongst the listing of original tracks. I could probably name 10 albums like that off the top of my head without too much difficulty.

It's an artistic choice, and in my opinion it's one that's not inherently good or bad. To me it depends on how well the cover fits in with the original material, which, of course, I can only judge by hearing it in context.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on June 02, 2021, 04:24:40 PM
I love Neal and I love Mike. And I love Neal and Mike together. But...I'm kind of overdosed at this point. Their output is to be admired but for me it has reached oversaturation. There just isn't enough variation from album to album for me to keep buying everything.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 02, 2021, 05:53:56 PM
To me, it's not really that unusual for an album to have one cover in amongst the listing of original tracks. I could probably name 10 albums like that off the top of my head without too much difficulty.

It's an artistic choice, and in my opinion it's one that's not inherently good or bad. To me it depends on how well the cover fits in with the original material, which, of course, I can only judge by hearing it in context.

Excellent points.  :tup :tup

I love Neal and I love Mike. And I love Neal and Mike together. But...I'm kind of overdosed at this point. Their output is to be admired but for me it has reached oversaturation. There just isn't enough variation from album to album for me to keep buying everything.

I always buy it all, and am happy to do so, but I hear what you are saying, and to pull Transatlantic into this for a minute, that was one of the drawbacks with Neal's version of The Absolute Universe.  The Forevermore version sounds very much like a Transatlantic album, while The Breath of Life sounds more like a Neal solo album with guests (IMO), which make the overall project sound a little less special and a little more of the same old, same old.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 03, 2021, 05:35:40 PM
You may be tired of it, but you'll be glad it all exists when Neal is no more.

I agree, the best bands do take chances at least once in a while, musically.
But Neal is like Taco Bell (I feel I've used this analogy before) there's so many ingredients to mix and match, but in the end, it's still Taco Bell food.
But you go to Taco Bell (or whatever comfort food you prefer) because it's consistent. You want something to challenge your taste buds, you try a real Mexican restaurant, or try a nearby food truck.

You know there's more experimental or more adventurous prog rock out there, but you know you can always pop on some Neal Morse related music when you want his heavy, symphonic type of prog music. I've seen some call his music "comfort prog", it won't necessarily challenge you if you're well versed in prog rock, but you know it'll be good. Like, yea, I could listen to Genesis instead of Neal, but Neal does stuff Genesis never did, and sometimes that's what I want. Plus, Genesis stopped making prog rock (consistently) almost 50 years ago.

Compared to most modern music, especially in "mainstream" circles, Neal is the second coming of Beethoven in comparison.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 03, 2021, 05:49:09 PM
Neal revealed in his May IC Newsletter (which I got today, June 3rd...) that, along with the preorders for I&D, he will be releasing a limited run (1000 only) of the complete Morsefest 2019 shows on 2BD/4CD set.

I guess I'll be ordering the bundle that includes both Morsefest 2019 and I&D.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 03, 2021, 08:35:57 PM
Is that for IC members only?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 03, 2021, 08:46:47 PM
Those annoying overlay effects that seem to do engulf most Neal Morse live video releases nowadays have kind of put me off buying any of them for the time being, but I don't watch concert DVD's/Blu-rays as often as I used to anyway, so I don't need every single one. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 03, 2021, 09:38:18 PM
Is that for IC members only?

I don't think they will be, but given that there's only going to be 1000, I imagine they might sell out fairly quickly.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 03, 2021, 11:08:23 PM
I really want one of those.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 03, 2021, 11:32:12 PM
I really want one of those.

Same! Having the complete Morsefest 2019 weekend on CD would be great.

Just be sure to set a calendar reminder for June 18th, that's when the preorders go up, and from what I can gather from Neal's IC Newsletter, you can preorder it with I&D in a special bundle, which probably means a small discounted price of like $5 off or something minuscule.

Here's the full blurb about Morsefest 2019:
Quote
MORSEFEST 19
2 Blu-ray 4 audio-disc set! We finally got it together, pulled it out of the archives, remixed the audio and re-edited the video. Morsefest 19 is also going to be coming out at the same time as the new NMB Innocence & Danger album!

So, what you need to know about this one is that none of the big labels picked it up (both Mascot and Inside Out gave me the rights to put it out only on my website.) There's a short run of only 1000 units and that's all there is ever going to be, unless something really insane happens.

This is your chance to nab the ultimate version of the entire Morsefest weekend, including the full Flying Colors set, complete with string quartet and all the other accoutrements, as well as NMB doing The Great Adventure and "The Great Encore," behind-the-scenes, and other wonderful extras that only our illustrious team headed up by the fabulous Thad Kesten and Scott Henry can produce!

The audio has been mixed very, very finely by Mr. Jerry Guidroz and the whole thing is a first-rate production of a first-rate weekend... if you were there, you know what I'm talking about.

You can preorder both of these for a special bundle price on June 18.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on June 04, 2021, 03:20:49 AM
This might sound a bit odd, but is anyone slightly less interested in the album given the bigger contribution from the remaining members of the band? I am aware of everyone's talent and general input, but I hope the album isn't deprived of the Morse magic, if that makes sense. Hopefully my point didn't come across as harsh, since that is not the intention.

Isn't this the case for all The Neal Morse Band albums? (the whole reason why there is a branding disctintion between NM and TNMB). And I think most at the very least will agree their three albums thus far are good (and include all the elements that people love NM music for).

My understanding is that for TSOAD and especially for TGA, Neal brought demos and the rest of the band made contributions. On TGE and I&D, the band wrote together without Neal bringing in a bunch of existing ideas.

Ah, in that case I understand the distinction. Still, I think TGE is great as well and it sounds like Neal Morse music (in my opinion it would not be a bad thing to deviate a bit further every now and then).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 04, 2021, 11:47:02 AM
I really want one of those.

Same! Having the complete Morsefest 2019 weekend on CD would be great.

Just be sure to set a calendar reminder for June 18th, that's when the preorders go up, and from what I can gather from Neal's IC Newsletter, you can preorder it with I&D in a special bundle, which probably means a small discounted price of like $5 off or something minuscule.

Here's the full blurb about Morsefest 2019:
Quote
MORSEFEST 19
2 Blu-ray 4 audio-disc set! We finally got it together, pulled it out of the archives, remixed the audio and re-edited the video. Morsefest 19 is also going to be coming out at the same time as the new NMB Innocence & Danger album!

So, what you need to know about this one is that none of the big labels picked it up (both Mascot and Inside Out gave me the rights to put it out only on my website.) There's a short run of only 1000 units and that's all there is ever going to be, unless something really insane happens.

This is your chance to nab the ultimate version of the entire Morsefest weekend, including the full Flying Colors set, complete with string quartet and all the other accoutrements, as well as NMB doing The Great Adventure and "The Great Encore," behind-the-scenes, and other wonderful extras that only our illustrious team headed up by the fabulous Thad Kesten and Scott Henry can produce!

The audio has been mixed very, very finely by Mr. Jerry Guidroz and the whole thing is a first-rate production of a first-rate weekend... if you were there, you know what I'm talking about.

You can preorder both of these for a special bundle price on June 18.

-Marc.

Can anyone speak to how the NMB performance at Morsefest 2019 compared to the standard tour show that's captured on The Great Adventour? I don't really care about Flying Colors, so the deciding factor for me on this release will be whether the performance of TGA is sufficiently different from what I already have.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 04, 2021, 12:05:38 PM
I really want one of those.

Same! Having the complete Morsefest 2019 weekend on CD would be great.

Just be sure to set a calendar reminder for June 18th, that's when the preorders go up, and from what I can gather from Neal's IC Newsletter, you can preorder it with I&D in a special bundle, which probably means a small discounted price of like $5 off or something minuscule.

Here's the full blurb about Morsefest 2019:
Quote
MORSEFEST 19
2 Blu-ray 4 audio-disc set! We finally got it together, pulled it out of the archives, remixed the audio and re-edited the video. Morsefest 19 is also going to be coming out at the same time as the new NMB Innocence & Danger album!

So, what you need to know about this one is that none of the big labels picked it up (both Mascot and Inside Out gave me the rights to put it out only on my website.) There's a short run of only 1000 units and that's all there is ever going to be, unless something really insane happens.

This is your chance to nab the ultimate version of the entire Morsefest weekend, including the full Flying Colors set, complete with string quartet and all the other accoutrements, as well as NMB doing The Great Adventure and "The Great Encore," behind-the-scenes, and other wonderful extras that only our illustrious team headed up by the fabulous Thad Kesten and Scott Henry can produce!

The audio has been mixed very, very finely by Mr. Jerry Guidroz and the whole thing is a first-rate production of a first-rate weekend... if you were there, you know what I'm talking about.

You can preorder both of these for a special bundle price on June 18.

-Marc.

Can anyone speak to how the NMB performance at Morsefest 2019 compared to the standard tour show that's captured on The Great Adventour? I don't really care about Flying Colors, so the deciding factor for me on this release will be whether the performance of TGA is sufficiently different from what I already have.

I assume it included strings and brass as part of thr arrangements. Maybe someone here who went to the show can speak in more detail about it. I'm sure there's a gig review somewhere online as well.

Edit - here's one review: https://progreport.com/morsefest-2019-from-the-storm-to-the-great-adventure/

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on June 04, 2021, 12:08:23 PM
Neal has said on many occasions that he writes way more music than he can realistically release, so the double album is no surprise.  I can't think of another musician who is this prolific

Which is why I don't see the need for them to record/release covers regularly, specially when they're in the "main" album like this time. It's not like they have shortage of ideas.


Oh, I'm not $o $ure about thi$ - I can think of $everal rea$on$ why he'd keep putting out album$ of cover tune$.  :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 04, 2021, 05:41:58 PM
Neal has said on many occasions that he writes way more music than he can realistically release, so the double album is no surprise.  I can't think of another musician who is this prolific

Which is why I don't see the need for them to record/release covers regularly, specially when they're in the "main" album like this time. It's not like they have shortage of ideas.


Oh, I'm not $o $ure about thi$ - I can think of $everal rea$on$ why he'd keep putting out album$ of cover tune$.  :P

:lol :lol :lol

I'm no expert but don't artists need to pay something or some of their earnings go to the original artists when they record/sell a cover song?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 05, 2021, 09:34:52 PM
Regarding the inclusion of "Bridge Over Troubled Waters", Neal had kicked around the idea of the cover once they had finished writing the bulk of the album and Mike said they had about 90 minutes of material once they had (apparently so quickly and easily) poured out a ton of music during their sessions. They felt 90 was a bit short for a double album (is that a jab at TFK's Islands, which sits at 93 minutes?  :lol ), so Neal put up the idea for the cover, and then the band also wrote "The Way It Had To Be" (which has an eerily similar title to a Dream Theater song), and so their full double album was born.

Also in the recent IC Newsletter, Neal said his wife really enjoyed the first disc of I&D, and when they were done listening to it in the car, she said "That's not the whole album?" and Neal replied "No, that's just disc one." She replied "Wow... that's a lot of music for just one disc!" and Neal came back with "Good! I'm sure the prog fans will be very happy about that!". Needless to say, it sounds like disc one will be full of good melodic songs, while the super proggy stuff might be all on the two epics on disc two. Either way, it sounds like it'll be good.

Neal also said his original idea for the album title was Destination, but the band didn't like it so they pitched a bunch of other ideas. He said "by the time Innocence & Danger came up as a possibility, I was tired of talking about it and said, OK, whatever!" so it sounds like he just sort of let it go and let the band have the final say on the album title, but he eventually warmed up to it and now thinks it's cool. The artwork was worked on by Thomas Ewerhard and Mike.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mebert78 on June 07, 2021, 09:40:10 AM
I've been revisiting The Great Adventure over the past few days, and I literally can't stop listening to it. Whenever I have a few free minutes, I find myself pulling up the album on my iPod and just diving right in wherever I left off earlier in the day.  It's amazing that the band even came close to replicating, if not equaling, the amazingness that is The Similitude of a Dream.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 09, 2021, 03:00:14 PM
I've been revisiting The Great Adventure over the past few days, and I literally can't stop listening to it. Whenever I have a few free minutes, I find myself pulling up the album on my iPod and just diving right in wherever I left off earlier in the day.  It's amazing that the band even came close to replicating, if not equaling, the amazingness that is The Similitude of a Dream.

My only complaint about the album is that they used the "love that never dies" theme SO MANY TIMES that it just gets annoying :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: El Barto on June 09, 2021, 03:18:13 PM
I really want one of those.

Same! Having the complete Morsefest 2019 weekend on CD would be great.

Just be sure to set a calendar reminder for June 18th, that's when the preorders go up, and from what I can gather from Neal's IC Newsletter, you can preorder it with I&D in a special bundle, which probably means a small discounted price of like $5 off or something minuscule.

Here's the full blurb about Morsefest 2019:
Quote
MORSEFEST 19
2 Blu-ray 4 audio-disc set! We finally got it together, pulled it out of the archives, remixed the audio and re-edited the video. Morsefest 19 is also going to be coming out at the same time as the new NMB Innocence & Danger album!

So, what you need to know about this one is that none of the big labels picked it up (both Mascot and Inside Out gave me the rights to put it out only on my website.) There's a short run of only 1000 units and that's all there is ever going to be, unless something really insane happens.

This is your chance to nab the ultimate version of the entire Morsefest weekend, including the full Flying Colors set, complete with string quartet and all the other accoutrements, as well as NMB doing The Great Adventure and "The Great Encore," behind-the-scenes, and other wonderful extras that only our illustrious team headed up by the fabulous Thad Kesten and Scott Henry can produce!

The audio has been mixed very, very finely by Mr. Jerry Guidroz and the whole thing is a first-rate production of a first-rate weekend... if you were there, you know what I'm talking about.

You can preorder both of these for a special bundle price on June 18.

-Marc.

Can anyone speak to how the NMB performance at Morsefest 2019 compared to the standard tour show that's captured on The Great Adventour? I don't really care about Flying Colors, so the deciding factor for me on this release will be whether the performance of TGA is sufficiently different from what I already have.
Significantly different? I'd say yeah. Better different? Doubtful. I'm not up to speed on the Adventour show, but the local show that we caught had more of an "intensity" to it. It felt like a rock concert. The Moresfest version, despite having backing musicians and vocalists, seemed a bit more low-key, I thought. It felt like a rock band playing in a church, with parishioners sitting in. And I honestly didn't find the backing musicians to be an improvement. Part of the appeal, to me at least, is seeing them do it all themselves. I'd certainly love to have a DVD of the show, I was there and all, but if the only way to get it is the full package deal, I'm definitely out.

One thing I will throw out is that if it really is the complete weekend, don't discount Steve Morse's set as an added value.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on June 09, 2021, 08:39:16 PM
Yeah, I was wondering about that, would love it if Steve (and Randy for that matter) had their sets included.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: tuto on June 12, 2021, 03:10:26 PM
So, since preorders for Innocence & Danger start next Friday I think it's safe to assume that they will also release the new single/music video they've been teasing on that date, right? Right? 😁
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 12, 2021, 03:31:42 PM
So, since preorders for Innocence & Danger start next Friday I think it's safe to assume that they will also release the new single/music video they've been teasing on that date, right? Right? 😁

Makes sense.bthe band members have posted about needing to recording playing in front of a green screen a few weeks ago, so they've been working on at least one new music video for I&D. I bet we will get at least 2 singles, and 1 will have them playing, and another with just animations and lyrics.

I'm gonna guess "Do It All Again" will be the first single, then the second will be "The Way It Has To Be".

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 12, 2021, 03:35:46 PM
Release Welcome to the World 3 as the first single, cowards.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 12, 2021, 04:14:01 PM
Release Welcome to the World 3 as the first single, cowards.

Nah, skip right to Part 5.  ;)

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: tuto on June 12, 2021, 04:17:47 PM
Release Welcome to the World 3 as the first single, cowards.

Does To The River count as Welcome to the World 1.5?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 12, 2021, 10:32:17 PM
So, since preorders for Innocence & Danger start next Friday I think it's safe to assume that they will also release the new single/music video they've been teasing on that date, right? Right? 😁

Makes sense.bthe band members have posted about needing to recording playing in front of a green screen a few weeks ago, so they've been working on at least one new music video for I&D. I bet we will get at least 2 singles, and 1 will have them playing, and another with just animations and lyrics.

I'm gonna guess "Do It All Again" will be the first single, then the second will be "The Way It Has To Be".

-Marc.

I think we'll even get three singles... This is an InsideOut release and InsideOut always released three singles of every album in the past 2 years, even from Haken's Vector, which resulted in 17 of its 44 minutes already being released before release date  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 12, 2021, 10:58:42 PM
So, since preorders for Innocence & Danger start next Friday I think it's safe to assume that they will also release the new single/music video they've been teasing on that date, right? Right? 😁

Makes sense.bthe band members have posted about needing to recording playing in front of a green screen a few weeks ago, so they've been working on at least one new music video for I&D. I bet we will get at least 2 singles, and 1 will have them playing, and another with just animations and lyrics.

I'm gonna guess "Do It All Again" will be the first single, then the second will be "The Way It Has To Be".

-Marc.

I think we'll even get three singles... This is an InsideOut release and InsideOut always released three singles of every album in the past 2 years, even from Haken's Vector, which resulted in 17 of its 44 minutes already being released before release date  :lol

That's true. Sometimes I forget they're willing to release 3 singles even if it makes up more than a third of the album. :lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 17, 2021, 03:22:21 PM
I'm gonna guess "Do It All Again" will be the first single, then the second will be "The Way It Has To Be".

-Marc.

Looks like I called it correctly. Mike posted the hashtag #DoItAllAgain with regards to tomorrow, so it seems like the album opener will be our first single for I&D.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on June 17, 2021, 03:34:05 PM
The only short songs?  Lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on June 17, 2021, 04:16:12 PM
Will it be a sequel to Take now my soul? Remember how "When summer comes, we'll dance again, oh yes, we will?" Maybe now that the vaccines are up and running it is time to"Do it all again."

Just throwing it out there. This might be a post-pandemic anthem. Not that the pandemic is over, but hey.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 17, 2021, 05:24:10 PM
Vegas odds are 2 to 1 that one of the first two NMB songs/singles released features a prominent Mike Portnoy lead vocal section.  :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 17, 2021, 05:42:30 PM
Vegas odds are 2 to 1 that one of the first two NMB songs/singles released features a prominent Mike Portnoy lead vocal section.  :lol :lol

Solo, or duet with Neal, Bill, and/or Eric? I think we might get plenty of harmonies, but a strictly solo Portnoy vocal section? Maybe on the 2nd single. For the first one, and the album opener, I suspect it'll be mostly Neal's vocals, but Bill will get a solo vocal spot, either singing a verse or two, or at the bridge.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 17, 2021, 05:55:23 PM
How would you guys feel if a TNMB album featured 95-100% of vocals from everyone but Neal himself, with Eric and/or Bill handling most/all lead vocal duties, and Neal harmonizing and maybe saving a climatic moment for his vocals?
I'd be interested if the music works out that way, but I know I'm not a huge fan of Eric's vocals (I think it's his vocals, anyway)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 17, 2021, 06:17:51 PM
I think the Mike/Bill combo on TGA was a wonderful idea, and I hope they bring that out again.

I wouldn't mind it if there was a one-off album that was, say, 60% Eric, 30% Bill, 5% Neal, 5% Mike, but I think Neal should do a large part of the vocals on most NMB albums. I do like Eric's vocals, but I don't think I like them as much as Neal's.

(To clarify who is who between Eric and Bill: Eric is the chorus of So Far Gone, I Got to Run and Vanity Fair. Bill is "Locks on a box" in Alive Again and the chorus of Freedom Calling.)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 17, 2021, 07:05:44 PM
I think the Mike/Bill combo on TGA was a wonderful idea, and I hope they bring that out again.

I wouldn't mind it if there was a one-off album that was, say, 60% Eric, 30% Bill, 5% Neal, 5% Mike, but I think Neal should do a large part of the vocals on most NMB albums. I do like Eric's vocals, but I don't think I like them as much as Neal's.

(To clarify who is who between Eric and Bill: Eric is the chorus of So Far Gone, I Got to Run and Vanity Fair. Bill is "Locks on a box" in Alive Again and the chorus of Freedom Calling.)

Thanks. I've been correct on who's singing.

I'm not saying there should be NO Neal vocals on his own band's album, but save the most epic moments for himself or something. However, I think a Neal-less NMB (vocals) would be interesting as a one-off, but it would be a little weird.

or if they want to be crazy with different editions, one version where Eric and Bill share lead vocal duties, and another version where Neal sings most of the time.
maybe I shouldn't put that in any of the band members' heads, if they read this forum.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 17, 2021, 08:48:46 PM
I totally agree it would be cool to have an album or something where Neal only comes in during the most epic moments. Maybe it's too much to expect an album like that to happen, but I could see them doing an epic where Neal didn't sing until the grand finale. Although on the other side, I think The Great Adventure was notable for Neal actually handing off the mic completely to someone else for the grand finale, which is not something that has happened even in Transatlantic. If you don't like Eric's voice very much, maybe that's not a good thing from your perspective, but I thought it was cool hearing him get to take a run at the sort of big epic section that would normally default to Neal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 17, 2021, 09:16:55 PM
That has already happened, it's called Flying Colors :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 17, 2021, 09:22:22 PM
Eric was also given most of the big finale to sing on Similitude.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 17, 2021, 10:05:31 PM
https://youtu.be/QjCz-OvY47g

Song-only YouTube link for the new single!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 17, 2021, 11:32:20 PM
https://youtu.be/QjCz-OvY47g

Song-only YouTube link for the new single!

-Marc.

Really enjoyed the song, specially because we're finally getting music from them that isn't related to TSOAD/TGA :lol

The only parts that didn't work for me were Bill's lead sections.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 18, 2021, 06:01:29 AM
I like the song, and there will be many more listens to come, but, damn, the aging in Neal's voice, which I have noted before, is becoming more obvious. I will leave it at that for now.  :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on June 18, 2021, 07:04:01 AM
Radiant website is really struggling this morning.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 18, 2021, 07:05:00 AM
THE NEAL MORSE BAND - Do It All Again (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiNt_kQvoag

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on June 18, 2021, 07:22:45 AM
Intro is quite a nod to Genesis.

Cool song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on June 18, 2021, 07:24:41 AM
I tried to order the bundle at 8:00. Of course the website crashed and now I have to go to work. Why the hell is the Morsefest 2019 limited edition only???? It's going to be gone by the time I get off work. I love Neal, but his business decisions recently are incredibly shortsighted. I try not to get upset at artist decisions because it's not important, but damn, I'm disappointed.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 18, 2021, 07:25:40 AM
Radiant website is really struggling this morning.

Yeah, not a good look. Been having issues for over 25 minutes now. I think I added it to my cart but now that won't even load for me.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 18, 2021, 07:26:35 AM
I was really considering the MF2019 release even though I dont care much for Flying Colors and I already have the Brno show just because I love The Great Adventure so much, but I think $45 is too steep for me on that. (I know theres a discounted bundle with the 2CD/DVD I&D, but I dont tend to buy the versions with documentaries, so to me its not really a discount).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on June 18, 2021, 07:26:48 AM
Yeah, same boat, finally got the product page, then the ability to add a bundle to my cart, now can't get to my car to check out.


edit: finally got to my cart and now they're saying it's empty
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on June 18, 2021, 07:27:43 AM
Yeah trying to pre-order the bundle but the site is dead.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 18, 2021, 07:34:41 AM
TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT:

NMB are also happy to announce tour dates for An Evening of Innocence & Danger across US and Europe.
 
USA 2021

Oct 8th & 9th - Cross Plains, TN - Morsefest 2021
Oct 12th - Seattle, WA - The Triple Door
Oct 14th - St Charles, IL - The Arcada
Oct 15th - Pontiac, MI - The Crofoot Ballroom
Oct 16th - Ft Wayne, IN - Pieres
Oct 17th - Cleveland, OH - The Beachland Ballroom
Oct 19th - Glenside, PA - The Keswick Theater
Oct 20th - Baltimore, MD - Soundstage
Oct 21st - Boston, MA - The Sinclair
Oct 22nd - New York City, NY - The Sony Theater

Europe 2022

May 28th - Madrid, Spain - Teatro Kapital
May 29th - Barcelona, Spain - Apolo
May 30th - Milan, Italy - Live Club
May 31st - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
June 2nd - Tilburg, Netherlands - 013
June 3rd - London, England - Shepherds Bush Empire
June 4th - Paris, France - Trianon
June 5th - Esch Sur Alzette, Luxembourg - Rockhal
June 7th - Cologne, Germany - Live Music Hall
June 9th - Brno, Czech Republic - Sono
June 10th - Krakow, Poland - Studio Club
June 11th - Warsaw, Poland - Progresja
June 13th - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
June 15th - Copenhagen, Denmark - Amager Bio
June 16th - Gothenburg, Sweden - Pustervik
June 17th - Oslo, Norway - Cosmopolite
June 18th - Stockholm, Sweden - Lilla Cirkus
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on June 18, 2021, 07:37:20 AM
Finally made it through
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on June 18, 2021, 07:39:19 AM
Finally made it through

Did you get the $10 discount on the  bundle or is that already priced that way?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 18, 2021, 07:40:03 AM
I like the song, and there will be many more listens to come, but, damn, the aging in Neal's voice, which I have noted before, is becoming more obvious. I will leave it at that for now.  :)

Definitely noticed this as well. Eric is now clearly the strongest voice in the band. It could just be the way its mixed, but on the chorus where they all seem to be singing, I pretty much only hear Eric.

I expect hell probably take more and more vocal parts as time goes on. As you corrected me earlier, he does the final epic part on both of the last two albums, and the switch is even earlier on TGA (the switch on TSOAD is earlier in the song than I remembered, which is why I didnt include it in my previous post).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on June 18, 2021, 07:41:24 AM
Finally made it through

Did you get the $10 discount on the  bundle or is that already priced that way?

Yeah, I got the 2CD bundle which was listed at $65, but it was $10 cheaper when I checked out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on June 18, 2021, 07:43:53 AM
Finally made it through

Did you get the $10 discount on the  bundle or is that already priced that way?

Yeah, I got the 2CD bundle which was listed at $65, but it was $10 cheaper when I checked out.


Weird I'm at the last page of checkout and it still shows as $65 for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 18, 2021, 07:44:32 AM
I still don't understand how in this day and age you don't have a functional website for your business.
The thing takes ages to load, and when it does the cart is empty!!! Come on!!!

The website is not user-friendly at all.

I tried the other day to re-join the IC, I had to click 4 different buttons to finally get to a broken page!!!! I contacted Amy Pippin and they resolved it after 48hs, but if I want to join the IC just take me there, I don't need to read 4 different pages, I just want to join!
 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 18, 2021, 07:47:20 AM
Finally made it through

Did you get the $10 discount on the  bundle or is that already priced that way?

Yeah, I got the 2CD bundle which was listed at $65, but it was $10 cheaper when I checked out.

$65 *is* the discounted price. The 2CD/DVD version of I&D is normally $29.99, adding the $44.99 Morsefest 2019 set puts it at about $75, so the bundle is listed at ten bucks less.

Finally got my order in, 44 minutes of trying later. What a chore that way. I don't normally care if I get it signed, but for all that trouble, I hope mine is cuz DAMN that was a lot of effort. Ugh...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on June 18, 2021, 07:49:20 AM
Finally made it through

Did you get the $10 discount on the  bundle or is that already priced that way?

Yeah, I got the 2CD bundle which was listed at $65, but it was $10 cheaper when I checked out.

$65 *is* the discounted price. The 2CD/DVD version of I&D is normally $29.99, adding the $44.99 Morsefest 2019 set puts it at about $75, so the bundle is listed at ten bucks less.

Finally got my order in, 44 minutes of trying later. What a chore that way. I don't normally care if I get it signed, but for all that trouble, I hope mine is cuz DAMN that was a lot of effort. Ugh...

-Marc.

Ah ok that makes sense. Should've figured that.




Edit: wow this site is just something else. After almost completing checkout, it times out and now have to start all over again.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: countoftuscany42 on June 18, 2021, 07:52:44 AM
had the page with all the order options opened, now the page is broken and there aren't any options to add to cart  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on June 18, 2021, 08:00:50 AM
Had the I&D / MorseFest 19 bundle added to the cart and by the time the site responded with me to check out, my cart was empty so I must have missed out on that first 1,000 pre-orders. That was 10 minutes ago or so ago. Now I can't even get to the page that had the individual options to pre-order just I&D or just MF 19. So now I can't pre-order any flavor of the options.....damn it......
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on June 18, 2021, 08:01:26 AM
STILL STRUGGLING.

An hour into the pre-order. Says the bundle that was added to my cart a half hour ago has been removed because it can no longer be purchased. I'm now thinking I'll just get the Morsefest package and not anything else, and take my business elsewhere. (Morsefest being only available at Radiant is really annoying)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 18, 2021, 08:23:45 AM
Generally a good policy only to order from Radiant when they have a sale or you're buying an exclusive. If it helps anyone, LaserCD has I&D for preorder much cheaper than Radiant: $15 for the 2CD, $23 for 2CD/DVD.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on June 18, 2021, 08:36:59 AM
I like the song, and there will be many more listens to come, but, damn, the aging in Neal's voice, which I have noted before, is becoming more obvious. I will leave it at that for now.  :)
Whoa, really?  :omg: 

I've always thought that Neal's voice doesn't age at all. To me, he sounds on Sola gratia pretty much exactly the same as he does on The Light. However, I'm suprised to hear that there is a change this time around.

I will skip the single and wait for the full album, though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 18, 2021, 08:58:50 AM
The first time I really noticed it was The Absolute Universe, and then a little more clearly on Do It All Again. It's not as dramatic a difference as you can expect from singers with a more operatic style, but to me it's noticeable.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: countoftuscany42 on June 18, 2021, 09:12:47 AM
Finally an update from Neal, they're working on it and nothing has sold out yet, plus he's now signing the first 200 bundles instead of just 100.  now if it actually works ill be happy  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 18, 2021, 09:16:06 AM
Radiant not working does not surprise me in the slightest  :lol

Now, what interests me way more: what do you guys all say about the new single?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 18, 2021, 09:20:07 AM
That's the problem with Radiant.  They are always "working on it" and rarely "working properly."  Screw them.  This is exactly why I never buy from them.  If I can't get my product and get through checkout in a few minutes, there is something wrong with your service, and I don't need whatever your product is.  I guess I'm not getting Morsefest, because I can't be bothered to spent my entire morning just trying to get my login to work and get a product through checkout.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 18, 2021, 09:42:30 AM
Regarding Neal's voice, he still sounds good, but his voice sounds older and more weary.  It feels like he doesn't have the power to belt it out like used to.  Not that he was ever a crooner, but he had some power back in the day.  The deep heartiness in his voice is mostly gone.

Re: Radiant, can't say I am surprised, and even though it is easy to rag on the lady who runs it (Amy), I think she is the only regular employee.  I get that to make money from it, Neal has to run the seemingly bare bones operation with it that he does, but way too much goes wrong with it.  It comes off as cheap and poorly run, and their customer service has never been good.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on June 18, 2021, 09:51:46 AM
I like the song, and there will be many more listens to come, but, damn, the aging in Neal's voice, which I have noted before, is becoming more obvious. I will leave it at that for now.  :)

Definitely noticed this as well. Eric is now clearly the strongest voice in the band. It could just be the way its mixed, but on the chorus where they all seem to be singing, I pretty much only hear Eric.

I expect hell probably take more and more vocal parts as time goes on. As you corrected me earlier, he does the final epic part on both of the last two albums, and the switch is even earlier on TGA (the switch on TSOAD is earlier in the song than I remembered, which is why I didnt include it in my previous post).

Listening to this now, and I am digging it way more than I expected to. The opening section is great. To me Bill is the weak link vocally here. I kind of like the character in Neal's aging voice. Doesn't sound all that different than on TAU, but he's definitely not what he was back in the day. As long as he knows his limitations and doesn't try to sing something out of his range I think he sounds pretty good.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on June 18, 2021, 09:59:25 AM
Regarding Neal's voice, he still sounds good, but his voice sounds older and more weary.  It feels like he doesn't have the power to belt it out like used to.  Not that he was ever a crooner, but he had some power back in the day.  The deep heartiness in his voice is mostly gone. /quote]


Kev, is that really a surprise though?  Isn't he 60?  No one at 60 has the same voice from the 20's & 30's.



















Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on June 18, 2021, 10:09:38 AM
Finally was able to order. Autograph or not I'll be happy with delivery on release day.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: countoftuscany42 on June 18, 2021, 10:11:52 AM
my payment went through, but no order confirmation from Radiant.  Emailed them to get confirmation rather than try again and end up paying twice, but Im not expecting to hear back too quickly  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on June 18, 2021, 10:15:46 AM
I may have missed it or not paid attention but I'm assuming the Morsefest 4 CD/2 BR preorder drops the same day as the album release on Aug 27th?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 18, 2021, 10:23:52 AM


Kev, is that really a surprise though?  Isn't he 60?  No one at 60 has the same voice from the 20's & 30's.

Oh, I know.  And I do not mean it as a criticism.  It is more of a "damn, it sucks to hear our favorites get old" sentiment.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 18, 2021, 10:30:04 AM
I may have missed it or not paid attention but I'm assuming the Morsefest 4 CD/2 BR preorder drops the same day as the album release on Aug 27th?

Looking at the order page, it says the 4CD/2BD Morsefest 2019 set will be released on August 27th, so the same day as Innocence & Danger!

my payment went through, but no order confirmation from Radiant.  Emailed them to get confirmation rather than try again and end up paying twice, but Im not expecting to hear back too quickly  :facepalm:

Looks like a lot of folks have been having that same issue too. I ordered with PayPal and got my PayPal confirmation emails, as did a few others replying to Neal's last update post on FB, but no one has received any confirmation emails from Radiant, so it's not just you. Hopefully everyone's orders do go through!

I like the song, and there will be many more listens to come, but, damn, the aging in Neal's voice, which I have noted before, is becoming more obvious. I will leave it at that for now.  :)
Whoa, really?  :omg: 

I've always thought that Neal's voice doesn't age at all. To me, he sounds on Sola gratia pretty much exactly the same as he does on The Light. However, I'm suprised to hear that there is a change this time around.

I will skip the single and wait for the full album, though.

I've noticed over the last decade or so that Neal's voice has gradually changed in range and performance style. He's always pushed himself in the studio to give the best vocal performances he can for the studio albums, but when it comes to live, he's always had to downtune things just to keep his voice going. If you never noticed, The Whirlwind was downtuned a half-step or two when it was played live over a decade ago, so even then, his voice was starting to age. I think he even downtuned songs when he was in Spock's Beard as well. He just has a habit of pushing his voice a lot, and when doing tours with a lot of back-to-back shows, downtuning was probably the best way he knew he could conserve his voice for the tour, just so he's not constantly hitting the highest notes in his range.

Regardless, his voice still sounds fine to me, and it's still got his signature vocal stamp on it that only he has, but I think giving Eric a lot of the higher parts in these songs' vocal melodies was a calculated move, especially when he formally created The Neal Morse Band. I bet if Neal never left Spock's Beard, by the 2010s, you can bet Nick would have been singing just as much lead as Neal due to his aging voice. I would not be surprised with Neal only gets half of the major vocal leads on the new album, because if they're going to be playing a lot of the music live, he might not want to strain his voice too much each night.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on June 18, 2021, 10:37:26 AM


Kev, is that really a surprise though?  Isn't he 60?  No one at 60 has the same voice from the 20's & 30's.

Oh, I know.  And I do not mean it as a criticism.  It is more of a "damn, it sucks to hear our favorites get old" sentiment.

It's not as prominent as Geddy's though. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on June 18, 2021, 10:51:01 AM
my payment went through, but no order confirmation from Radiant.  Emailed them to get confirmation rather than try again and end up paying twice, but Im not expecting to hear back too quickly  :facepalm:

I used PayPal and got a confirmation email from both PayPal and Radiant Records pretty much right away.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on June 18, 2021, 12:25:50 PM
my payment went through, but no order confirmation from Radiant.  Emailed them to get confirmation rather than try again and end up paying twice, but Im not expecting to hear back too quickly  :facepalm:

I used PayPal and got a confirmation email from both PayPal and Radiant Records pretty much right away.

Same here. Although....prior to finally getting connected to PayPal......navigating Radiant is brutal. SO slow. Once I was finally connected to Pay Pal I paid and everything was near instant. Confirmation email and all that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 18, 2021, 12:34:40 PM


Kev, is that really a surprise though?  Isn't he 60?  No one at 60 has the same voice from the 20's & 30's.

Oh, I know.  And I do not mean it as a criticism.  It is more of a "damn, it sucks to hear our favorites get old" sentiment.

It's not as prominent as Geddy's though.

No, but Neal never screamed like a banshee like Geddy did. :lol :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on June 18, 2021, 12:36:23 PM
my payment went through, but no order confirmation from Radiant.  Emailed them to get confirmation rather than try again and end up paying twice, but Im not expecting to hear back too quickly  :facepalm:

I used PayPal and got a confirmation email from both PayPal and Radiant Records pretty much right away.

Same here. Although....prior to finally getting connected to PayPal......navigating Radiant is brutal. SO slow. Once I was finally connected to Pay Pal I paid and everything was near instant. Confirmation email and all that.

Same. It took three hours to get it ordered. Absolutely brutal. But I did and got confirmation, so I'm looking forward to August.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 18, 2021, 12:36:32 PM
Regarding Neal's voice, he still sounds good, but his voice sounds older and more weary.  It feels like he doesn't have the power to belt it out like used to.  Not that he was ever a crooner, but he had some power back in the day.  The deep heartiness in his voice is mostly gone.


Agreed.

If you don't hear it, binge on recent Neal/TA recordings, then go ahead and listen to Spock's Beard's V or something, and tell me you don't hear a difference.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on June 18, 2021, 12:39:26 PM
As far as the new song....I mean, I'll reserve total judgment until I hear the whole album but being that this isn't a concept album and these are all stand alone songs.....this one was pretty 'boring' for my taste. It's a song I've heard Neal & Co. write dozens of times. Sounds fine and all but I can't imagine it'll grow that much more on me. There wasn't anything 'special' about it. That could have been any one of a hundred drummers....guitarists, bass and keyboard players behind Neal and you'd never have known. Very 'simple' stuff for musicians of their caliber.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 18, 2021, 12:50:25 PM
As far as the new song....I mean, I'll reserve total judgment until I hear the whole album but being that this isn't a concept album and these are all stand alone songs.....this one was pretty 'boring' for my taste. It's a song I've heard Neal & Co. write dozens of times. Sounds fine and all but I can't imagine it'll grow that much more on me. There wasn't anything 'special' about it. That could have been any one of a hundred drummers....guitarists, bass and keyboard players behind Neal and you'd never have known. Very 'simple' stuff for musicians of their caliber.

And I just came here to say that I already listened to it a lot of times and I'm loving it more with each listen. Tastes, I guess :lol

Still not a fan of Bill's vocal sections though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 18, 2021, 01:32:35 PM
Oh, I know.  And I do not mean it as a criticism.  It is more of a "damn, it sucks to hear our favorites get old" sentiment.

It's not as prominent as Geddy's though.

No, but Neal never screamed like a banshee like Geddy did. :lol :P

I think it's pretty clear that aging is easier in general on male singers who don't spend a lot of time in a higher register. Or at least that that higher register is the first thing to go, so the effects of aging are more noticeable when they try to aim for that register anyway. For example, Bruce Dickinson still has an excellent voice, but he can't do a lot of the "air-raid siren" stuff he was doing in the 80s.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on June 18, 2021, 01:52:47 PM
As far as the new song....I mean, I'll reserve total judgment until I hear the whole album but being that this isn't a concept album and these are all stand alone songs.....this one was pretty 'boring' for my taste. It's a song I've heard Neal & Co. write dozens of times. Sounds fine and all but I can't imagine it'll grow that much more on me. There wasn't anything 'special' about it. That could have been any one of a hundred drummers....guitarists, bass and keyboard players behind Neal and you'd never have known. Very 'simple' stuff for musicians of their caliber.

And I just came here to say that I already listened to it a lot of times and I'm loving it more with each listen. Tastes, I guess :lol


To be fair I've only listened to it once. BUT....I can usually tell with that first listen if it's a song I know that has multiple layers that will take multiple listens to fully appreciate.....this one didn't come off to me like that. Seemed very rudimentary for that type of talent. Nothing wrong with some 'simple' songs and maybe it fits in the album. Just seems like a pretty tame single to release if they're trying to drum up interest.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SwedishGoose on June 18, 2021, 03:07:11 PM
June 18th 2022 I will be at Lilla Cirkus in Stockholm on row 1, probably very close to Neal..... can't wait

Last time was magical, and I had about the same seats.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 18, 2021, 03:12:49 PM
No STL date. Bummer.  :censored
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on June 18, 2021, 03:47:05 PM
As far as the new song....I mean, I'll reserve total judgment until I hear the whole album but being that this isn't a concept album and these are all stand alone songs.....this one was pretty 'boring' for my taste. It's a song I've heard Neal & Co. write dozens of times. Sounds fine and all but I can't imagine it'll grow that much more on me. There wasn't anything 'special' about it. That could have been any one of a hundred drummers....guitarists, bass and keyboard players behind Neal and you'd never have known. Very 'simple' stuff for musicians of their caliber.

And I just came here to say that I already listened to it a lot of times and I'm loving it more with each listen. Tastes, I guess :lol

Still not a fan of Bill's vocal sections though.

Yeah, as NMB singles go, this was decent.  It sounds like every other song hes ever done but, at this point, thats what weve come to expect.  Dont understand why Bill is singing though, hes clearly a significantly inferior vocalist than Neal and Eric so why is he singing lead vocals on those parts?  I know the answer is because thats what they wanted to do but its a weird thing for me.  The over use of non-singers on lead vocals severely hampered the last Transatlantic album for me and I hope they dont do the same here.  Bill is no Pete Trewavas, dont get me wrong, he can occasionally shine when a vocal part is specifically tailored to him like The Ways Of a Fool but that was a very unusual song that fits his unusual voice.  Hes not a rock vocalist.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on June 18, 2021, 04:02:43 PM
No STL date. Bummer.  :censored

Yeah. I was hopeful thered be one being theyve come through the last two tours. Maybe there will be a second US leg?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on June 18, 2021, 05:05:45 PM
No STL date. Bummer.  :censored

Yeah. I was hopeful thered be one being theyve come through the last two tours. Maybe there will be a second US leg?

I doubt it since Neal will likely be promoting his 6th album that quarter
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on June 18, 2021, 05:57:00 PM
Oh man, I love the new song.  Have listened 4 or 5 times.  Pretty sure I like it better than anything off of TGA or TSOAD.  About on par with The Call.  Really looking forward to this release.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 18, 2021, 06:53:29 PM
THE NEAL MORSE BAND - Do It All Again (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiNt_kQvoag

Just watched the video.  That was not good.  Stupid overlay effects ruined it just like they have tainted too many of Neal's recent concert films (which is why I stopped buying them).  They really need either someone new to edit their videos and concert films.  Yowza.

Really like the song, though!  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 18, 2021, 07:07:57 PM
No STL date. Bummer.  :censored

Yeah. I was hopeful thered be one being theyve come through the last two tours. Maybe there will be a second US leg?

I suspect venues are booking fast with so many acts looking to get back out on the road, so it was probably tough to lock down the dates that they did.  It's a bummer, but I totally get it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on June 18, 2021, 07:13:38 PM
So I just kind of preordered the new album on Radiant's website (I know, I know, I should have learned by now).  My email that I got after placing the orders says that I ordered Morsefest 2015 when I clearly ordered the new album.   :facepalm:  I don't have a warm and fuzzy feeling about this. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 18, 2021, 07:16:38 PM
THE NEAL MORSE BAND - Do It All Again (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiNt_kQvoag

Just watched the video.  That was not good.  Stupid overlay effects ruined it just like they have tainted too many of Neal's recent concert films (which is why I stopped buying them).  They really need either someone new to edit their videos and concert films.  Yowza.

Really like the song, though!  :tup :tup

I didn't mind it because it showed the band playing and you could really see a lot of what they were doing with their instruments. The visual effects weren't that great, but I'm always good with a video where you can see the band playing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 19, 2021, 07:53:22 AM


I didn't mind it because it showed the band playing and you could really see a lot of what they were doing with their instruments. The visual effects weren't that great, but I'm always good with a video where you can see the band playing.

I suppose. Music videos of just a band playing the music are usually kinda boring if you ask me (although there are exceptions), and adding those stupid effects again just kind of ruined this one for me.  But it's okay, I won't watch it again, and it won't affect my enjoyment of the music by any means.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on June 19, 2021, 07:57:06 AM
So I just kind of preordered the new album on Radiant's website (I know, I know, I should have learned by now).  My email that I got after placing the orders says that I ordered Morsefest 2015 when I clearly ordered the new album.   :facepalm:  I don't have a warm and fuzzy feeling about this.

This happened to everyone, according to the comments on Facebook. I wouldn't worry about it until MF15 shows up at your door :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 19, 2021, 09:02:11 AM
I suppose. Music videos of just a band playing the music are usually kinda boring if you ask me (although there are exceptions), and adding those stupid effects again just kind of ruined this one for me.  But it's okay, I won't watch it again, and it won't affect my enjoyment of the music by any means.  :tup :tup

I get you. I think I look for different things in music videos than most people. I'm usually not interested in ones that try to have a story concept or anything like that. I really just want to see the band playing, preferably in an interesting location. This one succeeded on the first count and not on the second.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 19, 2021, 09:20:33 AM
So I just kind of preordered the new album on Radiant's website (I know, I know, I should have learned by now).  My email that I got after placing the orders says that I ordered Morsefest 2015 when I clearly ordered the new album.   :facepalm:  I don't have a warm and fuzzy feeling about this.

This happened to everyone, according to the comments on Facebook. I wouldn't worry about it until MF15 shows up at your door :lol

At least you got an email from Radiant to confirm your order! Thankfully my order is listed in my order history in my account, so it definitely went through. But yeah, on the whole, the ordeal almost felt like more trouble than it was worth, but I do appreciate Neal signing double the number of bundle pre-orders. Honestly, since the Morsefest 2019 set is only getting 1000 sets made, and they're only being sold through Radiant, I don't see why he couldn't make the time to sign all 1000, just to make them extra special, especially since they're not being sold anywhere else.

Ah well, at least that's one less album order I have to worry about this year, and now we wait 10 weeks for the new album. Looking at the single release schedule from Transatlantic's The Absolute Universe, I suspect the next single to drop on July 9th, and the third single on August 6th. I still think "The Way It Has To Be" will be one of these two, and maybe "Your Place In The Sun" as the other single.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 19, 2021, 11:11:54 AM
I still stick to picking up the album at my local shop most of the time, as they generally have all the big prog, rock, and metal releases on release day.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on June 19, 2021, 01:25:41 PM
I still stick to picking up the album at my local shop most of the time, as they generally have all the big prog, rock, and metal releases on release day.

That must be nice! Been a long time since Ive bought a new release in a shop. I think it was the last The Winery Dogs album probably.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 19, 2021, 01:53:37 PM
I still stick to picking up the album at my local shop most of the time, as they generally have all the big prog, rock, and metal releases on release day.

That must be nice! Been a long time since Ive bought a new release in a shop. I think it was the last The Winery Dogs album probably.

Granted, it's not close to where I live, but it's worth the hike.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on June 19, 2021, 06:25:53 PM
2nd Row in front of Eric.

Anyone know if there is more Flying Colors Morsefest footage than the bonus that ended up on Flying Colors Live In London?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 19, 2021, 07:15:48 PM
2nd Row in front of Eric.

Anyone know if there is more Flying Colors Morsefest footage than the bonus that ended up on Flying Colors Live In London?

The entire Flying Colors show from Morsefest 2019 is being released by Radiant Records. Preordera went up yesterday for the 4CD/2BD complete Morsefest 2019 set, but only 1000 are being produced.
https://www.nealmorse.com/product/nmb-innocence-morsefest-2019-4cd-2-blu-ray-set/

Looks like it's still available for order.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: tuto on June 19, 2021, 08:33:53 PM
This is what I've got so far from the lyrics. Some lines I'm not sure about. If anyone feels up to filling the blanks, have at it!


(?) yesterday like climbing over shades of gray
Longing for some black and red
Getting to know the other side the years of strain are true and tried
Still Id do it all again
I ve lived through time in the dust at the mire
Nearing the end of our lives
Death awaits

And when my heart is broken
Id do it all again
Through all the pain and suffering
Id do it all.Id do it all again

Never  again I used to say and I cant look the other way
Catching a glimpse of eternal days
I get up I get down I change around but still right in his grip I'm found
Waiting for those later days later days later days

I've lived through time
No one knows all my troubles
Still when the day comes comes at dawn we will still be one (?)

And when my heart is broken
Id do it all again
Through all the pain and suffering
Id do it all.Id do it all again

Celebrate ...turn away ...find the oceans daughter (?)
Feel the flame
heed the rain
bow to what comes forward

And when my heart is broken
Id do it all again
Through all the pain and suffering
Id do it all.Id do it all again
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 19, 2021, 10:50:54 PM

(Three syllables??) of yesterday, like climbing over shades of gray
Longing for some black and red
Getting to know the other side, the years of strain, the true and tried
Still I'd do it all again

I've lived through time
In the dust and the mire
Nearing the end of my life, death awaits

And when my heart is broken
I'd do it all again
Through all the pain and suffering
I'd do it all, I'd do it all again

Never again I used to say and I can't look the other way
Catching a glimpse of eternal days
I get up I get down I change around but still right in his grip I'm found
Waiting for those later days, later days, later days

I've lived through time
No one knows all my troubles
Still when the day comes at dawn, we will still be one

And when my heart is broken
I'd do it all again
Through all the pain and suffering
I'd do it all, I'd do it all again

Celebrate
Turn away
Find the ocean's daughter
Fan the flame
Heed the rain
Bow to what comes forward

And when my heart is broken
I'd do it all again
Through all my pain and suffering
I'd do it all, I'd do it all again

And when my heart is broken
I'd do it all again
Through all my pain and suffering
I'd do it all, I'd do it all again
I'd do it all again
Let's do it all again
Do it all again
Do it all again


Fixed it up in a few spots, but I still can't get the first words that Neal sings. It sounds like "Eden dust" or "Even dust", but everything else I typed/fixed seems to be close, even the change of "Through all my pain and suffering" in the last two chorus repeats. Guess we'll have to wait til the album drops to get the official lyrics!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on June 20, 2021, 04:27:23 AM
Those lyrics remind me of "Headlong Flight" by Rush. :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 20, 2021, 08:37:40 AM


I get you. I think I look for different things in music videos than most people. I'm usually not interested in ones that try to have a story concept or anything like that. I really just want to see the band playing, preferably in an interesting location. This one succeeded on the first count and not on the second.

I think videos of just a band playing can be good if the stage personalities of a member or two really come out and shine (like in Van Halen's Jump, for example), but NMB is not really a band that likes being demonstrative in videos and whatnot.  Just a matter of style and preference.  Given their target audience, prog fans who want to sit at shows and stare at the fingers of the performers to see if they hit every note just right :P,  videos like this are perfect. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 22, 2021, 10:36:38 AM
So, since I don't order from Radiant (9000 bucks shipping), I now saw that one of my "online shops of trust" has a limited vinyl of the new NMB album. But for a whopping 60 Euros (71-72 dollars). That's quite a price for a 3 LP album. I expect it to be similar to Islands by The Flower Kings in terms of packaging etc., for which I paid 42 Euros. Unusual move for InsideOut.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on June 23, 2021, 06:17:53 AM
So, since I don't order from Radiant (9000 bucks shipping), I now saw that one of my "online shops of trust" has a limited vinyl of the new NMB album. But for a whopping 60 Euros (71-72 dollars). That's quite a price for a 3 LP album. I expect it to be similar to Islands by The Flower Kings in terms of packaging etc., for which I paid 42 Euros. Unusual move for InsideOut.

The vinyl version is 46 euro's in The Netherlands at one prominent store (the only one listing it so far). The last two TNB albums were also of this price (Similtude and Adventure). So here it seems normal. Somehow it is listed as a boxset, but I doubt it as the picture is of a regular vinyl coversleeve.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 23, 2021, 08:53:06 AM
So, since I don't order from Radiant (9000 bucks shipping), I now saw that one of my "online shops of trust" has a limited vinyl of the new NMB album. But for a whopping 60 Euros (71-72 dollars). That's quite a price for a 3 LP album. I expect it to be similar to Islands by The Flower Kings in terms of packaging etc., for which I paid 42 Euros. Unusual move for InsideOut.

The vinyl version is 46 euro's in The Netherlands at one prominent store (the only one listing it so far). The last two TNB albums were also of this price (Similtude and Adventure). So here it seems normal. Somehow it is listed as a boxset, but I doubt it as the picture is of a regular vinyl coversleeve.

I should have mentioned, I am a sucker for all things limited and colored vinyl (it's almost pathological lol). The one colored vinyl edition I could find (apart from RR) is 60 bucks. The regular 3LP set is 48-55 in Germany too, depending on which online store. The usual 3LP set of TFK's Islands was 36 Euros.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 24, 2021, 09:18:35 AM
Check out this clip of NMB performing "Ive Got To Run" at Morsefest 2019: https://youtu.be/C_2gZGLfeU0
You can get the 4 CD/ 2 Blu-ray set exclusively at www.nealmorse.com/shop/ why not pick up the bundle with NMBs "Innocence & Danger" on colored vinyl for a $10 discount!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 24, 2021, 09:49:44 AM
Why not?  Because it is only being offered through a website that for years now refuses to deal with technical and customer service issues to the point that many, myself included, angrily boycott anything to do with Radiant's website until Neal steps in and fixes it.  Honestly, the fact that the problems are so bad (and have been for years) coupled with the fact that he is trying to force people to use that broken medium to purchase it by making it exclusive to the website has me so angry at Neal that I am considering not buying anything from him in the future from any source despite him being one of my favorite artists.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 24, 2021, 10:48:28 AM
I fully understand being angry about Radiant and boycotting the website, but I don't think MF2019 is exclusive because Neal is trying to promote Radiant or somethingit sounded to me like he tried to arrange for wider distribution but the label didn't want to do it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 24, 2021, 10:53:11 AM
I can't go that far, bosk1, but I hear ya.  It is frustrating, and Neal definitely seems to have his head buried in the sand as to how poorly that site is run, and I put that on him at this point more than the lady who runs it as they clearly need more help to make it run well and he seems unwilling to give her any.  I get that he probably has to run it this way to make money, but the site stinks and the CS is poor.  And better not say that on the FB page, as the legion of fans who wait to defend any and everything related to Neal will pounce and tell you to be patient and blah, blah, blah.  :\ :\
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 24, 2021, 11:03:53 AM
I can't go that far, bosk1, but I hear ya.  It is frustrating, and Neal definitely seems to have his head buried in the sand as to how poorly that site is run, and I put that on him at this point more than the lady who runs it as they clearly need more help to make it run well and he seems unwilling to give her any.  I get that he probably has to run it this way to make money, but the site stinks and the CS is poor.  And better not say that on the FB page, as the legion of fans who wait to defend any and everything related to Neal will pounce and tell you to be patient and blah, blah, blah.  :\ :\

That's why I'm not on Neal's, Eric's or Mike's FB groups :lol

I get that somethimes these things happen and we have to be patient and all that, but that's not Radiant's case. They seem to ALWAYS have issues with whatever new big product they seem to be promoting at the time. Thankfully, the only time I've bought something from them it was a digital download (the Proggy Christmas album), and had no issues there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 24, 2021, 12:13:30 PM
I can't go that far, bosk1, but I hear ya.  It is frustrating, and Neal definitely seems to have his head buried in the sand as to how poorly that site is run, and I put that on him at this point more than the lady who runs it as they clearly need more help to make it run well and he seems unwilling to give her any.  I get that he probably has to run it this way to make money, but the site stinks and the CS is poor.  And better not say that on the FB page, as the legion of fans who wait to defend any and everything related to Neal will pounce and tell you to be patient and blah, blah, blah.  :\ :\

That's why I'm not on Neal's, Eric's or Mike's FB groups :lol

I get that somethimes these things happen and we have to be patient and all that, but that's not Radiant's case. They seem to ALWAYS have issues with whatever new big product they seem to be promoting at the time. Thankfully, the only time I've bought something from them it was a digital download (the Proggy Christmas album), and had no issues there.

I tried to download the Hope & A Future album when it came out and it didn't work either  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 24, 2021, 02:42:12 PM
I can't go that far, bosk1, but I hear ya.  It is frustrating, and Neal definitely seems to have his head buried in the sand as to how poorly that site is run, and I put that on him at this point more than the lady who runs it as they clearly need more help to make it run well and he seems unwilling to give her any.  I get that he probably has to run it this way to make money, but the site stinks and the CS is poor.  And better not say that on the FB page, as the legion of fans who wait to defend any and everything related to Neal will pounce and tell you to be patient and blah, blah, blah.  :\ :\

That's why I'm not on Neal's, Eric's or Mike's FB groups :lol

I get that somethimes these things happen and we have to be patient and all that, but that's not Radiant's case. They seem to ALWAYS have issues with whatever new big product they seem to be promoting at the time. Thankfully, the only time I've bought something from them it was a digital download (the Proggy Christmas album), and had no issues there.

I tried to download the Hope & A Future album when it came out and it didn't work either  :lol

I knew I couldn't give Radiant too much credit :lol :facepalm:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 24, 2021, 03:28:39 PM
The sad thing is that making sure things run smoothly does not seem to be a priority of Neal's.  Not sure anyone else saw this, but when logged in under his wife's account last week when the sale was a shit show due to technical issues, Neal admitted that he forgot to tell his tech guys about the big sale.  I was like... :eek :eek :eek :eek   I have no doubt that if Neal made big bucks from his career, he would turn a site like that over to people who could run it right and have the time to do so, but as it stands, he is stuck with a site that gives poor customer service and is seen by far too many as a clown show.  What a pity.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 25, 2021, 08:37:38 AM
The sad thing is that making sure things run smoothly does not seem to be a priority of Neal's.  Not sure anyone else saw this, but when logged in under his wife's account last week when the sale was a shit show due to technical issues, Neal admitted that he forgot to tell his tech guys about the big sale.  I was like... :eek :eek :eek :eek   I have no doubt that if Neal made big bucks from his career, he would turn a site like that over to people who could run it right and have the time to do so, but as it stands, he is stuck with a site that gives poor customer service and is seen by far too many as a clown show.  What a pity.

I contacted NM the presale day and offered my service to create a new website, and or at least help fix the current one. He got interested I sent him a quote but havent heard back from him. I guess he is no interested, or maybe he wants a cheaper option, although I think my quote was a reasonable one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 26, 2021, 07:54:25 AM

I contacted NM the presale day and offered my service to create a new website, and or at least help fix the current one. He got interested I sent him a quote but havent heard back from him. I guess he is no interested, or maybe he wants a cheaper option, although I think my quote was a reasonable one.

It could be that he is pondering the offer by running the numbers and whatnot.  Wouldn't surprise me if he figured it is not worth it to spend more money on the site, as his fanbase it is what it is at this point, and if enough fans are still giving Radiant their money, it might not make sense to him to spend more money on it (as it could become a net loss for him since an upgraded site may not result in higher traffic/more sales).  Besides, is the website even the issue?  I always thought bad customer service was the biggest issue.  Seems like it's every other day where you see someone online saying they had an issue and emailed Radiant and never got a reply.  That is simply unacceptable, and that goes back to Radiant being understaffed. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 26, 2021, 08:05:10 AM
While I agree, 'in this day and age' all websites should run smoothly, it's totally understandable to be ticked off about ordering online from big acts like Metallica, Foo Fighters, or even Dream Theater. Neal Morse, however, is not a mega star like Peter Gabriel or Phil Collins, is 61 (any age under 70 at this point is kind of no excuse, technologically speaking) and his music and his fan base is very much underground, but definitely more popular than your average musician, but not enough to staff more people or to finance a website overhaul (I assume). Even with, arguably, his biggest paycheck, Transatlantic, but that band only records and performs sporadically. I wonder how much more money Neal would make if Transatlantic was a full time band releasing albums as often as Neal does on his own or with his own band.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 26, 2021, 08:06:10 AM

I contacted NM the presale day and offered my service to create a new website, and or at least help fix the current one. He got interested I sent him a quote but havent heard back from him. I guess he is no interested, or maybe he wants a cheaper option, although I think my quote was a reasonable one.

It could be that he is pondering the offer by running the numbers and whatnot.  Wouldn't surprise me if he figured it is not worth it to spend more money on the site, as his fanbase it is what it is at this point, and if enough fans are still giving Radiant their money, it might not make sense to him to spend more money on it (as it could become a net loss for him since an upgraded site may not result in higher traffic/more sales).  Besides, is the website even the issue?  I always thought bad customer service was the biggest issue.  Seems like it's every other day where you see someone online saying they had an issue and emailed Radiant and never got a reply.  That is simply unacceptable, and that goes back to Radiant being understaffed.

You are right, but as I see things it all starts with the orders that happen on the website, then it goes to customer service, etc. But yeah, maybe he is not interested, but that alone is an issue too, why offer a good product through a bad channel, he is shooting himself on his foot.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 26, 2021, 08:32:43 AM

I contacted NM the presale day and offered my service to create a new website, and or at least help fix the current one. He got interested I sent him a quote but havent heard back from him. I guess he is no interested, or maybe he wants a cheaper option, although I think my quote was a reasonable one.

It could be that he is pondering the offer by running the numbers and whatnot.  Wouldn't surprise me if he figured it is not worth it to spend more money on the site, as his fanbase it is what it is at this point, and if enough fans are still giving Radiant their money, it might not make sense to him to spend more money on it (as it could become a net loss for him since an upgraded site may not result in higher traffic/more sales).  Besides, is the website even the issue?  I always thought bad customer service was the biggest issue.  Seems like it's every other day where you see someone online saying they had an issue and emailed Radiant and never got a reply.  That is simply unacceptable, and that goes back to Radiant being understaffed.

You are right, but as I see things it all starts with the orders that happen on the website, then it goes to customer service, etc. But yeah, maybe he is not interested, but that alone is an issue too, why offer a good product through a bad channel, he is shooting himself on his foot.

Oh, I agree.  I was just thinking out loud as to what Neal's thought process might be (total speculation on my part, of course).  I think it would take a lot of fans moving away from Radiant to get Neal to make a big move, and I don't see that, and offering many things through the website only makes it easy to keep the traffic flow largely consistent since most fans will grin and bear it with the suckitude of Radiant and still buy from there since they want any and everything he releases.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ben_Jamin on June 27, 2021, 10:08:42 AM
I just think Neal doesn't have the income to have a staff that most websites hire to run as smooth as most websites do.

He doesn't have any of his albums on Spotify and utilizes his own Waterfall service as a way to make more profit from the albums. Without having to hand it over to spotify and the label.

It's why he created his own Radiant Records label in the first place. So he can get more profit from the sales. Without that income going to other areas.

These are all ways for him to make income to be able to  continue putting on MorseFest.


I contacted NM the presale day and offered my service to create a new website, and or at least help fix the current one. He got interested I sent him a quote but havent heard back from him. I guess he is no interested, or maybe he wants a cheaper option, although I think my quote was a reasonable one.

It could be that he is pondering the offer by running the numbers and whatnot.  Wouldn't surprise me if he figured it is not worth it to spend more money on the site, as his fanbase it is what it is at this point, and if enough fans are still giving Radiant their money, it might not make sense to him to spend more money on it (as it could become a net loss for him since an upgraded site may not result in higher traffic/more sales).  Besides, is the website even the issue?  I always thought bad customer service was the biggest issue.  Seems like it's every other day where you see someone online saying they had an issue and emailed Radiant and never got a reply.  That is simply unacceptable, and that goes back to Radiant being understaffed.

You are right, but as I see things it all starts with the orders that happen on the website, then it goes to customer service, etc. But yeah, maybe he is not interested, but that alone is an issue too, why offer a good product through a bad channel, he is shooting himself on his foot.

Oh, I agree.  I was just thinking out loud as to what Neal's thought process might be (total speculation on my part, of course).  I think it would take a lot of fans moving away from Radiant to get Neal to make a big move, and I don't see that, and offering many things through the website only makes it easy to keep the traffic flow largely consistent since most fans will grin and bear it with the suckitude of Radiant and still buy from there since they want any and everything he releases.

People still buy from them, so there you go. Consumerism at its finest, when even though people complain they'll still shell out money for it.

It's why boycotting by not buying their product is dumb because consumerism makes people still buy the product, regardless if they've been wronged.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on June 27, 2021, 10:22:21 AM
So...in the last few days I finished collecting Neal Morse albums. From this time in Spock's Beard, to Transatlantic, to Flying Colors, I have at least a digital download. I planned to listen to one a day until I got through it, but since life just took a nasty turn I'm changing the plan. I'm listening to all of it. In one sitting. Or, more likely, until I pass out from exhaustion forgetting that reality exists. Either option is preferable at the moment. I will be making a post for each album with my thoughts, or delirious ramblings more like. I don't expect anyone to particularly care, but just skip over these musings then. I will be going roughly in chronological order starting with Spock's Beard. The whole album list is as follows:
Spock's Beard: The Light, Beware of Darkness, The Kindness of Strangers, Day for Night, V, Snow
Neal Morse: Neal Morse, It's Not Too Late, Testimony, One, Lead Me Lord, God Won't Give Up, ?, Hitman, Whispers in the Wind, Send the Fire, Songs from the Highway, Sola Scriptura, Homeland, Acoustic Sunrise, Secret Place, Lifeline, The River, Mighty to Save, Time and Seasons, Testimony 2, A Proggy Christmas, Momentum, Get in the Boat, Songs from November, More Songs from November, To God be the Glory, Life & Times, Jesus Christ: The Exorcist, Sola Gratia, Last Minute Christmas Album
Transatlantic: SMPT:e, Bridge Across Forever, The Whirlwind, Kaleidoscope, The Absolute Universe
Flying Colors: Flying Colors, Second Nature, Third Degree
Neal Morse Band: The Grand Experiment, The Similitude of a Dream, The Great Adventure

There is absolutely no way I'm going to make it, but I'm going to try. According to Windows Media Player it is 594 tracks totaling 56 hours. Join me as I marathon it all or pass out and fall out of my chair and potentially give myself a concussion.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 27, 2021, 10:53:42 AM
So...in the last few days I finished collecting Neal Morse albums. From this time in Spock's Beard, to Transatlantic, to Flying Colors, I have at least a digital download. I planned to listen to one a day until I got through it, but since life just took a nasty turn I'm changing the plan. I'm listening to all of it. In one sitting. Or, more likely, until I pass out from exhaustion forgetting that reality exists. Either option is preferable at the moment. I will be making a post for each album with my thoughts, or delirious ramblings more like. I don't expect anyone to particularly care, but just skip over these musings then. I will be going roughly in chronological order starting with Spock's Beard. The whole album list is as follows:
Spock's Beard: The Light, Beware of Darkness, The Kindness of Strangers, Day for Night, V, Snow
Neal Morse: Neal Morse, It's Not Too Late, Testimony, One, Lead Me Lord, God Won't Give Up, ?, Hitman, Whispers in the Wind, Send the Fire, Songs from the Highway, Sola Scriptura, Homeland, Acoustic Sunrise, Secret Place, Lifeline, The River, Mighty to Save, Time and Seasons, Testimony 2, A Proggy Christmas, Momentum, Get in the Boat, Songs from November, More Songs from November, To God be the Glory, Life & Times, Jesus Christ: The Exorcist, Sola Gratia, Last Minute Christmas Album
Transatlantic: SMPT:e, Bridge Across Forever, The Whirlwind, Kaleidoscope, The Absolute Universe
Flying Colors: Flying Colors, Second Nature, Third Degree
Neal Morse Band: The Grand Experiment, The Similitude of a Dream, The Great Adventure

There is absolutely no way I'm going to make it, but I'm going to try. According to Windows Media Player it is 594 tracks totaling 56 hours. Join me as I marathon it all or pass out and fall out of my chair and potentially give myself a concussion.

I'll join you! Looking forward to reading your opinions  :metal

I hope the turn your life took wasn't all too nasty and that you are fine!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on June 27, 2021, 11:26:34 AM
First up: Spock's Beard the Light
1. The Light-Great song. It's all over the place, but somehow works. Other epics are just as splintered and I hate them, but not this one. Weird.
2. Go the Way You Go- There are a lot more guitars than I remember on this album. That is a good thing. My first listen I felt that it was oversaturated with keyboards and it kind of watered down the whole album to me.
3. The Water- This is the first song to sound like a Neal Morse song. But it also features the most congnitive dissonance of any song. Hearing Neal drop F bomb after F bomb is wild.
4. On the Edge- I expected this song to feel too short because of how long the rest of the songs were, but I was surprised when it didn't. I have to say I really enjoyed this one.

Overall: This album is much better when I caught the guitars. It adds an oomph to it that it missed my first time through. Neal sounds young, and at times like he isn't quite sure where to go with the vocal melody. It's a good freshman album. Next up is Beware of Darkness.

Unfortunately, my wife choose now to ask to go to the zoo, so off I go (why is it always when I start to listen to music lol). When I return the marathon will continue, sans interruptions (I hope).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 27, 2021, 12:13:17 PM
I am distracted with binges of other artists at the moment and don't have the time for a Neal binge (even with eliminating the worship albums, all of which I have zero interest in hearing), which feels like such a full time job that I would have to burn the rest of my vacation time for the year in order to fully participate :lol, so I cannot be a part of it, but I will enjoy the posts by those doing it.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 27, 2021, 12:36:48 PM
Out of left field I found myself listening to Sola Scriptura which is not in line with what I've been listening to lately.

I'm not sure I'm looking to go through everything chronologically but I'll follow along.
The Light is an underrated album. Title track is a fun mini epic. The Water is a less discussed Neal epic, and the other two tracks are solid Spock's songs. The whole album sounds weird, though, and later albums would have better production, peaking in the last two SB albums with Neal.

Decided to put on Sola Gratia to follow up SS, I haven't done that yet I don't think.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 27, 2021, 12:43:31 PM
Not sure if The Light is underrated. I get the impression that for many it is one of the best SB records, at least regarding the Neal era.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 27, 2021, 12:45:50 PM
Not sure if The Light is underrated. I get the impression that for many it is one of the best SB records, at least regarding the Neal era.

The title track gets a lot of attention, and it's a great debut album, but I think V and Snow are usually regarded as the best albums among fans. The Light is definitely up there as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on June 27, 2021, 12:51:54 PM
Not sure if The Light is underrated. I get the impression that for many it is one of the best SB records, at least regarding the Neal era.

The title track gets a lot of attention, and it's a great debut album, but I think V and Snow are usually regarded as the best albums among fans. The Light is definitely up there as well.

Yeah, I think the title track is great but the rest is only OK and its all a bit rough due to the low budget production.  Also oddly the last Neal Morse SB album I got so it doesnt hold the same fondness for me as it might for some.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 27, 2021, 12:56:44 PM
Sola Gratia may not be Neal's best album, but I like it, and far from his least best. It's his best mid-tier album or his worst upper (not top) tier album. Solid stuff, it keeps growing on me, Building A Wall is a little bare bones, but it's a fun track, and I'm glad there aren't a whole lot of call backs to SS throughout the album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on June 27, 2021, 02:12:19 PM
New song is very catchy. Maybe I'll buy this one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on June 27, 2021, 03:52:03 PM
Alright, I'm finally back. On to Beware of Darkness:
1.Beware of Darkness-Keyboard heavy, but it doesn't irritate me this time
2. Thoughts-Neal keeps trying to use a nasally voice and I'm not a fan
3. The Doorway-I loved this one. Part of it sounded like Jurassic Park, but this was probably the best Spock's Beard song so far. It flowed and it ended powerfully without overdoing it.
4. Chatauqua-A neat little instrumental, which is a nice change of pace. Slower than the rest of their songs so far. It has the most guitars I've heard on this album.
5. Walking in the Wind-Another good one. More guitars which is nice. Neal has backed off of the nasally sound. The album has a nice flow to it.
6. Waste Away-I'm pretty sure the chorus vocal melody is used in another song, but I can't think of it now. Song is decent but the ending is a little much for it.
7. Time Has Come-Felt kind of disjointed. Decent, but not great. Just kind of an average epic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on June 27, 2021, 04:47:24 PM
Next up, the Kindness of Strangers:
1. The Good Don't Last- Meh. It's a good song, but it's your average Neal song. Good ending, good chorus, good intro, but nothing spectacular.
2. In the Mouth of Madness-I feel like this is the heaviest song yet. I like it.
3. Cakewalk on Easy Street-Easy Breezy, nothing fancy to see here. A filler song.
4. June-A nice ballad, probably used to change the tempo of the album. So far I'm not liking it as much as Beware of Darkness. It's not bad, but not as good.
5. Strange World-Another decent short song. This album feels more consistent than great.
6. Harm's Way-This song is pretty good. I like the vocal lines and the keyboard is quite entertaining.
7. Flow-Another great one. This song is pretty good and encapsulates everything I like about Spock's Beard.

Overall thoughts: This album is consistent. While it doesn't reach the highs of Beware of Darkness, it comes close. I have noticed a continuing trend towards less experimentation. Less weird sounds and rhythms and more traditional progressive space. I'll be looking to see if Day for Night continues that trend.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on June 27, 2021, 05:48:25 PM
6. Waste Away-I'm pretty sure the chorus vocal melody is used in another song, but I can't think of it now. Song is decent but the ending is a little much for it.
7. Time Has Come-Felt kind of disjointed. Decent, but not great. Just kind of an average epic.

Waste Away is one of my favorite SB songs. Its Neal at his poppy finest. Conversely, Time Has Come is one of the worst Neal era SB tracks. No melody or coherence. Oddly its one of Neals favorites I believe.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on June 27, 2021, 05:53:08 PM
Next up, the Kindness of Strangers:
1. The Good Don't Last- Meh. It's a good song, but it's your average Neal song. Good ending, good chorus, good intro, but nothing spectacular.
2. In the Mouth of Madness-I feel like this is the heaviest song yet. I like it.
3. Cakewalk on Easy Street-Easy Breezy, nothing fancy to see here. A filler song.
4. June-A nice ballad, probably used to change the tempo of the album. So far I'm not liking it as much as Beware of Darkness. It's not bad, but not as good.
5. Strange World-Another decent short song. This album feels more consistent than great.
6. Harm's Way-This song is pretty good. I like the vocal lines and the keyboard is quite entertaining.
7. Flow-Another great one. This song is pretty good and encapsulates everything I like about Spock's Beard.

Overall thoughts: This album is consistent. While it doesn't reach the highs of Beware of Darkness, it comes close. I have noticed a continuing trend towards less experimentation. Less weird sounds and rhythms and more traditional progressive space. I'll be looking to see if Day for Night continues that trend.

The Radiant section of The Good Dont Last is Neal Morse at his best (Al Morse as well). Cakewalk on Easy Street is another poppier song that I love. I miss those sorts of songs from Neal. Harms Way and Flow are two of my favorite Neal Morse epics. Flow also has a wonderful closing guitar solo. Overall, TKOS is probably my favorite SB album as I dont think theres a bad song on it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on June 27, 2021, 06:02:48 PM
Now for Day for Night. This one came in the mail yesterday, so I'm excited to get to it.
1. Day for Night-Fun song. Very Energetic. I can hear a lot of future Neal in this one.
2. Gibberish-More of the fun side of the band. I like it.
3. Skin-I absolutely love this chorus. The chords are perfect for it.
4. The Distance to the Sun-A much slower song. Pretty, but unmemorable.
5. Crack the Big Sky-Another fun song. I appreciate that we are getting back to the fun rhythms that were left behind in the previous album.
6. The Gypsy-Neal's voice didn't fit the beginning of the song, but I enjoyed the rest of it. A nice heavy song.
7. Can't Get it Wrong- I really liked this one. I don't even know why.
8. The Healing Power of Sound, Pt. 1-A really nice instrumental. I don't have much else to say.
9. My Shoes-It's a song. Doesn't really grab my attention.
10. Mommy Comes Back-A nice song, short, sweet, fun. I like that this album is majority shorter songs.
11. Lay it Down-I like that there is a nice variety on this album.
12. The Healing Power of Sound, Pt. 2-I loved this one. Probably my favorite on the album.
13. My Shoes (Revisited)-A decent finale, bringing everything together.
14. Urban Noise-Just a white noise final track.

Overall thoughts: This album was solid. I liked the back half the best, but the front half wasn't a slouch either. I don't think it is the best Spock's Beard album, but it is a great album that challenges pretty much any other band.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on June 27, 2021, 06:19:03 PM
Now for Day for Night. This one came in the mail yesterday, so I'm excited to get to it.
1. Day for Night-Fun song. Very Energetic. I can hear a lot of future Neal in this one.
2. Gibberish-More of the fun side of the band. I like it.
3. Skin-I absolutely love this chorus. The chords are perfect for it.
4. The Distance to the Sun-A much slower song. Pretty, but unmemorable.
5. Crack the Big Sky-Another fun song. I appreciate that we are getting back to the fun rhythms that were left behind in the previous album.
6. The Gypsy-Neal's voice didn't fit the beginning of the song, but I enjoyed the rest of it. A nice heavy song.
7. Can't Get it Wrong- I really liked this one. I don't even know why.
8. The Healing Power of Sound, Pt. 1-A really nice instrumental. I don't have much else to say.
9. My Shoes-It's a song. Doesn't really grab my attention.
10. Mommy Comes Back-A nice song, short, sweet, fun. I like that this album is majority shorter songs.
11. Lay it Down-I like that there is a nice variety on this album.
12. The Healing Power of Sound, Pt. 2-I loved this one. Probably my favorite on the album.
13. My Shoes (Revisited)-A decent finale, bringing everything together.
14. Urban Noise-Just a white noise final track.

Overall thoughts: This album was solid. I liked the back half the best, but the front half wasn't a slouch either. I don't think it is the best Spock's Beard album, but it is a great album that challenges pretty much any other band.

I like the shorter songs more than the quirky proggier songs on this one (title track is great but I dont love Gibberish or The Gypsy, and Crack the Big Sky feels like it would be better without the middle section, though I do like it). That said, The Healing Colors of Sound is more or less one epic made up of shorter songs, and its brilliant. Lots of poppy Neal on this one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on June 27, 2021, 07:53:00 PM
Now for something new, Neal Morse's debut solo album.
1. Living Out Loud-I love the piano solo, and just the general feel of the song.
2. Lost Cause-I love this song. One of my favorite Neal tunes and woefully underappreciated.
3. Landslide- I love the mellowness of this album, it's a nice contrast to Spock's Beard.
4. That Which Doesn't Kill Me-Another banger, this is probably one of my favorite albums.
5. Everything is Wrong-I think this song could be played in a hotel lobby, it has that nice quality to it. Another great track to add to this album.
6. Nowhere Fast-This is Neal's "Weird Al Yankovic Song".
7. Emma-I love this song (even if he does overdo it at the end with the strings).
8. Bomb That Can't Explode-Here Neal returns to Prog. It's solid, but a bit too loud when compared to the rest of the album.
9. Mr. Upside Down-I really like the guitar solo in this one.
10. The Man Who Would Be King-I love the tango feel of this one. Continues the prog direction of the album.
11. It's Alright- I kind of feel let down with this as the ending. It's not bad, but it's not what it could be.

Overall thoughts: I love this album. The poppy side is fantastic, it's a decent prog epic, it just works. This is in my top ten albums. Where exactly it sits in there I have no idea, seeing as about 20 albums are in my top ten.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 27, 2021, 08:05:53 PM
Jeez, I can't keep up with all of these rapid fire reviews :lol, but they are an interesting read nonetheless.

As much as I love Neal's self-titled debut solo album, I totally agree about It's Alright.  It's a very underwhelming ending to both the suite and the album.  Emma and Everything Is Wrong remain two of the best short standalone* songs Neal has ever written.

*Meaning songs that stand on their own and have no relation to any other songs from their studio album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on June 27, 2021, 08:18:40 PM
Ive never been able to track down those first two NM solo albums. Should check discogs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on June 27, 2021, 09:12:58 PM
Next up, SMPT:e. The beginning of a mostly beautiful, occasionally melodramatic partnership.
1. All of the Above-This a powerful start to the album, and I love it. Probably one of the all time best Transatlantic songs. The guitar solos, the atmosphere the keyboards lay down, it all just works.
2. We all Need Some Light-I love how this one slowly builds until you're at a giant climax that just works. Power ballad at its finest.
3. Mystery Train-This song is going to be stuck in my head for a freaking week.
4. My New World-I really noticed the youth in Neal's voice during this song. He sounds so young compared to Sola Gratia.
5. In Held (Twas I)-I know that this song gets mixed opinions, but I enjoy it. I like how weird all of the vocals sound, and the guitar leads are lovely.

Overall thoughts: A great album, probably my favorite Transatlantic collection. Neal sounds great, Portnoy finally appears, and Stolt of course is awesome. Everything here just works. I'm really glad I got into them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on June 27, 2021, 09:16:15 PM
Jeez, I can't keep up with all of these rapid fire reviews :lol, but they are an interesting read nonetheless.

As much as I love Neal's self-titled debut solo album, I totally agree about It's Alright.  It's a very underwhelming ending to both the suite and the album.  Emma and Everything Is Wrong remain two of the best short standalone* songs Neal has ever written.

*Meaning songs that stand on their own and have no relation to any other songs from their studio album.

Neal was firing on all cylinders when it comes to his first two albums.

Ive never been able to track down those first two NM solo albums. Should check discogs.

Radient had a digital download of It's Not Too Late for a while, and I think ebay and amazon have copies (thought they would be more pricey). I got mine on ebay, and his debut on Radient.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 27, 2021, 10:49:24 PM
5. In Held (Twas I)-I know that this song gets mixed opinions, but I enjoy it. I like how weird all of the vocals sound, and the guitar leads are lovely.

You'd think between "In Held ('Twas) In I", "A Salty Dog", and "Conquistador", I would've sought out more Procol Harum after hearing the Transatlantic covers, but I've never really given them a chance. I've always liked the TA covers, but always felt it was odd that the first album ended with one. I'm not sure if it would have been better if "In Held ('Twas) In I" was relegated to the bonus disc or not, but I'm not upset that they recorded it at all.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 28, 2021, 12:22:18 AM
I really like the TA cover of In Held and think it actually works pretty well on the album, though I wouldn't really want them to give so much room to a cover on a future release. I do like it better than Mystery Train and maybe a little better than My New World, so that probably helps. But like Marc, I haven't really given Procol Harum their own look.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on June 28, 2021, 12:39:51 AM
I think It's alright is a fantastic closer to the suite and to the Neal's debut. It's soothing, original and pretty.  :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on June 28, 2021, 06:02:36 AM
We return to Spock's Beard with V.
1. At the End of the Day-I really liked this one. The backing vocals sound like stuff right out of his solo work. The band is working well together, though I miss the weird sounds and rhythms.
2. Revelations-A nice heavy song, but it seems to be Spock's Beard by the numbers. Not bad, but nothing spectacular.
3. Thoughts (Pt. II)-Another good one, though I don't think the ending vocal line fits the rest of the band. Felt off to me.
4. All On a Sunday-Nice and poppy, I enjoyed it but it's not my favorite.
5. Goodbye to Yesterday-This is his first crack at Contemporary Christian Music. Some of the rhythms and the vocal line sound like something that would be played in church.
6. The Great Nothing-The ending kind of came out of nowhere, but is very good. I think Neal reused some of the final vocal lines in 'One', but that doesn't hurt my enjoyment. Not my favorite epic, but it is very solid.

Overall Thoughts: Another great album. He spent his time in Spock's Beard churning out fantastic album after fantastic album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 28, 2021, 06:40:14 AM
V is probably Spock's Beard's best album, I find the other albums to be hit or miss. Even here the 4th and 5th tracks wouldn't be missed by me if removed, but overall the sound and the quality of the music is strongest here. SMPTe was created around the same time (a few months earlier?) so I always find that Neal hooking up with MP is what gave Neal that extra jolt in his writing, as there is a significant (to my ears) difference between the first 4 SB albums and the last two with Neal, with both sound production, increase in epic-length pieces/suites, less quirky stuff (to me, that stuff doesn't work with Neal's music) and the energy is through the roof.

I like Neal's first solo album, not as much the 2nd one, but I've only heard it a couple of times. I felt like the songs on the first album were better.
The first album is a nice balance of rock tunes, with a prog rock epic at the end. I still need to listen to it more, but overall I enjoy the album as a solid upbeat soft-rock album with some nice prog mixed in. I bought it from Radiant. I don't own the 2nd album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on June 28, 2021, 07:20:00 AM
Next up we return to Transatlantic, with Bridge Across Forever. There is one melody in this album that I absolutely love, but I never remember which one it is. Which begs the question, do I really love it, or the idea of it?
1. Duel with the Devil-This song is a banger. Motherless Children gets stuck in my head, Neal has a wonderful harder edge in the first part. The guitar leads are exquisite. All together a near perfect song.
2. Suite Charlotte Pike-I love the energy of this one. Even when it slows down it keeps charging on. I'm unsure how I feel about the beginning. Generally I'm not a fan of these types of fourth wall breaks, but I don't know. Temple of the Gods is my favorite section.
3. Bridge Across Forever-Very very pretty. I like it as an interlude.
4. Stranger In Your Soul-Found the melody. It's just perfect. The song is a little overlong, but the guitar leads and that melody make up for any shortcomings. I love this song.

Overall Thoughts: A fantastic album. Neal was incredible at the beginning of his career to have this many hits and no misses.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 28, 2021, 07:28:48 AM
I think all 3 Thoughts parts Neal wrote are within my favorite under-10-mins songs by him. I'll have to make up a list for this.

Keep these little reviews coming please, although I can't respond to every one of your posts right now, I really enjoy reading them  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on June 28, 2021, 08:24:12 AM
Next up we have It's Not Too late, Neal's second solo album. This one is much in line with his first, though I remember it being a tad overlong. We'll see if I like it better this time through.
1. It's Not Too Late-This is a really fun and jaunty track. I like how it is just the piano and drums.
2. All the Young Girls Cry-Poppy Neal is fun Neal.
3. Leah-Lovely restraint on this one. It's sad that he has kind of left this element behind as he's gotten older.
4. The Angels Will Remember-No misses so far. I love the laidback tone of this one.
5. So Long Goodbye Blues-A good song, but I feel like it is missing something. What that is I have no idea.
6. The Change-I wish he hadn't kept going for those high notes, otherwise a fantastic song.
7. Broken Homes-This song is perfect and a highlight of the album.
8. Oh Angie- It's good but not spectacular.
9. The Eyes of the World (George's Song)-Solid, but nothing special. This album is very consistent but that is starting to hurt it. I would trim these last two I think.
10. Ain't Seen Nothin' Like Me-It's good, but I don't think it's executed as well as it could have been. Things get muddy towards the end.
11. I Am Your Father-That's another great one.
12. Something Blue-He definitely copies this one in '?'. I don't mind but it amuses me.
13. The Wind and the Rain-This is a solid closer. Nothing more, nothing less.

Overall Thoughts: This album is much better than I remember it being. I think if you cut out Oh Angie and The Eyes of the World you have a fantastic record. With them, we'll have to settle for great.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on June 28, 2021, 11:22:45 AM
We turn at last to what many call the best Spock's Beard album, and Neal's last as a member of the band. As a result, this will be the last Spock's Beard album we will be visiting this trip.
1. Made Alive/Overture-We have here the first overture. Do not fret, we will grow well acquainted with them. As for this one, it's good. I like the sax that shows up. I'll be honest, I'm awful at picking out themes in overtures, so I just look at it like a decent instrumental.
2. Stranger in a Strange Land-Good song, but I find myself waiting for it to kick in and it doesn't. Probably because this is still kind of an introduction.
3. Long Time Suffering-Love this one. The Chorus is an earworm, and the backing instruments just work.
4. Welcome to NYC-A nice heavy piece
5. Love Beyond Words-Slowing it down again, for a pretty piece furthering the story.
6. 39th Street Blues (I'm Sick)-Snow is gathering a posse...
7. Devil's Got My Throat-Fun song, especially the end.
8. Open Wide the Flood Gates-Very solid, but not one I'm going to remember.
9. Open the Gates Pt. 2-I like how the album is slowly getting more intense.
10. Solitary Soul- A really nice ballad.
11. Wind at my Back-I feel like I've heard this chorus later in his career. It's a great catchy tune.
12. Second Overture- I took a small break to deal with something, but I'm back now. Decent instrumental. Let's see if the album can finish strong.
13. 4th of July-Feels like a reestablishing song.
14. I'm the Guy-I like the menace in this song.
15. Reflections-Ominous but unnecessary.
16. Carie-I felt like I was listening to Starship.
17. Looking for Answers-Tasty guitar solo.
18. Freak Boy-RIP Snow's self esteem
19. All is Vanity-That was a wonderful transition. Lyrics are a little on the nose.
20. I'm Dying-I feel like we are building to something, but I'm going to be let down. It's weird.
21. Freak Boy Pt. 2-Neat little inversion here. I like the emotion being carried between the songs.
22. Devil's Got My Throat Reprise-The second half is much heavier.
23. Snow's Night Out-Fun instrumental
24. Ladies and Gentlemen, Mister Ryo Okomoto on the Keyboards-I hate the title of this song. It just feels so out of place. Sounds decent.
25. I Will Go- Not bad.
26. Made Alive Again/ Wind at My Back Reprise-Got real muddy there at the end. Decent enough finale, but I feel like the awesomness that was disc 2 was underserved by it. It works, but not as well as it could have.

Overall thoughts: The second disc is by far the best part. It was pretty awesome. Disc One isn't bad, just really overshadowed. I enjoyed all of it; for a first crack at a concept album it was pretty well done. I don't know how often I'll listen to it, but it'll go in the rotation somewhere.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 28, 2021, 11:36:36 AM
We turn at last to what many call the best Spock's Beard album, and Neal's last as a member of the band. As a result, this will be the last Spock's Beard album we will be visiting this trip.
1. Made Alive/Overture-We have here the first overture. Do not fret, we will grow well acquainted with them. As for this one, it's good. I like the sax that shows up. I'll be honest, I'm awful at picking out themes in overtures, so I just look at it like a decent instrumental.
2. Stranger in a Strange Land-Good song, but I find myself waiting for it to kick in and it doesn't. Probably because this is still kind of an introduction.
3. Long Time Suffering-Love this one. The Chorus is an earworm, and the backing instruments just work.
4. Welcome to NYC-A nice heavy piece
5. Love Beyond Words-Slowing it down again, for a pretty piece furthering the story.
6. 39th Street Blues (I'm Sick)-Snow is gathering a posse...
7. Devil's Got My Throat-Fun song, especially the end.
8. Open Wide the Flood Gates-Very solid, but not one I'm going to remember.
9. Open the Gates Pt. 2-I like how the album is slowly getting more intense.
10. Solitary Soul- A really nice ballad.
11. Wind at my Back-I feel like I've heard this chorus later in his career. It's a great catchy tune.
12. Second Overture- I took a small break to deal with something, but I'm back now. Decent instrumental. Let's see if the album can finish strong.
13. 4th of July-Feels like a reestablishing song.
14. I'm the Guy-I like the menace in this song.
15. Reflections-Ominous but unnecessary.
16. Carie-I felt like I was listening to Starship.
17. Looking for Answers-Tasty guitar solo.
18. Freak Boy-RIP Snow's self esteem
19. All is Vanity-That was a wonderful transition. Lyrics are a little on the nose.
20. I'm Dying-I feel like we are building to something, but I'm going to be let down. It's weird.
21. Freak Boy Pt. 2-Neat little inversion here. I like the emotion being carried between the songs.
22. Devil's Got My Throat Reprise-The second half is much heavier.
23. Snow's Night Out-Fun instrumental
24. Ladies and Gentlemen, Mister Ryo Okomoto on the Keyboards-I hate the title of this song. It just feels so out of place. Sounds decent.
25. I Will Go- Not bad.
26. Made Alive Again/ Wind at My Back Reprise-Got real muddy there at the end. Decent enough finale, but I feel like the awesomness that was disc 2 was underserved by it. It works, but not as well as it could have.

Overall thoughts: The second disc is by far the best part. It was pretty awesome. Disc One isn't bad, just really overshadowed. I enjoyed all of it; for a first crack at a concept album it was pretty well done. I don't know how often I'll listen to it, but it'll go in the rotation somewhere.

Huh, I rarely see anyone say they like Disc 2 more than Disc 1 of Snow, so it's refreshing to see that opinion! Did you notice that "All Is Vanity" is the same keyboard solo that Neal plays on piano in "Love Beyond Words"? It took me awhile to figure that one out, but it's cool to see it come back in synth form later in the album. Snow remains my all-time favorite SB album, and it came at a time in my life when I really needed something to lift me up and out of a bad end of a relationship, and Neal's music really helped with that. It might be the best thing he's done outside of Transatlantic, at least for me, and every time I listen to it, I still feel the same joy that I did when I first heard it over 15 years ago.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on June 28, 2021, 11:37:40 AM
22. Devil's Got My Throat Reprise-The second half is much heavier.
23. Snow's Night Out-Fun instrumental
24. Ladies and Gentlemen, Mister Ryo Okomoto on the Keyboards-I hate the title of this song. It just feels so out of place. Sounds decent.

Well, you see, Snow fell back in with the wrong crowd and gets taken out on a night of heavy drink and drugs, finds himself at a Spocks Beard concert where Ryos keyboard solo takes him on a fantastic trip but he blacks out/ODs and then has a conversion experience when he comes to.

Or something like that!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on June 28, 2021, 01:49:56 PM
Stopping for the day. We will resume tomorrow morning around 5 or 6 AM.

22. Devil's Got My Throat Reprise-The second half is much heavier.
23. Snow's Night Out-Fun instrumental
24. Ladies and Gentlemen, Mister Ryo Okomoto on the Keyboards-I hate the title of this song. It just feels so out of place. Sounds decent.

Well, you see, Snow fell back in with the wrong crowd and gets taken out on a night of heavy drink and drugs, finds himself at a Spocks Beard concert where Ryos keyboard solo takes him on a fantastic trip but he blacks out/ODs and then has a conversion experience when he comes to.

Or something like that!

That's a lot lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on June 29, 2021, 05:00:01 PM
Snow has never clicked for me, but I also haven't listened to it as much as other albums. I don't think it's a bad album, I just think it's too long, which I also feel Neal's double album "follow up" Testimony to be too long as well, even though I've listened to that one more. Snow also feels like the band's 'Lamb Lies Down On Broadway' and I've never been a huge fan of that album either. There isn't one track on Snow I've ever listened to outside the context of a full album listen.
I'm in the camp that thinks Neal made the right artistic decision to leave SB and go solo, team up with MP, and eventually RG, and the rest is history, as I think he topped all of Spock's albums with One, ?, Sola Scriptura, The Whirlwind, and Testimony 2 (that's without mentioning his work with TNMB)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on June 30, 2021, 06:39:29 PM
Sorry for the gap, but we return at last with Testimony
1. The Land of Beginning Again-I love how soft this one is. Neal's voice really shines here.
2. Overture No. 1-Some nice simple melody's in here. It feels very subdued compared to the live version. That's not necessarily a bad thing.
3. California Nights-This is a banger. The last chorus is awesome.
4. Colder in the Sun-it's good, but not my favorite.
5. Sleeping Jesus-I really like the drums here.
6. Interlude-Decent, but nothing special.
7. The Prince of the Power of the Air- Neal sounds great here.
8. The Promise-Short fun song.
9. Wasted Life-Neal struggled to make some of the vocal lines fit on this one, especially during the verses. Nice solo though.
10. Overture No. 2-I love how happy this one feels.
11. Break of Day-Every time I hear the bridge I get the urge to watch Love Actually again.
12. Power in the Air-I like the guitar work on this one.
13. Somber Days-Neal sounds great here. Going solo helped his voice shine I think.
14. Long Story-One of my favorites on the album.
15. It's All I Can Do- Good song even with the solo being too long.
16. Transformation-It's missing something but I don't know what.
17. Ready to Try-Great song. The simpleness works.
18. Sing it High-Top 5 Neal song. It's not long enough. That's the only flaw.
19. Moving in My Heart-I love how I can feel the joy radiating from this song.
20. I Am Willing-I don't know how Neal is wringing so much emotion in this section. It's beautiful.
21. In the Middle-I identify deeply with this one, so despite it being unnecessary, I enjoy it.
22. The Storm Before the Calm-This song, however, is completely pointless. He's lucky the instrumental portion is awesome.
23. Oh, to Feel Him-This song is my #1 song. I don't even have words to describe it. Everyone just needs to listen to it.
24. God's Theme-Beautiful.
25. Overture No. 3-As an introduction to a Praise service, it works.
26. Rejoice-Once I understood what Neal was doing here, I fell in love.
27. Oh Lord My God-As emotional climax, it's perfect.
28. God's Theme 2-This is the alter call.
29. The Land of Beginning Again-It's pretty, and I can see why it is here to let out the album on a calmer note.

Overall thoughts: I love this album. He learned a lot from Snow, and turned this into a masterpiece. Everyone who loves progressive rock needs to listen to this album. Everyone who loves music needs to listen to this album. This album is almost perfection. Only 1 of his albums will get close to this level. And even that one will never beat this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on July 01, 2021, 08:32:38 AM
22. The Storm Before the Calm-This song, however, is completely pointless. He's lucky the instrumental portion is awesome.

Crazy talk.  This might be my all-time favorite NM song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 01, 2021, 09:32:45 AM
https://youtu.be/piRaLvCPbQI

A four minute trailer for The Making Of Innocence & Danger has been posted! Very cool that these documentaries are including post-session interviews, now we can see what they think of the music not long after it's been written. I loved that idea with the last Transatlantic doc, so I'm excited to see it here too!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on July 01, 2021, 10:07:54 AM
https://youtu.be/piRaLvCPbQI

A four minute trailer for The Making Of Innocence & Danger has been posted! Very cool that these documentaries are including post-session interviews, now we can see what they think of the music not long after it's been written. I loved that idea with the last Transatlantic doc, so I'm excited to see it here too!

-Marc.

"Hoy did you came up with the name?" (for The Neal Mose Band) :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 01, 2021, 11:17:27 AM
22. The Storm Before the Calm-This song, however, is completely pointless. He's lucky the instrumental portion is awesome.

Crazy talk.  This might be my all-time favorite NM song.
Dude, it's really good.  I might be with you on this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on July 01, 2021, 05:05:58 PM
Now we turn to One, which is the first non double album in a while, but yet another concept album.
1. The Creation-Does not feel like 18 minutes. I really enjoy the flow of this song. It hangs together better than some of his other epics. The bit right after Adam and Eve eat from the Tree of Life is perfect.
2. The Man's Gone-Short, sweet, it works, but it's not one I seek out to listen to on it's own.
3. Author of Confusion-This might be controversial, but I don't like this one. One of my least favorite Neal songs. The middle section where he stops the Author of Confusion part is the only part I like.
4. The Separated Man-The first section is very nice. It feels like a fun rocker. I like the darkness in the second section. The third section's instrumental break sounds good if a tad overlong. The fourth section is just kinda there.
5. Cradle to the Grave-I love this one. Neal's voice sounds great here.
6. Help Me/The Spirit and the Flesh-I really like the Help Me part. I'm probably wrong, but the more latin feel is quite refreshing. The callbacks to The Creation are very well placed. This is a great and emotional ending to the song.
7. Father of Forgiveness-My first copy of One had a scratch and so the album stopped here. For about 3 months I thought this was the final song on the album. I almost feel as if it was better that way. I just love this song. It's a great emotional conclusion, especially immediately following the Spirit and the Flesh.
8. Reunion-I hate, hate, hate that he just repeated the melody from The Creation here. The one immediately following Adam and Eve eating from the tree. It feels full of menace, and a dark reality hiding behind the outward appearance of joy. He should have changed keys, or moved it up and octave, or something. As it stands it has no business in the joyous conclusion and almost ruins the song. In addition, this album already had a more somber conclusion with Father of Forgiveness (I'm not convinced that Reunion needs to be here), Reunion was set up as a celebration. Ending with a more somber conclusion, however beautiful, doesn't work. You can't go somber, then happy, then suddenly somber again. It feels like emotional whiplash and doesn't work as well as it could have.

Overall thoughts: While this might have my most negative comments yet, I still think this is a really good album. In fact, I daresay it is one of the best Christian albums that has ever been made. Take out Author of Confusion and fix Reunion and you have a solid record. I still really like it, it just needs a few corrections. Father of Forgiveness and Cradle to the Grave are the highlights, with The Creation coming close behind them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on July 01, 2021, 05:13:52 PM
A lot of my opinions on this album are almost the opposite of yours. I really like Author of Confusion and Reunion, and don't really care for The Creation. And I specifically like that particular melody in Reunion and not in The Creation.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 01, 2021, 06:00:00 PM
Between Neal's first three solo prog albums (Testimony, One, and ?), One might be my favorite, with ? not far behind it, but only in its expanded 92-minute track listing, including the three bonus tracks cut from the concept. "King Jesus" is as good of a feel-good rocker as Neal has ever written.

Even all these years later, One still stands up as one of his better albums in his ENTIRE discography.

-Marc.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on July 01, 2021, 06:16:49 PM
Neal Morse solo prog (not including TNMB)

?
Sola Scriptura
One
Testimony 2
Testimony
Sola Gratia
Momentum
Lifeline
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 01, 2021, 06:21:39 PM
I'm starting to think The Grand Experiment is one of Neal's best, and that Momentum is better than you remember it being.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on July 01, 2021, 06:28:18 PM
I'm starting to think The Grand Experiment is one of Neal's best, and that Momentum is better than you remember it being.

You're probably right about Momentum, I haven't listened to that one in awhile.  But The Grand Experiment doesn't count - that's TNMB
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on July 01, 2021, 06:52:39 PM
One just did nothing for me. I enjoyed Testimony a good bit when it came out, but I almost never listen to it anymore and parts of it fall pretty flat for me. I have just never been able to connect with Neals post-SB solo work the way I did with SB or TA.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on July 01, 2021, 06:58:49 PM
Just looked at Facebook and saw that Neals mother just passed away. Sad to hear.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 01, 2021, 07:43:43 PM
Saw that as well about Neal's mom. R.I.P.  :( :(

Back to the tunes, while I feel that Testimony is not one of his better solo albums, I still like it quite a bit, and it has some killer songs. I will echo the love for The Storm Before the Calm, and Somber Days and Sleeping Jesus are major favorites as well.

One, on the other hand, is a near-perfect record. Still one of the best albums Neal has ever done, from any project.  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on July 07, 2021, 03:31:32 PM
Tomorrow I will continue the Neal binge with Lead Me Lord, the first of five Worship Sessions albums. This one was probably the second hardest to track down but I eventually found a copy on ebay. Kind of the precursor to a lot of his later work.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 07, 2021, 03:38:28 PM
One, on the other hand, is a near-perfect record. Still one of the best albums Neal has ever done, from any project.  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Indeed
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 08, 2021, 04:41:56 PM
Mike Portnoy, and The Prog Report, discuss Neal, the upcoming NMB album, and create an 'ultimate' Neal Morse album.
https://youtu.be/ivk-Mk6KGSc (https://youtu.be/ivk-Mk6KGSc)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 08, 2021, 06:34:41 PM
First 15 minutes or so was cool, hearing Portnoy talk about the new album and how they will be structuring the set lists for the tour.  Interesting too that they are rebranding the band as NMB (even though it is still officially Neal Morse Band). 

I didn't keep it on for the ultimate album thing, as picking songs out of random from Neal's solo albums is just weird, given that most of them are concept albums.  Fun exercise I am sure, but I know it would have given me a headache. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 08, 2021, 07:01:22 PM
Even stranger that they're calling themselves "NMB" when the previous albums labelled the band as THE Neal Morse Band, not just Neal Morse Band.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 08, 2021, 08:27:35 PM
Even stranger that they're calling themselves "NMB" when the previous albums labelled the band as THE Neal Morse Band, not just Neal Morse Band.

Does "That Joe Payne" refer to himself as "That Joe Payne" when referring to his music, or as TJP, or even just JP? Also, calling your solo act "That __(your name)__" is pretty silly to begin with, as far as musical acts including the main artist's name go.

But yeah, I've seen NMB a lot during this press cycle for I&D, and I think it just looks better on graphics than include the "The" in the abbreviation. Having it be TNMB is a bit clunky, but NMB can be drawn with the M in the middle to create a balanced logo.

Looking at the album cover for I&D, though, it has NMB up top but directly underneath it is "THE NEAL MORSE BAND", so it's not like the band dropped the article entirely. I think NMB is just their logo now, and you can probably expect it on Mike's bass drum heads. I'm sure he'll have the black and white masks on them as well, as it works pretty conveniently for bass drum head graphics.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on July 08, 2021, 08:41:18 PM
Even stranger that they're calling themselves "NMB" when the previous albums labelled the band as THE Neal Morse Band, not just Neal Morse Band.

Does "That Joe Payne" refer to himself as "That Joe Payne" when referring to his music, or as TJP, or even just JP? Also, calling your solo act "That __(your name)__" is pretty silly to begin with, as far as musical acts including the main artist's name go.

But yeah, I've seen NMB a lot during this press cycle for I&D, and I think it just looks better on graphics than include the "The" in the abbreviation. Having it be TNMB is a bit clunky, but NMB can be drawn with the M in the middle to create a balanced logo.

Looking at the album cover for I&D, though, it has NMB up top but directly underneath it is "THE NEAL MORSE BAND", so it's not like the band dropped the article entirely. I think NMB is just their logo now, and you can probably expect it on Mike's bass drum heads. I'm sure he'll have the black and white masks on them as well, as it works pretty conveniently for bass drum head graphics.

-Marc.


When I see TNMB my mind thinks:

Teenage Nutant Minja Burtles
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 08, 2021, 08:51:50 PM
Even stranger that they're calling themselves "NMB" when the previous albums labelled the band as THE Neal Morse Band, not just Neal Morse Band.

Does "That Joe Payne" refer to himself as "That Joe Payne" when referring to his music, or as TJP, or even just JP? Also, calling your solo act "That __(your name)__" is pretty silly to begin with, as far as musical acts including the main artist's name go.

But yeah, I've seen NMB a lot during this press cycle for I&D, and I think it just looks better on graphics than include the "The" in the abbreviation. Having it be TNMB is a bit clunky, but NMB can be drawn with the M in the middle to create a balanced logo.

Looking at the album cover for I&D, though, it has NMB up top but directly underneath it is "THE NEAL MORSE BAND", so it's not like the band dropped the article entirely. I think NMB is just their logo now, and you can probably expect it on Mike's bass drum heads. I'm sure he'll have the black and white masks on them as well, as it works pretty conveniently for bass drum head graphics.

-Marc.


When I see TNMB my mind thinks:

Teenage Nutant Minja Burtles

And when I see "HOF", I think of David Hasselhoff.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on July 08, 2021, 10:35:19 PM
Even stranger that they're calling themselves "NMB" when the previous albums labelled the band as THE Neal Morse Band, not just Neal Morse Band.

Does "That Joe Payne" refer to himself as "That Joe Payne" when referring to his music, or as TJP, or even just JP? Also, calling your solo act "That __(your name)__" is pretty silly to begin with, as far as musical acts including the main artist's name go.

But yeah, I've seen NMB a lot during this press cycle for I&D, and I think it just looks better on graphics than include the "The" in the abbreviation. Having it be TNMB is a bit clunky, but NMB can be drawn with the M in the middle to create a balanced logo.

Looking at the album cover for I&D, though, it has NMB up top but directly underneath it is "THE NEAL MORSE BAND", so it's not like the band dropped the article entirely. I think NMB is just their logo now, and you can probably expect it on Mike's bass drum heads. I'm sure he'll have the black and white masks on them as well, as it works pretty conveniently for bass drum head graphics.

-Marc.


When I see TNMB my mind thinks:

Teenage Nutant Minja Burtles

And when I see "HOF", I think of David Hasselhoff.

-Marc.

LOL, I might have to wear that one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on July 08, 2021, 11:21:09 PM
Now for something new, Neal Morse's debut solo album.

11. It's Alright- I kind of feel let down with this as the ending. It's not bad, but it's not what it could be.


So I just got a copy of this today. Really enjoyed my first listen. Definitely sounds like SB era Neal only without the other players (except Nick, but he's more restrained than in SB). But what jumped out to me about It's Alright is the ending is almost the exact same chords/melody as Cakewalk on Easy Street only slowed down a bit.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on July 09, 2021, 02:10:24 AM
Even stranger that they're calling themselves "NMB" when the previous albums labelled the band as THE Neal Morse Band, not just Neal Morse Band.

Does "That Joe Payne" refer to himself as "That Joe Payne" when referring to his music, or as TJP, or even just JP? Also, calling your solo act "That __(your name)__" is pretty silly to begin with, as far as musical acts including the main artist's name go.

But yeah, I've seen NMB a lot during this press cycle for I&D, and I think it just looks better on graphics than include the "The" in the abbreviation. Having it be TNMB is a bit clunky, but NMB can be drawn with the M in the middle to create a balanced logo.

Looking at the album cover for I&D, though, it has NMB up top but directly underneath it is "THE NEAL MORSE BAND", so it's not like the band dropped the article entirely. I think NMB is just their logo now, and you can probably expect it on Mike's bass drum heads. I'm sure he'll have the black and white masks on them as well, as it works pretty conveniently for bass drum head graphics.

-Marc.


When I see TNMB my mind thinks:

Teenage Nutant Minja Burtles

And when I see "HOF", I think of David Hasselhoff.

-Marc.

LOL, I might have to wear that one.

Don't hassle the HOF :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on July 09, 2021, 08:34:30 AM
Between Neal's first three solo prog albums (Testimony, One, and ?), One might be my favorite, with ? not far behind it, but only in its expanded 92-minute track listing, including the three bonus tracks cut from the concept. "King Jesus" is as good of a feel-good rocker as Neal has ever written.

Even all these years later, One still stands up as one of his better albums in his ENTIRE discography.

-Marc.

What would be the full track list with the bonus tracks? I've seen some lists online but they always omit Back to the Garden for some reason.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 09, 2021, 09:42:08 AM
People can rank their favorites however they want of course, but to me it is cheating to use anything other than the officially released album version.  When I rank an album, I rank the album as it is, not how it could have been, meaning the original running order (see: a rough draft) is not something I consider, and bonus tracks are not part of the equation.  Using One as an example, the eight songs on the official release of One are THE album.  Ranking the album using any other method, again, is cheating. ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on July 09, 2021, 11:01:26 AM
People can rank their favorites however they want of course, but to me it is cheating to use anything other than the officially released album version.  When I rank an album, I rank the album as it is, not how it could have been, meaning the original running order (see: a rough draft) is not something I consider, and bonus tracks are not part of the equation.  Using One as an example, the eight songs on the official release of One are THE album.  Ranking the album using any other method, again, is cheating. ;)

Not saying I disagree with this, but IIRC, the issue with these One extra songs was that they were all meant to be in the album but they couldn't fit them because of the limitations of a CD (80 mins). I'd say the one with extra tracks is THE album vs the abridged version we got on the official release :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on July 09, 2021, 11:04:49 AM

So, putting aside the first two solo albums "Neal Morse" and "It's Not Too Late" I'd rank his solo albums like this:

?

Sola Scriptura
Testimony 2
Sola Gratia
One

Testimony
Momentum
Lifeline
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on July 09, 2021, 11:11:25 AM

So, putting aside the first two solo albums "Neal Morse" and "It's Not Too Late" I'd rank his solo albums like this:

?

Sola Scriptura
Testimony 2
Sola Gratia
One

Testimony
Momentum
Lifeline

No love for JCTE?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on July 09, 2021, 11:47:21 AM
Neal Morse solo prog (not including TNMB)

?
Sola Scriptura
One
Testimony 2
Testimony
Sola Gratia
Momentum
Lifeline

So, putting aside the first two solo albums "Neal Morse" and "It's Not Too Late" I'd rank his solo albums like this:

?

Sola Scriptura
Testimony 2
Sola Gratia
One

Testimony
Momentum
Lifeline

Pretty close to mine - you have a little more love for Sola Gratia than I do and a little less love for One
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 09, 2021, 01:21:11 PM
Morsefest 2021 will be two nights, with the first concert being the "Innocence Night", which will feature "lighter pieces" and shorter songs not just from the NMB but across Neal's whole back catalogue (so I expect a couple Transatlantic, Flying Colors, and Spock's Beard songs). The second night will be the "Danger Night", which will be ALL EPICS, presumably including both of the new album's epics.

This sounds like what Marillion once did for one of their Marillion Weekends, and it's a neat idea for a Morsefest. I wonder if the Danger Night will be a 3-hour set, because if it's 2.5 or less, the whole set will only be 4 or 5 songs!! Hopefully it's also all complete songs and no medleys!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 09, 2021, 01:55:24 PM
Even stranger that they're calling themselves "NMB" when the previous albums labelled the band as THE Neal Morse Band, not just Neal Morse Band.

Does "That Joe Payne" refer to himself as "That Joe Payne" when referring to his music, or as TJP, or even just JP? Also, calling your solo act "That __(your name)__" is pretty silly to begin with, as far as musical acts including the main artist's name go.

But yeah, I've seen NMB a lot during this press cycle for I&D, and I think it just looks better on graphics than include the "The" in the abbreviation. Having it be TNMB is a bit clunky, but NMB can be drawn with the M in the middle to create a balanced logo.

Looking at the album cover for I&D, though, it has NMB up top but directly underneath it is "THE NEAL MORSE BAND", so it's not like the band dropped the article entirely. I think NMB is just their logo now, and you can probably expect it on Mike's bass drum heads. I'm sure he'll have the black and white masks on them as well, as it works pretty conveniently for bass drum head graphics.

-Marc.

I agree, and I like NMB better anyway. But the previous albums do say The Neal Morse Band, so this is a re-branding of the product, which I personally think is a good call. "NMB" is definitely catchier for today's audiences than "The Neal Morse Band"
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 09, 2021, 02:12:05 PM
Considering the length of the two new epics, and I'm not sure how long Neal's sets usually are, but I imagine there's only going to be room for one or two more epics in the Danger set for non-Morsefest shows. I wonder if they'll mix it up and play different non-I&D epics each night.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 09, 2021, 02:17:14 PM
Considering the length of the two new epics, and I'm not sure how long Neal's sets usually are, but I imagine there's only going to be room for one or two more epics in the Danger set for non-Morsefest shows. I wonder if they'll mix it up and play different non-I&D epics each night.

The way I understood Neal's IC Newsletter is that the first night wouldn't feature ANY epics, so I'm not sure what you mean by "mix it up and play different non-I&D epics each night."

Night 1 sounds like it'll only feature shorter songs, lighter tunes that are probably more pop-rock and ballad focused. At most, I don't think any of those songs will reach past 10 minutes.

For night 2, he said it will be "ALL EPICS", which sounds like it'll include the two new epics, probably 2 or 3 more like "Alive Again" or "World Withour End" or "Seeds Of Gold". I don't think we will see any songs shorter than 15 minutes here, and they'll probably be all NMB or Neal Solo songs.

As far as show length, I think Morsefest 2014 had the longest concert nights, especially playing all of Testimony PLUS an encore. If they pull off a 2.5-3 hour concert for Danger Night, they could play 4-5 epics easily, and that's probably what will happen.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on July 09, 2021, 02:25:48 PM
Considering the length of the two new epics, and I'm not sure how long Neal's sets usually are, but I imagine there's only going to be room for one or two more epics in the Danger set for non-Morsefest shows. I wonder if they'll mix it up and play different non-I&D epics each night.

He's talking about the rest of the tour, not Morsefest. Mike said they're also doing the I&D concept for sets 1 and 2 on the rest of the tour.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 09, 2021, 02:30:24 PM
Considering the length of the two new epics, and I'm not sure how long Neal's sets usually are, but I imagine there's only going to be room for one or two more epics in the Danger set for non-Morsefest shows. I wonder if they'll mix it up and play different non-I&D epics each night.

He's talking about the rest of the tour, not Morsefest. Mike said they're also doing the I&D concept for sets 1 and 2 on the rest of the tour.

Ahhh, gotcha. I misread that, my bad. I hadn't seen Mike say that about the tour, but it makes sense.

Even if the tour's shows are pushing 3 hours, leaves maybe, at most, 90-120 minutes for the epics, or only 3-4 songs, two of which will be the new ones. If I had to guess, they'd probably rotate one epic between shows, and keep as much of the Morsefest material in rotation for both sets of the normal tour. I mean they're going through the trouble of learning 4-5 hours of material new and old, and to whittle that down to a 2.5-3 hour concert cuts out a LOT of songs, and I doubt they would want to play those songs just once (for Morsefest) and be done with them.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 09, 2021, 02:34:13 PM
Considering the length of the two new epics, and I'm not sure how long Neal's sets usually are, but I imagine there's only going to be room for one or two more epics in the Danger set for non-Morsefest shows. I wonder if they'll mix it up and play different non-I&D epics each night.

He's talking about the rest of the tour, not Morsefest. Mike said they're also doing the I&D concept for sets 1 and 2 on the rest of the tour.

Ahhh, gotcha. I misread that, my bad. I hadn't seen Mike say that about the tour, but it makes sense.

Even if the tour's shows are pushing 3 hours, leaves maybe, at most, 90-120 minutes for the epics, or only 3-4 songs, two of which will be the new ones. If I had to guess, they'd probably rotate one epic between shows, and keep as much of the Morsefest material in rotation for both sets of the normal tour. I mean they're going through the trouble of learning 4-5 hours of material new and old, and to whittle that down to a 2.5-3 hour concert cuts out a LOT of songs, and I doubt they would want to play those songs just once (for Morsefest) and be done with them.

-Marc.

MP talks about the plans for the upcoming NMB tour in this video that was posted this week.

Mike Portnoy, and The Prog Report, discuss Neal, the upcoming NMB album, and create an 'ultimate' Neal Morse album.
https://youtu.be/ivk-Mk6KGSc (https://youtu.be/ivk-Mk6KGSc)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 09, 2021, 03:28:44 PM
People can rank their favorites however they want of course, but to me it is cheating to use anything other than the officially released album version.  When I rank an album, I rank the album as it is, not how it could have been, meaning the original running order (see: a rough draft) is not something I consider, and bonus tracks are not part of the equation.  Using One as an example, the eight songs on the official release of One are THE album.  Ranking the album using any other method, again, is cheating. ;)

Not saying I disagree with this, but IIRC, the issue with these One extra songs was that they were all meant to be in the album but they couldn't fit them because of the limitations of a CD (80 mins). I'd say the one with extra tracks is THE album vs the abridged version we got on the official release :biggrin:

I get that, but things happen how they happen. We could point to a zillion albums that pre-dated CD and say, "Add this song or that song to that album," from the same sessions that was later added as a bonus track to the CD release.  Like I said, people can do their rankings however they want of course, but just saying, I stick to what the artist released on the proper album.

Another example: my own personal running order of Spock's Brief Nocturnes... could arguably be my favorite by the band (it omits Afterthoughts, subs out the original Somewhere Very Strange for the shorter version, and includes the rest of the bonus songs), but that is not the actual album, so I never rank it that way.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on July 10, 2021, 12:10:26 PM
Now for something new, Neal Morse's debut solo album.

11. It's Alright- I kind of feel let down with this as the ending. It's not bad, but it's not what it could be.


So I just got a copy of this today. Really enjoyed my first listen. Definitely sounds like SB era Neal only without the other players (except Nick, but he's more restrained than in SB). But what jumped out to me about It's Alright is the ending is almost the exact same chords/melody as Cakewalk on Easy Street only slowed down a bit.

I looove this album. It's everything I miss about Neal's songwriting. Poppy, singer-songwriter stuff, with jazzy and modern rock elements. It's not far off from Spock's Beard, it's just not progged up so much. One of the things that irks me when people write off Neal/Spock's as just regurgitating 70s prog is they are ignoring the more light-hearted, power pop sensibilities of a lot of Neal's stuff. Genesis and Yes and ELP and King Crimson didn't really have that kind of an angle (maybe Gentle Giant to an extent I guess), and certainly there are also elements of more modern rock that differentiate it from 70s prog (or 80s prog for that matter). 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 11, 2021, 10:12:09 AM


I looove this album. It's everything I miss about Neal's songwriting. Poppy, singer-songwriter stuff, with jazzy and modern rock elements. It's not far off from Spock's Beard, it's just not progged up so much. One of the things that irks me when people write off Neal/Spock's as just regurgitating 70s prog is they are ignoring the more light-hearted, power pop sensibilities of a lot of Neal's stuff. Genesis and Yes and ELP and King Crimson didn't really have that kind of an angle (maybe Gentle Giant to an extent I guess), and certainly there are also elements of more modern rock that differentiate it from 70s prog (or 80s prog for that matter).

I agree, but it seems commonplace now for even Neal fans to put his albums in their own categories instead of considering them all his solo albums under the same banner.  Heck, look at that recent link with the Prog Report, where the people there even conveniently ignored some of Neal's officially released solo albums (Songs from November, Life + Times) when doing the doing the make the ultimate solo Neal album game, so it is no surprise that many overlook his songs that are more simple and poppy when fans of his and major prog sites ignore albums dedicated solely to songs like that altogether.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 17, 2021, 08:36:00 AM
Lifeline documentary for IC subscribers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuTQ-A1ykTw
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on July 17, 2021, 10:42:07 AM
So this week I picked up It's Not Too Late. Another really fun album. A bit closer to modern Neal in sound and style than the self-titled solo album, which sounded more like Spock's Beard. Although there are a couple songs where he's flying very close chord structure wise to Spock's Beard songs on this one too (You can pretty much sing Can't Get it Wrong over The Angels Will Remember). The whole thing has a very warm sound, and the drums and bass both sound really rich.

But what I really love about this one is some of the interactions between Neal and Nick, especially on the outro of the title track. Apparently they recorded the drums and pianos in the same room to get that feel, and it turned out really wonderfully. If there's one thing I might want to see as much as a Neal with Spock's reunion, it's Neal and Nick doing an album together just the two of them. They always made such a strong pair both musically and vocally.

Also, I love how this album has a song callled Leah and one called I Am Your Father.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 17, 2021, 12:08:16 PM
I don't see any reason why anyone should ever sing Can't Get It Wrong again. :P :P

Puns aside, I like the It's Not Too Late record, but most of the songs are ones I would call pretty good/solid.  The lone exception, for me, is The Wind + the Rain, which is absolutely fantastic.  The outro with the piano is so damn good.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on July 17, 2021, 12:54:39 PM
I don't see any reason why anyone should ever sing Can't Get It Wrong again. :P :P

Puns aside, I like the It's Not Too Late record, but most of the songs are ones I would call pretty good/solid.  The lone exception, for me, is The Wind + the Rain, which is absolutely fantastic.  The outro with the piano is so damn good.

The Wind + The Rain is excellent. But I also really like Cant Get it Wrong!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on July 17, 2021, 02:00:10 PM
I'm not too crazy about It's not too late, but if I had to pick a track that stands out, it's probably The Eyes of the world. That one is dedicated to George Harriron, right?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on July 17, 2021, 02:29:15 PM
I checked his self-titled and It's Not Too Late for the first time a few weeks ago and... I was surprised at how little they grabbed me. I knew befoehand these were not prog albums, so I wasn't expecting that at all, but they still didn't do much for me, with a few exceptions.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on July 17, 2021, 02:39:36 PM
I checked his self-titled and It's Not Too Late for the first time a few weeks ago and... I was surprised at how little they grabbed me. I knew befoehand these were not prog albums, so I wasn't expecting that at all, but they still didn't do much for me, with a few exceptions.

Theyre excellent pop albums (with some prog on the first one), but theres a lot of really great playing on them as well. Neals solo prog albums have always left me cold, but these hit the spot for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 17, 2021, 02:41:47 PM
I'm not too crazy about It's not too late, but if I had to pick a track that stands out, it's probably The Eyes of the world. That one is dedicated to George Harriron, right?

Not sure who George Harriron is, but "The Eyes Of The World (George's Song)" is dedicated to Neal's friend George Pappanostas, who died in February of 2001, according to the liner notes (as I just grabbed the CD from my media tower).

Interestingly, all the songs were written over the course of the prior two decades before the album's release.
It's Not Too Late - 2000
All The Young Girls Cry - 2000
Leah - 1985
The Angels Will Remembers - 1999
So Long Goodbye Blues - 1983
The Change - 1998
Broken Homes - 1994
Oh Angie - 1996
The Eyes Of The World (George's Song) - 2001
Ain't Seen Nothin' Like Me - 1996
I Am Your Father - 1982
Something Blue - 2000
The Wind And The Rain - 1984

Nick D'Virgilio features on all but three songs: "Broken Homes" (which is just Neal on guitar and vocals, "George's Song" (which is Neal on everything), and "I Am Your Father" (featuring Neal's old band from the 80's, including Greg Westall on electric guitar, Brad Wetmore on bass, and Jordan Zimmerman on drums).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on July 17, 2021, 02:52:47 PM
I really like The Change. Even if/because it sounds like a adult-oriented pop song circa 1998.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 17, 2021, 02:59:12 PM
I really like The Change. Even if/because it sounds like a adult-oriented pop song circa 1998.

Well it was written in 1998, so maybe that explains it!  :lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on July 17, 2021, 03:07:05 PM
I really like The Change. Even if/because it sounds like a adult-oriented pop song circa 1998.

Well it was written in 1998, so maybe that explains it!  :lol

-Marc.

Precisely! 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on July 18, 2021, 02:56:46 AM
I'm not too crazy about It's not too late, but if I had to pick a track that stands out, it's probably The Eyes of the world. That one is dedicated to George Harriron, right?

Not sure who George Harriron is, but "The Eyes Of The World (George's Song)" is dedicated to Neal's friend George Pappanostas, who died in February of 2001, according to the liner notes (as I just grabbed the CD from my media tower).
In my defence, I was typing with one hand.  :lol It was my assuption that it was a tribute to George Harrison, given that he passed away the year before, and I've always got a strong Beatles vibe from that track.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on July 18, 2021, 05:56:11 AM
I checked his self-titled and It's Not Too Late for the first time a few weeks ago and... I was surprised at how little they grabbed me. I knew befoehand these were not prog albums, so I wasn't expecting that at all, but they still didn't do much for me, with a few exceptions.


I bought those both back when they were released and I don't think I ever listened to either disc more than once or twice.  Of course, I bought them expecting to hear something similar to Spock's Beard. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on July 18, 2021, 09:20:33 AM
I agree, but it seems commonplace now for even Neal fans to put his albums in their own categories instead of considering them all his solo albums under the same banner.  Heck, look at that recent link with the Prog Report, where the people there even conveniently ignored some of Neal's officially released solo albums (Songs from November, Life + Times) when doing the doing the make the ultimate solo Neal album game, so it is no surprise that many overlook his songs that are more simple and poppy when fans of his and major prog sites ignore albums dedicated solely to songs like that altogether.

I sort of think Neal has made and encouraged those categorizations himself, though, hasn't he? Perhaps most notably on the last tour, when the encore was a medley featuring one piece from each album from the "prog" category (plus each NMB album) and nothing from any of his other solo work. So while I get what you mean when you say that they are really all equally solo Neal albums, I think there's clearly a division into different kinds of solo album that Neal has in his own mind when making and performing his music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on July 18, 2021, 09:40:10 AM
I checked his self-titled and It's Not Too Late for the first time a few weeks ago and... I was surprised at how little they grabbed me. I knew befoehand these were not prog albums, so I wasn't expecting that at all, but they still didn't do much for me, with a few exceptions.


I bought those both back when they were released and I don't think I ever listened to either disc more than once or twice.  Of course, I bought them expecting to hear something similar to Spock's Beard.

Yeah, to me they just sound like extra songs Neal had written over the years and decided to release them because why not. I still enjoy some of them, but most I just don't care about.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 18, 2021, 12:47:21 PM
I agree, but it seems commonplace now for even Neal fans to put his albums in their own categories instead of considering them all his solo albums under the same banner.  Heck, look at that recent link with the Prog Report, where the people there even conveniently ignored some of Neal's officially released solo albums (Songs from November, Life + Times) when doing the doing the make the ultimate solo Neal album game, so it is no surprise that many overlook his songs that are more simple and poppy when fans of his and major prog sites ignore albums dedicated solely to songs like that altogether.

I sort of think Neal has made and encouraged those categorizations himself, though, hasn't he? Perhaps most notably on the last tour, when the encore was a medley featuring one piece from each album from the "prog" category (plus each NMB album) and nothing from any of his other solo work. So while I get what you mean when you say that they are really all equally solo Neal albums, I think there's clearly a division into different kinds of solo album that Neal has in his own mind when making and performing his music.

IIRC, Neal almost never writes the set lists.  I think he trusts Portnoy write them, with input from others, and I thought I recall Bill Hubauer having a huge hand in designing the flow of that medley (someone correct me if I am misremembering), so it would not surprise me that Neal didn't push back at all when the others designed it while picking only from the full-on prog albums.

Not a big deal in the grand scheme, it's just weird as I cannot think of any other artist whose fans routinely group their albums into categories based on genre. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 18, 2021, 04:58:01 PM
I'm not too crazy about It's not too late, but if I had to pick a track that stands out, it's probably The Eyes of the world. That one is dedicated to George Harriron, right?

Not sure who George Harriron is, but "The Eyes Of The World (George's Song)" is dedicated to Neal's friend George Pappanostas, who died in February of 2001, according to the liner notes (as I just grabbed the CD from my media tower).
In my defence, I was typing with one hand.  :lol It was my assuption that it was a tribute to George Harrison, given that he passed away the year before, and I've always got a strong Beatles vibe from that track.

Sounds like you need to work on that particular skill of yours.  ;)

I'll admit that at one time I did think this as well, but I recall reading otherwise in the liner notes not long after I bought the album many years ago, and even if I couldn't remember exactl which George it was, I knew it wasn't Harrison.

I agree, but it seems commonplace now for even Neal fans to put his albums in their own categories instead of considering them all his solo albums under the same banner.  Heck, look at that recent link with the Prog Report, where the people there even conveniently ignored some of Neal's officially released solo albums (Songs from November, Life + Times) when doing the doing the make the ultimate solo Neal album game, so it is no surprise that many overlook his songs that are more simple and poppy when fans of his and major prog sites ignore albums dedicated solely to songs like that altogether.

I sort of think Neal has made and encouraged those categorizations himself, though, hasn't he? Perhaps most notably on the last tour, when the encore was a medley featuring one piece from each album from the "prog" category (plus each NMB album) and nothing from any of his other solo work. So while I get what you mean when you say that they are really all equally solo Neal albums, I think there's clearly a division into different kinds of solo album that Neal has in his own mind when making and performing his music.

IIRC, Neal almost never writes the set lists.  I think he trusts Portnoy write them, with input from others, and I thought I recall Bill Hubauer having a huge hand in designing the flow of that medley (someone correct me if I am misremembering), so it would not surprise me that Neal didn't push back at all when the others designed it while picking only from the full-on prog albums.

Not a big deal in the grand scheme, it's just weird as I cannot think of any other artist whose fans routinely group their albums into categories based on genre. 

I am willing to bet that Mike definitely had a hand in crafting the encore medley, as it seems to be something he'd be into, especially being the setlist master that he is.

Also, I don't think Neal is entirely against playing his singer-songwriter pieces during his usual prog rock album tours, I think he just knows what the prog fans want. He did a whole Life & Times tour just for those kinds of songs, so I think if he wanted to play them, he'd go on the road solo again to do that, or get a smaller band to play those kinds of songs. I'm sure he is aware that his amount of fame is mostly based on the fact that he is well known in the prog community, so he hasn't really tried to branch out and become a bigger star in the singer-songwriter genre. I think the most he's gotten into that was probably with Flying Colors, but that was mostly bolstered by being in a band with other fairly famous musicians, and then they lost an outside producer and became proggy anyway, soooooo...  :lol

It's also interesting that he's never played any of his non-prog albums in full at any Morsefest, but I believe he's played some of those songs during Inner Circle Member concerts, so they have a home somewhere. It would be interesting to see what a tour of just his non-prog stuff would look like, who he would get to play with him, and if the shows would sell. I'm sure Neal likes it all, and I believe he's done Church Tours before playing his worhsip music as well, so it's not like other facets of his music gather cobwebs just because the prog fans aren't into it. He finds an audience for his work, it's just that his proggy stuff is the biggest audience.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on July 18, 2021, 05:08:22 PM
I checked his self-titled and It's Not Too Late for the first time a few weeks ago and... I was surprised at how little they grabbed me. I knew befoehand these were not prog albums, so I wasn't expecting that at all, but they still didn't do much for me, with a few exceptions.


I bought those both back when they were released and I don't think I ever listened to either disc more than once or twice.  Of course, I bought them expecting to hear something similar to Spock's Beard.

Im similar.  I wasnt expecting an album like Spocks Beard but I always thought there were great pop moments within SB songs.  I just thought hed be great at writing a pop album with really melodic shorter songs.  Both just bored me to tears unfortunately.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 18, 2021, 06:08:43 PM
Neal is a great musician, and a prolific composer, but he's also a keen businessman. He knows his bread and butter is making symphonic prog rock, particularly with Portnoy on drums. I'd argue that getting MP to play on his solo albums after he left Spock's, has helped his bottom line over the last 20 years, due to MP's popularity from being in Dream Theater.

Even then, I don't think he's a very popular artist in the grand scheme of prog rock, let alone all of music. So many prog fans do NOT like Neal's brand of prog (or TFK, or many other 3rd wave prog acts) If he couldn't make it as a singer-songwriter in the 80s and early 90s, he sure ain't going to break out big as a 61 year old white Christian male musician living in Tennessee in 2021, what with how our media pushes negative views on older people, people who live in the south, and religious folk, particularly and mainly Christians; and what is considered 'mainstream' music these days, which sometimes sounds like anti-music (and not in a good way). You'll be lucky to find someone under 40 or 35 who's even heard of Jon Anderson, Robert Fripp, or Keith Emerson, let alone Neal Morse. You might get lucky with a Collins or Gabriel, if only because they had a few pretty big hits in the 80s that still get airplay to this day. Even then...

Neal plays a niche style of music to an even greater niche audience, and yet, he's one of, if not THE most popular prog musicians post-1970s, aside from all the Dream Theater members and ex-members. It's basically a sad state of affairs for the genre, to think, ELP were playing huge arenas in the 1970s...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 18, 2021, 06:44:48 PM
Neal is a great musician, and a prolific composer, but he's also a keen businessman. He knows his bread and butter is making symphonic prog rock, particularly with Portnoy on drums. I'd argue that getting MP to play on his solo albums after he left Spock's, has helped his bottom line over the last 20 years, due to MP's popularity from being in Dream Theater.

Even then, I don't think he's a very popular artist in the grand scheme of prog rock, let alone all of music. So many prog fans do NOT like Neal's brand of prog (or TFK, or many other 3rd wave prog acts) If he couldn't make it as a singer-songwriter in the 80s and early 90s, he sure ain't going to break out big as a 61 year old white Christian male musician living in Tennessee in 2021, what with how our media pushes negative views on older people, people who live in the south, and religious folk, particularly and mainly Christians; and what is considered 'mainstream' music these days, which sometimes sounds like anti-music (and not in a good way). You'll be lucky to find someone under 40 or 35 who's even heard of Jon Anderson, Robert Fripp, or Keith Emerson, let alone Neal Morse. You might get lucky with a Collins or Gabriel, if only because they had a few pretty big hits in the 80s that still get airplay to this day. Even then...

Neal plays a niche style of music to an even greater niche audience, and yet, he's one of, if not THE most popular prog musicians post-1970s, aside from all the Dream Theater members and ex-members. It's basically a sad state of affairs for the genre, to think, ELP were playing huge arenas in the 1970s...

Sounds about right, and I think you're on the nose about how well-known (or not well-known) many of the 70s prog musicians are these days. I discovered them in my early-20s after falling in love with Rush (and Dream Theater), so everything kind of opened up to me at that point, but today, there is just no spotlight on that kind of rock music anymore, or rock music in general. So not only rock on its way out the door, progressive rock has had a foot out the door for many years now, but Neal is one of the more popular musicians, if only because of his prolific nature, number of bands he's been involved in (similarly to Portnoy), and his style of prog rock (which is very influenced by the popular prog bands of the 70s like ELP, Genesis, and Yes). He built a name for himself during that early 90s third wave and managed to carve out a name for himself even among other fairly prolific writers like Steven Wilson and Roine Stolt.

But now that he is in his 60s, I don't think he's in any shape to change up the formula now, and I kind of hope that he finds a time to call it quits before he begins to be too old to perform the music he wants to perform, unless he retires the prog hat and focuses mainly on the fairly easier singer-songwriter music he's good at. I think him holding auditions 8-9 years ago for what would become the Neal Morse Band was a sign of him trying to make touring easier on himself, dividing up the guitar, keyboard, and vocal duties among two or three other musicians so he could reasonably perform for 2-3 months in a row during tours. I think iby also welcoming new music from Bill and Eric has helped relieve him of having to churn out 50-80 minutes of his own music every couple of years for a new prog album. I'm not saying he is burned out, but a lot of his critics have seemed to feel that way over the years, but I do appreciate that having Eric and Bill is a sort of shot-in-the-arm for Neal's music in general, even if it isn't entirely Neal's writing.

Bottom line, I just hope Neal doesn't end up like Yes, a shadow of their former selves playing at slower tempos and in lower keys, straining to hold things together. I do have a feeling that The Absolute Universe might be the last Transatlantic album because by the time they probably get around to making another one, he'll be at least 65 or 66, Pete will be pushing 67, and Roine will be close to 70. I can't imagine those guys in their late 60's trying to pump out and tour on the kind of big music they're used to writing together.

I also feel like Neal's tours have slowly gotten shorter in terms of length, and show times. He used to pump out 3 hour concerts, but now they seem to be 2-2.5 hours.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on July 18, 2021, 06:54:54 PM
Sometimes,  a guy makes music he loves and makes enough for a nice life.

And I'm grateful for that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 18, 2021, 06:57:52 PM
Sometimes,  a guy makes music he loves and makes enough for a nice life.

And I'm grateful for that.

and I totally get that. Better to stay relatively unknown but make enough money to keep making the music you love, and then some, and it still be quality, than to be washed up like Yes, resting on your laurels like King Crimson is doing (even if they're a little being creative with it) and not putting out much new music, or disappearing from the public eye like Gabriel and Collins have been doing for a long time now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 18, 2021, 07:01:13 PM
Neal is a great musician, and a prolific composer, but he's also a keen businessman. He knows his bread and butter is making symphonic prog rock, particularly with Portnoy on drums. I'd argue that getting MP to play on his solo albums after he left Spock's, has helped his bottom line over the last 20 years, due to MP's popularity from being in Dream Theater.

Even then, I don't think he's a very popular artist in the grand scheme of prog rock, let alone all of music. So many prog fans do NOT like Neal's brand of prog (or TFK, or many other 3rd wave prog acts) If he couldn't make it as a singer-songwriter in the 80s and early 90s, he sure ain't going to break out big as a 61 year old white Christian male musician living in Tennessee in 2021, what with how our media pushes negative views on older people, people who live in the south, and religious folk, particularly and mainly Christians; and what is considered 'mainstream' music these days, which sometimes sounds like anti-music (and not in a good way). You'll be lucky to find someone under 40 or 35 who's even heard of Jon Anderson, Robert Fripp, or Keith Emerson, let alone Neal Morse. You might get lucky with a Collins or Gabriel, if only because they had a few pretty big hits in the 80s that still get airplay to this day. Even then...

Neal plays a niche style of music to an even greater niche audience, and yet, he's one of, if not THE most popular prog musicians post-1970s, aside from all the Dream Theater members and ex-members. It's basically a sad state of affairs for the genre, to think, ELP were playing huge arenas in the 1970s...

Sounds about right, and I think you're on the nose about how well-known (or not well-known) many of the 70s prog musicians are these days. I discovered them in my early-20s after falling in love with Rush (and Dream Theater), so everything kind of opened up to me at that point, but today, there is just no spotlight on that kind of rock music anymore, or rock music in general. So not only rock on its way out the door, progressive rock has had a foot out the door for many years now, but Neal is one of the more popular musicians, if only because of his prolific nature, number of bands he's been involved in (similarly to Portnoy), and his style of prog rock (which is very influenced by the popular prog bands of the 70s like ELP, Genesis, and Yes). He built a name for himself during that early 90s third wave and managed to carve out a name for himself even among other fairly prolific writers like Steven Wilson and Roine Stolt.

But now that he is in his 60s, I don't think he's in any shape to change up the formula now, and I kind of hope that he finds a time to call it quits before he begins to be too old to perform the music he wants to perform, unless he retires the prog hat and focuses mainly on the fairly easier singer-songwriter music he's good at. I think him holding auditions 8-9 years ago for what would become the Neal Morse Band was a sign of him trying to make touring easier on himself, dividing up the guitar, keyboard, and vocal duties among two or three other musicians so he could reasonably perform for 2-3 months in a row during tours. I think iby also welcoming new music from Bill and Eric has helped relieve him of having to churn out 50-80 minutes of his own music every couple of years for a new prog album. I'm not saying he is burned out, but a lot of his critics have seemed to feel that way over the years, but I do appreciate that having Eric and Bill is a sort of shot-in-the-arm for Neal's music in general, even if it isn't entirely Neal's writing.

Bottom line, I just hope Neal doesn't end up like Yes, a shadow of their former selves playing at slower tempos and in lower keys, straining to hold things together. I do have a feeling that The Absolute Universe might be the last Transatlantic album because by the time they probably get around to making another one, he'll be at least 65 or 66, Pete will be pushing 67, and Roine will be close to 70. I can't imagine those guys in their late 60's trying to pump out and tour on the kind of big music they're used to writing together.

I also feel like Neal's tours have slowly gotten shorter in terms of length, and show times. He used to pump out 3 hour concerts, but now they seem to be 2-2.5 hours.

-Marc.

You might be right about Transatlantic, but with MP being the drummer and the youngest in the band, he could keep the olds in the band on their toes as long as he's still got the energy. I don't think their music is TOO technically difficult for 60 and 70 year old men to recreate live. I think the hardest aspect of playing their music is just remembering what part comes next, and they've been playing a half step down for a while now anyway, at least since The Whirlwind tour. I think trying to play the music from YES' first 7 or 8 albums, written when they were in their 20s, is a lot harder for old dudes to recreate without slowing the tempos down a ton. Transatlantic's first album was written when Roine and Neal were both in their early 40s I believe, pretty old by rock n roll standards. Having a younger member in NMB (Eric) is also a way to keep the band and its members young.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 18, 2021, 07:43:49 PM
I can't help but wonder if they are thinking long term with re-branding the Neal Morse Band as NMB, if there comes a scenario in a few years where Neal wants to step away (he will be 61 in a few weeks, after all) and Eric wants to take the reigns and lead the band going forward.  Would be easier to do with the NMB name instead of it being Neal Morse Band without Neal Morse.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on July 18, 2021, 07:55:22 PM
Sometimes,  a guy makes music he loves and makes enough for a nice life.

And I'm grateful for that.

and I totally get that. Better to stay relatively unknown but make enough money to keep making the music you love, and then some, and it still be quality, than to be washed up like Yes, resting on your laurels like King Crimson is doing (even if they're a little being creative with it) and not putting out much new music, or disappearing from the public eye like Gabriel and Collins have been doing for a long time now.

Can you imagine doing what you love and still haveca small cult? 

I'd be elated!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on July 18, 2021, 09:56:03 PM
I can't help but wonder if they are thinking long term with re-branding the Neal Morse Band as NMB, if there comes a scenario in a few years where Neal wants to step away (he will be 61 in a few weeks, after all) and Eric wants to take the reigns and lead the band going forward.  Would be easier to do with the NMB name instead of it being Neal Morse Band without Neal Morse.

This is an interesting thought, but aren't the rest of the guys a lot closer to Neal's age than they are to Eric's? I got the sense that it was just that the initial branding was a marketing ploy that they sort of regret doing since it implies less equality than there really is, but don't regret enough to want to deal with the confusion of a full-on name change. Possibly spurred by the sort of tension suggested by the comments from Eric's wife on bosk's(?) review of one of their albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on July 19, 2021, 10:14:53 AM
I think they're trying to capitalize on drunk frat boys and 20-something granola chicks who confuse "DMB" with "NMB" and come to the show. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 19, 2021, 10:44:13 AM
I think they're trying to capitalize on drunk frat boys and 20-something granola chicks who confuse "DMB" with "NMB" and come to the show.

What Would Jesus Say??
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 19, 2021, 11:38:18 AM
I think they're trying to capitalize on drunk frat boys and 20-something granola chicks who confuse "DMB" with "NMB" and come to the show.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on July 19, 2021, 12:20:10 PM
I can't help but wonder if they are thinking long term with re-branding the Neal Morse Band as NMB, if there comes a scenario in a few years where Neal wants to step away (he will be 61 in a few weeks, after all) and Eric wants to take the reigns and lead the band going forward.  Would be easier to do with the NMB name instead of it being Neal Morse Band without Neal Morse.
That's an interesting theory. It's definitely being driven by something. But I can't imagine a world where Neal stops doing what he's doing until he literally drops dead. I think he loves it too much.

My suspicion is that it's because the entire band contributes to writing now, rather than just Neal. Personally, I think the rebranding is a bit silly, because who cares besides them? Plus they have to realize that no one - literally no one - is going to start referring to them as "In Em Bee".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on July 19, 2021, 12:54:18 PM
My suspicion is that it's because the entire band contributes to writing now, rather than just Neal. Personally, I think the rebranding is a bit silly, because who cares besides them? Plus they have to realize that no one - literally no one - is going to start referring to them as "In Em Bee".

In all seriousness, I really do think the best candidate for "who cares" is "Eric's wife."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 19, 2021, 12:56:55 PM
Am I mistaken, or is the new NMB album the 20th studio album of original material with Neal and MP?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on July 19, 2021, 01:36:22 PM
I can't help but wonder if they are thinking long term with re-branding the Neal Morse Band as NMB, if there comes a scenario in a few years where Neal wants to step away (he will be 61 in a few weeks, after all) and Eric wants to take the reigns and lead the band going forward.  Would be easier to do with the NMB name instead of it being Neal Morse Band without Neal Morse.
That's an interesting theory. It's definitely being driven by something. But I can't imagine a world where Neal stops doing what he's doing until he literally drops dead. I think he loves it too much.

My suspicion is that it's because the entire band contributes to writing now, rather than just Neal. Personally, I think the rebranding is a bit silly, because who cares besides them? Plus they have to realize that no one - literally no one - is going to start referring to them as "In Em Bee".

This.  Neal loves music way too much to stop doing this anytime soon - if ever.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 19, 2021, 02:18:14 PM
Am I mistaken, or is the new NMB album the 20th studio album of original material with Neal and MP?

Let's see...
11 Prog albums with Neal and Mike (from Testimony to Sola Gratia)
5 albums with Transatlantic
3 albums with Flying Colors

I guess I&D is number 20, not counting the 3 cover albums, or the Proggy Christmas album.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on July 19, 2021, 02:23:57 PM
Am I mistaken, or is the new NMB album the 20th studio album of original material with Neal and MP?

Let's see...
11 Prog albums with Neal and Mike (from Testimony to Sola Gratia)
5 albums with Transatlantic
3 albums with Flying Colors

I guess I&D is number 20, not counting the 3 cover albums, or the Proggy Christmas album.

-Marc.

11 prog albums? I guess that includes NMB, but Im not sure I can even name all 11.

Just went through them in my head, and yeah I guess thats right.

Testimony
One
?
Sola Scriptura
Testimony II
Lifeline
Momentum
Sola Gratia

Not sure thats the right order. Plus 3 NMB albums with a 4th on the way.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on July 19, 2021, 02:42:27 PM
Lifeline before T2, but otherwise you have the order correct.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on July 19, 2021, 05:24:43 PM
My suspicion is that it's because the entire band contributes to writing now, rather than just Neal. Personally, I think the rebranding is a bit silly, because who cares besides them? Plus they have to realize that no one - literally no one - is going to start referring to them as "In Em Bee".

In all seriousness, I really do think the best candidate for "who cares" is "Eric's wife."
Good point! :laugh:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 19, 2021, 05:36:31 PM
Am I mistaken, or is the new NMB album the 20th studio album of original material with Neal and MP?

Let's see...
11 Prog albums with Neal and Mike (from Testimony to Sola Gratia)
5 albums with Transatlantic
3 albums with Flying Colors

I guess I&D is number 20, not counting the 3 cover albums, or the Proggy Christmas album.

-Marc.

11 prog albums? I guess that includes NMB, but Im not sure I can even name all 11.

Just went through them in my head, and yeah I guess thats right.

Testimony
One
?
Sola Scriptura
Testimony II
Lifeline
Momentum
Sola Gratia

Not sure thats the right order. Plus 3 NMB albums with a 4th on the way.

Lifeline before T2, but otherwise you have the order correct.

That is correct. But yes, without the NMB albums, Neal and Mike have only collaborated on 8 NM solo albums, as you listed (not counting the Christmas or Cover albums).

Now, if you count every album/release that Mike and Neal have ever recorded, studio and live, original and covers, then I&D represents the 43* album released by the pair.

*I may be miscounting a bit here but I counted 10 Transatlantic, 6 Flying Colors, 2 Yellow Matter Custard, 3 Cover To Cover albums with MPG, A Proggy Christmas, and 20 Neal Morse Solo/Neal Morse Band albums (counting 11 studio, and numerous live albums from tours and Morsefests).

Someone feel free to double check my math on this one, but either way, over 40 releases from these two over the last 22 years is astounding. That's an average of about 2 a year!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 19, 2021, 07:51:21 PM
I can't help but wonder if they are thinking long term with re-branding the Neal Morse Band as NMB, if there comes a scenario in a few years where Neal wants to step away (he will be 61 in a few weeks, after all) and Eric wants to take the reigns and lead the band going forward.  Would be easier to do with the NMB name instead of it being Neal Morse Band without Neal Morse.
That's an interesting theory. It's definitely being driven by something. But I can't imagine a world where Neal stops doing what he's doing until he literally drops dead. I think he loves it too much.

My suspicion is that it's because the entire band contributes to writing now, rather than just Neal. Personally, I think the rebranding is a bit silly, because who cares besides them? Plus they have to realize that no one - literally no one - is going to start referring to them as "In Em Bee".

This.  Neal loves music way too much to stop doing this anytime soon - if ever.

I agree, but it is very possible that he may reach a point sooner rather than later where he doesn't want to be part of a full time band anymore that tours regularly.   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 20, 2021, 02:05:03 PM
New single coming tomorrow (after midnight local time) - "Bird On A Wire" - with a music video later in the day.

(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/217535837_364707828357228_1051621872026632208_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=110474&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ohc=qps6i8hs2_oAX9Bn52X&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=fee67220ba34a170c3d3635c1624067f&oe=60FC36E3)

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 20, 2021, 02:32:00 PM
I can't get excited about their videos anymore, as they are always just the band playing and usually have those mediocre effects that their guy uses in practically all of them now, but looking forward to the tune.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mebert78 on July 20, 2021, 05:50:55 PM
Anyone know who did the artwork? Looks Hugh Syme-ish to me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on July 21, 2021, 06:19:18 AM
Anyone know who did the artwork? Looks Hugh Syme-ish to me.

The artwork was done by Thomas Ewerhard. But I agree, considering how random this artwork is, it could have been by Hugh Syme.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 21, 2021, 06:40:40 AM
New song is very nice. That recurring keyboard lead that runs for much of the song is pretty bad ass.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 21, 2021, 08:49:45 AM
OFFICIAL VIDEO:
Bird on a Wire
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bse9D2yhkwA
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on July 21, 2021, 09:01:17 AM
Anyone know who did the artwork? Looks Hugh Syme-ish to me.

The artwork was done by Thomas Ewerhard. But I agree, considering how random this artwork is, it could have been by Hugh Syme.

I mean, on the one hand it's random, on the other hand it's... exact? It certainly does depict a bird on a wire.


Edit: Okay, I slightly defended the last video, but this one is pretty goofy.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on July 21, 2021, 01:27:19 PM
Good song, if not maybe a little NMB by the numbers.  The instrumental section was cool.  Seems the new formula is for Neal to sing the versus and Eric take the Chorus (with maybe Bill taking the bridge) - and when they sing together, the harmonies and their voices blend quite well together.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on July 21, 2021, 01:50:00 PM
Anyone know who did the artwork? Looks Hugh Syme-ish to me.

The artwork was done by Thomas Ewerhard. But I agree, considering how random this artwork is, it could have been by Hugh Syme.

I mean, on the one hand it's random, on the other hand it's... exact? It certainly does depict a bird on a wire.


Edit: Okay, I slightly defended the last video, but this one is pretty goofy.

Sorry I didn't clarify, but I didn't just mean the cover for this single, but also the one for the album itself and the whole concept of the artwork.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 21, 2021, 06:01:01 PM
Not listening to the singles, so can't comment on them. Just bumping this thread.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on July 21, 2021, 07:04:15 PM
The artwork was done by Thomas Ewerhard. But I agree, considering how random this artwork is, it could have been by Hugh Syme.

I mean, on the one hand it's random, on the other hand it's... exact? It certainly does depict a bird on a wire.


Edit: Okay, I slightly defended the last video, but this one is pretty goofy.

Sorry I didn't clarify, but I didn't just mean the cover for this single, but also the one for the album itself and the whole concept of the artwork.

I hear you there.

I realize I commented on the video but not the song itself. I think the song is pretty good. Neal's voice sounds stronger on this one than on the first one. Some good bass stuff from Randy. Eric was Eric. Really the only downside is, yeah, it's a little by-the-numbers, and there's a little keyboard part at about 6:44 that I feel like I've heard about a half dozen times from Neal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 21, 2021, 07:43:58 PM



Edit: Okay, I slightly defended the last video, but this one is pretty goofy.

Not just goofy, but looks cheap.  The effects at times look like a film made on a shoestring budget.  I guess that is the look they are going for, and I suppose a bad video is better than no video for the purposes of promotion, but it is a shame that an artist (Neal Morse) and band (Neal Morse Band) can make music that is so high quality and then have videos that are so not high quality (to be nice).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on July 21, 2021, 08:06:38 PM
I get that it would be more boring, but I really think a video of them playing the song in a studio with no effects would be a significant improvement over seeing an image of mountains flying randomly past their heads while their stand with their feet simultaneously in front of and behind two-dimensional rocks. If this is all they have the budget to do, I wish they'd just do something simple and real. Actually, I bet they could come up with something cool by intercutting shots of them playing in a studio and the sort of animation that was used in the Welcome to the World lyric video.

Also, I'm not super comfortable with Neal staring into my soul while miming "pigeons on a telephone line."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on July 21, 2021, 10:59:38 PM
Man..I cant believe Im saying this but..these first two releases have done nothing to make me look forward to this release. Zero. Very bland and paint by numbers. If this is what we get when Randy and Bill bring the ideas then please give me back the process when Neal was bringing the inspiration.

The instrumental break was the best part of the song and even that was pretty tame. Erics guitar during that stretch was killer but everything else Ive heard in fifteen other songs by Neal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on July 22, 2021, 04:35:58 AM
Ive enjoyed the two singles well enough.  Not amazing or anything but enjoyable nonetheless.  This song actually has the perfect use of Bill on vocals, just a short high pitched section where he doesnt outstay his welcome.  Used sparingly like this, his voice does add something to the mix.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 22, 2021, 06:19:29 AM
Man..I cant believe Im saying this but..these first two releases have done nothing to make me look forward to this release. Zero. Very bland and paint by numbers. If this is what we get when Randy and Bill bring the ideas then please give me back the process when Neal was bringing the inspiration.

The instrumental break was the best part of the song and even that was pretty tame. Erics guitar during that stretch was killer but everything else Ive heard in fifteen other songs by Neal.

Still plenty more to come, but I remember Randy saying that this new album was going to be very different for them, so I assume those songs are still to come since these first two songs, both of which I like quite a bit after two listens each (will not listen to either again until the whole album is out), sound like standard NMB fare.

Regarding the instrumental break, assuming that what we see in the video is correct, I thought it was interesting that Neal took the keyboard solos instead of letting Bill do them, considering the rest of the song was Neal on guitar and Bill on keys, although sometimes things are presented a certain way in videos for the visual aspect.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on July 22, 2021, 09:37:36 AM
Still plenty more to come, but I remember Randy saying that this new album was going to be very different for them, so I assume those songs are still to come since these first two songs, both of which I like quite a bit after two listens each (will not listen to either again until the whole album is out), sound like standard NMB fare.

I do need to remind myself to be patient and wait for the entire album. Concept or not, Neal's songs always seem 'that' much better when listened to in context with the remainder of the album. I've only given the two releases a spin or two mainly because they just don't grab me and seem pretty tame to me. Perhaps when I hear them framed in the context of the whole album they'll mature more for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on July 22, 2021, 12:09:32 PM
This song actually has the perfect use of Bill on vocals, just a short high pitched section where he doesnt outstay his welcome.  Used sparingly like this, his voice does add something to the mix.
Yeah I think Bill needs to step away from the microphone a bit more on the live releases. He's ok in small doses and is good for harmonies, but why put him on lead vocals when Eric and Neal are much more easy on the ears tonewise..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on July 23, 2021, 12:30:35 AM
This song actually has the perfect use of Bill on vocals, just a short high pitched section where he doesnt outstay his welcome.  Used sparingly like this, his voice does add something to the mix.
Yeah I think Bill needs to step away from the microphone a bit more on the live releases. He's ok in small doses and is good for harmonies, but why put him on lead vocals when Eric and Neal are much more easy on the ears tonewise..
I understand this take. I personally feel about Bill's voice the same way I do about Geddy Lee's voice - it's not super normal sounding but something about it really does it for me. The more I hear him sing, the more I like it. His live version of MacArthur Park is killer, and not something that Neal or Eric or anyone else could have pulled off with that level of epic emotion (IMO).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on July 28, 2021, 08:28:20 AM
Excellent interview with Randy, a lot of information about the new album:
https://progarchy.com/2021/07/27/the-neal-morse-bands-randy-george-the-progarchy-interview/?fbclid=IwAR3DXDiJCpwlI41Z8vAUK9WCV3PkSJ47ym4BSAmvI6Ktk4iSi1x0B7ausLA
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on July 28, 2021, 10:43:21 AM
Review: https://www.velvetthunder.co.uk/the-neal-morse-band-innocence-danger-insideout/?fbclid=IwAR30D_JOespFmmON_J9IPAhMbbXxtcCIxp1Sg9RXwp5qpz5THXx2_cWKDYU
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 28, 2021, 03:57:45 PM
I like how the progarchy link shows us a picture of NMB at the top, with Neal's head cut off  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 28, 2021, 04:09:05 PM
I like how the progarchy link shows us a picture of NMB at the top, with Neal's head cut off  :lol

Loads fine for me, Neal's head and all. Maybe your dial-up is running a bit slower than 56k today?  :lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on July 28, 2021, 04:13:47 PM
I like how the progarchy link shows us a picture of NMB at the top, with Neal's head cut off  :lol

Loads fine for me, Neal's head and all. Maybe your dial-up is running a bit slower than 56k today?  :lol

-Marc.

Loads just fine. Nothing to do with my internet speed. It's the site, they didn't position the picture low enough to not get his head above his nose cut off by the site's heading.
(https://i.imgur.com/ejoLULl.png)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 04, 2021, 04:36:04 PM
great, GREAT album review:

https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/neal-morse-band-innocence-danger/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 04, 2021, 06:54:49 PM
I'm finally getting around to watching The Making Of Lifeline documentary from last month's Inner Circle release. Maybe this will give me some fresh insight into what is my least favorite Morse solo prog album.

great, GREAT album review:

https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/neal-morse-band-innocence-danger/

Very good review. I skimmed most of the bottom half cuz I didn't want to read all the details about the epics, but the thing that interests me the most is that Scott says it's Neal's most secular album since SB, though I'd argue that Momentum was his most secular album since SB, and even TGE felt mostly secular. It's also funny that I'm watching the Making Of Lifeline (his most overtly Christian prog rock album, IMO) just a few weeks before what seems to be a very secular album coming out. At any rate, that review has me hyped to hear what NMB have in store!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 04, 2021, 08:31:56 PM
great, GREAT album review:

https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/neal-morse-band-innocence-danger/

Of course it is a great review, it is written by someone who is all but a part of Neal's inner circle. :lol :lol

Not saying the album won't be great, but I'd rather see reviews from those who are a little more neutral and objective.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 05, 2021, 08:24:26 AM
I've heard the record.  I object to the flowery, pandering language ("the most sizzling keyboard solo imaginable"?  Mmmkay.) but the sentiment is pretty spot on.  This is a solid, well-rounded record.   If you're committed to TSOAD and TGA, this might not be at that level of complexity, but for me, those two haven't resonated quite as much and this has the potential to be my favorite of the NMB albums (though "Alive Again" is my favorite epic, so there's that to overcome).

I was doing some house work (painting and installation of a closet organizer) while listening to it I was struck by two points that the author mentions in his review:   one, there are a LOT of moments where I went "wow, that's Yes from [insert song]", or "wow, that's Genesis, the melody line from [insert song]" and while that sounds like a cop out, it almost always precedes something that is almost entirely unique to NMB.  Not ONCE in listening to that entire record (multiple times) did I ever think "Wow is this derivative".  It's NMB, and there's a voice, a style to it that is all it's own.

Second, this is BY FAR the most secular NMB or Neal Morse album I've heard.  I'm really good about overlooking the more obvious Jesus/God references, and I'm prone to using my own interpretations ("Supernatural" is one of my favorite Neal songs, and for me that song is just about general love and positivity, not the ethereal, "supernatural" nature of God's love).  There isn't much effort needed to bring these songs from a religious perspective to a more general LIFE perspective.  I don't know how old Bill is, but Neal is 61 and Mike is 54, and the lyrics on this record are VERY MUCH in keeping with the conflicting emotions of a man looking backward as much as looking forward.   The Way It Had To Be falls very much in this vein; the first time I listened to the album, I went over and replayed this song twice more before moving on to the next piece.    I can only speak for myself, but as a man, a father, a son, who has gone through divorces and is watching his parents fade (for lack of a better word) those words resonate in a way that few songs by any artist do.    Bird On A Wire is by far my favorite song on this record; the chorus is one for the ages, if you like those choruses that just pop into your head at random times.   "Bridge..." is WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY better than it has any business being and the comparison to "America" (also a S&G song) is apt.   The epics are good, but they are, as the author said, a lot to digest.  I'm sorry he didn't mention it, but the first couple minutes of "Beyond The Years" is jarring, coming directly from Disney such as it does.  :) :) :)

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on August 05, 2021, 04:47:56 PM
Disney... ugh

It's like calling music one doesn't understand, as "video game music", or some such type of comment. I've heard that kind of comment so much in regards to anything that is technical sounding.

At the same time, too many bands and artists seem to be ripping off Disney sounding motifs in recent years.

Ironically, a song like "Circle of Life" sounds like a prog tune from Genesis, especially if you speed it up.
Go listen to that song on youtube and adjust the speed to 1.75 https://youtu.be/IwH9YvhPN7c (https://youtu.be/Ga-ijQP0KxY)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on August 05, 2021, 05:03:05 PM
Disney... ugh

It's like calling music one doesn't understand, as "video game music", or some such type of comment. I've heard that kind of comment so much in regards to anything that is technical sounding.

At the same time, too many bands and artists seem to be ripping off Disney sounding motifs in recent years.

Ironically, a song like "Circle of Life" sounds like a prog tune from Genesis, especially if you speed it up.
Go listen to that song on youtube and adjust the speed to 1.75 https://youtu.be/IwH9YvhPN7c (https://youtu.be/Ga-ijQP0KxY)

LOL, that was kind of fun!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on August 05, 2021, 05:08:51 PM
Disney... ugh

It's like calling music one doesn't understand, as "video game music", or some such type of comment. I've heard that kind of comment so much in regards to anything that is technical sounding.

At the same time, too many bands and artists seem to be ripping off Disney sounding motifs in recent years.

Ironically, a song like "Circle of Life" sounds like a prog tune from Genesis, especially if you speed it up.
Go listen to that song on youtube and adjust the speed to 1.75 https://youtu.be/IwH9YvhPN7c (https://youtu.be/Ga-ijQP0KxY)

LOL, that was kind of fun!

I actually prefer the song at that tempo  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 06, 2021, 05:47:55 AM
Disney... ugh

It's like calling music one doesn't understand, as "video game music", or some such type of comment. I've heard that kind of comment so much in regards to anything that is technical sounding.

At the same time, too many bands and artists seem to be ripping off Disney sounding motifs in recent years.

Ironically, a song like "Circle of Life" sounds like a prog tune from Genesis, especially if you speed it up.
Go listen to that song on youtube and adjust the speed to 1.75 https://youtu.be/IwH9YvhPN7c (https://youtu.be/Ga-ijQP0KxY)

I wasn't dismissing it or diminishing it.   I was just noting that it was music that was evocative of a different mood than you'd expect from a double-disk prog extravaganza by Neil, Mike, Randy, Bill and Eric.   It IS a bit jarring, in the same way that sometimes Jordan's "ragtime" interludes in his solos can be jarring in the context of an album-length prog concept record.   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on August 06, 2021, 07:03:46 AM
Disney... ugh

It's like calling music one doesn't understand, as "video game music", or some such type of comment. I've heard that kind of comment so much in regards to anything that is technical sounding.

At the same time, too many bands and artists seem to be ripping off Disney sounding motifs in recent years.

Ironically, a song like "Circle of Life" sounds like a prog tune from Genesis, especially if you speed it up.
Go listen to that song on youtube and adjust the speed to 1.75 https://youtu.be/IwH9YvhPN7c (https://youtu.be/Ga-ijQP0KxY)

I wasn't dismissing it or diminishing it.   I was just noting that it was music that was evocative of a different mood than you'd expect from a double-disk prog extravaganza by Neil, Mike, Randy, Bill and Eric.   It IS a bit jarring, in the same way that sometimes Jordan's "ragtime" interludes in his solos can be jarring in the context of an album-length prog concept record.

I wasn't directing my comment at you. I obviously haven't heard the music yet, so you may be right. The Astonishing is littered with "disney-isms" I guess.
Even Spock's Beard's Falling For Forever, part of the main 'chorus' sounds just like something from The Little Mermaid.

There is music that came from Disney that doesn't sound like stereotypical Disney music from late 80s/early 90s movies like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, or Aladdin. But when something musical does sounds like it came from one of those movies, it's labelled "disney music" and I feel like there's better ways to describe it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 06, 2021, 07:41:47 AM
Since you didn't hear it, more detail:  you've got essentially, what, an hour of full-on PROG, that evokes Genesis, Yes, and even a little Floyd and ELP all at the height of their powers. You've got an essentially PROG-tastic presentation of a staid, guitar-vocal ballad by Simon and Garfunkel, then you have 20 more minutes of PROG ridiculousness, then you have this symphony part that reminds of the Tinker Bell theme (especially the end of this clip) (https://youtu.be/z4K4ZMonhYw) it just grabs your attention.   As it would if there was thrash guitars and can has blast beats.   Or a hip-hop rap interlude.   There's no judgement, just description.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 13, 2021, 08:37:30 PM
I didnt love it after a couple of listens, but it has grown A LOT on me.
I think every NM fan will like this album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 13, 2021, 09:13:54 PM
I didnt love it after a couple of listens, but it has grown A LOT on me.
I think every NM fan will like this album.

I like a good "Take your time with it" album, and since I&D is a double, I'm sure there's a lot to digest. I cannot wait for it! The next two* weeks will be a long wait!

I say "two" cuz it could be longer depending on whenever Radiant ships out my order... :facepalm:

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 14, 2021, 07:04:46 AM
I've been on a sort of Transatlantic kick because of the ticket sales (the Tilburg show from More Is Never Enough is just breathtaking) but I find myself coming back to this a lot.  This is a SOLID record.  I might even think it's their best (of the NMB records).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 14, 2021, 07:06:46 AM
I've been on a sort of Transatlantic kick because of the ticket sales (the Tilburg show from More Is Never Enough is just breathtaking) but I find myself coming back to this a lot.  This is a SOLID record.  I might even think it's their best (of the NMB records).

It better be a lot better than just "SOLID" if it is going to top Similitude or The Grand Experiment. :P :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 14, 2021, 07:09:41 AM
I've been on a sort of Transatlantic kick because of the ticket sales (the Tilburg show from More Is Never Enough is just breathtaking) but I find myself coming back to this a lot.  This is a SOLID record.  I might even think it's their best (of the NMB records).

It better be a lot better than just "SOLID" if it is going to top Similitude or The Grand Experiment. :P :P

Neither of them have really clicked with me.  They are both "solid" records; good, but not mind-blowing.  I know, that's just me, but still.

Of the NMB records:

1. Innocence & Danger
1. The Grand Experiment
2. Similitude
2.5: TGA
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 14, 2021, 07:12:38 AM
I've been on a sort of Transatlantic kick because of the ticket sales (the Tilburg show from More Is Never Enough is just breathtaking) but I find myself coming back to this a lot.  This is a SOLID record.  I might even think it's their best (of the NMB records).

It better be a lot better than just "SOLID" if it is going to top Similitude or The Grand Experiment. :P :P

Neither of them have really clicked with me.  They are both "solid" records; good, but not mind-blowing.  I know, that's just me, but still.

Of the NMB records:

1. Innocence & Danger
1. The Grand Experiment
2. Similitude
2.5: TGA

Fair enough.  Similitude is a top 10 all-timer for me now, and I think The Grand Experiment has three of the best songs Neal has ever been a part of (The Call, Waterfall and Alive Again), so both will be hard to equal or top. Based on the first two songs the general pubic has gotten so far from Innocence & Danger, I am pretty optimistic that it will be top The Great Adventure, which I thought was quite good, but not great overall.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 14, 2021, 07:24:52 AM
I've been on a sort of Transatlantic kick because of the ticket sales (the Tilburg show from More Is Never Enough is just breathtaking) but I find myself coming back to this a lot.  This is a SOLID record.  I might even think it's their best (of the NMB records).

It better be a lot better than just "SOLID" if it is going to top Similitude or The Grand Experiment. :P :P

Neither of them have really clicked with me.  They are both "solid" records; good, but not mind-blowing.  I know, that's just me, but still.

Of the NMB records:

1. Innocence & Danger
1. The Grand Experiment
2. Similitude
2.5: TGA

Fair enough.  Similitude is a top 10 all-timer for me now, and I think The Grand Experiment has three of the best songs Neal has ever been a part of (The Call, Waterfall and Alive Again), so both will be hard to equal or top. Based on the first two songs the general pubic has gotten so far from Innocence & Danger, I am pretty optimistic that it will be top The Great Adventure, which I thought was quite good, but not great overall.

We agree; that's why it's so high on my list (Alive Again is my fav NM epic).   I think there are a couple on I&D that approach that.  Bird On A Wire, The Way It Had To Be... there's one other but I'm not up on all the titles yet.  Might be Not Afraid Pt. 1. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 14, 2021, 07:29:54 AM


We agree; that's why it's so high on my list (Alive Again is my fav NM epic).   I think there are a couple on I&D that approach that.  Bird On A Wire, The Way It Had To Be... there's one other but I'm not up on all the titles yet.  Might be Not Afraid Pt. 1.

13 days till the rest of us get it!  :hat :hat

I can't say I love Alive Again as much as my two favorites by TA (All of the Above and Stranger in Your Soul), but it might be my 3rd favorite when talking those of "sidelong" length (17 minutes-ish or longer).  The Separated Man and Seeds of Gold would be its competition for that 3rd slot.  And of course I cannot forget about Duel with the Devil or So Many Roads!  So many!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 14, 2021, 07:30:34 AM


We agree; that's why it's so high on my list (Alive Again is my fav NM epic).   I think there are a couple on I&D that approach that.  Bird On A Wire, The Way It Had To Be... there's one other but I'm not up on all the titles yet.  Might be Not Afraid Pt. 1.

13 days till the rest of us get it!  :hat :hat

I can't say I love Alive Again as much as my two favorites by TA (All of the Above and Stranger in Your Soul), but it might be 3rd favorite when talking those of "sidelong" length (17 minutes-ish or longer).  The Separated Man and Seeds of Gold would be its competition for that 3rd slot.

Seeds Of Gold is my number two (and it's close).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 14, 2021, 07:31:39 AM
Damn, you replied fast.  I thought I could get my edit in quickly there above.  :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 14, 2021, 11:34:54 AM
I haven't heard the new one yet.  But for my tastes, each of the NMB albums has been better than the last. 

TGE felt very much in the vein of the past few NM solo albums, but a bit better and so staring an upward trajectory.  For Neal, it was "yeah, this is pretty good.  I like it."

Similitude took a huge leap forward on that upward trajectory for me.  I thought it was pretty great.

TGA took everything I loved about Similitude and again took a huge leap forward for me.  I put it up there with the best of the best Neal albums.

If the new one continues that trajectory, I may need a sedative.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 14, 2021, 11:46:28 AM
I've been on a sort of Transatlantic kick because of the ticket sales (the Tilburg show from More Is Never Enough is just breathtaking) but I find myself coming back to this a lot.  This is a SOLID record.  I might even think it's their best (of the NMB records).

People actually watch/listen to More Never Is Enough?!  :rollin

I mean, I own it too, but it rarely ever gets attention since the Whirld Tour 2010 show is just so iconic. I think ive gone through More Never Is Enough maybe 2 or 3 times in the decade since its release. I still love how Mike kind of jokingly ragged on Neal about releasing two live sets from the Whirld Tour, pointing out that Transatlantic would have more live albums than studio albums.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on August 14, 2021, 12:19:57 PM
I got More Never is Enough before I ever got Whirld Tour, since I got into the band after both had already come out, and MNiE was a better value for the money (I think the 3CD/2DVD set was the same price as either the DVD or the CDs for Whirld Tour). I later picked up Whirld Tour via Radiant sales, and if you asked me now I'd say it's the higher-quality release, but since I obsessed over MNiE for a while, it has a special place for me.

Even though it's kind of silly in a sense that they released both, I'm glad both exist because, to me, that is one of the best setlists of all time, and TA is an incredible live band that display some variation between performances. I'm happy to have the option to own three shows from that tour. Just like if I was a Yes die-hard, I would be glad the Seven Shows from Seventy-Two release exists, even though for my own purposes Yessongs is plenty.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 15, 2021, 08:57:45 AM
I got More Never is Enough before I ever got Whirld Tour, since I got into the band after both had already come out, and MNiE was a better value for the money (I think the 3CD/2DVD set was the same price as either the DVD or the CDs for Whirld Tour). I later picked up Whirld Tour via Radiant sales, and if you asked me now I'd say it's the higher-quality release, but since I obsessed over MNiE for a while, it has a special place for me.

Even though it's kind of silly in a sense that they released both, I'm glad both exist because, to me, that is one of the best setlists of all time, and TA is an incredible live band that display some variation between performances. I'm happy to have the option to own three shows from that tour. Just like if I was a Yes die-hard, I would be glad the Seven Shows from Seventy-Two release exists, even though for my own purposes Yessongs is plenty.

That last paragraph for me.  I've got three shows from that tour, and that's a bonus (to be fair, I don't WATCH it much, but I rip all my DVDs to audio for my network drive, so on my iPod I can pick any of the three shows if I want). 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 15, 2021, 09:12:51 AM
Get ready for a normal DVD/Blu-ray release from the TA tour next year AND one from the Morsefest weekend.  :lol :lol

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on August 16, 2021, 06:18:10 AM
I finally listened to Live in BRNO, having gotten the set right when it was released and was instantly transported to the show I attended in Orlando. Such a fun show and makes me appreciate the album a lot more due to their energy throughout.
I still have to watch the video and in gearing up for the new album and the Morsefest release I might as well go on a Neal Morse binge.



Fingers crossed on a timely arrival from Radiant. Though I don't think I'll mind waiting as releases are stacked for the next few weekends.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 17, 2021, 02:01:05 PM
"Your Place In The Sun" will be the next single released from I&D, coming out after midnight tonight local time.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on August 17, 2021, 02:32:11 PM
The last few times I've played The Alien official video, Do It All Again has followed. I gotta say, It's one hell of a song! I really love it. The last NM album I bought was ?. After that, I started to feel things were sounding too familiar. I'm going to jump back in and buy this one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 17, 2021, 02:41:47 PM
The last few times I've played The Alien official video, Do It All Again has followed. I gotta say, It's one hell of a song! I really love it. The last NM album I bought was ?. After that, I started to feel things were sounding too familiar. I'm going to jump back in and buy this one.

You mean you haven't bought a new NM album since late 2005??

You should definitely check out Sola Scriptura (2007), as it's quite different from the three albums that preceded it in that it's got some really heavy stuff on there (probably his heaviest solo album). I'd also suggest Testimony 2, and despite being a sequel to what's said to be a bloated double album, the follow-up is a lot better and streamlines the conceptual part of the album into a single disc, with a 2nd disc of 3 extra songs (including the fantastic "Seeds Of Gold", arguably one of his best epics ever). As far as the NMB go, I would suggest checking out their debut with The Grand Experiment, which is about as secular as Neal has gotten in the last 20 years, although some early reviews of I&D have pointed out that the new one is pretty secular as well.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on August 17, 2021, 03:08:32 PM
I've heard all the albums. I just decided not to buy. Probably, knowing how I operate, I'll buy this one and work my way backward.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 17, 2021, 03:13:28 PM
I've heard all the albums. I just decided not to buy. Probably, knowing how I operate, I'll buy this one and work my way backward.

Ahh okay, well that's not a bad idea at least. Hopefully you can find them all for reasonable prices. Neal will sometimes have huge discounts at Radiant Records when he's trying to clear stock, so keep an eye out for those if you are trying to buy his back catalog!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on August 17, 2021, 03:16:56 PM
I think starting with the rebranding to The Neal Morse Band, their albums have gotten really good. Granted only the first one (The Grand Experiment) is the only single disc release of the pack but they are all a great listen. I think I've listened to the 3 NMB albums far more than the solo ones.

The Morsefest releases are a joy to watch and listen to. The guys are having so much fun and it shows.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 17, 2021, 03:34:21 PM
I think starting with the rebranding to The Neal Morse Band, their albums have gotten really good. Granted only the first one (The Grand Experiment) is the only single disc release of the pack but they are all a great listen. I think I've listened to the 3 NMB albums far more than the solo ones.

The Morsefest releases are a joy to watch and listen to. The guys are having so much fun and it shows.

The NMB performances at Morsefest have been breathtaking, to say the least, and offer the most definitive live representations of Neal's albums (when played whole), and that's in no small part to the NMB taking Neal's old albums and breathing new life into them. I think everything Neal and the NMB have done since 2014 has been nothing short of spectacular, which has me hyped up for the new album. I may have to rewatch all of the Morsefest shows in the next couple weeks to kind of gear myself up for the new album!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on August 17, 2021, 05:16:30 PM
I think starting with the rebranding to The Neal Morse Band, their albums have gotten really good. Granted only the first one (The Grand Experiment) is the only single disc release of the pack but they are all a great listen. I think I've listened to the 3 NMB albums far more than the solo ones.

The Morsefest releases are a joy to watch and listen to. The guys are having so much fun and it shows.

The NMB performances at Morsefest have been breathtaking, to say the least, and offer the most definitive live representations of Neal's albums (when played whole), and that's in no small part to the NMB taking Neal's old albums and breathing new life into them. I think everything Neal and the NMB have done since 2014 has been nothing short of spectacular, which has me hyped up for the new album. I may have to rewatch all of the Morsefest shows in the next couple weeks to kind of gear myself up for the new album!

-Marc.

Ditto.

Well said. I've begun my listen to all NMB records including the live ones. The stuff on the live album Alive Again is fantastic stuff too. The jams with the interchange of instruments is my favorite part.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on August 17, 2021, 05:39:57 PM
Got to say Ive enjoyed all three singles released quite a bit.  Id say more than most recent NM related albums (including Transatlantic) so Im very much looking forward to the new album.  More than I have been for a while with NM.  Not that I havent enjoyed the recent albums when I got them, Im just talking about how the singles made me feel pre-release.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on August 18, 2021, 02:39:16 AM
Got to say Ive enjoyed all three singles released quite a bit.  Id say more than most recent NM related albums (including Transatlantic) so Im very much looking forward to the new album.  More than I have been for a while with NM.  Not that I havent enjoyed the recent albums when I got them, Im just talking about how the singles made me feel pre-release.

Well, in my opinion, the last two NMB albums (The Great Adventure and The Similitude Of A Dream) were much stronger than the last two TA albums (Kaleidoscope and The Absolute Universe). That had me excited for the new NMB album even though I wasn't crazy about the last prog album Neal was "involved" with (The Absolute Universe).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 18, 2021, 07:10:25 AM
I was thinking about this in the car yesterday; Neal Morse is on a friggin' ROLL, and he may actually be my favorite artist right now.  I've been sort of juggling between Transatlantic and NMB over the last couple weeks and I don't see it waning any time soon.  It's just music that makes me feel GOOD.   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: TAC on August 18, 2021, 07:11:43 AM
I was thinking about this in the car yesterday; Neal Morse is on a friggin' ROLL, and he may actually be my favorite artist right now.  I've been sort of juggling between Transatlantic and NMB over the last couple weeks and I don't see it waning any time soon.  It's just music that makes me feel GOOD.

That's great Stads. He seems legit. I just wished I liked his music more. I mean that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on August 18, 2021, 08:20:54 AM
I love Neal, even though at this point I probably only like about half of his catalog of music. Theres plenty in the half I do like to last a lifetime though. Was just spinning his first solo album again today and it is so good.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on August 18, 2021, 12:15:11 PM
Got to say Ive enjoyed all three singles released quite a bit.  Id say more than most recent NM related albums (including Transatlantic) so Im very much looking forward to the new album.  More than I have been for a while with NM.  Not that I havent enjoyed the recent albums when I got them, Im just talking about how the singles made me feel pre-release.

Well, in my opinion, the last two NMB albums (The Great Adventure and The Similitude Of A Dream) were much stronger than the last two TA albums (Kaleidoscope and The Absolute Universe). That had me excited for the new NMB album even though I wasn't crazy about the last prog album Neal was "involved" with (The Absolute Universe).

Agreed, Im just saying that the singles released for those albums pre-release didnt do much for me.  The albums themselves were excellent.  I like these singles more.  Doesnt mean Ill like the album more though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on August 18, 2021, 12:58:20 PM
I didn't give a shit about the first two singles, but I liked Your Place in the Sun.
Nice song.  :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on August 18, 2021, 01:54:09 PM
I didn't give a shit about the first two singles, but I liked Your Place in the Sun.
Nice song.  :)
Just the opposite for me. I really liked the first two singles, but this one sounds more like a TV show theme reeking of the Beatles at the end of the chorus.  It might grow on me kind of like Vanity Square..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 18, 2021, 02:19:26 PM
I was thinking about this in the car yesterday; Neal Morse is on a friggin' ROLL, and he may actually be my favorite artist right now.  I've been sort of juggling between Transatlantic and NMB over the last couple weeks and I don't see it waning any time soon.  It's just music that makes me feel GOOD.

For sure.  Even though I get burned out him at times because there is just so much, it's a blessing (no pun intended) to be such a big fan of artist who is this prolific and who usually releases material that is usually such high quality.  I can say the same thing for other modern favorites like Steven Wilson and Devin Townsend (not looking to litigate those two, for anyone who disagrees :P).  When I look at the other favorites in what I kind of consider my all-time top tier, while some are retired (Rush, Floyd) and others are still releasing good material but not stuff that rivals their best anymore (DT, Flower Kings), Neal is one of the few still releasing music at a consistently high level.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on August 18, 2021, 02:38:38 PM
I didn't give a shit about the first two singles, but I liked Your Place in the Sun.
Nice song.  :)
Just the opposite for me. I really liked the first two singles, but this one sounds more like a TV show theme reeking of the Beatles at the end of the chorus.  It might grow on me kind of like Vanity Square..

Yes it sounds.  :biggrin:

And that's why I liked it. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 18, 2021, 04:57:32 PM
I was thinking about this in the car yesterday; Neal Morse is on a friggin' ROLL, and he may actually be my favorite artist right now.  I've been sort of juggling between Transatlantic and NMB over the last couple weeks and I don't see it waning any time soon.  It's just music that makes me feel GOOD.

For sure.  Even though I get burned out him at times because there is just so much, it's a blessing (no pun intended) to be such a big fan of artist who is this prolific and who usually releases material that is usually such high quality.  I can say the same thing for other modern favorites like Steven Wilson and Devin Townsend (not looking to litigate those two, for anyone who disagrees :P).  When I look at the other favorites in what I kind of consider my all-time top tier, while some are retired (Rush, Floyd) and others are still releasing good material but not stuff that rivals their best anymore (DT, Flower Kings), Neal is one of the few still releasing music at a consistently high level.

We'll see over time, but legit, I&D has the POTENTIAL to be my favorite Neal album.  After 284 albums with him, his latest is potentially the best. That's insane.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 18, 2021, 06:37:58 PM
I was thinking about this in the car yesterday; Neal Morse is on a friggin' ROLL, and he may actually be my favorite artist right now.  I've been sort of juggling between Transatlantic and NMB over the last couple weeks and I don't see it waning any time soon.  It's just music that makes me feel GOOD.

For sure.  Even though I get burned out him at times because there is just so much, it's a blessing (no pun intended) to be such a big fan of artist who is this prolific and who usually releases material that is usually such high quality.  I can say the same thing for other modern favorites like Steven Wilson and Devin Townsend (not looking to litigate those two, for anyone who disagrees :P).  When I look at the other favorites in what I kind of consider my all-time top tier, while some are retired (Rush, Floyd) and others are still releasing good material but not stuff that rivals their best anymore (DT, Flower Kings), Neal is one of the few still releasing music at a consistently high level.

I agree with both sides of that.  I LOVE that he is such a prolific writer, and that the quality is always there.  But at times, yeah, it can feel almost overwhelming trying to keep up.

Not a fan of the other two you mentioned.  But having at least heard some of Devin Townsend's stuff, I can confidently say that, even though a lot of it falls into "not for me" territory, he is all-in when it comes to putting his all and his creativity into everything he does.  I can certainly respect and appreciate his work, even if it isn't my thing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 18, 2021, 06:39:03 PM
I was thinking about this in the car yesterday; Neal Morse is on a friggin' ROLL, and he may actually be my favorite artist right now.  I've been sort of juggling between Transatlantic and NMB over the last couple weeks and I don't see it waning any time soon.  It's just music that makes me feel GOOD.

For sure.  Even though I get burned out him at times because there is just so much, it's a blessing (no pun intended) to be such a big fan of artist who is this prolific and who usually releases material that is usually such high quality.  I can say the same thing for other modern favorites like Steven Wilson and Devin Townsend (not looking to litigate those two, for anyone who disagrees :P).  When I look at the other favorites in what I kind of consider my all-time top tier, while some are retired (Rush, Floyd) and others are still releasing good material but not stuff that rivals their best anymore (DT, Flower Kings), Neal is one of the few still releasing music at a consistently high level.

We'll see over time, but legit, I&D has the POTENTIAL to be my favorite Neal album.  After 284 albums with him, his latest is potentially the best. That's insane.

To me, he has an insanely high bar to clear to even get into my top 3.  But if he comes close, that's awesome.  Looking forward to hearing this one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 18, 2021, 07:43:17 PM
Well, every album Neal releases, from any of his projects, has the potential to be my favorite by him given how strong his track record is, but it is hard to imagine him/his bands topping (for me) Similitude, SMPTe or The Whirlwind. 

It's funny because I did the below thread just 2 1/2 years ago, and Bridge Across Forever was my number 1 then, but has since been "demoted."  I still love it, and it would still probably be top 5, but I just listen to three above more as time rolls on.

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=53368.105
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 19, 2021, 08:57:17 AM
I was thinking about this in the car yesterday; Neal Morse is on a friggin' ROLL, and he may actually be my favorite artist right now.  I've been sort of juggling between Transatlantic and NMB over the last couple weeks and I don't see it waning any time soon.  It's just music that makes me feel GOOD.

For sure.  Even though I get burned out him at times because there is just so much, it's a blessing (no pun intended) to be such a big fan of artist who is this prolific and who usually releases material that is usually such high quality.  I can say the same thing for other modern favorites like Steven Wilson and Devin Townsend (not looking to litigate those two, for anyone who disagrees :P).  When I look at the other favorites in what I kind of consider my all-time top tier, while some are retired (Rush, Floyd) and others are still releasing good material but not stuff that rivals their best anymore (DT, Flower Kings), Neal is one of the few still releasing music at a consistently high level.

We'll see over time, but legit, I&D has the POTENTIAL to be my favorite Neal album.  After 284 albums with him, his latest is potentially the best. That's insane.

To me, he has an insanely high bar to clear to even get into my top 3.  But if he comes close, that's awesome.  Looking forward to hearing this one.

I can understand and appreciate that.  I'm just awed that it seems as if the capacity is still there.  Does anyone think the next Kiss album will be the best ever?  Or the next AC/DC album?  Or the next Yes album?   I got the new Cheap Trick and it's REALLY good, and I want to go see them again as a result, but is it Heaven Tonight or Dream Police?   Nah.  It's just good solid hard rock.  Other than maybe Rival Sons, Neal's sort of the last bastion FOR ME of artists that are still tapping into something profound.   (I certainly get that that may not be the case for others; it's a "me" problem, as they say).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 19, 2021, 09:50:52 AM
insanely high bar to clear
the next Kiss album

Wow, talk about those things that could not be at farther ends of the spectrum.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 19, 2021, 09:56:26 AM
insanely high bar to clear
the next Kiss album

Wow, talk about those things that could not be at farther ends of the spectrum.  :lol

Wait, what?   :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 19, 2021, 05:40:48 PM
I'm sure I'm in the small minority, but the new song "Your Place in the Sun" and songs like that ("Vanity Fair", Ways of a Fool", etc) do nothing but annoy me lol.  I'm sure in the context of the album I'll enjoy it fine in the song to song flow.

That said, it's not taking away from my excitement for the album.  If nothing else, I am assuming the two epics alone will make the entire double album worth it.  The other epic by NMB, Alive Again, is amazing.  The ending has possibly my favorite few minutes of recorded music ever ("the wounded warrior with no temporary shelter....").  Goosebumps and/or choked up every time I listen and try to sing along to the whole part beginning there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on August 19, 2021, 06:17:28 PM
Your Place in the Sun was a nice song. It's not one of those that's really a standout on its own, but I imagine it will work well in the context. The one it reminded me most of was actually Shortcut to Salvation, although it's hard for me to say exactly why.

It also had the best music video of the three. Although that's not an exceptionally high bar, it did show that they can produce something that looks decent on their budget.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 19, 2021, 07:08:47 PM
I listened to the song twice, once with the video and once without, and enjoyed it a lot more without the video. I think the video is so distractingly mediocre that it distracted me a bit from the music, because I did my second listen without it and it sounded way better.

Note to self: avoid all NMB videos going forward.  :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on August 20, 2021, 04:03:37 PM
Neal does deliver. If you didn't know any of his music and put on pretty much any of his main albums since 2008, (where some people feel he started sounding samey) it's still some very powerful music.

Judging by the comments, I'm glad I'm holding off on listening to the singles. Neal knows how to put together an album. His music is best appreciated listening to the full album, because they are often structured that way. Because he has made so many types of songs, singles may also not be representative of the entire album experience.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 20, 2021, 04:13:08 PM
I think a big part of the samey-ness is that his albums always sound so similar production and mixing-wise.  Don't get me wrong, Rich Mouser has done a mostly outstanding job on Neal, and Neal-related, albums since 2000 (there are a few I wish sounded a little better, but those were likely stylistic choices rather than missteps on his part), but with so many albums and almost all of them having similar mixes, it kind of adds to the samey-ness factor.  Throw in as well that Neal works with some of the same musicians across multiple bands/projects as well.
For example, had Neal done Sola Gratia last year, but used NDV on drums, a different bass player, and a different guitarist to do the solo spot in the 2nd to last song, it likely could have sounded quite a bit different from his normal prog concept albums, even if the album format and structure was more of the same.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on August 20, 2021, 04:19:59 PM
I think a big part of the samey-ness is that his albums always sound so similar production and mixing-wise.  Don't get me wrong, Rich Mouser has done a mostly outstanding job on Neal, and Neal-related, albums since 2000 (there are a few I wish sounded a little better, but those were likely stylistic choices rather than missteps on his part), but with so many albums and almost all of them having similar mixes, it kind of adds to the samey-ness factor.  Throw in as well that Neal works with some of the same musicians across multiple bands/projects as well.
For example, had Neal done Sola Gratia last year, but used NDV on drums, a different bass player, and a different guitarist to do the solo spot in the 2nd to last song, it likely could have sounded quite a bit different from his normal prog concept albums, even if the album format and structure was more of the same.

Agreed about the production and mix, as well as there being similar personnel throughout most of his albums. I haven't listened to The Exorcist yet, but I've read it still sounds overwhelmingly like Neal Morse music, despite MP not being on it, and with a range of various musicians.  I think Neal doesn't desire to leave his comfort zone too much, composition-wise. He also uses the same keyboard patches and effects, and doesn't really expand his sound stylistically. The blueprint for his entire world of music was pretty much set on The Light, and solidified by V and SMPTe.

This is why NMB is very good for Neal, because even though George and Portnoy are there, there are some differences between their albums and Neal's solo albums, but NMB would be much more different if RG and MP weren't there and it was other musicians. Maybe.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 20, 2021, 06:57:34 PM
Portnoy not being on The Exorcist didn't really alter the sound because the drums were played by Gillette, whose drumming style is very much in the style of Portnoy's (similar to how his guitar style is very much in the style of Petrucci's).

Agreed about the keyboard patches and sounds.  It feels like Transatlantic is the one project where Neal sometimes whips out different sounds, and I always think, why doesn't he do that in his other bands? 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 20, 2021, 08:10:05 PM
Interesting review, and I will copy and paste the last part of it below.

https://thedarkmelody.com/neal-morse-band-nmb-innocence-danger-album-review/?fbclid=IwAR0SUoVJqNY9GxsZxlu1npwAjuD3URxWO64FHWIY3dIUintCojOdgH-zsyE

I am going to make a final reflection on what is happening to me lately with Neal and all his projects, obviously taking Innocence & Danger as a reference. At the time of the "Similitude of a Dream" I declared NMB as my new favorite band , a feeling that I maintained throughout the years and with each foray of the master and his henchmen. This feeling has been diminishing in the last year, seeing that every time I am moved and less mobilized than before by the proposal to which its parameters are governed . I speak not only at the level of the NMB , but also their solo albums, Transatlantic and (to a lesser extent) Flying Colors . Is this a bad thing? It depends, the music ofNeal Morse is still amazing, built with precision and achieving quality standards that many bands would dream of achieving. But the mobilizing factor is being lost and that worries me in the long run.

I think the board needs to be shaken drastically going forward. We don't need 10 emotional climaxes in a single album, because each one is losing intensity with respect to the previous one, and that is exactly what happens to me with Innocence & Danger . I remember the epic finale of Broken Sky / Long Day Reprise on TSOAD and it still makes my skin shiver just thinking about it. That feeling has wanted to be replicated in each subsequent release, and the impact is less and less. I just do this as a self-analysis of my fanaticism for everything Neal does, making myself more objective and realizing that the excitement is waning.

Innocence & Danger is a superb album but it does set off some alarms for the future , not just for the NMB , but for the entire Morse-Portnoy formula . This can be attributed to the avalanche of releases that have been given one after another, of which we do not complain, always under the mantra "more never is enough" , but surely we want more and more and more of the same?I leave open the question and the call for reflection, taking us away from the excessive fanaticism and looking at it more objectively in the global spectrum of current music. That said, let's keep celebrating that this ensemble of musicians is still at the top of the mountain (or are they descending?) And let's enjoy one of the great Prog albums of the year.


---

Some very fair points. a few of which I have touched on a bit in a roundabout way more than once.

Regarding the emotional climaxes thing, I totally get what he means.  Even though A Love That Never Dies is a killer finale on The Great Adventure, I find that it sounds a lot better when I listen to on its own rather than when hearing the whole album.  When it's the whole album, by the time I get to it, I feel like I've heard that emotional climax numerous times already (more than a few of us have joked over the years about how many times the main theme in that song is repeated over the course of the album), albeit the finale delivers it in a more epic and sweeping manner.  On the flip side, while the themes reprised in Broken Sky/Long Day (reprise) had been heard prior, we hadn't been beaten over the head with them, so the climax is that much more satisfying as a result, IMO. 

Also, take the Disc 1 finales from each album.  Disc 1 of Similitude ends with Breath of Angels, a new song with new ideas that you really don't hear again, yet is a nice little "we are halfway there!" climax.  Disc 1 of The Great Adventure ends with Beyond the Borders, a song built entirely around the "A Love That Never Dies" theme, thus the impact of it is a bit lost and it feels like the album kind of limps its way into halftime.  I noticed that when I saw the album performed live as well. 

Not trying to pick up on The Great Adventure, an album I do like a lot, but I think the writer of that review makes some great points, and that particular one struck a chord with me because of the points I just made.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on August 20, 2021, 08:13:52 PM
You know what?  That's Neal.  I have no problem with his climatic endings of songs.   I actually look forward to it.

If you want something different,  there are so many other bands to draw off of. That's what makes music great.

When I'm in a certain mood,  I reach for a certain artist.   What a surprise.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 20, 2021, 09:36:35 PM
No, no, they need to do what we want!! :P

(in reality, I hope they never listen to what the fans want and just keep doing whatever they want)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on August 21, 2021, 07:13:33 AM

Disc 1 of The Great Adventure ends with Beyond the Borders, a song built entirely around the "A Love That Never Dies" theme, thus the impact of it is a bit lost and it feels like the album kind of limps its way into halftime.  I noticed that when I saw the album performed live as well. 


Beyond the Borders is no Breath of Angels, for sure. But I don't think it's built around the "Love That Never Dies" theme. For me, that theme is "And oh, through the flood and through the fire..." - that chorus, because it dominates the song A Love That Never Dies. Beyond the Borders has two major themes in its vocals, the Narration theme (also used in A Momentary Change, the end of I Got to Run and elsewhere) with the addition of the "Whoa-oh" buildup, then what I simply call the Beyond the Borders theme in the chorus.

As for Neal's emotional climaxes, I have a theory, based on what little I've heard. I say this because for me the ending of Transatlantic's album (Forevermore version, if that matters) didn't land as well as the climaxes to Similitude and TGA. And I wonder how much of that is down to the fact that he gives those climaxes to Eric Gillette to sing. In those moments, on both Broken Sky/Long Day (reprise) and A Love That Never Dies, Eric's singing is so powerful and moving, it's wonderful!

Whilst I'm here...new album talk. Pre-ordered it ready for next week. I am curious whether Innocence and Danger will end up on Spotify, unlike his other albums. I have 2 points to back this: 1. The new album is on InsideOut instead of Neal's own label Radiant. And 2, all three singles were released on Spotify.

And as is tradition with bands with a small-enough discography for me to cope with, I'm going to discog-run the 3 NMB albums building up to next Friday.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on August 21, 2021, 07:43:11 AM
Less than one week til release day.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 21, 2021, 01:00:57 PM
Interesting review, and I will copy and paste the last part of it below.

https://thedarkmelody.com/neal-morse-band-nmb-innocence-danger-album-review/?fbclid=IwAR0SUoVJqNY9GxsZxlu1npwAjuD3URxWO64FHWIY3dIUintCojOdgH-zsyE

I am going to make a final reflection on what is happening to me lately with Neal and all his projects, obviously taking Innocence & Danger as a reference. At the time of the "Similitude of a Dream" I declared NMB as my new favorite band , a feeling that I maintained throughout the years and with each foray of the master and his henchmen. This feeling has been diminishing in the last year, seeing that every time I am moved and less mobilized than before by the proposal to which its parameters are governed . I speak not only at the level of the NMB , but also their solo albums, Transatlantic and (to a lesser extent) Flying Colors . Is this a bad thing? It depends, the music ofNeal Morse is still amazing, built with precision and achieving quality standards that many bands would dream of achieving. But the mobilizing factor is being lost and that worries me in the long run.

I think the board needs to be shaken drastically going forward. We don't need 10 emotional climaxes in a single album, because each one is losing intensity with respect to the previous one, and that is exactly what happens to me with Innocence & Danger . I remember the epic finale of Broken Sky / Long Day Reprise on TSOAD and it still makes my skin shiver just thinking about it. That feeling has wanted to be replicated in each subsequent release, and the impact is less and less. I just do this as a self-analysis of my fanaticism for everything Neal does, making myself more objective and realizing that the excitement is waning.

Innocence & Danger is a superb album but it does set off some alarms for the future , not just for the NMB , but for the entire Morse-Portnoy formula . This can be attributed to the avalanche of releases that have been given one after another, of which we do not complain, always under the mantra "more never is enough" , but surely we want more and more and more of the same?I leave open the question and the call for reflection, taking us away from the excessive fanaticism and looking at it more objectively in the global spectrum of current music. That said, let's keep celebrating that this ensemble of musicians is still at the top of the mountain (or are they descending?) And let's enjoy one of the great Prog albums of the year.


---

Some very fair points. a few of which I have touched on a bit in a roundabout way more than once.

Regarding the emotional climaxes thing, I totally get what he means.  Even though A Love That Never Dies is a killer finale on The Great Adventure, I find that it sounds a lot better when I listen to on its own rather than when hearing the whole album.  When it's the whole album, by the time I get to it, I feel like I've heard that emotional climax numerous times already (more than a few of us have joked over the years about how many times the main theme in that song is repeated over the course of the album), albeit the finale delivers it in a more epic and sweeping manner.  On the flip side, while the themes reprised in Broken Sky/Long Day (reprise) had been heard prior, we hadn't been beaten over the head with them, so the climax is that much more satisfying as a result, IMO. 

Also, take the Disc 1 finales from each album.  Disc 1 of Similitude ends with Breath of Angels, a new song with new ideas that you really don't hear again, yet is a nice little "we are halfway there!" climax.  Disc 1 of The Great Adventure ends with Beyond the Borders, a song built entirely around the "A Love That Never Dies" theme, thus the impact of it is a bit lost and it feels like the album kind of limps its way into halftime.  I noticed that when I saw the album performed live as well. 

Not trying to pick up on The Great Adventure, an album I do like a lot, but I think the writer of that review makes some great points, and that particular one struck a chord with me because of the points I just made.

I mean this with the utmost respect, since it's all opinions and we're all entitled to think as we think, but I can't disagree with that first bolded opinion enough.   That is literally 3600* opposite where I'm at with the new album.  I think they've refined the "epic ending" thing to a T.   I'm not kidding, I think they've been getting better and better and this has the potential to be my favorite Neal work of all.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 21, 2021, 01:09:06 PM
I mean this with the utmost respect, since it's all opinions and we're all entitled to think as we think, but I can't disagree with that first bolded opinion enough.   That is literally 3600* opposite where I'm at with the new album. I think they've refined the "epic ending" thing to a T.   I'm not kidding, I think they've been getting better and better and this has the potential to be my favorite Neal work of all.

If it's 360 degrees, it's back where you are. If you meant opposite of you, I think you mean 180 degrees.  :lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on August 21, 2021, 02:16:46 PM
Interesting review, and I will copy and paste the last part of it below.

https://thedarkmelody.com/neal-morse-band-nmb-innocence-danger-album-review/?fbclid=IwAR0SUoVJqNY9GxsZxlu1npwAjuD3URxWO64FHWIY3dIUintCojOdgH-zsyE

I am going to make a final reflection on what is happening to me lately with Neal and all his projects, obviously taking Innocence & Danger as a reference. At the time of the "Similitude of a Dream" I declared NMB as my new favorite band , a feeling that I maintained throughout the years and with each foray of the master and his henchmen. This feeling has been diminishing in the last year, seeing that every time I am moved and less mobilized than before by the proposal to which its parameters are governed . I speak not only at the level of the NMB , but also their solo albums, Transatlantic and (to a lesser extent) Flying Colors . Is this a bad thing? It depends, the music ofNeal Morse is still amazing, built with precision and achieving quality standards that many bands would dream of achieving. But the mobilizing factor is being lost and that worries me in the long run.

I think the board needs to be shaken drastically going forward. We don't need 10 emotional climaxes in a single album, because each one is losing intensity with respect to the previous one, and that is exactly what happens to me with Innocence & Danger . I remember the epic finale of Broken Sky / Long Day Reprise on TSOAD and it still makes my skin shiver just thinking about it. That feeling has wanted to be replicated in each subsequent release, and the impact is less and less. I just do this as a self-analysis of my fanaticism for everything Neal does, making myself more objective and realizing that the excitement is waning.

Innocence & Danger is a superb album but it does set off some alarms for the future , not just for the NMB , but for the entire Morse-Portnoy formula . This can be attributed to the avalanche of releases that have been given one after another, of which we do not complain, always under the mantra "more never is enough" , but surely we want more and more and more of the same?I leave open the question and the call for reflection, taking us away from the excessive fanaticism and looking at it more objectively in the global spectrum of current music. That said, let's keep celebrating that this ensemble of musicians is still at the top of the mountain (or are they descending?) And let's enjoy one of the great Prog albums of the year.


---

Some very fair points. a few of which I have touched on a bit in a roundabout way more than once.

Regarding the emotional climaxes thing, I totally get what he means.  Even though A Love That Never Dies is a killer finale on The Great Adventure, I find that it sounds a lot better when I listen to on its own rather than when hearing the whole album.  When it's the whole album, by the time I get to it, I feel like I've heard that emotional climax numerous times already (more than a few of us have joked over the years about how many times the main theme in that song is repeated over the course of the album), albeit the finale delivers it in a more epic and sweeping manner.  On the flip side, while the themes reprised in Broken Sky/Long Day (reprise) had been heard prior, we hadn't been beaten over the head with them, so the climax is that much more satisfying as a result, IMO. 

Also, take the Disc 1 finales from each album.  Disc 1 of Similitude ends with Breath of Angels, a new song with new ideas that you really don't hear again, yet is a nice little "we are halfway there!" climax.  Disc 1 of The Great Adventure ends with Beyond the Borders, a song built entirely around the "A Love That Never Dies" theme, thus the impact of it is a bit lost and it feels like the album kind of limps its way into halftime.  I noticed that when I saw the album performed live as well. 

Not trying to pick up on The Great Adventure, an album I do like a lot, but I think the writer of that review makes some great points, and that particular one struck a chord with me because of the points I just made.

Interesting. This issue (Neal Morse formula) has been discussed by fans for maybe a decade now, but I don't recall it appearing in any review of albums involving Neal Morse (which, let's face it, are always VERY supportive).
Finally some reviewer noticed.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 21, 2021, 08:50:37 PM

I mean this with the utmost respect, since it's all opinions and we're all entitled to think as we think, but I can't disagree with that first bolded opinion enough.   That is literally 3600* opposite where I'm at with the new album.  I think they've refined the "epic ending" thing to a T.   I'm not kidding, I think they've been getting better and better and this has the potential to be my favorite Neal work of all.

Six days...can't wait to get it and hear it.  Despite the nits I pick at times :P, I still eat up almost everything Neal releases like crazy, and I am sure this one will be no different.   :coolio :coolio


Interesting. This issue (Neal Morse formula) has been discussed by fans for maybe a decade now, but I don't recall it appearing in any review of albums involving Neal Morse (which, let's face it, are always VERY supportive).
Finally some reviewer noticed.

Well, the prog community is very much a niche one, and I suspect many of those reviewers do not want to lose access to future albums, interviews and whatnot, so it is always in their best interest to give positive reviews to the albums/projects of certain musicians. I will leave it at that. :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 22, 2021, 05:02:49 AM
THat's the second time that thought has come up; as someone who has done reviews, I can say that the thought is always there.  I'm not one of those people that gets off on slagging things I don't like or don't understand.  I can't imagine me ever writing a review like a Dave Marsh or one of those guys that seemingly gets off on distancing themselves from the popular.  The idea, I believe, is putting yourself in the context of what the ARTIST is truing to achieve, not what I want to hear.

Having said that, if there IS a criticism about a band or artist, there are ways of voicing that, or expressing that, without coming off as a douche or burning bridges.   If the "staleness" of the epic ending were a real issue, I cannot believe that a skilled reviewer couldn't have put that issue on the table before now in such a way that wouldn't "blacklist" that reviewer moving forward.

And there's the more straightforward point:  just because reviewers haven't embraced YOUR particular point of view - which isn't an objective given - doesn't mean they were thinking it and suppressed it.  I haven't seen the wisdom of the "Kurt Cobain as God" line of reasoning for quite some time, and very, very few articles deviate from that wisdom; I've come to grips that it's my opinion, and not a legion of music journalists who are scared of the wrath of Courtney Love.  :) :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 22, 2021, 06:43:06 AM
THat's the second time that thought has come up; as someone who has done reviews, I can say that the thought is always there.  I'm not one of those people that gets off on slagging things I don't like or don't understand.  I can't imagine me ever writing a review like a Dave Marsh or one of those guys that seemingly gets off on distancing themselves from the popular.  The idea, I believe, is putting yourself in the context of what the ARTIST is truing to achieve, not what I want to hear.

Having said that, if there IS a criticism about a band or artist, there are ways of voicing that, or expressing that, without coming off as a douche or burning bridges.   If the "staleness" of the epic ending were a real issue, I cannot believe that a skilled reviewer couldn't have put that issue on the table before now in such a way that wouldn't "blacklist" that reviewer moving forward.

And there's the more straightforward point:  just because reviewers haven't embraced YOUR particular point of view - which isn't an objective given - doesn't mean they were thinking it and suppressed it.  I haven't seen the wisdom of the "Kurt Cobain as God" line of reasoning for quite some time, and very, very few articles deviate from that wisdom; I've come to grips that it's my opinion, and not a legion of music journalists who are scared of the wrath of Courtney Love.  :) :)

Well, it sure does help that, despite the formulaic nature of many of them, Neal's epics are almost always, at the very worst, very good, and, more often than not, they are great. 

If we can, for the sake of simplicity and the purposes of this discussion, call any single track from a studio album that is 20 minutes or longer an epic, these are Neal's that have been officially released to date from any of his bands/projects (the two new NMB ones are not officially released yet, so I am not listing those):

The Water
The Great Nothing
The Door
The Conflict
So Many Roads
Seeds of Gold
World Without End
Alive Again
All of the Above
Duel with the Devil
Stranger in Your Soul
In the Blue
Kaleidoscope

Not a single dud in the bunch.  13 total, and even the ones that are the least best there I would say still are quite good.  And in the annals of favorite 20-minute plus songs ever, if I had to do a list of my favorite 20 or 25 ever,  I suspect five or six would come from that list (maybe one or two more, not sure).  I doubt any other single artist would have that many. 

In other words, keep the epics coming, Neal.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on August 22, 2021, 08:42:11 AM
... and the excellent SB's Falling for Forever!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on August 22, 2021, 11:30:27 AM
THat's the second time that thought has come up; as someone who has done reviews, I can say that the thought is always there.  I'm not one of those people that gets off on slagging things I don't like or don't understand.  I can't imagine me ever writing a review like a Dave Marsh or one of those guys that seemingly gets off on distancing themselves from the popular.  The idea, I believe, is putting yourself in the context of what the ARTIST is truing to achieve, not what I want to hear.

Having said that, if there IS a criticism about a band or artist, there are ways of voicing that, or expressing that, without coming off as a douche or burning bridges.   If the "staleness" of the epic ending were a real issue, I cannot believe that a skilled reviewer couldn't have put that issue on the table before now in such a way that wouldn't "blacklist" that reviewer moving forward.

And there's the more straightforward point:  just because reviewers haven't embraced YOUR particular point of view - which isn't an objective given - doesn't mean they were thinking it and suppressed it.  I haven't seen the wisdom of the "Kurt Cobain as God" line of reasoning for quite some time, and very, very few articles deviate from that wisdom; I've come to grips that it's my opinion, and not a legion of music journalists who are scared of the wrath of Courtney Love.  :) :)

Well, it sure does help that, despite the formulaic nature of many of them, Neal's epics are almost always, at the very worst, very good, and, more often than not, they are great. 

If we can, for the sake of simplicity and the purposes of this discussion, call any single track from a studio album that is 20 minutes or longer an epic, these are Neal's that have been officially released to date from any of his bands/projects (the two new NMB ones are not officially released yet, so I am not listing those):

The Water
The Great Nothing
The Door
The Conflict
So Many Roads
Seeds of Gold
World Without End
Alive Again
All of the Above
Duel with the Devil
Stranger in Your Soul
In the Blue
Kaleidoscope

Not a single dud in the bunch.  13 total, and even the ones that are the least best there I would say still are quite good.  And in the annals of favorite 20-minute plus songs ever, if I had to do a list of my favorite 20 or 25 ever,  I suspect five or six would come from that list (maybe one or two more, not sure).  I doubt any other single artist would have that many. 

In other words, keep the epics coming, Neal.  :tup :tup

Yep.  Few, if any, can compare to Neal when it comes to "Epics" - IMO
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 22, 2021, 08:13:40 PM
... and the excellent SB's Falling for Forever!

Dang it, I always forget about that one. :lol  Probably my least favorite of the whole bunch, which is why I never think about it.  Oops.  :lol :lol


 Few, if any, can compare to Neal when it comes to "Epics" - IMO

Agreed.  When you stand back and look at his catalogue as a whole and take it all in, it's quite unreal.  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on August 23, 2021, 10:32:08 AM
... and the excellent SB's Falling for Forever!

Dang it, I always forget about that one. :lol  Probably my least favorite of the whole bunch, which is why I never think about it.  Oops.  :lol :lol


 Few, if any, can compare to Neal when it comes to "Epics" - IMO

Agreed.  When you stand back and look at his catalogue as a whole and take it all in, it's quite unreal.  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy

Agreed.  He's definitely in my top 5 (maybe top 3) artists/bands of all time!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on August 23, 2021, 08:29:18 PM
So did anyone get any shipping emails yet from Radiant? I expect something in the next day or two maybe?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 23, 2021, 08:41:22 PM
Ive read about others (on Facebook) getting those emails but I havent. Hoping that doesnt mean anything.  Worst case can listen on Friday on Spotify, but I am hoping to watch the making of dvd first.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 23, 2021, 08:42:25 PM
  He's definitely in my top 5 (maybe top 3) artists/bands of all time!

If I could combine all of Neal's projects together, he might give Rush a run for their money at number 1, but that is cheating.  I'd have to give it some thought to figure out where each would rank (and it has been a long while since I did a top 50 bands/artists list or something like that).   Huge fan of Neal Morse Band, Flying Colors and Transatlantic, but none of them have enough quantity to break into the top 10 and displace any of the bands that for me have just as much quality and much more quantity.  Solo Neal might rank the highest, but I'd have to think about it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on August 23, 2021, 09:18:25 PM
Ive read about others (on Facebook) getting those emails but I havent. Hoping that doesnt mean anything.  Worst case can listen on Friday on Spotify, but I am hoping to watch the making of dvd first.

I was quite sure Neal doesn't have or like any of his stuff to be on Spotify. Then I checked Spotify and saw that there are some albums. I had thought he was completely against his stuff being on that platform seeing as how he promotes his Waterfall streaming service a lot.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on August 23, 2021, 10:16:50 PM
Ive read about others (on Facebook) getting those emails but I havent. Hoping that doesnt mean anything.  Worst case can listen on Friday on Spotify, but I am hoping to watch the making of dvd first.

I was quite sure Neal doesn't have or like any of his stuff to be on Spotify. Then I checked Spotify and saw that there are some albums. I had thought he was completely against his stuff being on that platform seeing as how he promotes his Waterfall streaming service a lot.
It looks like he has 1 live album and a collection of singles - "The Neal Morse Band Collection." I assume the intent is to give folks a taste of his music without providing entire albums for free.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on August 23, 2021, 10:26:56 PM
That has been my assumption as well. On the other hand, all of his major releases since mid-2019 are on there in full: JCTE, Live in BRNO, Sola Gratia, MF2018 and TAU (plus Flying Colors, whose whole discography is on there and maybe always has been). Maybe there's been a change in policy or a change in his deal with InsideOut.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 24, 2021, 08:13:48 AM
Three days till release day!!  I am getting psyched.  :coolio :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on August 24, 2021, 08:21:43 AM
For some reason I don't feel as excited about this release than for the previous two (Similitude & Adventure, which are great albums).

Perhaps it's because I've listened to the songs they've released from it so far and they haven't interested me. Hopefully they will grow on me in context of the album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 24, 2021, 09:25:16 AM
For some reason I don't feel as excited about this release than for the previous two (Similitude & Adventure, which are great albums).

Perhaps it's because I've listened to the songs they've released from it so far and they haven't interested me. Hopefully they will grow on me in context of the album.

Your taste is your own, but FOR ME, this is very much an ALBUM.   "Not Afraid" parts one and two are broken up on the album, for example, and that works to both parts' advantages.  The two songs to start the album are very powerful, and there's a sort of contrast with the next couple songs on the record.   It works in context.  There's an almost Floydian vibe to the way the record ebbs and flows.   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: El Barto on August 24, 2021, 11:46:11 AM
So did anyone get any shipping emails yet from Radiant? I expect something in the next day or two maybe?
Speaking of Radient and shipping, I ordered a shirt a few weeks ago (Kalaidoscope tour, as they were out of my size when I saw them). Is there any chance I'll have it before the tour begins next year? I know they're famously bad at this sort of thing, so I knew what to expect going in and I'm in no hurry. I'm just curious if we're talking weeks or months here. Are we supposed to hound them about it or anything?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on August 24, 2021, 12:28:39 PM
  He's definitely in my top 5 (maybe top 3) artists/bands of all time!

If I could combine all of Neal's projects together, he might give Rush a run for their money at number 1, but that is cheating.  I'd have to give it some thought to figure out where each would rank (and it has been a long while since I did a top 50 bands/artists list or something like that).   Huge fan of Neal Morse Band, Flying Colors and Transatlantic, but none of them have enough quantity to break into the top 10 and displace any of the bands that for me have just as much quality and much more quantity.  Solo Neal might rank the highest, but I'd have to think about it.

Well nobody could ever replace Rush at number 1 for me - but I could possibly make an argument for NM (this is combining all of his projects including SB) to be number 3 on my list behind Rush and DT - not sure if I'd consider that cheating or not?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 24, 2021, 03:44:05 PM
That has been my assumption as well. On the other hand, all of his major releases since mid-2019 are on there in full: JCTE, Live in BRNO, Sola Gratia, MF2018 and TAU (plus Flying Colors, whose whole discography is on there and maybe always has been). Maybe there's been a change in policy or a change in his deal with InsideOut.

It better be on spotify lol.  Because I am assuming that will be the only way to hear it this Friday even though I preordered it on the first day of preorders.  Back in the day (when One, ?, etc were released), I ALWAYS got my radiant releases earlier than release.  Now, I am surprised when I get them at time of release.  I only ordered through them to get the making of DVD.  When there's no bonus material, I won't order through them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on August 24, 2021, 06:21:28 PM
So did anyone get any shipping emails yet from Radiant? I expect something in the next day or two maybe?
Speaking of Radient and shipping, I ordered a shirt a few weeks ago (Kalaidoscope tour, as they were out of my size when I saw them). Is there any chance I'll have it before the tour begins next year? I know they're famously bad at this sort of thing, so I knew what to expect going in and I'm in no hurry. I'm just curious if we're talking weeks or months here. Are we supposed to hound them about it or anything?

Honestly who knows. My experience with them has been a mixed bag, most of the items I've ordered have taken a while to arrive, there have been a few exceptions and as people say that tends to not be the norm.
I thought they hired a new firm or people or something of that nature when the store revamped so I don't know. I'm not expecting my order to arrive this weekend but I can wait as there is a lot of music to catch up or get into.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on August 24, 2021, 06:53:57 PM
I preordered the I&D/MF19 bundle but never received a confirmation email. I emailed Radiant last week to make sure my order had gone through and would arrive on time. They got back to me quickly (shocking, considering their track record) and good ol' Amy Pippin confirmed that the order was in their system, but hadn't been paid for. I looked at my bank account history and that transaction isn't there. For some reason the payment didn't through.  I remember the website was a disaster that day, so god knows why that happened.
So I asked her how I can pay for the order. No response. A week went by and I emailed her again and she finally got back to me today saying I could pay via PayPal.
She also said,  "I am the only one that works for Radiant".

I love Neal and his music and I want to support him, but Radiant makes me wanna pull my hair out sometimes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on August 24, 2021, 07:21:46 PM
I think I remember that, I just checked and saw that I had been charged during the preorder time. Hopefully they have a record of that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 25, 2021, 07:18:16 AM
THey've been nothing but good to me in the times I've ordered, but if there's nothing special about the release, I go to Amazon (as I did here).   I ordered the standard CD, and while I was at it, I got Alive Again (not available at the Radiant site that I could see) and Sola Gratia, since I'm a completist.   Free shipping and it'll be here tomorrow (the latter two) and Friday for I&D.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on August 25, 2021, 11:47:21 AM
I preordered the I&D/MF19 bundle but never received a confirmation email. I emailed Radiant last week to make sure my order had gone through and would arrive on time. They got back to me quickly (shocking, considering their track record) and good ol' Amy Pippin confirmed that the order was in their system, but hadn't been paid for. I looked at my bank account history and that transaction isn't there. For some reason the payment didn't through.  I remember the website was a disaster that day, so god knows why that happened.
So I asked her how I can pay for the order. No response. A week went by and I emailed her again and she finally got back to me today saying I could pay via PayPal.
She also said,  "I am the only one that works for Radiant".

I love Neal and his music and I want to support him, but Radiant makes me wanna pull my hair out sometimes.
Thanks for posting this, as I just realized I'm in the same boat you are in. I see my order/order # in Radiant's site, but I too never got a confirmation email nor did my credit card ever get charged. I've reached out to Radiant as well and am hoping for a quick reply. Needless to say I can give up on getting the new album this week....
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on August 25, 2021, 01:00:15 PM
I preordered the I&D/MF19 bundle but never received a confirmation email. I emailed Radiant last week to make sure my order had gone through and would arrive on time. They got back to me quickly (shocking, considering their track record) and good ol' Amy Pippin confirmed that the order was in their system, but hadn't been paid for. I looked at my bank account history and that transaction isn't there. For some reason the payment didn't through.  I remember the website was a disaster that day, so god knows why that happened.
So I asked her how I can pay for the order. No response. A week went by and I emailed her again and she finally got back to me today saying I could pay via PayPal.
She also said,  "I am the only one that works for Radiant".

I love Neal and his music and I want to support him, but Radiant makes me wanna pull my hair out sometimes.
Thanks for posting this, as I just realized I'm in the same boat you are in. I see my order/order # in Radiant's site, but I too never got a confirmation email nor did my credit card ever get charged. I've reached out to Radiant as well and am hoping for a quick reply. Needless to say I can give up on getting the new album this week....

I had a feeling I wouldnt be the only person to have this problem. Hope you get it sorted out!

Amy sent the PayPal request earlier today. I paid and got a shipping confirmation email within an hour so theres still hope for getting this on time. Usually Radiant stuff arrives pretty quickly for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 25, 2021, 01:34:12 PM
I was just listening to some Similitude tracks and rediscovering some of it (yeah I know, I actually never really over-listened to this one and haven't heard any of it in years, although I go to older Neal stuff often).  Great stuff...  Got me thinking - it's been a while since we had new "epics".  I mean, we've had plenty of concept albums (Similitude, Great Adventure, The Absolute Universe, Sola Gratia), but it's been a while since we got a massively long song.  (yes I realize this is all trivial and Neal and the bands he's in spoil us).  Last one was probably Alive Again (2015)?  And before that World Without End (2012)?

Looking forward to Friday.  Ignoring that I won't have it yet, I can for sure stream it anyway and am totally planning a personal listening party.  I have the day off of work and everything.  Dying to hear the new epics on disc 2.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: the_silent_man on August 25, 2021, 04:11:12 PM
Do we think this new album will be on spotify? I see the singles are so I am hopeful, but most of Neal's stuff isnt, including Simultitude and Great Adventure...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on August 25, 2021, 04:20:36 PM
Do we think this new album will be on spotify? I see the singles are so I am hopeful, but most of Neal's stuff isnt, including Simultitude and Great Adventure...

I think Neal is doing newer stuff on spotify now (and other streaming sites? I don't know) but anything released before JC The Exorcist is only on Waterfall.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on August 26, 2021, 04:42:13 AM
Do we think this new album will be on spotify? I see the singles are so I am hopeful, but most of Neal's stuff isnt, including Simultitude and Great Adventure...

I expect it to be. All of this newer major releases are on there (both live and studio).

And honestly not being on Spotify and similar services will probably negatively affect the artist at this point. Even stubborn Steven Wilson saw this and changed his mind.

Even my dad in his 60's now uses streaming services to listen to albums before buying these days.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on August 26, 2021, 05:45:02 AM
The difference between Morse and Wilson is that Neal has his own streaming service. That said, the fact the new album is on InsideOut rather than Radiant, and the singles appeared on Spotify, gives me a glimmer of hope that the album will be there.

In 2021, it's kind of silly to not be on the main streaming services, if you want your music to reach the widest audience. As you said, Steven Wilson admitted that he lost. Everyone has to swim with the tide if they want to make it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 26, 2021, 06:29:59 AM
Yeah, fighting against streaming at this point is like fighting Ticketmaster.  Just like a massive band like Pearl Jam couldn't take down Ticketmaster back then, no one artist is taking down Spotify or Apple music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 26, 2021, 09:49:48 AM
Kind of kicking myself for paying so much for the new album when I know I'll be streaming it anyway tomorrow (wasn't in today's mail, on Radiant's website it shows that my order hasn't even been processed yet - and yeah I "bought" it months ago).  Maybe this will be the last time I get burned by Radiant.  I actually only started streaming as my main source of listening earlier this year.  Now that they are on streaming services, having gotten burned by Radiant yet again, on future releases I'll probably just stream and not bother to buy.  Really pisses me off.  I remember getting Similitude like 2 weeks after release date also, so I guess I can only blame myself for giving Radiant yet another chance.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 26, 2021, 10:27:43 AM
Kind of kicking myself for paying so much for the new album when I know I'll be streaming it anyway tomorrow (wasn't in today's mail, on Radiant's website it shows that my order hasn't even been processed yet - and yeah I "bought" it months ago).  Maybe this will be the last time I get burned by Radiant.  I actually only started streaming as my main source of listening earlier this year.  Now that they are on streaming services, having gotten burned by Radiant yet again, on future releases I'll probably just stream and not bother to buy.  Really pisses me off.  I remember getting Similitude like 2 weeks after release date also, so I guess I can only blame myself for giving Radiant yet another chance.

I had just checked my order on the website as well and noticed it said Payment was "Currently Pending" even though I paid in full through PayPal months ago when I ordered on June 18th. I also never received an order confirmation email but the order exists in my account on the website, so I assumed it went through. I had just emailed them to make sure I was actually getting my I&D + MF19 bundle, but we will see if they ever email me back.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on August 26, 2021, 11:03:45 AM
Yeah, fighting against streaming at this point is like fighting Ticketmaster.  Just like a massive band like Pearl Jam couldn't take down Ticketmaster back then, no one artist is taking down Spotify or Apple music.
Good comparison. Or Metallica vs. music downloads, or Garth vs. single-track downloads.

That said, Neal's audience is somewhat niche, and they all mostly know exactly how to get his music. He and Spotify can probably co-exist. I'd bet he makes good money off of Waterfall.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on August 26, 2021, 11:48:53 AM
How much accountability should Neal have for how Radiant is run? I frequently see stories here about purchases not going well. And Burning Shed got hacked that one time so that's not an option for me should I ever go down that road.

I've never had trouble with Amazon. Usually albums get here on release day or the day after. Frost* took a week but that was a rare exception. 1 mishap in well over 10 years of otherwise reliable service, and even then I still got my disc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on August 26, 2021, 12:35:41 PM
How much accountability should Neal have for how Radiant is run? I frequently see stories here about purchases not going well. And Burning Shed got hacked that one time so that's not an option for me should I ever go down that road.

I've never had trouble with Amazon. Usually albums get here on release day or the day after. Frost* took a week but that was a rare exception. 1 mishap in well over 10 years of otherwise reliable service, and even then I still got my disc.

If youre in the US and dont want to use Amazon or Radiant, Laser CD usually has Neals releases and is probably the best way to go.

https://www.lasercd.com/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on August 26, 2021, 12:36:39 PM
Bought the CD from Amazon and it shipped today and it says I'll have it tomorrow.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on August 26, 2021, 01:20:55 PM
speaking of Radiant.....I seriously hope Someone puts morsefest 19 on amazon someday.  it's says exclusively available through radiant and i in no way wanna deal with radiant ever again.

Anyway should be getting the new NMB album tomorrow. ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 26, 2021, 01:54:22 PM
speaking of Radiant.....I seriously hope Someone puts morsefest 19 on amazon someday.  it's says exclusively available through radiant and i in no way wanna deal with radiant ever again.

Anyway should be getting the new NMB album tomorrow. ;D

If by "someone" you mean a third party seller who will jack up the price, sure, that will probably happen. But Neal has said time and again that the MF 2019 stuff was only getting sold through Radiant and I believe he was only ordering 1 production run, so once those are out, they are out for good. Last I saw, he posted the other day saying there were something like 60 of them left to order.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SomeoneLikeHim on August 26, 2021, 11:57:30 PM
The new album is indeed on Spotify! Listening right now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on August 27, 2021, 03:06:30 AM
Same. Currently on the singles though; the real fun is going to be track 4 onwards.

This is definitely my most hyped album of the year. I cannot wait for this to be the soundtrack to my autumn, my favourite time of year.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on August 27, 2021, 03:26:00 AM
Four tracks in. I'm already enjoying it more than I thought I would. Some of it is very different. Some of it reminds me of Neal's early solo stuff before Testimony. It sounds nothing like the band that gave us Similitude.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: the_silent_man on August 27, 2021, 05:04:54 AM
First listen through. LOVE Do It All Again, great melodies in that.
The others didn't grab me much on first listen, but that may change.

The 31 min epic seemed overlong/stretched out and I was getting a bit disinterested at points. What is up with that ending as well  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 27, 2021, 05:22:33 AM
First listen through. LOVE Do It All Again, great melodies in that.
The others didn't grab me much on first listen, but that may change.

The 31 min epic seemed overlong/stretched out and I was getting a bit disinterested at points. What is up with that ending as well  :lol

It kind of pulls you under, doesn't it?  ;) :lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on August 27, 2021, 06:32:05 AM
I would love to listen to it today, but seeing how it hasn't even shipped from Radiant yet...at Amazon is getting the new Leprous album to me today.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: the_silent_man on August 27, 2021, 07:02:36 AM
I don't understand why so many here still support Radiant. I get that it more directly supports Neal (which is of course a good thing), but almost everything I ever read about them is negative.
At that point, I would respond by taking my money elsewhere...

Here in the UK, pretty much everyone I know purchases in store or through Amazon. Never had any issues.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 27, 2021, 07:45:05 AM
I don't understand why so many here still support Radiant. I get that it more directly supports Neal (which is of course a good thing), but almost everything I ever read about them is negative.
At that point, I would respond by taking my money elsewhere...

Here in the UK, pretty much everyone I know purchases in store or through Amazon. Never had any issues.

The ONLY reason I sometimes use Radiant is to get exclusive stuff - like the edition with the bonus DVD of the new album.  If it's just a standard album that I can get at amazon for 60% of the price and free shipping, no way I'd go through Radiant. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on August 27, 2021, 07:55:36 AM
Love the album! I've been waiting a long time for the 2019 Morsefest Blu ray so that is a must buy even if it's through racient.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on August 27, 2021, 08:07:40 AM
I'm liking this one more than the last two efforts. Weakest link for me is the last track. Maybe it should have been released as an EP. Also, there's a lot of big church/epic choruses which is something that I personally dislike from Neal since a lot of the songs include it. A bit burnt out by them to be honest. And damn, I think Eric is the star of this album. Superb playing, soloing and singing.

There was also a string/keyboard section that I absolutely loved. Need to hunt down which track and timestamp but sounded very originally and nothing like they have done before.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on August 27, 2021, 08:41:13 AM
Not Afraid pt. 2 is much better than Beyond The Years. By far.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 27, 2021, 09:03:43 AM
Finally finished my first run-through of the album....  Wow....  My first impression is that I REALLY appreciate how different it sounds from other NMB albums.  First highlights for me are Another Story to Tell and The Way it Had To Be.  I have no idea how to even comment on the epics.  There is simply too much to digest.  But if I had to guess I think I'll probably like Beyond the Years best of the two epics.  Time will tell how it holds up to other NMB or Neal epics.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on August 27, 2021, 10:59:31 AM
Another Story To Tell is definitely a highlight of disc 1 for me as well. Love that it's Neal's lead vocals through the whole thing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on August 27, 2021, 11:00:44 AM
Another Story to Tell sounds straight up like Genesis. And then The Way it Had to Be sounds like Pink Floyd. It's a pretty interesting combination.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 27, 2021, 11:39:22 AM
After a second spin of the album I can say that currently my favorite thing on the album is Beyond the Years.  Man, at around the 18 minute mark there is a few minutes there of pure goosebumps.  And even some damp eyes...  "and now I am just drifting through the years...." <enter amazing keyboard and guitar solos>
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 27, 2021, 11:48:30 AM
This may become my favorite of the four NMB albums so far. There's a lot to digest and the varying sounds and styles involved really give the album a unique flow. I cannot wait to watch the documentary DVD, but hearing some of Mike's commentary on the album from the InsideOut Music YouTube page really whets the appetite for hearing how things formed on this album.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on August 27, 2021, 01:51:38 PM
Just got an email from Radiant that my order shipped!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on August 27, 2021, 01:53:54 PM
Ive listened to it twice today and Im loving it. Gotta say that Not Afraid Pt.2 is my favorite of the 2 epics so far. Beyond the Years has some cool moments but the whole piece hasnt clicked with me yet.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on August 27, 2021, 03:48:06 PM
Grr i've been busy prepping for company.  can't get to this till tomorrow >:(

but......have my copy.

happy to hear the positive reviews though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on August 27, 2021, 03:48:52 PM
My copy came in the mail, but I may wait until tomorrow to listen with my morning cup of coffee and fresh ears.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on August 27, 2021, 04:02:46 PM
My copy came in the mail, but I may wait until tomorrow to listen with my morning cup of coffee and fresh ears.

and i'm dying because for once i loved both singles.  but there's company in the next room and......you know manners and and all. :lol

maybe i'll just do a late night listen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on August 27, 2021, 04:04:43 PM
My copy came in the mail, but I may wait until tomorrow to listen with my morning cup of coffee and fresh ears.

and i'm dying because for once i loved both singles.  but there's company in the next room and......you know manners and and all. :lol

maybe i'll just do a late night listen.

That would be the earliest for me. We'll see. I like listening to a new album on a day off after a good night's sleep with some coffee, the opportunity doesn't come up often these days.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Bad Altitude on August 27, 2021, 04:56:20 PM
I'm pleasantly surprised so far, loving the album. I've been slightly disappointed with both Similitude of a dream and The Great Adventure, I think they didn't really come close to The Grad Experiment. But this new one... not too bad, so far.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on August 27, 2021, 07:09:56 PM
Enjoying it so far but whats up with the ending of Beyond The Years?  I actually thought I had a faulty disc but its the same on Apple Music.  Why would you end a song like that, especially a 30 min epic?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on August 27, 2021, 07:13:43 PM
I had the same thought. I'm going to fade it out myself
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on August 28, 2021, 03:43:21 AM
I also thought Spotify messed it up.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on August 28, 2021, 04:53:00 AM
After two full listens, Your Place In The Sun is an early favourite so far. Oh and Another Story To Tell.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on August 28, 2021, 05:03:19 AM
I am getting a strong early Spock's Beard vibe from Another story to tell. It could have easily appeared on The Kindness of strangers. It's really cool.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 28, 2021, 06:18:55 AM
Hilarious to see the apologists out in full force on the FB group page, trying to shout down any criticism of Radiant for their usual poor customer service.

Anyway...new album sounds really good after one listen!  Definitely a lot of different stuff, especially in both epics, both of which I will need to spend more time with to full grasp.  The Way It Had to Be was a nice surprise. Definitely did not see a song like that coming.  I didn't like the cover of Bridge over Troubled Water, but that to me is one of those sacred songs that is impossible for anyone to cover (I have never heard a cover of it that I liked).  Odds are I will skip that one going forward and listen to the album as a 9-song journey.  I expect this to get better and better with each listen.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on August 28, 2021, 06:56:11 AM
I'm listening for the first time right now. I'm only up to Bird on a Wire but I'm already enjoying this one a lot.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on August 28, 2021, 08:12:58 AM
Wow, fantastic album. I think this might be NMB's best album. I'm also inclined to think this is a top 10 Neal-related album.

Everything I disliked from the first three NMB albums seems to have been fixed. Everyone sounds great.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on August 28, 2021, 08:15:46 AM
Hilarious to see the apologists out in full force on the FB group page, trying to shout down any criticism of Radiant for their usual poor customer service.

The key is to not use Facebook  ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 28, 2021, 08:21:24 AM
Hilarious to see the apologists out in full force on the FB group page, trying to shout down any criticism of Radiant for their usual poor customer service.

The key is to not use Facebook  ;)

Haha, I usually don't.  I am only still active to check out a handful of music pages (my last new post on my page was January 2020 and I rarely like or comment on stuff anymore).  I just wanted to see what reactions were to the new album on the Neal page.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on August 28, 2021, 08:22:18 AM
Digging into the MF19 Blu Ray this morning. The Flying Colors set looks and sounds great, really impressive for a band that hadn't played live together for a long time. Wish there were some more songs from Third Degree.

Now watching The Great Adventure set.

My only big complaint about this release is the packaging itself, which is much larger than a standard Blu-Ray. It won't fit on my shelf  :lol

(https://i.imgur.com/aRaLvhk.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on August 28, 2021, 08:29:04 AM
The two epics definitely need a few more listens but I can tell these are powerful pieces. First disc is also filled with high energy prog, I'm really impressed at how fresh it all sounds, considering the work Neal has already released. Gillette's playing definitely gives Neal the much needed edge his music has always needed, imo.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on August 28, 2021, 08:43:24 AM
This also caught my attention while listening to this album. Not so dramatically, but this may be the Neal Morse prog release which he went more "out of the box" in terms of what we expect from him. The album sounds really refreshing. Indeed it does sound like a much more band effort than all the previous NMB albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 28, 2021, 10:24:27 AM
I love the variety on this album, probably greatly helped by the contributions of Eric and Bill. Considering Neal came to the sessions with no preconceived demos, but you can tell he put his stamp on a bunch of the material.

So far, I think I like this album a bit more than the previous two, and it's just as good as TGE, but it may even surpass that.

Of the two epics, I cannot decide which one I like more, but both are really good! Interesting that "Not Afraid Pt. 2" doesn't have movements within the epic, like "Seeds Of Gold", though given the differing lyrical sections, you could definitely make them into individual movements.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on August 28, 2021, 12:23:36 PM
I have a solid four listens in and I'm digging this one a lot. The variety of sounds and different approaches to each individual songs is a big strong point on this album. I loved SOAD and TGA as concept albums but this return to a 'normal' album approach has proven to be a good idea. Each listen this one gets better and better. This effort and the fact I found out that King is going to Morsefest have me looking at picking up Morsefest tickets. This is probably going to be amazing to experience in a live setting.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on August 28, 2021, 12:37:20 PM
CD arrived yesterday, on top of it being on Spotify.

Fantastic album! Immediate favourite tracks are Your Place In The Sun and Another Story To Tell.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on August 28, 2021, 12:47:38 PM
I uploaded the Making Of documentary to Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6JW1sF_wvk


Aaaaand it's gone  :mehlin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on August 28, 2021, 01:04:03 PM
Stunning. Epic. Emotional. Varied. And on a great set of headphones, almost a spiritual experience at times. Holy shit. Best thing since One. Kudos to the band and production team.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on August 28, 2021, 01:07:20 PM
I had the same thought. I'm going to fade it out myself
That's a great idea. I hadn't considered that, but I'm going to do that now too. It definitely sounds broken as-is. I get what Mike was going for, but IMO it doesn't work. No big deal - it doesn't always play out the way it was intended.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on August 28, 2021, 01:18:46 PM
I uploaded the Making Of documentary to Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6JW1sF_wvk

Watching it now, thanks!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on August 28, 2021, 01:26:24 PM
How long's it gonna last before the copyright bots get to it?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on August 28, 2021, 01:37:06 PM
How long's it gonna last before the copyright bots get to it?

It was copyright claimed immediately after I uploaded it. The video has been monetized by the copyright owner, if they want to take it down they can, but I think it'll be safe. There's plenty of other Making Of videos from Neal out there on YouTube.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on August 28, 2021, 02:42:19 PM
Just had a real proper sit down with this from start to finish and, whilst its early to say, this is one of the best things Ive heard from Neal in a long time.  Enjoyed every song from start to finish, many of which actually sound fresh and new for him.  The variation and more commercial sound was reminiscent of Spocks Beard for me at times.  Neal absolutely sings his ass off here, you can hear the age in his voice but hes pushing himself to get everything out of it.  Some of the best epic soloing Ive heard from Eric too, his best album so far.  Bills vocal interludes really work for the most part too, some real highlight moments from him.  Everyones playing is just top, top level with some really awesome bass from Randy and I dont even normally notice bass.

Really great album.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on August 28, 2021, 02:58:01 PM
I have to say I'm getting excited about some comments here.  :metal

I didn't expect much from the new album (even because I didn't like the first two singles), but the comments here managed to pique my curiosity.  :)

I need to hear the new record (and hope I won't be disappointed  :lol).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 28, 2021, 02:58:53 PM
Just had a real proper sit down with this from start to finish and, whilst its early to say, this is one of the best things Ive heard from Neal in a long time.  Enjoyed every song from start to finish, many of which actually sound fresh and new for him.  The variation and more commercial sound was reminiscent of Spocks Beard for me at times.  Neal absolutely sings his ass off here, you can hear the age in his voice but hes pushing himself to get everything out of it.  Some of the best epic soloing Ive heard from Eric too, his best album so far.  Bills vocal interludes really work for the most part too, some real highlight moments from him.  Everyones playing is just top, top level with some really awesome bass from Randy and I dont even normally notice bass.

Really great album.

Erics wife wants to talk to you.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on August 28, 2021, 03:00:49 PM
Just had a real proper sit down with this from start to finish and, whilst its early to say, this is one of the best things Ive heard from Neal in a long time.  Enjoyed every song from start to finish, many of which actually sound fresh and new for him.  The variation and more commercial sound was reminiscent of Spocks Beard for me at times.  Neal absolutely sings his ass off here, you can hear the age in his voice but hes pushing himself to get everything out of it.  Some of the best epic soloing Ive heard from Eric too, his best album so far.  Bills vocal interludes really work for the most part too, some real highlight moments from him.  Everyones playing is just top, top level with some really awesome bass from Randy and I dont even normally notice bass.

Really great album.


Erics wife wants to talk to you.

 :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Bad Altitude on August 28, 2021, 03:09:28 PM
I've only listened a few times so far, but I think the opening trio of songs is really strong. "Do it all again" was an instant favorite, but "Bird on a wire" has a pretty good melody, too. I think this more focused format (as opposed to the more drawn out layout of the previous two albums, where the and tell a story and let it take its time) works very well. And a 30-minute epic is great when it's sat alongside shorter songs that stand on their own.

I'm not sure I'm expressing it well enough, but in essence, I think the formation of this band and the way they write music together, was a very smart move on Neals part. And that's coming from someone who enjoyed his solo output a lot, all the way from Testimony and onwards. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on August 28, 2021, 05:01:35 PM
Another very good album. For me it is safe to say that this is my favourite band of Neal Morse. And having recently listened to a lot of his solo stuf, I really do feel there is a distinction.

My first impression is that I prefer the initial collection of songs over the epics. The only thing that does not do anything for me is the Bridge over Troubled water cover, especially that intro.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on August 28, 2021, 11:48:59 PM
Another very good album. For me it is safe to say that this is my favourite band of Neal Morse. And having recently listened to a lot of his solo stuf, I really do feel there is a distinction.

My first impression is that I prefer the initial collection of songs over the epics. The only thing that does not do anything for me is the Bridge over Troubled water cover, especially that intro.

The intro has started to wear on me as well. It seems like something that would be more fun live, but as a studio track it's kind of long and drawn out and the vibe is too different than the song itself. That said, the rest of this cover is absolutely killer, IMO. The guys absolutely do it justice, and completely nail the ending too. I almost consider it cheating for them to have included it because that song is already one of the greatest ballads ever written. I am admittedly biased though as I consider Paul Simon one of the greatest singer/songwriters ever.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on August 29, 2021, 03:37:25 AM
Another very good album. For me it is safe to say that this is my favourite band of Neal Morse. And having recently listened to a lot of his solo stuf, I really do feel there is a distinction.

My first impression is that I prefer the initial collection of songs over the epics. The only thing that does not do anything for me is the Bridge over Troubled water cover, especially that intro.

Yeah, I will say that my least favourite stuff on the album (and none of it is bad) would be the stuff they added to pad it out as Mike said.  I think you could easily take off The Way It Had to Be, Emergence, Bridge Over Troubled Water and just trimmed a few minutes off here and there to get this under 80 min and onto one disc and it would probably be even better imo.  Some will disagree though as I think I have seen others saying The Way It Had To Be is one of their favourites.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 29, 2021, 05:41:54 AM
The Way It Had to Be is one of my early favorites.  I am glad that was included.  Although really, all of the original songs on Disc 1 are really good. 

So far, I prefer Not Afraid Part 2 of the two epics, but that could change.  Beyond the Years has a different kind of flow and arrangement than his/their other epics, so it will likely take a few more listens to really wrap my head around it.  Not Afraid Part 2 is pretty sweet, though, and I like the instrumental section near the end where they break it down and slowly build it back up. They rarely do stuff like that, but they did it really well there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on August 29, 2021, 10:24:24 AM
This album is really growing on me with repeat listens.

The one thing that's holding it back for me, from being a top-top Neal album, is Bill's vocals. It's like he has a cold or something, sounds like he's singing through his sinuses. Really not into his vocals for lead. Also, Portnoy is a less-is-more vocalist, he has some strong moments throughout his career, but the more I hear him sing lead, the more his limits as a singer shines through. Leave the lead vocals to Neal and Eric (like in Transatlantic, leave it to Neal and Roine, though I liked MP's vocals in Looking For The Light on TAU)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 29, 2021, 10:38:40 AM
As far as NMB stduio covers go, what does everyone like more? "Bridge Over Troubled Water" or "MacArthur Park"? I'm kinda partial to MP, but BOTW is slowly growing on me!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on August 29, 2021, 10:49:03 AM
OK.....forces beyond my control DID NOT what me to hear this record and now......two days later.  finally finished Disc 1, lol

thoughts.

This may be the most cohesive best album NMB has done (judging from Disc 1)  i Still love the 2 singles. have Since day 1.

LOVE Another story to tell!!! HEAVY Spock's Beard Vibes and so damn Catchy.

The way It Had to Be is very floyd like for the tempo and eric's guitar tones. can i just say,......Eric is killing it on this album.  in places um......it's kinda like Eric featuring Neal.....is that weird to say?  it feels weird, lol  before you say it i know it's a band BUT NMB has still largely been Neal to me.

Not Afraid Pt. 1 reminds me of Crosby Stills and nash.  great folk like Ditty.

as for the cover.  i really could do without these prog covers of classics.  they do nothing for me.

that's my only complaint.  this was an amazing first disc.

be back with disc 2 later.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 29, 2021, 10:59:40 AM
Not Afraid Part 1 is tailor-made to be one of those songs where they all sit at the front of the stage and sing while playing the song.  They ought to do a mini-set of that on the tour where they do that one, Waterfall and Freedom Song.  Three great songs, and would be a nice little comedown from the prog onslaught that is likely to dominate most of the rest of the set.

This album is really growing on me with repeat listens.

The one thing that's holding it back for me, from being a top-top Neal album, is Bill's vocals. It's like he has a cold or something, sounds like he's singing through his sinuses. Really not into his vocals for lead. Also, Portnoy is a less-is-more vocalist, he has some strong moments throughout his career, but the more I hear him sing lead, the more his limits as a singer shines through. Leave the lead vocals to Neal and Eric (like in Transatlantic, leave it to Neal and Roine, though I liked MP's vocals in Looking For The Light on TAU)

I think the balance is good with the lead vocals.  Seems like Neal and Eric do about 70-75% of them, with Bill at about 20% and Portnoy the rest.  I wouldn't want Bill singing all the time, but he is very nice as a change of pace guy.  And while Portnoy will never have a voice optimal for regular lead singing, I think the ones he does on this record are fine.  They don't necessarily elevate the songs, but they aren't a detriment like Pete's are on a few songs on the newest TA record, IMO.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on August 29, 2021, 11:03:13 AM
This album is really growing on me with repeat listens.

The one thing that's holding it back for me, from being a top-top Neal album, is Bill's vocals. It's like he has a cold or something, sounds like he's singing through his sinuses. Really not into his vocals for lead. Also, Portnoy is a less-is-more vocalist, he has some strong moments throughout his career, but the more I hear him sing lead, the more his limits as a singer shines through. Leave the lead vocals to Neal and Eric (like in Transatlantic, leave it to Neal and Roine, though I liked MP's vocals in Looking For The Light on TAU)

funny you say that i was thinking at least on the first disc how minimized Bill's Leads are.  this comes off as Eric/Neal sharing the vocal steering wheel mostly

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 29, 2021, 11:15:21 AM


funny you say that i was thinking at least on the first disc how minimized Bill's Leads are.  this comes off as Eric/Neal sharing the vocal steering wheel mostly

Maybe I am just so used to Neal singing that I take it for granted, but listening to this album, it's always a little exciting for me when Eric sings lead.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on August 29, 2021, 11:50:53 AM
I was one of the strongest complainers about the vocals on the last Transatlantic record being shared out to Pete and Mike way too much.  I think they get it about right here, Neal and Eric share the majority with Eric doing a lot of the big bombastic stuff as he has more power than Neal these days.  Bill is fine for me if used well, hes got an unusual voice but hes a much better singer than Pete Trewavas and Mike, and I think hes used well here.  For example, his little bridge in Bird On A Wire, is the vocal highlight of that song for me.  Mike is used sparingly enough on lead vocals not to bother me, Id even go as far to say that I quite like his little verse in Your Place In The Sun.

Im not a fan of their covers though like some others have said.  This cover of BOTW sounds a bit like a boyband version with all the OTT vocals.  The MacArthur Park one is just not a song I like anyway.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on August 29, 2021, 11:57:39 AM
Not Afraid Part 1 is tailor-made to be one of those songs where they all sit at the front of the stage and sing while playing the song.  They ought to do a mini-set of that on the tour where they do that one, Waterfall and Freedom Song.  Three great songs, and would be a nice little comedown from the prog onslaught that is likely to dominate most of the rest of the set.

This album is really growing on me with repeat listens.

The one thing that's holding it back for me, from being a top-top Neal album, is Bill's vocals. It's like he has a cold or something, sounds like he's singing through his sinuses. Really not into his vocals for lead. Also, Portnoy is a less-is-more vocalist, he has some strong moments throughout his career, but the more I hear him sing lead, the more his limits as a singer shines through. Leave the lead vocals to Neal and Eric (like in Transatlantic, leave it to Neal and Roine, though I liked MP's vocals in Looking For The Light on TAU)

I think the balance is good with the lead vocals.  Seems like Neal and Eric do about 70-75% of them, with Bill at about 20% and Portnoy the rest.  I wouldn't want Bill singing all the time, but he is very nice as a change of pace guy.  And while Portnoy will never have a voice optimal for regular lead singing, I think the ones he does on this record are fine.  They don't necessarily elevate the songs, but they aren't a detriment like Pete's are on a few songs on the newest TA record, IMO.

This album is really growing on me with repeat listens.

The one thing that's holding it back for me, from being a top-top Neal album, is Bill's vocals. It's like he has a cold or something, sounds like he's singing through his sinuses. Really not into his vocals for lead. Also, Portnoy is a less-is-more vocalist, he has some strong moments throughout his career, but the more I hear him sing lead, the more his limits as a singer shines through. Leave the lead vocals to Neal and Eric (like in Transatlantic, leave it to Neal and Roine, though I liked MP's vocals in Looking For The Light on TAU)

funny you say that i was thinking at least on the first disc how minimized Bill's Leads are.  this comes off as Eric/Neal sharing the vocal steering wheel mostly

No doubt, Neal and Eric handle most of the vocals, but I just can't get into Bill's lead vocals, and he does have his share of lead.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on August 29, 2021, 12:18:24 PM
Just finished my first complete listen and WOW!  Another very strong effort from these guys.  There's a lot to digest here, so way to early to rank this among the others.  Very diverse material which I love.  What strikes me as ironic was after my first listen of the first single (Do it All Again), my first comment and thoughts were "good tune but very NMB by the numbers" - well this album is anything but "NMB by the numbers" - so I'm ecstatic about that....good stuff!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on August 29, 2021, 12:24:45 PM
I was one of the strongest complainers about the vocals on the last Transatlantic record being shared out to Pete and Mike way too much.  I think they get it about right here, Neal and Eric share the majority with Eric doing a lot of the big bombastic stuff as he has more power than Neal these days.  Bill is fine for me if used well, hes got an unusual voice but hes a much better singer than Pete Trewavas and Mike, and I think hes used well here.  For example, his little bridge in Bird On A Wire, is the vocal highlight of that song for me.  Mike is used sparingly enough on lead vocals not to bother me, Id even go as far to say that I quite like his little verse in Your Place In The Sun.

Im not a fan of their covers though like some others have said.  This cover of BOTW sounds a bit like a boyband version with all the OTT vocals.  The MacArthur Park one is just not a song I like anyway.

I agree with everything you said here.  Eric definitely has the most powerful voice and he sounds great on this one IMO.  Bill is a way better singer than Pete Trewavas and Mike Portnoy, it's not even close - and I too think he's used well here (meaning not overused but used sparingly and to effect).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on August 29, 2021, 12:25:02 PM


The one thing that's holding it back for me, from being a top-top Neal album, is Bill's vocals. It's like he has a cold or something, sounds like he's singing through his sinuses. Really not into his vocals for lead.
Agreed 100%
Bill sounds fine when singing back-up harmonies, but when he takes lead, I think you summed it up quite well. I don't have the new album yet, but that's been my only hang-up on the previous NMB albums and live releases.  His keyboard playing is great however!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on August 29, 2021, 12:54:40 PM
I just made a quick playlist of the original album and its 81 min long.  Seems strange that they wouldnt just shave a minute off to make a one disc album rather than scramble around for 20 min of extra material to make it a double.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on August 29, 2021, 01:05:50 PM


The one thing that's holding it back for me, from being a top-top Neal album, is Bill's vocals. It's like he has a cold or something, sounds like he's singing through his sinuses. Really not into his vocals for lead.
Agreed 100%
Bill sounds fine when singing back-up harmonies, but when he takes lead, I think you summed it up quite well. I don't have the new album yet, but that's been my only hang-up on the previous NMB albums and live releases.  His keyboard playing is great however!

Yeah, he sounds like he's always straining to hit the notes. There's a couple songs where it works, The Ways of a Fool for example, but most of the time they don't work for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on August 29, 2021, 01:16:39 PM
I uploaded the Making Of documentary to Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6JW1sF_wvk


Aaaaand it's gone  :mehlin
Good thing I managed to watch it today. Thanks for making my Sunday morning, man.  :tup

I was surprised to see that Another story to tell was something Bill brought in. I was confident Neal was channeling his early Spock's Beard days with that one, but I was wrong.

Not Afraid Part 1 is tailor-made to be one of those songs where they all sit at the front of the stage and sing while playing the song.  They ought to do a mini-set of that on the tour where they do that one, Waterfall and Freedom Song.  Three great songs, and would be a nice little comedown from the prog onslaught that is likely to dominate most of the rest of the set.
I would love them to do something like this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on August 29, 2021, 01:31:32 PM
I think the piano thing at the start was brought in by Bill and they built a song off it.  Im with you, it definitely sounds like a Neal tune and he is singing all the lead vocals so am guessing its mainly his.  Its not totally clear from the making of though so I cant say for sure.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on August 29, 2021, 01:44:29 PM
I just made a quick playlist of the original album and its 81 min long.  Seems strange that they wouldnt just shave a minute off to make a one disc album rather than scramble around for 20 min of extra material to make it a double.

What do you mean by the original album? The original album is the one that was released on Friday, with all 10 tracks on it.

Also the answer is, it's not strange. It's Neal Morse. More Never Is Enough and all that.

I love the album as long as it is. Don't take a single thing away from it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on August 29, 2021, 02:08:14 PM
I just made a quick playlist of the original album and its 81 min long.  Seems strange that they wouldnt just shave a minute off to make a one disc album rather than scramble around for 20 min of extra material to make it a double.

What do you mean by the original album? The original album is the one that was released on Friday, with all 10 tracks on it.

Also the answer is, it's not strange. It's Neal Morse. More Never Is Enough and all that.

I love the album as long as it is. Don't take a single thing away from it.

IIRC the "original" album was 8 tracks but they couldn't really fit it in a single CD, so that's when they wrote TWIHTB and added the cover song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on August 29, 2021, 02:32:45 PM
I love Bill's voice, especially in the drifting through the years section. These guys hit it out of the park. So fresh sounding. Full of deep feels. I've got a feeling DT and this album will be fighting for album if the year.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on August 29, 2021, 03:52:06 PM
Still haven't received from Radiant! LAST TIME EVER! :censored >:(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 29, 2021, 03:57:43 PM
Still haven't received from Radiant! LAST TIME EVER! :censored >:(

I emailed them (Amy, I guess) last Thursday, asking if my order had shipped, but still no response.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on August 29, 2021, 04:03:55 PM
Pre-ordered from Amazon and received on Friday.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on August 29, 2021, 04:40:07 PM
Disc 2......I listened I'm not crazy over Not Afraid Pt. 2.

LOVED beyond The years.

I have to say NMB has always been rocky for me.  but here they feel like a BAND and just Neal plus dudes which it sadly felt like most of the time.  this feels like it's own thing.

wonderful album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on August 29, 2021, 04:49:21 PM
Still haven't received from Radiant! LAST TIME EVER! :censored >:(

I emailed them (Amy, I guess) last Thursday, asking if my order had shipped, but still no response.

-Marc.

She got back to me pretty quickly after I added "(PLEASE RESPOND)" to the subject line  :lol



DTwwbwMP, has your order shipped? If it hasn't, double check and make sure it's been paid for. I mentioned earlier in the thread that my order was in their system and marked as "processing", but somehow my card hadn't been charged. I had to pester Amy for a week so I could pay for the order.
Mine miraculously arrived on release day, but it would probably still be in limbo if I didn't contact them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on August 29, 2021, 04:57:43 PM
I just made a quick playlist of the original album and its 81 min long.  Seems strange that they wouldnt just shave a minute off to make a one disc album rather than scramble around for 20 min of extra material to make it a double.

What do you mean by the original album? The original album is the one that was released on Friday, with all 10 tracks on it.

Also the answer is, it's not strange. It's Neal Morse. More Never Is Enough and all that.

I love the album as long as it is. Don't take a single thing away from it.

Not saying they should take anything off it, just saying, you make an album and its one minute too long to fit on a cd and half the band have flown home, what do you do?  Id hazard a guess that most people would find a way to shave a minute off the album rather than go back and start trying to come up with a bunch more music to justify it as a double album. 

Its a strange decision, particularly when Neal Morse was the person who wanted to cut a load of music off the Transatlantic record to keep it as a single cd.  He only had to cut a minute off this and you could easily do that without affecting the album noticeably at all.  I personally dont think the stuff they added adds much to proceedings but some people, including the band most importantly, feel different.  Its a brilliant album regardless, probably the best of the NMB records.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 29, 2021, 05:06:26 PM
To clarify, I believe the original album would have been 7 songs, but they decided to expand it, so they did the Bridge cover, Neal did the acoustic song which is sort of an intro to Not Afraid Part 1, and they dusted off The Way It Had to Be, which was written during The Great Adventure sessions, and finished it.

Personally, I think they could have added The Way It Had to Be and removed Do It All Again (which I like, but kinda feels like a Neal by the numbers song) from the original idea and you would have had an album right around 79:27.  And then rework the running order so the epics are not back to back.

1 Bird on a Wire
2 Your Place in the Sun
3 Not Afraid Part 1
4 Not Afraid Part 2
5 Another Story to Tell
6 The Way It Had to Be
7 Beyond the Years

Then again, it is still early, so I will not mess with the running order yet in my listenings, but I may try the above at some point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on August 29, 2021, 05:25:33 PM
I get why people dislike the sound of Bill's voice, but I think the man can sing. He uses a good range of notes, does some solid vocal runs here and there and he works really well with harmonies. I don't think it is comparable to Pete from Transatlantic (and probably a controversial opinion: I think Roine is the weakest vocal link on their latest album).

And talking about vocals, I think Neal pulls of some great parts. I agree he sounds a bit older/weaker (not even remotely close to sounding bad, mind you), but he pulls off some nice parts on this album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on August 30, 2021, 03:08:44 AM
To clarify, I believe the original album would have been 7 songs, but they decided to expand it, so they did the Bridge cover, Neal did the acoustic song which is sort of an intro to Not Afraid Part 1, and they dusted off The Way It Had to Be, which was written during The Great Adventure sessions, and finished it.

Interestingly enough, my first impressions are that the last three songs they added at the last minute are my least favorite tracks. Maybe the album could have been stronger with seven songs and only one disc.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on August 30, 2021, 03:11:23 AM
I saw in the documentary that they have been interested in doing a cover of Kansas' Song For America for years now, and instead they chose Bridge Over Troubled Water this time.

Song For America is probably my favourite Kansas song (or Top 3), so I'd be delighted if they did that cover one day.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on August 30, 2021, 09:05:57 AM
A minor bugbear I have is with the Not Afraid songs. They are not related to each other in any way, musically (the most important aspect) or lyrically apart from the obvious. By all means they can have two songs called Not Afraid on the album, but take out the word "Part" from each song. "Part" implies that they're both parts of the same whole.

Not Afraid 1 and Not Afraid 2. Simples.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 30, 2021, 09:32:05 AM
I've been listening to this almost exclusively for the last four, five days, and I'm just... It's really hit home with me.   The music is great, but it's really the lyrics.  There is your requisite spiritual material, but so much of this works also on a secular level.  I think this is music written by middle-aged men comtemplating that same idea, and being a middle-aged man, it's really striking a chord.   Another Story To Tell, The Way It Had To Be, Your Place In The Sun.... I'm sure it will wax and wane over time, like all records do, but right now, after between a half-dozen to a dozen listens, this is my favorite complete work by Neal Morse. 

And for the first time in a LONG time, I'm likely to see multiple shows when they come around.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 30, 2021, 10:21:46 AM
I spent the morning listening to TSOAD and TGA back to back, and I've gotta say they're still really good albums. I don't think I love them as much as others have, but I'd say they're probably two of Neal's better double concept albums. At this point in listening to I&D, however, I think I like the new album more than the previous two, and maybe just a bit more than TGE, though I want to go back and re-listen to TGE again as a whole (bonus tracks included). I did listen to "Alive Again" the other night and that track still rocks, one of Neal's better epics, but the two new ones have some great stuff in them as well.

A minor bugbear I have is with the Not Afraid songs. They are not related to each other in any way, musically (the most important aspect) or lyrically apart from the obvious. By all means they can have two songs called Not Afraid on the album, but take out the word "Part" from each song. "Part" implies that they're both parts of the same whole.

Not Afraid 1 and Not Afraid 2. Simples.

But is it that simples? :lol I kind of like the idea that they're named "Parts 1 & 2" simply through a lyrical connection. It definitely defies and subverted my expectations of the two tracks being related musically, and I gotta admit that it was a cool idea.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on August 30, 2021, 11:42:15 AM
Got my autographed set today, album is solid and too early to tell but might be my favorite of the NMB iteration so far.

Can't wait to dive into the full set of Flying Colors and the rest of Morsefest.

(https://i.imgur.com/DTpjzL6.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 30, 2021, 11:52:36 AM
Got my autographed set today, album is solid and too early to tell but might be my favorite of the NMB iteration so far.

Can't wait to dive into the full set of Flying Colors and the rest of Morsefest.

(https://i.imgur.com/DTpjzL6.jpg)

Well, I'm glad some folks are getting their Radiant orders. Still response about my order from them... I had read the packaging for MF'19 was taller than usual, but it looks REALLY tall here.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on August 30, 2021, 12:19:01 PM
The album art kind of put me off a little when this album was first announced. I definitely had low expectations coming off TSoAD and TGA, plus Neal's Sola Gratia and TA's The Absolute Universe were good, but didn't quite get there for me compared to his previous work, and I thought I&D would be Neal-by-numbers.

It is not.
All the talk about how Neal's 'sound' is basically the same every album he's on, this album blows that argument right out the water. While the music is not a major stylistic shift, it does give us new things to listen to. New keyboard sounds and textures, Eric has some Petruccisms in his playing in the best possible way.  The album is brimming with creative ideas, and I also hear a lot more complex sections than I'm used to with a Neal Morse album. I could really see a very casual Neal fan loving this, like someone who only likes Spock's and early Transatlantic. Not because it sounds like that, but because it doesn't. The Neal Morse Band has its own identity compared to those other bands, and seeks to do something different.

Disc 1 is labelled the 'pop disc' or the 'lighter' disc, but it is plenty proggy and interesting throughout, and it doesn't sound like just pop music to me, 60s pop anyway, aside from a few things here and there. Besides, prog rock grew out of the 60s pop sound. Disc one is merely the first 8 tracks on this progressive rock album, because all 10 songs don't fit on one CD.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on August 30, 2021, 12:34:58 PM

I had read the packaging for MF'19 was taller than usual, but it looks REALLY tall here.

-Marc.

It really is, I think part of the reason is to make it economical to ship six discs in one package.



(https://i.imgur.com/pXqkIkM.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on August 30, 2021, 12:41:08 PM
I agree that this album sounds surprisingly fresh overall. I think there is some merit to the argument that Neal Morse related bands can sound similar. But this album does not sound like a rehash at all to me, in particular the first disc. I have been listening to he latest Transatllantic and this one a lot the last couple of days and I don't think the albums are similar. And I think both sound reasonably different to Sola Gratia and the Jesus musical.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on August 30, 2021, 12:52:04 PM
Just received my Morsefest 2019 and Bonus edition Innocence and Danger CD/DVD combo. Looking forward to the Blue Ray performances.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 30, 2021, 01:24:59 PM
Of the major prog bands, I always thought Genesis had the best, fullest sound.  The rich sound of Tony's keyboards, the deepness of Mike's bass (and bass pedals) and the almost melodic timbre of Phil's drums...   I love it.   And there is a lot, stylistically, of that in this new record.   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 30, 2021, 02:32:04 PM
Still haven't received from Radiant! LAST TIME EVER! :censored >:(

I emailed them (Amy, I guess) last Thursday, asking if my order had shipped, but still no response.

-Marc.

Just got an email from Amy with my tracking number. If I'm lucky, it'll get here by week's end.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 30, 2021, 05:27:40 PM
I've been listening to this almost exclusively for the last four, five days, and I'm just... It's really hit home with me.   The music is great, but it's really the lyrics.  There is your requisite spiritual material, but so much of this works also on a secular level.  I think this is music written by middle-aged men comtemplating that same idea, and being a middle-aged man, it's really striking a chord.   Another Story To Tell, The Way It Had To Be, Your Place In The Sun.... I'm sure it will wax and wane over time, like all records do, but right now, after between a half-dozen to a dozen listens, this is my favorite complete work by Neal Morse. 

And for the first time in a LONG time, I'm likely to see multiple shows when they come around.

I have to admit that I have barely noticed any spiritual lyrics on this one, or maybe a lot of these are like Supernatural in that they can be taken to be about something spiritual or something or someone else.

It is still way too early for me to consider where I'd put this in the Neal Morse canon.  I just know that it is another winner.  :hat :hat

I agree that this album sounds surprisingly fresh overall. I think there is some merit to the argument that Neal Morse related bands can sound similar. But this album does not sound like a rehash at all to me, in particular the first disc. I have been listening to he latest Transatllantic and this one a lot the last couple of days and I don't think the albums are similar. And I think both sound reasonably different to Sola Gratia and the Jesus musical.

Yeah, it is striking how fresh this album sounds.  I do think Sola Gratia had a number of songs that were kinda new and fresh for Neal (mostly, the best songs), but they were easy to not think of that way since the album structure was very Neal-esque and then there were all of those Sola Scriptura callbacks. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on August 30, 2021, 05:40:15 PM
I saw in the documentary that they have been interested in doing a cover of Kansas' Song For America for years now, and instead they chose Bridge Over Troubled Water this time.

Song For America is probably my favourite Kansas song (or Top 3), so I'd be delighted if they did that cover one day.

 :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 30, 2021, 09:06:31 PM
Good new interview with Neal below. Some cool tidbits!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7Stt0kiTo0
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on August 31, 2021, 02:21:02 PM
Drifting through the years section is indescribably moving. Eric's solo is great.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on August 31, 2021, 03:28:24 PM
Still NOTHING from Radiant! They suck the big one! >:( :censored
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on August 31, 2021, 05:04:28 PM
Still NOTHING from Radiant! They suck the big one! >:( :censored
Reposting this in case you missed it


Still haven't received from Radiant! LAST TIME EVER! :censored >:(
DTwwbwMP, has your order shipped? If it hasn't, double check and make sure it's been paid for. I mentioned earlier in the thread that my order was in their system and marked as "processing", but somehow my card hadn't been charged. I had to pester Amy for a week so I could pay for the order.
Mine miraculously arrived on release day, but it would probably still be in limbo if I didn't contact them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 31, 2021, 06:14:21 PM
Kinda funny that the Neal fan forum page is now not allowing any criticism of Radiant Records, and they have advised anyone with issues to take it up with them on their page.  Maybe flooding the Radiant page with criticism will change things (yeah right :lol).  Fortunately, I never order from them anymore, so I am out of criticisms to level at them.  :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 31, 2021, 06:31:04 PM
I'm tempted to email them and just tell them to cancel my order.  I'm sure they wouldn't, but at least they might ship it tomorrow.  At this point in no time I'll know the record by heart so I don't even need my physical copy anymore.  But getting that $35 back sounds nice lol.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on August 31, 2021, 07:22:36 PM
Kinda funny that the Neal fan forum page is now not allowing any criticism of Radiant Records, and they have advised anyone with issues to take it up with them on their page.  Maybe flooding the Radiant page with criticism will change things (yeah right :lol).  Fortunately, I never order from them anymore, so I am out of criticisms to level at them.  :lol :lol

This criticism happens every time Radiant releases anything, you'd think by now Neal or Amy or somebody take a serious look at their business practices and change something.
I was lucky enough to get my issue solved in time and got the album on release day but I think I might be done with Radiant, other than Inner Circle stuff.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on August 31, 2021, 09:03:27 PM
Still NOTHING from Radiant! They suck the big one! >:( :censored
Reposting this in case you missed it


Still haven't received from Radiant! LAST TIME EVER! :censored >:(
DTwwbwMP, has your order shipped? If it hasn't, double check and make sure it's been paid for. I mentioned earlier in the thread that my order was in their system and marked as "processing", but somehow my card hadn't been charged. I had to pester Amy for a week so I could pay for the order.
Mine miraculously arrived on release day, but it would probably still be in limbo if I didn't contact them.
I second this suggestion above. I had to do the same thing as I was in the same situation to where my credit card was never charged on the day I ordered. I got a hold of Amy and she sent through a PayPal request for me to send my payment, and my order was shipped and received.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on September 01, 2021, 05:33:47 AM
Meanwhile, despite them repeatedly saying on FB that they were shipping in the same order that purchases were received, I haven't received shipping info for my order, which was submitted in the first hour pre-orders were available. And I did double check my credit card statement that I was charged for it. This is why I normally only order stuff from Radint when it goes on clearance sale and I don't care when it comes in, but I really wanted the MF19 set and the bundle was a decent deal. At least I can listen to the new album on Amazon music while I wait.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 01, 2021, 07:43:56 AM
The third and final video of Mike talking about the songs on I&D is finally up on YouTube. You can check it out here. (https://youtu.be/oLq3OUZnNv8)

And here are the first two parts on YouTube as well. Part One (https://youtu.be/CwZ35s2_3Q4) - Part Two (https://youtu.be/miva-0ACVTw)

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on September 01, 2021, 09:23:58 AM
The album gets better and fuckin' better each spin.

NMB has always been a bit patchy for me.  The grand Experiment is ok......Alive Again Saves it.  And i NEVER got the fuss over TGA.  sounded like such a rush job to my ears.

Also.......up to now.  NMB just sounded like Neal solo stuff with some new dudes.  Innocence and Danger is the first time i felt.  Hey this is it's own entity separate from the standard Neal machine.

I've been playing Another Story to tell in particular like crazy.  it sounds right off of Kindness of Strangers.

But the whole thing blows me away. only sour note is the Bridge cover.  stop with the ham fist-ed choir boy prog covers of classics guys. they never ever work, lol  but minor quibble
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 01, 2021, 02:45:37 PM
Well, to be fair, NMB probably sound like solo Neal with some new dudes because NMB is solo Neal with some new dudes. :lol :P

But while the DNA is largely the same, the others bring enough songwriting into NMB for it to sound not too similar to solo Neal (where Neal does all of the writing), and of course the lead electric guitar playing of Eric's is a lot different than Neal's.  Eric is more John Petrucci while Neal is more David Gilmour (stylistically, in both cases), and while Neal does some electric playing with NMB, he does almost all of the playing on his solo albums except for some solos here and there.  And as a sidenote, the improvement in Neal's electric guitar playing the last few years is really noticeable. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on September 02, 2021, 05:13:19 AM
I was curious as to how the album would be split on vinyl. 99 minutes can easily fit on a double LP, but it turns out they went triple. My presumed splits were:

Side A
Do It All Again
Bird on a Wire
Your Place in the Sun
Another Story to Tell

Side B
The Way it Had to Be
Emergence
Not Afraid Pt. 1
Bridge Over Troubled Water

Side C
Not Afraid Pt. 2
Beyond the Years Pt. 1 (the first two sections, up to the acoustic breakdown around 6:19)

Side D
Beyond the Years Pt. 2
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 02, 2021, 08:04:34 AM
Still no email from Radiant for my bundle.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 02, 2021, 08:22:58 AM
Still no email from Radiant for my bundle.

Have you emailed them with your order number? I did last Thursday, Amy replied back on Monday that it was shipping out, and then I got it in the mail yesterday, both sets signed and all.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 02, 2021, 09:06:55 AM
Still no email from Radiant for my bundle.

Have you emailed them with your order number? I did last Thursday, Amy replied back on Monday that it was shipping out, and then I got it in the mail yesterday, both sets signed and all.

-Marc.
Not yet.  Pretty pathetic that I should have to do that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 02, 2021, 09:10:57 AM
Still no email from Radiant for my bundle.

Have you emailed them with your order number? I did last Thursday, Amy replied back on Monday that it was shipping out, and then I got it in the mail yesterday, both sets signed and all.

-Marc.
Not yet.  Pretty pathetic that I should have to do that.

I don't disagree, but at least I was able to get an answer and know that my order was shipped, which is honestly better than not knowing whether or not it has shipped. Their whole website has been a mess ever since it changed/moved from radiantrecords.com to nealmorse.com and I'm sure the debacle of the pre-order day back in June really messed things up with a lot of orders, but I was relieved to have gotten my bundle in yesterday, shipped in a box rather than a padded envelope (which is what they normally send stuff in), and both I&D and MF'19 were in good condition, wrapped up fairly well inside the box too.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on September 02, 2021, 11:37:00 AM
Apparently, the only way to get your Radiant orders right is to not order from Radiant :biggrin: :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on September 02, 2021, 11:41:34 AM
Tbh this isn't great publicity for the whole idea of "order direct from the artist". Whatever other criticisms you can throw at Amazon, at least the stuff gets to you when it should.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on September 02, 2021, 11:43:33 AM
What sucks is that they should hire an extra person just during release weeks which is where the bottleneck is. Not sure why they haven't explored that route. It's pretty bad at RR and they don't seem to care about it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 02, 2021, 03:34:28 PM
Not trying to absolve him of blame, but Neal seems pretty hands-off with Radiant, so it makes me wonder how aware he is of the issues they constantly have.

It is easy to blame on the pandemic, but these issues go back many years, and delays with shipping (which happen) are not the main issue. The biggest issue is the poor customer service.  If a delay happens, email your customers and let them know instead of leaving them hanging for weeks, months, etc.  Customers should not have to come begging for answers.  Proactively updating your customers is what is good service, and that is where Radiant has failed miserably for as long as I can remember.

"But she is too busy to answer emails."  Then hire more people.  And that goes back to Neal being hands-off and likely totally in the dark about most of these issues, as he doesn't seem like a guy who would charge the prices he does and allow his fans to receive poor customer service on a consistent basis.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on September 02, 2021, 03:45:42 PM
I've sent multiple emails and still no response :facepalm:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on September 02, 2021, 10:17:14 PM
Not trying to absolve him of blame, but Neal seems pretty hands-off with Radiant, so it makes me wonder how aware he is of the issues they constantly have.

It is easy to blame on the pandemic, but these issues go back many years, and delays with shipping (which happen) are not the main issue. The biggest issue is the poor customer service.  If a delay happens, email your customers and let them know instead of leaving them hanging for weeks, months, etc.  Customers should not have to come begging for answers.  Proactively updating your customers is what is good service, and that is where Radiant has failed miserably for as long as I can remember.

"But she is too busy to answer emails."  Then hire more people.  And that goes back to Neal being hands-off and likely totally in the dark about most of these issues, as he doesn't seem like a guy who would charge the prices he does and allow his fans to receive poor customer service on a consistent basis.

I would have thought the same thing, but the latest Transatlantic release went poorly enough that he had to address it in a "Statement from Neal Morse" email.

Quote
FROM NEAL MORSE (Sunday, Feb. 7):

Hey everyone,

So, heres a little history of what happened with the current Transatlantic release:

We ordered our stuff back at the end of November beginning of December. January 13th, InsideOut Europe confirmed to us that our shipment was being shipped. (The vinyl, Blu-ray and UE are manufactured there.)

Of course, Amy has been all over it tracking from the beginning. I thought it might be a few days late, due to what's going on with the pandemic, but never dreamed that on Feb. 3rd the shipping company would contact us, asking for additional info.

Anyway, as fast as is humanly possible we followed up, and they said that we were going to get the shipment on Friday, February 5th.

Then Amy told me yesterday, Saturday, Feb. 6, that the shipping company passed it to another shipper and its still in Atlanta and were supposed to get it beginning of the week.

I am, and we are all, so very, very sorry about this unexpected delay and we are going to be talking to the shipping company and all the people involved to try to figure out what appropriate action to take in the future, so this doesn't happen again.

Anyway, thank you all. TA5 is a wonderful album and you will be blessed Thank you for your patience!

Maybe that was a special case because everything was so behind schedule? I'm not sure - maybe he is more aware than we think.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on September 03, 2021, 01:56:08 AM
Honestly, I feel that for every NM release half of the comments are about Radiant fucking up and not about the music. And that is just in a small online community. I would not order there if I would want the physical album on release date.

And if I were Radiant I would make the terms clearer prior to opening orders. If you repeatedly do not ship in time, release after release, just state that the items will likely ship after release prior to opening orders. And maybe include a digital code or a month of Waterfall or something so that your customers do have access on release.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on September 03, 2021, 02:09:43 AM
After about a week, Beyond the years, Another story to tell and Do it all again are my favorites. There is a handful more tracks that are enjoyable but not particularly great. It kind of drops in the middle and picks up slowly with the epics. It's a solid album overall, but not on the level of Similitude and Adventure.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 03, 2021, 05:38:00 AM
Not trying to absolve him of blame, but Neal seems pretty hands-off with Radiant, so it makes me wonder how aware he is of the issues they constantly have.

It is easy to blame on the pandemic, but these issues go back many years, and delays with shipping (which happen) are not the main issue. The biggest issue is the poor customer service.  If a delay happens, email your customers and let them know instead of leaving them hanging for weeks, months, etc.  Customers should not have to come begging for answers.  Proactively updating your customers is what is good service, and that is where Radiant has failed miserably for as long as I can remember.

"But she is too busy to answer emails."  Then hire more people.  And that goes back to Neal being hands-off and likely totally in the dark about most of these issues, as he doesn't seem like a guy who would charge the prices he does and allow his fans to receive poor customer service on a consistent basis.

I would have thought the same thing, but the latest Transatlantic release went poorly enough that he had to address it in a "Statement from Neal Morse" email.

Quote
FROM NEAL MORSE (Sunday, Feb. 7):

Hey everyone,

So, heres a little history of what happened with the current Transatlantic release:

We ordered our stuff back at the end of November beginning of December. January 13th, InsideOut Europe confirmed to us that our shipment was being shipped. (The vinyl, Blu-ray and UE are manufactured there.)

Of course, Amy has been all over it tracking from the beginning. I thought it might be a few days late, due to what's going on with the pandemic, but never dreamed that on Feb. 3rd the shipping company would contact us, asking for additional info.

Anyway, as fast as is humanly possible we followed up, and they said that we were going to get the shipment on Friday, February 5th.

Then Amy told me yesterday, Saturday, Feb. 6, that the shipping company passed it to another shipper and its still in Atlanta and were supposed to get it beginning of the week.

I am, and we are all, so very, very sorry about this unexpected delay and we are going to be talking to the shipping company and all the people involved to try to figure out what appropriate action to take in the future, so this doesn't happen again.

Anyway, thank you all. TA5 is a wonderful album and you will be blessed Thank you for your patience!

Maybe that was a special case because everything was so behind schedule? I'm not sure - maybe he is more aware than we think.

Okay, but to circle back to my earlier point, Neal was talking about shipping delays. It is nice that he did that, but the poor customer service and their inability to keep customers updated in a timely fashion when these delays happen seems to be the main issue, not the shipping delays (which are pretty understandable, especially in the last 18 months).

Honestly, I feel that for every NM release half of the comments are about Radiant fucking up and not about the music. And that is just in a small online community. I would not order there if I would want the physical album on release date.

And if I were Radiant I would make the terms clearer prior to opening orders. If you repeatedly do not ship in time, release after release, just state that the items will likely ship after release prior to opening orders. And maybe include a digital code or a month of Waterfall or something so that your customers do have access on release.

Agreed.  In this day and age, it just makes sense to send the album digitally to those who buy the physical product, especially when there are delays.  The usual token response from those who always have Radiant's back is, "You can listen to it on Waterfall or Spotify until your copy arrives," but not everyone has either or both of those (I have neither), and expecting people to spend more money to make up for delays is not the way to go. 

After about a week, Beyond the years, Another story to tell and Do it all again are my favorites. There is a handful more tracks that are enjoyable but not particularly great. It kind of drops in the middle and picks up slowly with the epics. It's a solid album overall, but not on the level of Similitude and Adventure.

Beyond the Years is definitely getting better with each listen (as would be expected with a song that long).  I am still not sure if I dig the DT-like section after the drifting through the years section, as it kind has that "we didn't know where to go after the climax that just happened, so we will just play a bunch of random things" feel, before the song gets back on track and takes us to the final climaxes.  I suspect that I will eventually come around to being fine with that section once I get used to and it seems more normal, but that part has been a tough hill to climb so far.  The rest of the song is pretty money, for sure though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on September 03, 2021, 07:08:47 AM
In regards to Radiant, I'm still waiting for my copy to ship or a response from Amy. Here's the thing, I ordered Sola Gratia from them, and got it a week early. I ordered both of the Absolute Universe albums about 2 weeks before release, and got both of them a week early. I ordered Jesus Christ the Exorcist Morsefest 19, and while it shipped a week early, it got caught up in the mail system due to the Christmas Covid overload.
This is the first time I've been left hanging. I'm angry because this was my most anticipated album of the year.


In more positive news, Father of Forgiveness is a Top 10 Neal song
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on September 03, 2021, 07:27:44 AM
Beyond the Years still isnt clicking with me, even after multiple listens. One positive thing I can say is that it doesnt start with another Overture or extended instrumental like every other Neal Epic. It just gets right into the song.
Absolutely love the rest of the album, especially Not Afraid, Pt.2.

In other news I bought a virtual ticket for this years Morsefest. Did anyone here watch the livestream last year? How was the audio/video quality?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mr.Mister on September 03, 2021, 01:37:13 PM
This album is definitely a grower for me. I find it surprisingly strong compared to something like TGE. I think Neal is doing the right thing letting the rest of the band have a bigger role in the making of the music. It sounds classic NM without getting stale.

Current fav songs:
- Not Afraid, Pt. 2
- The Way it had to be
- Bridge over Trouble Waters


Beyond the years is quite a lot to cover in a week. I find myself coming back to the record as a whole so that's always a good thing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on September 03, 2021, 05:16:43 PM
I just read that major news are going to be dropped Sept. 7th.
What could it be?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on September 03, 2021, 05:28:54 PM
I just read that major news are going to be dropped Sept. 7th.
What could it be?
New Spock's Beard album with Neal?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 03, 2021, 05:32:16 PM
I just read that major news are going to be dropped Sept. 7th.
What could it be?

Source? And regarding what/who... Neal? SB? Transatlantic? Flying Colors? NMB? Gotta be specific in a Neal Morse thread, man!!! :lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on September 03, 2021, 06:10:55 PM
A second Morsefest for next year. Morsefest 2022...2

In the August Inner Circle letter, which came out today, he mentioned he's been writing songs for a project called "God's Smuggler", based on a book he read of the same name. I wonder if it's something about that. I could see that being another solo album in the vein of Sola Gratia and JCTE.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on September 03, 2021, 06:37:09 PM
Taking a break from the Maiden and BTBAM album, went to I&D and just love the closing epic track. It's giving me serious Alive Again vibes. Probably will end up as my favorite track.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on September 03, 2021, 07:14:11 PM
An announcement that Kev and I are finally meeting up are Morsefest.   

It's big you know.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 03, 2021, 07:16:45 PM
Exactly. 

And if that is not the announcement, it will be Radiant's fault. :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on September 03, 2021, 07:17:59 PM
You heard it first here on DTF.

Radiant's announcement is delayed.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 03, 2021, 07:19:14 PM
Meanwhile, Portnoy is firing up some new drum sticks to fire at my head when he sees me in the crowd. ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on September 03, 2021, 07:53:37 PM
I'm sure he'll have some to throw at me too next year, I'm definitely on his shit list.  :lol
He blocked me on Twitter back in 2017. In that same year I was the one figured out that Bumblefoot was in SOA before it was announced, which resulted in MP having a huge temper tantrum on his forum, and not long after that he shut the forum down. That's my lame claim to "fame".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on September 03, 2021, 08:29:54 PM
I'm sure he'll have some to throw at me too next year, I'm definitely on his shit list.  :lol
He blocked me on Twitter back in 2017. In that same year I was the one figured out that Bumblefoot was in SOA before it was announced, which resulted in MP having a huge temper tantrum on his forum, and not long after that he shut the forum down. That's my lame claim to "fame".

He threatened to block me because of the same thing back then! :rollin I don't even use twitter anyone :lol

A second Morsefest for next year. Morsefest 2022...2

In the August Inner Circle letter, which came out today, he mentioned he's been writing songs for a project called "God's Smuggler", based on a book he read of the same name. I wonder if it's something about that. I could see that being another solo album in the vein of Sola Gratia and JCTE.

Hopefully more like SG and less like JCTE.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on September 03, 2021, 08:55:24 PM
I don't use Twitter sound so soft.


Man up and get Portnoy to block you dammit. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on September 03, 2021, 09:18:18 PM
It doesn't take much :lol

He blocked me after he tweeted something about his Shattered Fortress band saying "You can take MP out of DT but you can't take DT out of MP"

I responded saying "Nobody took you out of the band. You left."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 03, 2021, 09:38:35 PM
Well, technically he took himself out. ;)

Personally, I don't get trolling or going directly at musicians or celebs on FB or Twitter, but that's me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on September 04, 2021, 12:03:16 AM
I just read that major news are going to be dropped Sept. 7th.
What could it be?
New Spock's Beard album with Neal?
I doubt it. The way Ted Leonard has been talking lately it sounds like SB may be done. He also made it sound like Pattern Seeking Animals hasn't taken off, either. He said that this next Transatlantic tour may be the "last big cool thing I get to do" at least in part because taking time off from his day job has gotten more difficult.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 04, 2021, 12:25:55 AM
I just read that major news are going to be dropped Sept. 7th.
What could it be?
New Spock's Beard album with Neal?
I doubt it. The way Ted Leonard has been talking lately it sounds like SB may be done. He also made it sound like Pattern Seeking Animals hasn't taken off, either. He said that this next Transatlantic tour may be the "last big cool thing I get to do" at least in part because taking time off from his day job has gotten more difficult.

To be fair, we've been in an 18-month pandemic, so Pattern-Seeking Animals hasn't really had a chance to play live, which I would assume might help them gain a bit more notoriety. They'll be playing their first live shows after releasing three studio albums within 3 years, which seems a bit unusual for a rock band these days, but they couldn't help it. I think they'll do alright once they can start touring and playing a few gigs, but if their day jobs are getting in the way, maybe they won't do any more gigs than SB could in the last decade or so.

Honestly, if SB is done for, I would hope they have the decency to announce it and just say "Well, it was fun, but we can logically carry on as a band", especially with Ted and Dave in P-SA, and Ryo working with many different groups and doing his own solo album now, it seems like the Beard are moving off into separate directions. If all we ever get is what we have, with their 13 album discography, I'd be fine with that. I didn't think Noise Floor was too bad (I liked it more than The Oblivion Particle), and if that's their last album ever, I'm okay with that, which makes the closing song "Beginnings" feel a bit more appropriate as an ending, especially since it was the only song on Noise Floor to feature any vocals from NDV (in addition to Ted and Al). The end of SB has led to some new beginnings, and at the very least, we've gotten P-SA from some of them, and their first two albums have become two of my favorites over the last few years and I eagerly await their third album next year!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on September 04, 2021, 01:19:47 AM
But I don't know to what extent P-SA intends to play live. Maybe a couple of shows. I think Boegehold isn't much of touring.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on September 04, 2021, 08:10:02 AM
I think SB deserves a better ending than that. In a perfect world I'd love to see them do one more album with the current lineup(with whatever drummer they choose) and then another, final, album "XV" bringing back Neal, Nick, and even Jimmy if he wants.

Then they do one last farewell gig, probably at Morsefest, featuring songs from every era of SB.

But if that's just not feasible for whatever reasons, I get it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 04, 2021, 08:52:17 AM
Eh, most bands do not have a "perfect" or proper ending.  When it's over, it's over.  And almost none of them announce it when it is (R.E.M. was a rare exception).  Spock's had a great run with Neal, but it's over.  And if Spock's in general is over, then that is okay, too. 

Long story short: some fans need to get over the past and look to the future. :P :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 04, 2021, 08:56:40 AM
But I don't know to what extent P-SA intends to play live. Maybe a couple of shows. I think Boegehold isn't much of touring.

You're right about that last part. I believe another keyboard player is going to play with them live next year, and not Boegehold, but I forgot who they said they would be getting to play with them.

I think SB deserves a better ending than that. In a perfect world I'd love to see them do one more album with the current lineup(with whatever drummer they choose) and then another, final, album "XV" bringing back Neal, Nick, and even Jimmy if he wants.

Then they do one last farewell gig, probably at Morsefest, featuring songs from every era of SB.

But if that's just not feasible for whatever reasons, I get it.

Well, I don't mind Noise Floor being their final album if it comes to that, but then again, I really enjoyed Noise Floor, so it doesn't bother me that much if we don't get anything else from the band ever again. I love what Spock's Beard has done and given us over the years and through three major line-ups. If Ted and Dave are done with SB and move forward with P-SA, I don't mind that either because I've really enjoyed their first two albums!

I always thought that continuing SB was kind of in Al's court since he's been the one current member of SB that hasn't been musically active since SB's last album/tour cycle, at least as far as I know. Other than P-SA, Ted does his cover band gigs, and Ryo has his solo stuff that's been keeping him busy. It seems like all the other Beard members had stuff going on in the interim, but I haven't heard what Al has been up to, whether it's music-related or not. Either way, at this rate, if they release another album, it'll have been at least four years since Noise Floor, which is tied for the longest gap between albums (from 2006's self-titled to 2010's X).

With regards to Neal ever recording with SB again, I wouldn't put it outside of the realm of possibility, but given how busy he's been with NMB and TA, and if Flying Colors reconvenes for a fourth album, I don't think he'd even have time. I think doing the Snow Live show in 2016 was his swan song with SB, and in fact I don't think he's ever played with them since then (though given how little SB tour, I don't think Neal would have had many chances to join them on stage). It would be wild to get Nick and Neal again on a Spock's Beard album, but I won't hold my breath.

Eh, most bands do not have a "perfect" or proper ending.  When it's over, it's over.  And almost none of them announce it when it is (R.E.M. was a rare exception).  Spock's had a great run with Neal, but it's over.  And if Spock's in general is over, then that is okay, too. 

Long story short: some fans need to get over the past and look to the future. :P :biggrin:

I think we're at the point now that, given how long it's been since Noise Floor, and with no news from the band proper, we should accept that the band is most likely thrown the towel in. I'd rather accept it now than try to convince myself they may still come back, like many fans did with Porcupine Tree after The Incident/Octane Twisted over a decade ago. The individual band members have all moved on to other things, for the most part, and for SB, it seems like this was inevitable given how much of a side-gig the band had become for them, as in, SB wasn't their main money-maker. The band hasn't felt that way since Neal left, so I don't blame them for wanting to move on.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on September 04, 2021, 09:07:52 AM
I loved Noise Floor, easily my favorite of the Ted albums and up there with any of the Nick fronted albums. So if thats the end of the line SB went out on a really high note in my opinion. Im more sad because it felt like the band hit on a strong direction that was a bit more cohesive to me than the first two with Ted, and with Nick back on drums I hoped they could have carried some of that momentum forward for a few more albums.

I still think Nick would be willing to do more with the band whenever (even if its just recording, thats literally his day job). And it sounds like everyone sans Ted is working together on Ryos solo album, so Im not sure the band is necessarily done. Maybe Al doesnt want to put the time and money into another album, Ted is in New York state now, so maybe that puts a damper on the chances for future albums. But with everything happening remotely these days, Im not sure why they couldnt put something together again in the future still.

I do think maybe the best chance for new Spocks music might be if Neal has some ideas and either rejoins or at least works them up with Al. Like if all the other guys have to do is show up and record it as opposed to having writing sessions and all that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on September 04, 2021, 10:57:02 AM
Eh, most bands do not have a "perfect" or proper ending.  When it's over, it's over.  And almost none of them announce it when it is (R.E.M. was a rare exception).  Spock's had a great run with Neal, but it's over.  And if Spock's in general is over, then that is okay, too. 

Long story short: some fans need to get over the past and look to the future. :P :biggrin:


I could do without the snarkiness, but I agree with what youre saying.  :)

All Im saying is that everyone in the band seems to be on good terms, so even if another album/tour isnt in the cards, why not have one last hurrah and celebrate the legacy of the band?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on September 04, 2021, 11:41:33 AM
I just read that major news are going to be dropped Sept. 7th.
What could it be?
New Spock's Beard album with Neal?
I doubt it. The way Ted Leonard has been talking lately it sounds like SB may be done. He also made it sound like Pattern Seeking Animals hasn't taken off, either. He said that this next Transatlantic tour may be the "last big cool thing I get to do" at least in part because taking time off from his day job has gotten more difficult.
How about a new project with Neal and NDV?  Where they play all the instruments and split the vocals!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on September 04, 2021, 12:07:04 PM
I just read that major news are going to be dropped Sept. 7th.
What could it be?
New Spock's Beard album with Neal?
I doubt it. The way Ted Leonard has been talking lately it sounds like SB may be done. He also made it sound like Pattern Seeking Animals hasn't taken off, either. He said that this next Transatlantic tour may be the "last big cool thing I get to do" at least in part because taking time off from his day job has gotten more difficult.
How about a new project with Neal and NDV?  Where they play all the instruments and split the vocals!!

I would love for Nick and Neal to do something like this. Just the two of them with two part harmonies, maybe semi-acoustic with some drum and bass jams like they did on It's Not Too Late.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on September 04, 2021, 12:57:41 PM
Well, technically he took himself out. ;)

Personally, I don't get trolling or going directly at musicians or celebs on FB or Twitter, but that's me.

Yeah I made the mistake once of commenting on a poster for the Shattered Fortress shows.  It said something like Playing Mike Portnoys 12 Steps Suite in full.  I made a slightly sarcastic comment basically raising my eyebrow at the description of the songs as Mike Portnoys rather than Dream Theaters.  Dont know why I got involved and I didnt say anything insulting but I got a long angry direct message from him justifying them as being his songs.  I responded that I didnt mean any offence, I just thought the poster was a bit misleading as they were songs written and performed by DT not Mike Portnoy.  He didnt block me though and most of my tweets towards him are pretty positive anyway.  I very rarely go after celebs on Twitter, especially someone I have been a fan of for my entire adult life.  He would have been perfectly entitled to block me though, who wants to see negative stuff on their Twitter timeline, lifes hard enough without willingly reading negative stuff about yourself.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on September 04, 2021, 12:59:09 PM
I just read that major news are going to be dropped Sept. 7th.
What could it be?
New Spock's Beard album with Neal?
I doubt it. The way Ted Leonard has been talking lately it sounds like SB may be done. He also made it sound like Pattern Seeking Animals hasn't taken off, either. He said that this next Transatlantic tour may be the "last big cool thing I get to do" at least in part because taking time off from his day job has gotten more difficult.
How about a new project with Neal and NDV?  Where they play all the instruments and split the vocals!!

I would love for Nick and Neal to do something like this. Just the two of them with two part harmonies, maybe semi-acoustic with some drum and bass jams like they did on It's Not Too Late.
It would be awesome!  Two of my favorites and two amazing musicians - I bet the results would be great!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on September 04, 2021, 01:01:40 PM
As for Spocks Beard, that ended when Neal left for me unfortunately.  I did try their first album after he left to support them but it just wasnt on the same level as what came before.  It wasnt bad as such, I just could never see myself playing it over any of the Neal SB albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on September 04, 2021, 01:42:25 PM
Well, technically he took himself out. ;)

Personally, I don't get trolling or going directly at musicians or celebs on FB or Twitter, but that's me.

Yeah I made the mistake once of commenting on a poster for the Shattered Fortress shows.  It said something like Playing Mike Portnoys 12 Steps Suite in full.  I made a slightly sarcastic comment basically raising my eyebrow at the description of the songs as Mike Portnoys rather than Dream Theaters.  Dont know why I got involved and I didnt say anything insulting but I got a long angry direct message from him justifying them as being his songs.  I responded that I didnt mean any offence, I just thought the poster was a bit misleading as they were songs written and performed by DT not Mike Portnoy.  He didnt block me though and most of my tweets towards him are pretty positive anyway.  I very rarely go after celebs on Twitter, especially someone I have been a fan of for my entire adult life.  He would have been perfectly entitled to block me though, who wants to see negative stuff on their Twitter timeline, lifes hard enough without willingly reading negative stuff about yourself.

He was still wrong though :corn
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on September 04, 2021, 02:55:33 PM
I think we're at the point now that, given how long it's been since Noise Floor, and with no news from the band proper, we should accept that the band is most likely thrown the towel in. I'd rather accept it now than try to convince myself they may still come back, like many fans did with Porcupine Tree after The Incident/Octane Twisted over a decade ago. The individual band members have all moved on to other things, for the most part, and for SB, it seems like this was inevitable given how much of a side-gig the band had become for them, as in, SB wasn't their main money-maker. The band hasn't felt that way since Neal left, so I don't blame them for wanting to move on.

-Marc.

Agreed.

Like Kev said, it's very rare that a band comes right out and says "we're done." Probably because they themselves don't really know whether they're done. They could always get inspired 5, 10 years down the road to make another album happen.

It's nice to get closure, and I'd like that here as well, but I suspect the SB guys are just doing their individual things, and whether SB does another album is sort of out of their mental space for the most part until it comes up again. Which may or may not ever happen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on September 04, 2021, 02:57:05 PM
Out of curiosity, does anyone know what Alan and Ted do for a living? I heard at some point that Al runs a company that makes music equipment, like pedals or something? And I also recall hearing that Ted does roofing. Can't remember if either of those are true, though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on September 04, 2021, 03:19:59 PM
Out of curiosity, does anyone know what Alan and Ted do for a living? I heard at some point that Al runs a company that makes music equipment, like pedals or something? And I also recall hearing that Ted does roofing. Can't remember if either of those are true, though.

Alan is the CEO of some sort of telephone recording company. Here's his linked in:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-morse-0ab5b220/

And the DynaMetric website:

https://www.dynametric.com/

 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 04, 2021, 05:48:34 PM
Eh, most bands do not have a "perfect" or proper ending.  When it's over, it's over.  And almost none of them announce it when it is (R.E.M. was a rare exception).  Spock's had a great run with Neal, but it's over.  And if Spock's in general is over, then that is okay, too. 

Long story short: some fans need to get over the past and look to the future. :P :biggrin:


I could do without the snarkiness, but I agree with what youre saying.  :)

All Im saying is that everyone in the band seems to be on good terms, so even if another album/tour isnt in the cards, why not have one last hurrah and celebrate the legacy of the band?

No snarkiness intende, hence the emoticons in my earliest post. :)

As for your question, they did that with Falling for Forever on the 20th anniversary double album, which was the only song to feature everyone who has been an official member of the band, and then they all did Snow at Morsefest in 2016, so there is nada left to do.  Seems like pretty much all of the members have moved on, so fans ought to as well (again, no snarkiness intended).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 04, 2021, 05:51:17 PM
Well, technically he took himself out. ;)

Personally, I don't get trolling or going directly at musicians or celebs on FB or Twitter, but that's me.

Yeah I made the mistake once of commenting on a poster for the Shattered Fortress shows.  It said something like Playing Mike Portnoys 12 Steps Suite in full.  I made a slightly sarcastic comment basically raising my eyebrow at the description of the songs as Mike Portnoys rather than Dream Theaters.  Dont know why I got involved and I didnt say anything insulting but I got a long angry direct message from him justifying them as being his songs.  I responded that I didnt mean any offence, I just thought the poster was a bit misleading as they were songs written and performed by DT not Mike Portnoy.  He didnt block me though and most of my tweets towards him are pretty positive anyway.  I very rarely go after celebs on Twitter, especially someone I have been a fan of for my entire adult life.  He would have been perfectly entitled to block me though, who wants to see negative stuff on their Twitter timeline, lifes hard enough without willingly reading negative stuff about yourself.

Well, regarding the 12 step songs, I get why he would view those as his songs, given that they are about his personal journey, so I get being a bit defensive about that.  Feels like a matter of semantics, and throwing that in his face when he is promoting the little mini-tour, even sarcastically, feels a bit unnecessary, IMO. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on September 04, 2021, 11:48:28 PM
With SB mostly inactive and now that NMB has cimented as an independent band (vs just NM solo with other guys), I'd like to see Neal release a solo album without Mike and Randy and get Al, Ryo, Dave and Nick as his backing band instead.  Just imagine that :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on September 05, 2021, 05:56:36 AM
Nah, that'd be Spock's Beard
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 05, 2021, 06:24:25 AM
Beyond the Years has really grown on me (shocking, right? :lol), but I am really having trouble with the instrumental section around the 21 minute mark or so.  It takes me right out of the song every time.  Feels like their Dream Theater moment where they just randomly threw in an instrumental section that had nothing to do with the rest of the song for the hell of it.  Yeah, the playing there is great, but it just feels like unncessary wankery in a song that is otherwise a melodic wonderland.  Anyone else struggling with that section?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on September 05, 2021, 09:01:12 AM
Im still struggling with the whole song  :lol but yes that instrumental section is out of place.

After TSOAD and TGA and the first disc of I&D, I think the strength of this band is in the shorter, more concise songs. The 2 epics at some points just feel long for the sake of being long. Maybe just to fill the arbitrary obligation of including a longer song.
Ive previously praised Not Afraid 2, but the more I listen to it, the more I dislike the middle section(Mystery Man). The first and last parts are brilliant but that middle section feels out of place. Maybe it could have been reworked into its own separate song.

Nothing about BTY has clicked with me yet and Ive listened to it maybe 10 times.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on September 05, 2021, 01:49:54 PM
Well, technically he took himself out. ;)

Personally, I don't get trolling or going directly at musicians or celebs on FB or Twitter, but that's me.

Yeah I made the mistake once of commenting on a poster for the Shattered Fortress shows.  It said something like Playing Mike Portnoys 12 Steps Suite in full.  I made a slightly sarcastic comment basically raising my eyebrow at the description of the songs as Mike Portnoys rather than Dream Theaters.  Dont know why I got involved and I didnt say anything insulting but I got a long angry direct message from him justifying them as being his songs.  I responded that I didnt mean any offence, I just thought the poster was a bit misleading as they were songs written and performed by DT not Mike Portnoy.  He didnt block me though and most of my tweets towards him are pretty positive anyway.  I very rarely go after celebs on Twitter, especially someone I have been a fan of for my entire adult life.  He would have been perfectly entitled to block me though, who wants to see negative stuff on their Twitter timeline, lifes hard enough without willingly reading negative stuff about yourself.

Well, regarding the 12 step songs, I get why he would view those as his songs, given that they are about his personal journey, so I get being a bit defensive about that.  Feels like a matter of semantics, and throwing that in his face when he is promoting the little mini-tour, even sarcastically, feels a bit unnecessary, IMO. :)

Oh I agree, like I said, I dont know why I got involved in it.  I was just demonstrating that he doesnt always block people who have a moment of being an asshole.

I agree about the instrumental section in Beyond The Years too, its unnecessary to me and undermines the song a bit if I ever thought about playing it for someone else.  These guys are all fans of all the big prog bands, they must know you can still be prog without having to put some crazy instrumental section into a song that doesnt require it.  Its only a couple of minutes out of a 30 min song so doesnt really affect my enjoyment of the song overall.  Not a fan of the abrupt ending either.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on September 05, 2021, 02:38:56 PM
I'm opposite many people here it seems.  The entirety of Beyond The Years clicks with me, even the "out of place" instrumental section.  Oddly enough, it's "Not Afraid pt 2" that doesn't really click with me.  It's not a bad song by any means, it just doesn't really do anything for me like most NM related 20 minute long songs would.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on September 05, 2021, 03:54:06 PM
The aggressive instrumental section makes me appreciate the return to the melodic themes even more. The themes wouldn't have had the same effect had not the instrumental been insane. It's similar to World without end in that regard.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 06, 2021, 06:23:06 AM


I agree about the instrumental section in Beyond The Years too, its unnecessary to me and undermines the song a bit if I ever thought about playing it for someone else.  These guys are all fans of all the big prog bands, they must know you can still be prog without having to put some crazy instrumental section into a song that doesnt require it.  Its only a couple of minutes out of a 30 min song so doesnt really affect my enjoyment of the song overall.  Not a fan of the abrupt ending either.

The abrupt ending was unnecessary, but at least it happens during the epilogue. Had they done it during the full band ending a few minutes earlier, that would have sucked major swamp water.  And it is easy to go in and just fade out the last 30 seconds of the ending in Audacity, so problem solved.  :tup :tup

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 06, 2021, 07:48:55 AM
Posted by Inside Out Music on Facebook:
Quote
We have been made aware of a small amount of copies of NMB Innocence & Danger (Limited 2CD+DVD Digipak - 19439875562) arriving with 2DVDs instead of the second CD.

We are extremely sorry that this has happened, and have been assured by the manufacturer that very few have been affected.

If you have been affected by this, please e-mail nmbreplacement@insideoutmusic.com with proof of your faulty product and your full postal address, and we will send a replacement disc to you. This e-mail address will be open till 31st October 2021.

We apologise again, and thanks as always for your support.

Anyone here get this by mistake? Thankfully mine came with all the correct discs!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on September 06, 2021, 08:25:37 AM
I'd have to have actually gotten my order to know if I've been affected :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on September 06, 2021, 08:35:01 AM
My order finally shipped! Finally!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on September 06, 2021, 10:09:06 PM
I had to go on a very hectic business trip during precisely the period of time covering the release of both this and the new Iron Maiden, so I have some catching up to do.

First listen to Innocence & Danger tonight, and I'm very impressed. I agree with those who say there's a lot here that's different from their first three albums, which I wouldn't have guessed from the singles—those turned out to be the three most center-page NM songs here. Like others, I would highlight Another Story to Tell from the first disc, and I think Not Afraid Pt. 1, also.

It always takes me a little while to fully take in epics, and here we have two back-to-back, one of which is pretty massive. But I'm initially impressed with both of these. Neither is a NM epic by-the-numbers, neither feels long just out of obligation, they both are really melodically and instrumentally interesting and fresh.

Really looking forward to spending the coming weeks with this album, which to me is already an obvious AOTY candidate (really was from the moment it was announced, given that TGA is my 2019 AOTY, but especially now that I've heard it). If I had to guess, I think it's going to beat Transatlantic for me, which is a bit surprising given my love for the first four TA albums, but somewhat less surprising when I think of the magnitude of the TGE-TGA run.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on September 07, 2021, 06:56:11 AM
Not a complaint just an observation, but for some reason, my copy of the CDs doesn't register the track names on my various car stereos.  So it will be playing "Bird On A Wire" and just say "Track 2" instead of, well, "Bird On A Wire".   Annoying. Same for when I ripped it to my network drive.  Apparently it wasn't connecting with Gracenote; I haven't tried it again so I don't know if that was a momentary thing or not.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 07, 2021, 09:34:35 AM
Not a complaint just an observation, but for some reason, my copy of the CDs doesn't register the track names on my various car stereos.  So it will be playing "Bird On A Wire" and just say "Track 2" instead of, well, "Bird On A Wire".   Annoying. Same for when I ripped it to my network drive.  Apparently it wasn't connecting with Gracenote; I haven't tried it again so I don't know if that was a momentary thing or not.
That happened with my copy of the new Transatlantic album - the long cut, anyway, both discs.  The shorter version worked fine.


At any rate, had my first listen to the Innocence & Danger this morning (on Spotify, since I still haven't received my copy from Radiant).  First impression is that this is very, very good.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Max Kuehnau on September 07, 2021, 09:39:16 AM
Not a complaint just an observation, but for some reason, my copy of the CDs doesn't register the track names on my various car stereos.  So it will be playing "Bird On A Wire" and just say "Track 2" instead of, well, "Bird On A Wire".   Annoying. Same for when I ripped it to my network drive.  Apparently it wasn't connecting with Gracenote; I haven't tried it again so I don't know if that was a momentary thing or not.
That happened with my copy of the new Transatlantic album - the long cut, anyway, both discs.  The shorter version worked fine.


At any rate, had my first listen to the Innocence & Danger this morning (on Spotify, since I still haven't received my copy from Radiant).  First impression is that this is very, very good.
I always thought (rather jokingly of course) that, in some alternate reality, Paul Simon would have wanted this exact arrangement of Bridge Over Troubled Water. :D (no disrespect to Simon And Garfunkel though, love their version lots too)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Lowdz on September 07, 2021, 04:09:14 PM
Ive been enjoying I8D. I do wish they would leave the vocals to Neal and Eric though.

Id rather listen to NMB than Transatlantic tbh. I prefer Erics guitar playing (and his singing) to Roines.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 07, 2021, 06:40:59 PM
Ive been enjoying I8D. I do wish they would leave the vocals to Neal and Eric though.

Id rather listen to NMB than Transatlantic tbh. I prefer Erics guitar playing (and his singing) to Roines.

I can't cross that bridge (over troubled water), but I am a big fan of Eric's playing and singing.  Even though the new NMB certainly has a few moments that come across as "same old, same old Neal" material, there is enough fresh stuff on here to keep it mostly interesting.  Songs like Your Place in the Sun and Another Story to Tell sound like they would have fit it nicely on a Flying Colors record.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on September 07, 2021, 07:08:54 PM
Ive been enjoying I8D. I do wish they would leave the vocals to Neal and Eric though.

Id rather listen to NMB than Transatlantic tbh. I prefer Erics guitar playing (and his singing) to Roines.

I can't cross that bridge (over troubled water), but I am a big fan of Eric's playing and singing.  Even though the new NMB certainly has a few moments that come across as "same old, same old Neal" material, there is enough fresh stuff on here to keep it mostly interesting.  Songs like Your Place in the Sun and Another Story to Tell sound like they would have fit it nicely on a Flying Colors record.
Two totally different styles and approaches to both the guitar and singing, so tough for me to compare.  I would say both great in their own way.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on September 07, 2021, 07:30:22 PM
Ive been enjoying I8D. I do wish they would leave the vocals to Neal and Eric though.

Id rather listen to NMB than Transatlantic tbh. I prefer Erics guitar playing (and his singing) to Roines.

I can't cross that bridge (over troubled water), but I am a big fan of Eric's playing and singing.  Even though the new NMB certainly has a few moments that come across as "same old, same old Neal" material, there is enough fresh stuff on here to keep it mostly interesting.  Songs like Your Place in the Sun and Another Story to Tell sound like they would have fit it nicely on a Flying Colors record.
Two totally different styles and approaches to both the guitar and singing, so tough for me to compare.  I would say both great in their own way.

This, though I'd take Roine over Eric. Why? Eric is much better technically and I'd even say more versatile, but he sounds so much like JP that I can't really take him seriously as his own player vs Roine who I haven't heard anyone else with the same approach.

Also, listening to I&D I've had a lot of moments where Eric takes the lead (on guitar) and I think "I've heard this solo in all the previous NMB albums", like the same exact "let's shred this wild solo" approach.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on September 07, 2021, 08:07:32 PM
I find Eric's voice dull and kind of annoying.
He's a very skilled guitarist, but I don't think he has a lot of personality.

Roine, easily.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on September 07, 2021, 09:44:29 PM
My order finally shipped! Finally!

Just got my shipped email. :tdwn :tdwn :tdwn :tdwn :loser: :loser: :loser: :loser:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on September 08, 2021, 07:20:41 AM
I find Eric's voice dull and kind of annoying.
He's a very skilled guitarist, but I don't think he has a lot of personality.

Roine, easily.

Oddly, I'm looking forward to the shows to see who sings what.  I love Bill's voice (as a seasoning to the main voices) but there are times when I'm not sure if it's Eric or Neal singing.   It doesn't matter to me, other than curiosity, but still.

Between the two bands - NMB and Transatlantic - I rate the singers (I'm assuming Randy doesn't sing):

Neal
Eric
Bill
Mike
Roine

Before anyone comments, I left Pete off because I was rating the SINGERS.   :) :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on September 08, 2021, 07:37:19 AM
I find Eric's voice dull and kind of annoying.
He's a very skilled guitarist, but I don't think he has a lot of personality.

Roine, easily.

Oddly, I'm looking forward to the shows to see who sings what.  I love Bill's voice (as a seasoning to the main voices) but there are times when I'm not sure if it's Eric or Neal singing.   It doesn't matter to me, other than curiosity, but still.

Between the two bands - NMB and Transatlantic - I rate the singers (I'm assuming Randy doesn't sing):

Neal
Eric
Bill
Mike
Roine

Before anyone comments, I left Pete off because I was rating the SINGERS.   :) :)

I agree with that order overall.

On The Absolute Universe I do think Pete gets to sing nicer melodies, which is why I prefer him to Roine on that album specifically.

But as much as I enjoy The Absolute Universe, I think I&D is vocally far superior and more diverse. And that is in a large part because of Eric and Bill's capabilities.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on September 08, 2021, 07:40:38 AM
I find Eric's voice dull and kind of annoying.
He's a very skilled guitarist, but I don't think he has a lot of personality.

Roine, easily.

I can tell you Eric has made a HUGE leap singing. If you compare his last solo album that was released a few years ago versus how he sang in this latest NMB effort, there's a tremendous progress. I'm actually starting to like his singing. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 08, 2021, 09:16:04 AM
I guess I could rank the vocals, but I don't really see the point.  And I kind of get tied in knots about what criteria to use.  For instance, I LOVE all the vocal parts from Bill, Mike, and Pete.  Love them.  Not one criticism.  But then again, they are used sparingly, and if they had many more vocal parts, I would likely feel like they were used too much and would rate them lower.  I dunno.  In any case, I'm just glad they all sing.  They all sound great to me.  But of all the singers listed, I would have to say that Roine was the hardest for me to get into.  He has a very quirky and "different" timbre and singing style, and it took me a bit to appreciate it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Trav86 on September 08, 2021, 09:41:46 AM
Yeah, Ive never really been able to get into The Flower Kings, so my only experience with Roines vocals is Transatlantic. I like them, especially as a counterpart to Neals. Now, I dont know if Id like a whole album of just Roine singing. But it works with Transatlantic. And Mike and Petes vocals are great the way they compliment the lead singers.
I feel the same way about Bills vocals. Theyre a great compliment to the main leads. As for Eric, I think hes great. Especially on the new one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on September 08, 2021, 09:44:59 AM
I guess I could rank the vocals, but I don't really see the point.  And I kind of get tied in knots about what criteria to use.  For instance, I LOVE all the vocal parts from Bill, Mike, and Pete.  Love them.  Not one criticism.  But then again, they are used sparingly, and if they had many more vocal parts, I would likely feel like they were used too much and would rate them lower.  I dunno.  In any case, I'm just glad they all sing.  They all sound great to me.  But of all the singers listed, I would have to say that Roine was the hardest for me to get into.  He has a very quirky and "different" timbre and singing style, and it took me a bit to appreciate it.

I'm with you, Bosk, because for me, the various singers are like seasoning, to be used where appropriate.  You'd never just "eat" five spice, after all. 

But I used what I consider technical ability.   I think Bill sounds like Peter Gabriel, and when he goes for a note, he seems to hit it.  I don't really care for Roine's timbre much, but when he goes for a note, he seems to hit it.  There are times when Pete is not only nasally and reedy, which I could look past, but he seems "flat" (i.e. not in tune/not sharp) when he sings and that is annoying.  I hardly ever say "wow, that tone is off" when listening to a singer - I like Gary Barden for gosh sakes, so I'm easy - but I DO sometimes, with Pete, say "wow, he's out of tune".   Even Mike, who doesn't have a ton of range, and whose inflections I don't always like, is usually, most often in tune.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 08, 2021, 09:48:43 AM
I will say this about vocals though, and this will likely be somewhat controversial:  As much as I love Neal's vocals, he almost ruins Solitude for me.  The first part of that song with Pete singing and the melancholy vibe is the highlight of both of the TAU albums for me and is pretty much flawless.  When Neal comes in and the tone of the song suddenly turns very positive and upbeat, it practically makes me angry how badly it spoils the vibe.

EDIT:  I've not heard any of the vocalists mentioned ever flat or out of tune on a studio release.  (On official live releases, ironically, I think Pete is the ONLY one I have heard NOT be flat or out of tune, although none of them have been to any great degree)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on September 08, 2021, 09:56:31 AM
Roine has a really nice kind of smoky, soulful voice. Hes not a great technical singer, but its effective in more of a singer/songwriter sense. He rarely does all the vocals on any of his albums, and the ones where he does feature lots of instrumental songs/passages. I appreciate that he knows his limitations and usually finds a better technical singer for the more challenging vocal parts.

BUT, go check out the last section of The Flower Kings Garden of Dreams and youll hear him technically failing but sounding amazing at the same time. That vocal is incredibly effective there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 08, 2021, 10:00:11 AM
The only thing I can say about vocals in the two bands is that I think that Pete and Mike should stick to background vocals.  I don't think the timbre of either of their voices are ideal for singing lead.

Other than that, I have no problems with any of the rest of their voices, and don't feel the need to rank them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on September 08, 2021, 01:30:58 PM
I find Eric's voice dull and kind of annoying.
He's a very skilled guitarist, but I don't think he has a lot of personality.

Roine, easily.

Oddly, I'm looking forward to the shows to see who sings what.  I love Bill's voice (as a seasoning to the main voices) but there are times when I'm not sure if it's Eric or Neal singing.   It doesn't matter to me, other than curiosity, but still.

Between the two bands - NMB and Transatlantic - I rate the singers (I'm assuming Randy doesn't sing):

Neal
Eric
Bill
Mike
Roine

Before anyone comments, I left Pete off because I was rating the SINGERS.   :) :)

So what MP does on your list?  :biggrin:

I find Eric's voice dull and kind of annoying.
He's a very skilled guitarist, but I don't think he has a lot of personality.

Roine, easily.

I can tell you Eric has made a HUGE leap singing. If you compare his last solo album that was released a few years ago versus how he sang in this latest NMB effort, there's a tremendous progress. I'm actually starting to like his singing. 

I didn't listen to the record, but I heard the singles. I still have the same opinion. I don't like his vocals.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on September 08, 2021, 01:33:44 PM
I find Eric's voice dull and kind of annoying.
He's a very skilled guitarist, but I don't think he has a lot of personality.

Roine, easily.

Oddly, I'm looking forward to the shows to see who sings what.  I love Bill's voice (as a seasoning to the main voices) but there are times when I'm not sure if it's Eric or Neal singing.   It doesn't matter to me, other than curiosity, but still.

Between the two bands - NMB and Transatlantic - I rate the singers (I'm assuming Randy doesn't sing):

Neal
Eric
Bill
Mike
Roine

Before anyone comments, I left Pete off because I was rating the SINGERS.   :) :)
I'm sorry but Roine is a better singer than Mike.  Not that he's a great singer by any means, but Mike is pretty bad IMO.  Now I will give him credit and say his singing has improved from the DT days, but it's still pretty bad if you ask me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on September 08, 2021, 01:34:27 PM
The only thing I can say about vocals in the two bands is that I think that Pete and Mike should stick to background vocals.  I don't think the timbre of either of their voices are ideal for singing lead.

Other than that, I have no problems with any of the rest of their voices, and don't feel the need to rank them.
I agree 100%
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 08, 2021, 03:40:21 PM
The only thing I can say about vocals in the two bands is that I think that Pete and Mike should stick to background vocals.  I don't think the timbre of either of their voices are ideal for singing lead.

I'll disagree.  Their lead vocals are often album highlights for me.  But I will again note that they are used sparingly, and I might not feel that way if they had more leads than they do.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on September 08, 2021, 07:26:43 PM
Still haven't received from Radiant! LAST TIME EVER! :censored >:(

I emailed them (Amy, I guess) last Thursday, asking if my order had shipped, but still no response.

-Marc.

Never had a problem in more than 20 years from Radiant but this is the first time I've been dealing with crickets since last week. I don't care if it's shipping late (Ida might have had something to do with it.) but an acknowledgement that they have my order would be nice.

A friend of mine brought it over for a listen last weekend and it sounded OK but it's not my optimal listening experience so I can't really judge it on that. My friend loves it and think it might be the best thing he's ever done. I guess we'll see.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on September 08, 2021, 07:30:37 PM
I get why people dislike the sound of Bill's voice, but I think the man can sing. He uses a good range of notes, does some solid vocal runs here and there and he works really well with harmonies. I don't think it is comparable to Pete from Transatlantic (and probably a controversial opinion: I think Roine is the weakest vocal link on their latest album).

And talking about vocals, I think Neal pulls of some great parts. I agree he sounds a bit older/weaker (not even remotely close to sounding bad, mind you), but he pulls off some nice parts on this album.

I don't either. In fact I don't have a problem with anyone in that band singing. It's part of why I like them so much.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on September 08, 2021, 07:47:06 PM
Not trying to absolve him of blame, but Neal seems pretty hands-off with Radiant, so it makes me wonder how aware he is of the issues they constantly have.

It is easy to blame on the pandemic, but these issues go back many years, and delays with shipping (which happen) are not the main issue. The biggest issue is the poor customer service.  If a delay happens, email your customers and let them know instead of leaving them hanging for weeks, months, etc.  Customers should not have to come begging for answers.  Proactively updating your customers is what is good service, and that is where Radiant has failed miserably for as long as I can remember.

"But she is too busy to answer emails."  Then hire more people.  And that goes back to Neal being hands-off and likely totally in the dark about most of these issues, as he doesn't seem like a guy who would charge the prices he does and allow his fans to receive poor customer service on a consistent basis.

That sounds about right. At least with this latest release anyway.....
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on September 08, 2021, 07:50:10 PM
The only thing I can say about vocals in the two bands is that I think that Pete and Mike should stick to background vocals.  I don't think the timbre of either of their voices are ideal for singing lead.

I'll disagree.  Their lead vocals are often album highlights for me.  But I will again note that they are used sparingly, and I might not feel that way if they had more leads than they do.

I don't mind Mike's lead vocals on a song or two but Pete's voice in not lead singer quality.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on September 09, 2021, 12:41:18 AM
Looks like Transatlantic has invaded the NMB thread...  :corn
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 09, 2021, 06:19:02 AM
Yeah, it's strange that one of the bands Neal Morse is in would get discussed in the Neal Morse Appreciation Thread. :lol :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 09, 2021, 07:27:38 AM
Yeah, it's strange that one of the bands Neal Morse is in would get discussed in the Neal Morse Appreciation Thread. :lol :P

Much as I love Roine and his contributions to the band, Transatlantic is stylistically closer to Neal's solo and NMB work, than to TFK or DT.

So yea, this isn't off topic, and this isn't specifically a NMB thread.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on September 09, 2021, 07:46:18 AM
Just got done listening to this album for the first time. This is only the second Neal Morse album I've ever listened to but I really enjoyed it. From a music standpoint it was a fantastic album all the way through. The Way It Has To Be was an immediate favorite. I haven't explored much of Neal's music but after listening to this I'll make some time to do so.

I will say the biggest detractor for me was the vocals, I really wish Eric was singing the whole album. I'll give it a few more spins, maybe I'll grow to like it. I had the same impression of JLB when I first got into DT.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on September 09, 2021, 07:51:08 AM
I can understand your point with the vocals but I wouldnt personally want Eric singing all the vocals.  He has a decent voice but its quite a generic rock voice to me, not particularly unique or interesting.  Hes great at singing what he sings as a contrast to Neal and the others but wouldnt work as well if it was all him imo.  Each to their own though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 09, 2021, 07:54:54 AM
I've only listened to the new NMB album a few times, I'm not exactly in a Neal-mood so I'm holding off until I am (though I did listen to a bunch of Transatlantic recently) but I can tell this is a really strong album, and I look forward to diving in once the Neal and/or prog rock mood strikes for me.

Just got done listening to this album for the first time. This is only the second Neal Morse album I've ever listened to but I really enjoyed it. From a music standpoint it was a fantastic album all the way through. The Way It Has To Be was an immediate favorite. I haven't explored much of Neal's music but after listening to this I'll make some time to do so.

I will say the biggest detractor for me was the vocals, I really wish Eric was singing the whole album. I'll give it a few more spins, maybe I'll grow to like it. I had the same impression of JLB when I first got into DT.

Glad you enjoyed it. What was the first Neal Morse album you've heard? You are familiar with Transatlantic?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on September 09, 2021, 08:02:56 AM
I find Eric's voice dull and kind of annoying.
He's a very skilled guitarist, but I don't think he has a lot of personality.

Roine, easily.

Oddly, I'm looking forward to the shows to see who sings what.  I love Bill's voice (as a seasoning to the main voices) but there are times when I'm not sure if it's Eric or Neal singing.   It doesn't matter to me, other than curiosity, but still.

Between the two bands - NMB and Transatlantic - I rate the singers (I'm assuming Randy doesn't sing):

Neal
Eric
Bill
Mike
Roine

Before anyone comments, I left Pete off because I was rating the SINGERS.   :) :)

So what MP does on your list?  :biggrin:

AND

I'm sorry but Roine is a better singer than Mike.  Not that he's a great singer by any means, but Mike is pretty bad IMO.  Now I will give him credit and say his singing has improved from the DT days, but it's still pretty bad if you ask me.

Not for me.  I'm not asking for Mike as a lead singer for a whole song - the song on Flying Colors that I listen to so little that I can't even remember the name; wait, Fool In My Heart - but he's got a real knack for knowing when to step in and when not to. I LOVE the "Some people say..." part of "Your Place In The Sun".  I think that's perfect.    Roine's a good singer, but his tone - that reediness - isn't my bag, really.   It sounds sparse compared to Neal (and I'm not a Flower Kings fan).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on September 09, 2021, 09:32:24 AM
I really like it when MP does leads, at least on the songs Ive heard. Fool in My Heart and Looking for the Light show how far hes come as a singer. As long as his voice suits the particular song its fine. I do think on TAU he sounds better than Roine, which isnt a knock on Roine so much as praise for Mike. Roine is just several years past his prime vocally at this point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on September 09, 2021, 09:38:03 AM
I've only listened to the new NMB album a few times, I'm not exactly in a Neal-mood so I'm holding off until I am (though I did listen to a bunch of Transatlantic recently) but I can tell this is a really strong album, and I look forward to diving in once the Neal and/or prog rock mood strikes for me.

Just got done listening to this album for the first time. This is only the second Neal Morse album I've ever listened to but I really enjoyed it. From a music standpoint it was a fantastic album all the way through. The Way It Has To Be was an immediate favorite. I haven't explored much of Neal's music but after listening to this I'll make some time to do so.

I will say the biggest detractor for me was the vocals, I really wish Eric was singing the whole album. I'll give it a few more spins, maybe I'll grow to like it. I had the same impression of JLB when I first got into DT.

Glad you enjoyed it. What was the first Neal Morse album you've heard? You are familiar with Transatlantic?

Sola Gratia was the first complete album I listened to and it didn't really do much for me. I listed to the newest Transatlantic album, both Forevermore and Breath of Life but those felt long-winded to me. I do plan on going back to listen to the The Absolute Universe again because it was a lot to take in on one listen but I'm not sure if I'll enjoy it as much as I&D.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on September 09, 2021, 09:39:48 AM
I can understand your point with the vocals but I wouldnt personally want Eric singing all the vocals.  He has a decent voice but its quite a generic rock voice to me, not particularly unique or interesting.  Hes great at singing what he sings as a contrast to Neal and the others but wouldnt work as well if it was all him imo.  Each to their own though.

I think what I don't care for with Neal singing is he sounds like he is straining. It's hard to put into words but it's almost as if he is trying to put as much inflection on his voice as possible.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on September 09, 2021, 09:41:02 AM
I think in the last few years MP has gotten to a place where he has a really good sense of when and how to use his voice for maximum effectiveness. All the lead parts I can think of that he's done recently are parts where sounds good and is bringing something to the table that the other singers and the band can't. I think Looking for the Light is a good example.

As I have said before, I also really like the MP/BH combo that NMB used a few times on The Great Adventure. Mike's more aggressive edge and Bill's higher wail really paired surprisingly well on Fighting With Destiny and Welcome to the World 2.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on September 09, 2021, 09:48:50 AM
Sola Gratia was the first complete album I listened to and it didn't really do much for me. I listed to the newest Transatlantic album, both Forevermore and Breath of Life but those felt long-winded to me. I do plan on going back to listen to the The Absolute Universe again because it was a lot to take in on one listen but I'm not sure if I'll enjoy it as much as I&D.

Glad to hear you're getting interested in Neal's music! Since you liked I&D and didn't care as much for Sola Gratia, it might be worth pointing out the distinction between Neal Morse solo and The Neal Morse Band, in case you weren't already aware of it.

Neal Morse solo is all music written by Neal and with him doing most of the guitar, keyboard and vocals, featuring Mike Portnoy and Randy George playing drums and bass.

The Neal Morse Band is written more collaboratively by Neal, Mike, Randy, Eric Gillette (guitar) and Bill Hubauer (keys), with vocals split between Neal, Eric, Bill and Mike in approximately the proportions that you heard on I&D. I think it's fair to say that a lot of people, myself included, feel that there's an added creative energy to the NMB releases over and above the Neal solo releases. The other NMB albums are: The Grand Experiment, The Similitude of a Dream and The Great Adventure. These aren't in exactly the same style as I&D, but you're probably more likely to enjoy them than other NM releases based on what you've liked so far.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 09, 2021, 04:08:25 PM
I've only listened to the new NMB album a few times, I'm not exactly in a Neal-mood so I'm holding off until I am (though I did listen to a bunch of Transatlantic recently) but I can tell this is a really strong album, and I look forward to diving in once the Neal and/or prog rock mood strikes for me.

Just got done listening to this album for the first time. This is only the second Neal Morse album I've ever listened to but I really enjoyed it. From a music standpoint it was a fantastic album all the way through. The Way It Has To Be was an immediate favorite. I haven't explored much of Neal's music but after listening to this I'll make some time to do so.

I will say the biggest detractor for me was the vocals, I really wish Eric was singing the whole album. I'll give it a few more spins, maybe I'll grow to like it. I had the same impression of JLB when I first got into DT.

Glad you enjoyed it. What was the first Neal Morse album you've heard? You are familiar with Transatlantic?

Sola Gratia was the first complete album I listened to and it didn't really do much for me. I listed to the newest Transatlantic album, both Forevermore and Breath of Life but those felt long-winded to me. I do plan on going back to listen to the The Absolute Universe again because it was a lot to take in on one listen but I'm not sure if I'll enjoy it as much as I&D.

I think it's important to note that Sola Gratia is not one of Neal's best albums, and TAU is not perfect either. I recommend checking out any of the first 3 Transatlantic albums, and Neal's other albums like '?' and 'One'.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on September 09, 2021, 04:16:30 PM
If you like I&D, I definitely think it is worth giving the other Neal Morse Band albums a go.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 09, 2021, 04:35:12 PM
If you like I&D, I definitely think it is worth giving the other Neal Morse Band albums a go.

This, too. Start at their first album, The Grand Experiment, though the follow up is considered their best album, and Neal's best in years.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on September 09, 2021, 05:03:08 PM
The grand experiment is the first album? Man I've been following this thread for ages (mainly for the radiant lolz) but I guess I blended solo releases with nmb releases.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 09, 2021, 05:33:15 PM
The Similitude of a Dream is the best album Neal has ever done from any of his bands or projects.

*drops mic*
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on September 09, 2021, 06:28:23 PM
The Similitude of a Dream is the best album Neal has ever done from any of his bands or projects.

*drops mic*

I'm onboard with that. For sure.

I am loving this album though. Get rid of that cover song and it's pretty much a perfect album. It's out of place and frankly not all that good.

While I was indifferent on the releases of the singles....just listened to them a couple times.....they are perfect in context of the full album and sound almost like different songs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on September 09, 2021, 06:33:01 PM
I bought Similitude based on the rave reaction and Ways of a Fool. I never made it all the way through both discs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on September 09, 2021, 07:07:14 PM
The Similitude of a Dream is the best album Neal has ever done from any of his bands or projects.

*drops mic*

My contrarian take that's not actually all that contrarian, since I still have a high opinion of the album: Similitude is probably my least favorite NMB album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 09, 2021, 07:11:32 PM
The Similitude of a Dream is the best album Neal has ever done from any of his bands or projects.

*drops mic*

I'm onboard with that. For sure.

I am loving this album though. Get rid of that cover song and it's pretty much a perfect album. It's out of place and frankly not all that good.

While I was indifferent on the releases of the singles....just listened to them a couple times.....they are perfect in context of the full album and sound almost like different songs.

 :tup :tup to the bolded.

As for the new album, I didn't care for the cover at first, but I've come around on it; I love Eric's lead vocals in the final chorus (amongst the big harmonies).  I think the album has a weird flow, with all of the shorter songs and then a cover and then two really long songs back to back.  It doesn't make for an easy listen.  I know, I know, Innocence on Side 1 and Danger on Side 2, but that seems like a gimmick used to explain away the odd album structure, which quite frankly is one of the least impressive yet on a major Neal Morse studio album release (part of the greatness of Neal's albums are usually how effortlessly they flow).  Don't get me wrong, I like it a lot, largely because the songs are there, but the flow of the album just doesn't work very well, IMO. 

I bought Similitude based on the rave reaction and Ways of a Fool. I never made it all the way through both discs.

You should fix that immediately.  :biggrin:

Unlike many double concept albums, which seemingly start fast and feature a lot of the best stuff early on, Similitude does the opposite.  It's really good early on, but the album doesn't really hit its stride until the 4th song (after two kind of mellow build-ups tunes sandwiched around the token Overture).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 09, 2021, 07:12:40 PM
The Similitude of a Dream is the best album Neal has ever done from any of his bands or projects.

*drops mic*

My contrarian take that's not actually all that contrarian, since I still have a high opinion of the album: Similitude is probably my least favorite NMB album.

Well, that's like being the least attractive supermodel, no? :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Trav86 on September 09, 2021, 07:37:43 PM
The Similitude of a Dream is the best album Neal has ever done from any of his bands or projects.

*drops mic*

After getting the Waterfall app at the beginning of this year, Ive gone back and discovered Neals solo material more. I can say that The Similitude of a Dream is probably an all-time top 5 album for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 09, 2021, 11:55:09 PM
The Similitude of a Dream is the best album Neal has ever done from any of his bands or projects.

*drops mic*
no
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on September 10, 2021, 01:19:24 AM
The Similitude of a Dream is the best album Neal has ever done from any of his bands or projects.

*drops mic*
no

no
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on September 10, 2021, 03:16:43 AM
For me all tNMB albums are at or near the top of all the NM-related works. 

It is not just music, I overall prefer the lyrical content/storytellling of the tNMB albums over a lot of the other NM-related works.

Not sure which NM-related album I'd overall call the best though. Depends on my mood.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on September 10, 2021, 03:24:32 AM
? will always be special to be, since it was my introduction to his stuff other than The Whirlwind.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: me7 on September 10, 2021, 04:31:17 AM
I heard ? later into my Neal discovery process and it still became my favourite. Nothing to do with nostalgia.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on September 10, 2021, 04:52:17 AM
True, it is a great one regardless.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on September 10, 2021, 07:50:10 AM
The Similitude of a Dream is the best album Neal has ever done from any of his bands or projects.

*drops mic*

I jumped off the Neil ship with Similitude  :lol

I would say Transatlantic's Bridge Across Forever would be the best Neal-related album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 10, 2021, 07:54:32 AM
I think TSoaD is good, but I'd put ?, One, The Whirlwind, BAF, and even Testimony 2 and Sola Scriptura over the first 3 NMB albums, but the NMB is quite good and their first 3 are just shy of eclipsing those other albums for me. I understand why some put those albums up as the best. The band's new album might be that album for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on September 10, 2021, 08:26:03 AM
The Similitude of a Dream is the best album Neal has ever done from any of his bands or projects.

*drops mic*

I jumped off the Neil ship with Similitude  :lol

I would say Transatlantic's Bridge Across Forever would be the best Neal-related album.

I think I'd still have to go with BAF too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 10, 2021, 08:33:34 AM
The Similitude of a Dream is the best album Neal has ever done from any of his bands or projects.

*drops mic*

I jumped off the Neil ship with Similitude  :lol

I would say Transatlantic's Bridge Across Forever would be the best Neal-related album.

I think I'd still have to go with BAF too.

Gonna have to agree here, too. Bridge Across Forever is infinitely re-listenable for me, one of my all-time favorite albums by any artist, and probably my favorite album by every member involved. The Whirlwind has come VERY close behind it, though, and might probably be a sort of 1a & 1b situation. Honestly, I'd take most of the Transatlantic material over Neal's solo prog stuff or even the NMB albums. I liked TSOAD and TGA, but I don't think I've fallen in love with them like others have, and while it's still a bit early, I might like Innocence & Danger more than TSOAD and TGA. I think I just got a bit too tired of Neal's long narrative concept albums to really take the time to dive into TSOAD and TGA when they came out, but musically speaking, they're really engaging at times and even very fun, but there's just something about the combination of Morse/Portnoy/Stolt/Trewavas that is just magical to me, and I like them together more than any of their separate bands/projects. Transatlantic is truly a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts IMO.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on September 10, 2021, 08:37:18 AM
I was so disappointed with Similitude that I ordered the cheaper version of TGA when it came out. Then I loved the crap out of TGA. Never understood the hype for Similitude. TGA is a far better album.

EDIT: Fixed my completely incorrect abbreviations.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 10, 2021, 08:55:14 AM
I was so disappointed with Similitude that I ordered the cheaper version of TGE when it came out. Then I loved the crap out of TGE. Never understood the hype for Similitude. TGE is a far better album.

But TGE (The Grand Experiment) came out *before* TSOAD... Did you mean TGA (The Great Adventure)?

I know, naming two albums with very similar abbreviations is VERY confusing, but I think Neal wrote himself into that corner when ending TSOAD with the lyrics "The Great Adventure now begins".  :lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 10, 2021, 09:18:34 AM
Honestly, it's really hard to tell someone where to start in checking out Neal's discography because if you ask any 10 people what their favorite album is, you are likely to get close to 10 different answers.  There is just so much, and very little if any of it would make most fans say, "Eh, that's a bad one."  It's all pretty high quality, and just a matter of personal taste in terms of what appeals more to one person vs. another.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on September 10, 2021, 09:37:23 AM
How would you guys rank his albums?


Solo/NMB
1. Sola Scriptura
2. The Similitude of a Dream
3. ?
4. Testimony 2
5. Innocence and Danger
6. The Great Adventure
7. The Grand Experiment
8. One
9. Momentum
10. Testimony 1
11. Sola Gratia
12. Jesus Christ the Exorcist
13. Lifeline


Ill even do TA and FC just because


Transatlantic
1. The Whirlwind
2. Bridge Across Forever
3. The Absolute Universe
4. SMPT:e
5. Kaleidoscope

Flying Colors
1. Flying Colors
2. Third Degree
3. Second Nature


Ill do SB later, thats a bit harder for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on September 10, 2021, 09:45:24 AM
I was so disappointed with Similitude that I ordered the cheaper version of TGE when it came out. Then I loved the crap out of TGE. Never understood the hype for Similitude. TGE is a far better album.

But TGE (The Grand Experiment) came out *before* TSOAD... Did you mean TGA (The Great Adventure)?

I know, naming two albums with very similar abbreviations is VERY confusing, but I think Neal wrote himself into that corner when ending TSOAD with the lyrics "The Great Adventure now begins".  :lol

-Marc.

 :facepalm:

This is why I rarely use abbreviations. You are absolutely right. Should have been TGA and not TGE.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on September 10, 2021, 09:53:05 AM
How would you guys rank his albums?


Solo/NMB
1. Sola Scriptura
2. The Similitude of a Dream
3. ?
4. Testimony 2
5. Innocence and Danger
6. The Great Adventure
7. The Grand Experiment
8. One
9. Momentum
10. Testimony 1
11. Sola Gratia
12. Jesus Christ the Exorcist
13. Lifeline


Ill even do TA and FC just because


Transatlantic
1. The Whirlwind
2. Bridge Across Forever
3. The Absolute Universe
4. SMPT:e
5. Kaleidoscope

Flying Colors
1. Flying Colors
2. Third Degree
3. Second Nature


Ill do SB later, thats a bit harder for me.

I can't rank all of them (haven't heard all the solo stuff or NMB stuff). My top 5 would look something like this probably:

1. Bridge Across Forever (TA)
2. The Kindness of Strangers (SB)
3. SMPTe (TA)
4. V (SB)
5. Snow (SB)

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 10, 2021, 09:54:41 AM
Honestly, it's really hard to tell someone where to start in checking out Neal's discography because if you ask any 10 people what their favorite album is, you are likely to get close to 10 different answers.  There is just so much, and very little if any of it would make most fans say, "Eh, that's a bad one."  It's all pretty high quality, and just a matter of personal taste in terms of what appeals more to one person vs. another.

It also probably depends on when someone discovered Neal, and through which band or album. For me, it was with Transatlantic and their first two albums, after making my prog discovery journey from Rush to Dream Theater, I sought out all the different projects from various DT band members, and after albums from OSI and LTE, TA was probably my favorite, so that's where I discovered Neal (back in 2004/2005). One was Neal's latest album and ? was just on the horizon after I became a fan, so for me, ? is pretty high up there for me being his first new album after I became a fan, and even then, Neal had a growing solo career, six albums with SB, and two with TA, and I thought that was a lot back then! Now he has NMB, Flying Colors, more solo stuff, and even more TA albums since Bridge Across Forever.

I can only imagine how daunting it would be to discover Neal in recent years, trying to figure out "where to start". I would just suggest, if they're really wanting to dive deep, to start chronologically and go with The Light by Spock's Beard, and just go through his six albums with the Beard, and then Transatlantic and his early solo albums. I think understanding his journey through SB and his eventual departure from the band to do solo stuff helps give those early 2000s albums a bit more context. You can really feel some of Neal's pain and struggle in Snow, and how he was able to turn that around and release his more vulnerable album yet in Testimony. After that, I'd say he released two of his best albums ever in One and ?, but after that, it s a bit of YMMV for albums like Sola Scriptura, Lifeline, Testimony 2, and Momentum. Then came along the Neal Morse Band, which feels like an extension of his solo stuff AND his SB days now that he's leading a five-man band again, with multiple vocalists and varying styles and feels strewn throughout each album (and I'd say Innocence & Danger is his most Spock's Beard-sounding album since maybe Momentum).

But even if you just follow Neal through SB/Solo/NMB stuff, there's still all the Transatlantic and Flying Colors stuff as well! It's a *lot* to take in, and I'm kind of glad I've been able to follow Neal's work since 2005 and been keeping up with it all, but I'm also happy to know that folks are still discovering his music and various bands/albums.

But you're definitely right bosk, every fan will likely have different answers to their favorite albums and/or where to start with Neal's massive discography.

I was so disappointed with Similitude that I ordered the cheaper version of TGE when it came out. Then I loved the crap out of TGE. Never understood the hype for Similitude. TGE is a far better album.

But TGE (The Grand Experiment) came out *before* TSOAD... Did you mean TGA (The Great Adventure)?

I know, naming two albums with very similar abbreviations is VERY confusing, but I think Neal wrote himself into that corner when ending TSOAD with the lyrics "The Great Adventure now begins".  :lol

-Marc.

 :facepalm:

This is why I rarely use abbreviations. You are absolutely right. Should have been TGA and not TGE.
:lol No worries dude, abbreviations can be confusing, especially for a man whose discography is so big, but I understood you through context. I just wanted to make sure you meant what you meant!  :tup

How would you guys rank his albums?


Solo/NMB
1. Sola Scriptura
2. The Similitude of a Dream
3. ?
4. Testimony 2
5. Innocence and Danger
6. The Great Adventure
7. The Grand Experiment
8. One
9. Momentum
10. Testimony 1
11. Sola Gratia
12. Jesus Christ the Exorcist
13. Lifeline


Ill even do TA and FC just because


Transatlantic
1. The Whirlwind
2. Bridge Across Forever
3. The Absolute Universe
4. SMPT:e
5. Kaleidoscope

Flying Colors
1. Flying Colors
2. Third Degree
3. Second Nature


Ill do SB later, thats a bit harder for me.

Hmm, just off the top of my head and based on how I am feeling today:

Spock's Beard:
Snow
Beware Of Darkness
V
The Kindness Of Strangers
The Light / Day For Night (Tied)

Solo:
One
?
Testimony 2
Sola Scriptura
Momentum
Sola Gratia
Testimony
Lifeline
Neal Morse
It's Not Too Late

Neal Morse Band:
Innoence & Danger
The Grand Experiment
The Similitude Of A Dream
The Great Adventure

Flying Colors:
Flying Colors
Third Degree
Second Nature

Transatlantic:
Bridge Across Forever
The Whirlwind
The Absolute Universe (specifically the Ultimate Mix)
SMPT:e / Kaleidoscope (tied)

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 10, 2021, 10:02:14 AM
How would you guys rank his albums?

Solo/NMB
1.  One:  My absolute favorite album of all time.
2.  Sola Scriptura:  Love this album, although Randy's Jam is completely out of place on here, given the concept/story.
3.  The Great Adventure:  This album truly exceeded expectations in just about every way.
4.  Testimony 1:  This was my Neal gateway, and it took me SO long to get into, but really rewarded my perseverence.
5.  The Similitude of a Dream:  Really strong album.  I can understand why Kev and others rate it higher.
6.  Jesus Christ the Exorcist:  Hard to rank among Neal's other albums because it is such a different animal, and with all the guest singers.  But really good effort, and I am simultaneously thrilled that it "fixes" some of the problems with JCSS's fictional narrative of Jesus, while also extremely annoyed that it adopts some without really fixing them.  Over time, it will probably fall a few spots.
7.  The Grand Experiment:  Just straight up "fun" album.  At the time, I felt it was really a step up from recent output.
8.  Sola Gratia:  I feel like this should be ranked higher, but it is a bit of a mess narratively.  While I am sure this isn't likely the case, it feels like Neal had a great idea for setting the story of Paul's life to music, but then wasn't really sure where to go in the final act once he was in the middle of writing it.
9.  Momentum:  Felt like a step in the right direction after being on a bit of a down trajectory.
10.  Testimony 2:  I like this album just fine, but it just isn't as good as most of his output.  And the bonus disk doesn't do much to elevate it since I can't remember what any of those songs even sound like.
11.  ?:  Some great moments, but has never been an album that grabbed me.
12.  Lifeline:  Not bad, but I never would have become a Neal fan if this were the only NM album to exist.

Unranked (haven't heard yet):  Innocence and Danger



Transatlantic
1. The Whirlwind:  A top 4 all time album, up there with One, Six Degrees, and SFAM.  Truly a testament to Neal as a writer and musician that, given that I strongly prefer metal to any other music, he has two albums in my top 4 all time.
2. SMPT:e:  This was my first studio album after I got Live in Europe.  I hate the cover, and just "like" Mystery Train.  But All of the Above, We All Need Some Light, and My New World are outstanding.
3.  Bridge Across Forever:  Bridge and Stranger are outstanding.  Duel is good, and Suite Charlotte Pike is okay.
4. The Absolute Universe:  Still new enough that I have trouble ranking it.  It feels like it should be a spot or two higher.  But maybe not.  I dunno.  2, 3, and 4 are SO close, and could flip-flop at any given moment depending on my mood.
5. Kaleidoscope:  Not bad, but clearly my #5.  This feels more along the lines of, "five guys with ongoing, active bands, just getting together casually to do an album for the side project."  There is some good stuff, but very little that feels truly memorable.


Flying Colors
1. Flying Colors:  Not a bad effort.  A couple of standout songs.  Blue Ocean is probably still my favorite.  But ultimately, this is a band I'm not that interested in, and this album would probably rank lower than anything on a combined Neal/TA list.
2. Second Nature:  I remember thinking "not bad" at the time I got it.  But I hardly listened, and don't really even remember the songs.

Unranked (haven't heard it and lost interest in the band):  Third Degree
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 10, 2021, 10:18:14 AM
Feels like the list could be ever-changing, but I will go with this for today off the top of my head:

Solo/NMB:
1 The Similitude of a Dream
2 Testimony 2
3 The Grand Experiment
4 One
5 ?
6 Sola Scriptura
7 The Great Adventure
8 Neal Morse (self-titled)
9 Testimony
10 Momentum
11 Sola Gratia
12 Lifeline
13 The Exorcist
14 Life & Times
15 Songs from November
16 It's Not Too Late

It is too early to accurately rate Innocence and Danger, but my early feeling is that it will slot into that 6-8 range.  I don't see it breaking the top 5.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on September 10, 2021, 10:20:29 AM


I can't rank all of them (haven't heard all the solo stuff or NMB stuff). My top 5 would look something like this probably:

1. Bridge Across Forever (TA)
2. The Kindness of Strangers (SB)
3. SMPTe (TA)
4. V (SB)
5. Snow (SB)



If I were to rank just based on the project, I'd do something like:

Spock's Beard

1. The Kindness of Strangers
2. V
3. Snow
4. Day for Night
5. Beware of Darkness
6. The Light

Transatlantic

1. Bridge Across Forever
2. SMPTe
3. The Absolute Universe (either/both versions)
4. The Whirlwind
5. Kaleidoscope

Solo:

1. Neal Morse
2. It's Not Too Late
3. Songs from November
4. Testimony
5. Momentum
(I could rank the others I've heard* but there wasn't anything from them that really stuck with me enough to rank)

Flying Colors

1. Flying Colors
2. Second Nature
3. Third Degree

*The others I have are Similitude of a Dream, Lifeline, and One. Just couldn't get into any of them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 10, 2021, 10:24:29 AM
@Kev:  Wow, I didn't realize you rated The Grand Experiment so high.  The rest of your top 5 doesn't surprise me (although I might possibly have gotten the order wrong).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 10, 2021, 10:37:31 AM
@Kev:  Wow, I didn't realize you rated The Grand Experiment so high.  The rest of your top 5 doesn't surprise me (although I might possibly have gotten the order wrong).

If I had to rank, say, the best 20-25 Neal Morse songs ever (from any of his bands/projects), three would be from The Grand Experiment (The Call, Waterfall, Alive Again), so that is a big reason why. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on September 10, 2021, 10:43:50 AM
So many of these are so close that they move around some, but here's what I'd say right now.

Solo/NMB:
1. The Great Adventure
2. ?
3. The Grand Experiment
4. The Similitude of a Dream
5. Sola Scriptura
6. Testimony
7. Testimony 2
8. Momentum
9. Lifeline
10. One

Haven't heard Sola Gratia and Innocence & Danger enough to place them. I think I&D has very strong top-five, and potentially top-three, potential, while SG is probably more in the range of the Testimonies and Momentum.

Haven't heard the two pre-Testimony albums or JCTE at all.


Spock's Beard:
1. Day for Night
2. The Light
3. The Kindness of Strangers
4. Beware of Darkness

I've been making my way forward chronologically at a very slow rate, and I like solo Neal/NMB a lot better than SB, so I haven't gotten to V or Snow yet.


Transatlantic:
1. The Whirlwind
2. Bridge Across Forever
3. Kaleidoscope
4. SMPTe
5. The Absolute Universe

Don't really enjoy Flying Colors.


@Kev:  Wow, I didn't realize you rated The Grand Experiment so high.  The rest of your top 5 doesn't surprise me (although I might possibly have gotten the order wrong).

If I had to rank, say, the best 20-25 Neal Morse songs ever (from any of his bands/projects), three would be from The Grand Experiment (The Call, Waterfall, Alive Again), so that is a big reason why. 

Yeah, this is my reason for having it so high, too. You can say Agenda's kinda weird and The Grand Experiment is middling, and I won't disagree with you, but The Call and Alive Again are at such an extremely high level that it almost doesn't matter what else is on the album (it's an excellent bonus that "what else is on the album" includes Waterfall, a song that's, yeah, probably about top 25).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on September 10, 2021, 10:52:42 AM

I've been making my way forward chronologically at a very slow rate, and I like solo Neal/NMB a lot better than SB, so I haven't gotten to V or Snow yet.


FWIW, you will probably like V and Snow better than the other SB albums, as the production took a step forward and those albums are closer to the Transatlantic/solo Neal Morse style probably.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on September 10, 2021, 10:55:56 AM
Solo (prog)/NMB
1. The Similitude of a Dream
2. Sola Scriptura
3. Testimony 1
4. Testimony 2
5. ?
6. The Grand Experiment
7. Innocence and Danger
8. The Great Adventure
9. Momentum
10. One
11. Sola Gratia
13. Lifeline


Transatlantic
1. The Whirlwind
2. SMPT:e
3. Bridge Across Forever
4. Kaleidoscope 
5. The Absolute Universe


Flying Colors
1. Flying Colors
2. Second Nature
3. Third Degree
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 10, 2021, 01:45:21 PM
The Similitude of a Dream is the best album Neal has ever done from any of his bands or projects.

*drops mic*

I jumped off the Neil ship with Similitude  :lol

I would say Transatlantic's Bridge Across Forever would be the best Neal-related album.

I think I'd still have to go with BAF too.

Gonna have to agree here, too. Bridge Across Forever is infinitely re-listenable for me, one of my all-time favorite albums by any artist, and probably my favorite album by every member involved. The Whirlwind has come VERY close behind it, though, and might probably be a sort of 1a & 1b situation. Honestly, I'd take most of the Transatlantic material over Neal's solo prog stuff or even the NMB albums. I liked TSOAD and TGA, but I don't think I've fallen in love with them like others have, and while it's still a bit early, I might like Innocence & Danger more than TSOAD and TGA. I think I just got a bit too tired of Neal's long narrative concept albums to really take the time to dive into TSOAD and TGA when they came out, but musically speaking, they're really engaging at times and even very fun, but there's just something about the combination of Morse/Portnoy/Stolt/Trewavas that is just magical to me, and I like them together more than any of their separate bands/projects. Transatlantic is truly a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts IMO.

-Marc.

I also think I&D might be the band's best album, so far, and possibly up there as one of the best NM-related albums, including Transatlantic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 10, 2021, 01:56:55 PM
The Whirlwind
Bridge Across Forever

?
Sola Scriptura
SMPT:e
V
Testimony 2
Innocence & Danger
One
The Light
The Similitude of a Dream
The Kindness of Strangers
The Great Adventure
Momentum
The Grand Experiment
The Absolute Universe: Forevermore
Beware of Darkness
Testimony
Neal Morse
Snow
Sola Gratia
Kaleidoscope
Second Nature
Lifeline
The Absolute Universe: The Breath Of Life
Day By Night
It's Not Too Late
Flying Colors
Third Degree
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on September 10, 2021, 03:43:16 PM
I tried ranking them just the other day and thought it was very difficult.

Testimony 2
Neal Morse
Sola Scriptura
Momentum
?
Life & Times
The Great adventure
The Similitude of a dream
One
Sola gratia
Innocence & danger
Lifeline
Songs from november
The Grand Experiment
Testimony
It's not too late
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 10, 2021, 08:22:25 PM
@Kev:  Wow, I didn't realize you rated The Grand Experiment so high.  The rest of your top 5 doesn't surprise me (although I might possibly have gotten the order wrong).

If I had to rank, say, the best 20-25 Neal Morse songs ever (from any of his bands/projects), three would be from The Grand Experiment (The Call, Waterfall, Alive Again), so that is a big reason why. 

Yeah, this is my reason for having it so high, too. You can say Agenda's kinda weird and The Grand Experiment is middling, and I won't disagree with you, but The Call and Alive Again are at such an extremely high level that it almost doesn't matter what else is on the album (it's an excellent bonus that "what else is on the album" includes Waterfall, a song that's, yeah, probably about top 25).

Honestly, if I had to do a top 25 Neal songs list, The Grand Experiment might be the only album to have three songs in there.  SMPTe and Similitude both might as well, but I'd have to really think about it. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on September 11, 2021, 05:22:45 AM
Dang,  I went online to get tickets for the Seattle show in October and it appears to be sold out.   :eek
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on September 11, 2021, 08:09:26 AM
I just read that major news are going to be dropped Sept. 7th.
What could it be?

The major news is...the news has been delayed   :lol

Quote
UPDATE RE: THE ANNOUNCEMENT
Hi, Inner Circle!

In my recent newsletter, I mentioned that something exciting would be announced on September 7th well the best laid plans

The dates have changed a bit but the news will break next week! Im looking forward to you hearing about whats coming!

Blessings,

Neal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on September 11, 2021, 05:54:50 PM
The only thing I can say about vocals in the two bands is that I think that Pete and Mike should stick to background vocals.  I don't think the timbre of either of their voices are ideal for singing lead.

I'll disagree.  Their lead vocals are often album highlights for me.  But I will again note that they are used sparingly, and I might not feel that way if they had more leads than they do.

I don't mind Mike's lead vocals on a song or two but Pete's voice in not lead singer quality.

Probably wouldn't want to hear Pete on an entire album but I don't have a problem with two or three songs. He's no Steve Howe!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on September 11, 2021, 05:58:24 PM
I really like it when MP does leads, at least on the songs Ive heard. Fool in My Heart and Looking for the Light show how far hes come as a singer. As long as his voice suits the particular song its fine. I do think on TAU he sounds better than Roine, which isnt a knock on Roine so much as praise for Mike. Roine is just several years past his prime vocally at this point.

Mike's definitely gotten better over the years. I like Roine too (I do have handful of Flower Kings albums, but I'm not huge fan.)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on September 12, 2021, 09:37:02 AM
The only thing I can say about vocals in the two bands is that I think that Pete and Mike should stick to background vocals.  I don't think the timbre of either of their voices are ideal for singing lead.

I'll disagree.  Their lead vocals are often album highlights for me.  But I will again note that they are used sparingly, and I might not feel that way if they had more leads than they do.

I don't mind Mike's lead vocals on a song or two but Pete's voice in not lead singer quality.

Probably wouldn't want to hear Pete on an entire album but I don't have a problem with two or three songs. He's no Steve Howe!

"In her white lace..." 

HAHA, good call.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on September 13, 2021, 04:56:27 AM
I've been following TNMB for almost four years, and I did not know there was a live concert release called Alive Again. I watched some of it on YouTube a little while ago and the performance looks and sounds amazing!  Looks like a must buy for the collection.  How in the world did I miss this???   :omg:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 13, 2021, 07:13:31 AM
I've been following TNMB for almost four years, and I did not know there was a live concert release called Alive Again. I watched some of it on YouTube a little while ago and the performance looks and sounds amazing!  Looks like a must buy for the collection.  How in the world did I miss this???   :omg:

I think Alive Again came out in 2016, so if you've been following them for four years, you probably just missed out on its release.  :facepalm: :lol

If you can get it, definitely go for it. It's got a great setlist too!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on September 13, 2021, 08:20:05 AM
I've been following TNMB for almost four years, and I did not know there was a live concert release called Alive Again. I watched some of it on YouTube a little while ago and the performance looks and sounds amazing!  Looks like a must buy for the collection.  How in the world did I miss this???   :omg:

This is indeed a fantastic release.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on September 13, 2021, 08:23:04 AM
OK, I'll try this, but as someone else mentioned above, this could easily be an ever-changing list.

Solo / NMB
1. ?
2. Sola Scriptura
3. One
4. Testimony 2
5. The Similitude of a Dream
6. Innocence and Danger
7. The Great Adventure
8. The Grand Experiment
9. Testimony 1
10. Sola Gratia
11. Momentum
13. Lifeline


Transatlantic
1. BAF
2. The Whirlwind
3. TAU
4. SMPTE
5. Kaleidoscope

Flying Colors
1. Third Degree
2. Flying Colors
3. Second Narure
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on September 13, 2021, 08:30:08 AM
I honestly don't know how to make a complete list. I think my top 4 is as follows and the positions are interchangeable:

-Similtude of a Dream
-The Great Adventure
-Bridge Across Forever
-Sola Scriptura
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ariich on September 13, 2021, 01:48:49 PM
So I've not posted in this thread for ages, partly because the last couple of NMB albums didn't quite do it for me (I thought they were good, but not great), but I have to say that Innocence & Danger has been a rather nice surprise. Might even like it more than Grand Experiment (though not as much as One, which was quite a special album). There are a lot of really strong and memorable hooks, I'm enjoying how each song has a pretty strong identity, and in general I'm finding the songwriting good. Beyond the Years does drag a bit, but everything in it is really nice so I'm not going to complain.

The only thing I really don't get is Emergence. Just... what is the point. It sounds like an outtake of random noodling, and it makes me unreasonably and disproportionately annoyed. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 13, 2021, 01:56:31 PM
Oh hey, I finally got my delivery email from Radiant.

I should have my stuff by Wednesday. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 13, 2021, 05:18:44 PM
So I've not posted in this thread for ages, partly because the last couple of NMB albums didn't quite do it for me (I thought they were good, but not great), but I have to say that Innocence & Danger has been a rather nice surprise. Might even like it more than Grand Experiment (though not as much as One, which was quite a special album). There are a lot of really strong and memorable hooks, I'm enjoying how each song has a pretty strong identity, and in general I'm finding the songwriting good. Beyond the Years does drag a bit, but everything in it is really nice so I'm not going to complain.

The only thing I really don't get is Emergence. Just... what is the point. It sounds like an outtake of random noodling, and it makes me unreasonably and disproportionately annoyed. :lol

I agree. Neal usually crushes it on the acoustic, but that one does just sound like random noodling more than anything else.  I don't mind it as a lead-in to Not Afraid Part 1, but I doubt I'd listen to it on its own.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on September 13, 2021, 05:42:07 PM
I don't mind Emergence. But it, along with the cover song, clearly only exist to pad out the album length.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on September 14, 2021, 12:04:52 AM
I pretty much always skip Emergence now. I don't know if the intention was to have an acoustic lead-in to the next track (like Horizons into Supper's Ready) or not.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ariich on September 14, 2021, 05:11:39 AM
It's just not needed as a lead-in though, Not Afraid pt 1 has its own nice acoustic intro.

I've gone ahead and deleted Emergence entirely from my digital copy, and honestly the transition from The Way It Had To Be to Not Afraid works fine and therefore much better.


I don't mind Emergence. But it, along with the cover song, clearly only exist to pad out the album length.
I sort of felt that way about the cover when I first listened, just because it's such an iconic song. But actually after a number of listens I'm rather enjoying it and think it sits quite nicely on the album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on September 14, 2021, 06:21:40 AM
It turns out my least favorite moments on the album are the songs that were added in order to pad it out. That's too bad. It could have been a really good single disc release.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on September 14, 2021, 07:36:27 AM
Agreed. Dont get me wrong, I love it the way it is.
But if you cut out Emergence, the cover, BTY, and expand Not Afraid Pt.2, I think it would have made a much stronger album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on September 14, 2021, 08:34:32 AM
I say this respectfully, but - and it's a similar criticism that comes up about the Iron Maiden album - I don't follow the "cutting".  One can, of course, make a playlist, and there are albums I do that for, certainly, but for me, both of these releases are, because of their scope, more than just a "collection of songs", and so for me, they are what they are.   I think "Emergence" is critical in terms of pacing, and while I can (and do!) sometimes skip to songs (I just need to hear "Bird On A Wire"!) if I'm listening to the album, it's a sequence.

I like how both albums start with shorter, punchier songs, set the tone then progressively (ha!) move to more complicated, more involved pieces.  They work in that context.  I can't imagine just a NMB album with, say, CD1, or just an album with Not Afraid Part 2 and Beyond The Years.   The album is balanced out by the songs on both CDs.   Likewise, it's not the same album if the new Maiden record is just "Darkest Hour", "Death Of The Celts", "The Parchment" and "Hell On Earth". 

By the way, I don't suppose the connection is purposeful, but I love the overlap between Maiden and the Neal Morse universe with the "You sowed the wind, and now you reaped the whirlwind!" reference in "Darkest Hour".   :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on September 14, 2021, 08:53:29 AM
The cover feels like a bonus track to me and I treat it as such. Unfortunately on vinyl it comes before Not Afraid Part 2.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on September 14, 2021, 09:04:34 AM
Not me; there's a real Genesis feel to this record, and the intro to the cover is vintage, "Trick Of The Tail" era Genesis for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on September 14, 2021, 09:14:58 AM
I do like the cover a lot. But, like their cover of MacArthur Park, I think it makes more sense as a bonus track.

Might be showing my age here, but the cover was actually my first time ever hearing the song  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Max Kuehnau on September 14, 2021, 09:29:44 AM
Not me; there's a real Genesis feel to this record, and the intro to the cover is vintage, "Trick Of The Tail" era Genesis for me.
definitely inspired by Dance On A Volcano IMHO yes
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on September 14, 2021, 09:58:23 AM
I say this respectfully, but - and it's a similar criticism that comes up about the Iron Maiden album - I don't follow the "cutting".  One can, of course, make a playlist, and there are albums I do that for, certainly, but for me, both of these releases are, because of their scope, more than just a "collection of songs", and so for me, they are what they are.   I think "Emergence" is critical in terms of pacing, and while I can (and do!) sometimes skip to songs (I just need to hear "Bird On A Wire"!) if I'm listening to the album, it's a sequence.

I like how both albums start with shorter, punchier songs, set the tone then progressively (ha!) move to more complicated, more involved pieces.  They work in that context.  I can't imagine just a NMB album with, say, CD1, or just an album with Not Afraid Part 2 and Beyond The Years.   The album is balanced out by the songs on both CDs.   Likewise, it's not the same album if the new Maiden record is just "Darkest Hour", "Death Of The Celts", "The Parchment" and "Hell On Earth". 

By the way, I don't suppose the connection is purposeful, but I love the overlap between Maiden and the Neal Morse universe with the "You sowed the wind, and now you reaped the whirlwind!" reference in "Darkest Hour".   :)

I fully agree with this, respecting both releases.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on September 14, 2021, 11:27:40 AM
I do like the cover a lot. But, like their cover of MacArthur Park, I think it makes more sense as a bonus track.

Might be showing my age here, but the cover was actually my first time ever hearing the song  :lol

I only offer this as a matter of perspective, but I'm a pretty big S&G fan, but - oddly - I MUCH prefer Simon (but only in S&G; I don't care for Simon's solo stuff).  So yes, I want Simon, only doing S&G songs and can do without Garfunkel or Simon's solo stuff.  Even I think this is weird.  Anyway, the point of that is, BOTW is one of the few songs that is almost solely Garfunkel singing, so I've heard - and didn't care for - this song hundreds of times and was eager to hear what this would sound like.  To me, it's in the vein of "America" which on any given day is a top 10 or 15 Yes song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 14, 2021, 11:33:57 AM
Well, I finally got my package.

The sizing on that Morsefest package is ridiculous.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on September 14, 2021, 12:08:22 PM
I do like the cover a lot. But, like their cover of MacArthur Park, I think it makes more sense as a bonus track.

Might be showing my age here, but the cover was actually my first time ever hearing the song  :lol

I only offer this as a matter of perspective, but I'm a pretty big S&G fan, but - oddly - I MUCH prefer Simon (but only in S&G; I don't care for Simon's solo stuff).  So yes, I want Simon, only doing S&G songs and can do without Garfunkel or Simon's solo stuff.  Even I think this is weird.  Anyway, the point of that is, BOTW is one of the few songs that is almost solely Garfunkel singing, so I've heard - and didn't care for - this song hundreds of times and was eager to hear what this would sound like.  To me, it's in the vein of "America" which on any given day is a top 10 or 15 Yes song.

Thats an interesting take about Garfunkel on BOTW. Always thought that was an amazing vocal performance. I know Simon always harbored some resentment that Garfunkel sort of stole the spotlight on his song, but its kind of hard to picture Simon singing it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 14, 2021, 12:27:28 PM
I only offer this as a matter of perspective, but I'm a pretty big S&G fan, but - oddly - I MUCH prefer Simon (but only in S&G; I don't care for Simon's solo stuff).  So yes, I want Simon, only doing S&G songs and can do without Garfunkel or Simon's solo stuff.  Even I think this is weird.
I've got nothin'.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on September 14, 2021, 01:46:15 PM
Might be showing my age here, but the cover was actually my first time ever hearing the song  :lol

Same here and I think that's why I really don't care for it. I just personally don't think it's a very good song. I've not heard the original and this cover does nothing to make me even want to hear it. Take this song off the album and this release for me is near perfect.

I had it playing in the background last Saturday night as a group of neighbors were over on our patio for a fire. Had multiple comments asking 'who' this was and that they were digging it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on September 14, 2021, 02:12:28 PM
For those that HAVEN'T heard the original, it's probably not the worst four minutes and 55 seconds you'll ever spend.  I think you might be surprised, too, based on how NMB interpreted it.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 14, 2021, 02:16:06 PM
For those that HAVEN'T heard the original, it's probably not the worst four minutes and 55 seconds you'll ever spend.  I think you might be surprised, too, based on how NMB interpreted it.
His version is certainly different.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Trav86 on September 14, 2021, 02:26:21 PM
I guess Im the only one who likes their take on Bridge Over Troubled Water.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on September 14, 2021, 02:33:23 PM
Listening to the NMB version now. I dont hate it, though I think the ending is a little overworked.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Trav86 on September 14, 2021, 02:44:56 PM
Listening to the NMB version now. I dont hate it, though I think the ending is a little overworked.
Yeah, but thats kind of the Neal Morse style.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on September 14, 2021, 02:52:23 PM
Listening to the NMB version now. I dont hate it, though I think the ending is a little overworked.
Yeah, but thats kind of the Neal Morse style.

For sure, wouldnt expect anything less from Neal at this point TBH.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 14, 2021, 03:23:29 PM
The original Bridge over Troubled Water is an astonishingly great song, folks.

Also, I cannot get on board with any single disc edit of the new album that doesn't include Beyond the Years.  Maybe redo that one instrumental section (please!! :lol), but it's otherwise a fantastic tune.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on September 14, 2021, 04:29:48 PM
Yea the cover shouldn't be on that album should have been a single on streaming or something.

As to the album i still love it.  not afraid Pt. 2 is my fav track.  Reminds me of a neal era Spock's epic.

i'm not however feeling beyond the years now that new album smell is gone.  too many random bits fror me that never quite gel.

it's probably down near the bottom of the epic's for me.  i forget how parts go immediately.  whereas i'm humming most bits of Not Afraid 2 all day.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Trav86 on September 14, 2021, 04:47:04 PM
The original Bridge over Troubled Water is an astonishingly great song, folks.

Absolutely!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on September 15, 2021, 07:08:07 AM
I guess Im the only one who likes their take on Bridge Over Troubled Water.  :lol

Not the only one.  Might just be us two and the band, but so be it! 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on September 15, 2021, 07:18:35 AM
I still need to give the album more time (Iron Maiden kind of stole my attention), but my early impression of the cover is positive.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on September 15, 2021, 07:18:53 AM
They should have kept the cover and Emergence off of the album (neither was necessary) - other than that, another 5 Star NMB release!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on September 15, 2021, 07:38:21 AM
Finally got my tracking number the other day, but it's going to take a whole week just to get to NJ from TN.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 15, 2021, 07:49:53 AM
Neal has announced a new trio with Nick D'Virgilio and Ross Jennings, aptly named D'Virgilio, Morse & Jennings. Their debut album is set to be released through Inside Out Music in early 2022, titled Troika.

Quote
Today’s the day! I’m delighted we can finally announce this:

Nick D’Virgilio (Big Big Train, ex-Spock’s Beard), Neal Morse (Transatlantic, NMB, ex-Spock’s Beard), and Ross Jennings (Haken, Novena) are pleased to announce the formation of their new trio D’Virgilio, Morse & Jennings.

The group has signed to InsideOutMusic for the release of their debut album ‘Troika’ in early 2022.

Recorded during lockdown, the process began with Neal Morse writing some acoustic songs that he thought would be enhanced by strong vocal harmonies. He already knew how well his voice blended with former Spock's Beard bandmate and Big Big Train drummer/ vocalist, Nick D'Virgilio, who came on board, and considering a third man, the Americans sought out Haken's Ross Jennings from the UK to complete the trio. All three found they had songs that would benefit from the three part harmonic blend, and so they pooled their resources, inputting creatively into each other's compositions.

The tracks took shape with the musicians recording all of the music and vocals separately, yet the eclectic performances burst with the energy and excitement of the collaboration. Acoustic anthems, charged rockers and sensitive ballads are all part of the mix, and the unique blend of Ross, Neal and Nick's voices and styles have created an album in which you will encounter these musicians in a way you've never heard before.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on September 15, 2021, 07:51:15 AM
Already a new thread made for it :lol https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=56839.0
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 15, 2021, 07:52:12 AM
Already a new thread made for it :lol https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=56839.0

I literally just saw it after I replied.  :facepalm:

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: countoftuscany42 on September 15, 2021, 10:59:34 AM
took a second email to Radiant two weeks after my last one was never responded to, but finally got a confirmation that my order is shipping today  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on September 15, 2021, 11:09:56 AM
Beyond The Years is among the best music Mike and Neal have ever created.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mr.Mister on September 15, 2021, 11:34:39 AM
Beyond The Years is among the best music Mike and Neal have ever created.

It starting to click for me too, which is why I have reserved judgement on it.

There are moments that are breathtaking to me: the section that starts on the 12:50 mark all the way until the "islands in the sun" line capture everything NM is really good at: from multi-layered vocals, to complex yet melodic arrangements, to a more heartfelt phrasing in about 2 mins. It's the sugar papa likes. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 15, 2021, 12:39:33 PM
I guess Im the only one who likes their take on Bridge Over Troubled Water.  :lol
Well, I don't DISLIKE it.

But the original is definitely superior.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 15, 2021, 03:22:51 PM
(https://img.discogs.com/yE7_Waua3blgmyO5RCP8-G-Advg=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-3236420-1321741003.jpeg.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on September 15, 2021, 04:56:09 PM
Who cares Darkshade. It's like you've blanked out over the past 50 years of music.

The music is important.  Not the name. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 15, 2021, 05:10:45 PM
Who cares Darkshade. It's like you've blanked out over the past 50 years of music.

The music is important.  Not the name.

Not sure what you're getting at. It's not like Nick, Neal and Ross are jazz musicians getting together for a session and releasing it as an album.
This is going to be rock-related music. Give it a name.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on September 15, 2021, 05:18:00 PM
They did.  The music matters more.  Unless you think a name matters more?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 15, 2021, 05:45:31 PM
They did.  The music matters more.  Unless you think a name matters more?

Since we can't listen to the music right now, there isn't a whole lot else to discuss.
A name in and of itself doesn't matter, name themselves "Crap Pile" for all I care. To me, it shows a lack of creativity, and maybe a bit of pretentiousness.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 15, 2021, 07:30:16 PM
A pretentious musician?  Someone alert the media right away!!!!!! :lol :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on September 15, 2021, 07:33:38 PM
They did.  The music matters more.  Unless you think a name matters more?

Since we can't listen to the music right now, there isn't a whole lot else to discuss.
A name in and of itself doesn't matter, name themselves "Crap Pile" for all I care. To me, it shows a lack of creativity, and maybe a bit of pretentiousness.

Oh yes.  I know of these guys history in music but this name?  I totally blanked out. Let's talk about their name because I'm that shallow.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Trav86 on September 15, 2021, 07:54:34 PM
I guess Im the only one who likes their take on Bridge Over Troubled Water.  :lol
Well, I don't DISLIKE it.

But the original is definitely superior.

Oh, for sure! But I appreciate that they took it somewhere different. As opposed to DT who seem to try to make carbon copies with their covers. Thats not appealing to me.

But, back to NMB, I cant tell if some people dont like the song, or are just turned off by it being a cover. I just enjoy it for what it is.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 15, 2021, 07:55:26 PM
A pretentious musician?  Someone alert the media right away!!!!!! :lol :lol :lol

Quick! Call Taylor Swift! She must be warned!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 16, 2021, 03:26:26 PM
Tried giving the first disc of I&D a separate listen from the 2nd disc, then listened to the two epics separately, as I find myself not able to stay focused on the 30+ minute closer after all that other music before it, since I'm still digesting all this music. It made me realize how quick the 1st disc goes by, and is pretty solid all the way through. I'm still trying to wrap my head about the two epics, and I can't say which one I prefer, but I'm still waiting for that "A-HA" moment for each one. They're littered with great ideas, I'm just not seeing the whole picture yet. This is a good thing, because epics that I completely understand quickly tend to lose their luster over time. I still think this is one of Neal's best because of all this. Big expansive prog rock music isn't always supposed to be understood with just a few listens.

I also really don't like that sudden ending to Beyond the Years.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 16, 2021, 03:29:35 PM
I also really don't like that sudden ending to Beyond the Years.

I feel like that's just one of those things that you either like or you don't like. Same with The Beatles' "I Want You" or Dream Theater's "Pull Me Under".

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 16, 2021, 03:31:42 PM
I also really don't like that sudden ending to Beyond the Years.

I feel like that's just one of those things that you either like or you don't like. Same with The Beatles' "I Want You" or Dream Theater's "Pull Me Under".

-Marc.

Strangely, the ending of PMU doesn't bother me. Raw Dog has a sudden ending as well, and I don't care for it, but I reeeeeally dislike the ending to BTY for some reason, maybe because it's just the strings at the end, and the way it cuts off irks me, whereas the other songs are heavy or have the full band and it kind of works better for some reason.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on September 16, 2021, 03:42:28 PM
Raw Dog

I don't even consider this a 'real' DT song. I know it's 'DT' by name and whatever but knowing that JMX wasn't even involved in the writing process and that it was bore out of a request/obligation to write a song for a video game.....it just doesn't seem like an authentic DT song. Anyway.....
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 16, 2021, 04:43:59 PM
Raw Dog

I don't even consider this a 'real' DT song. I know it's 'DT' by name and whatever but knowing that JMX wasn't even involved in the writing process and that it was bore out of a request/obligation to write a song for a video game.....it just doesn't seem like an authentic DT song. Anyway.....

What about You Not Me? or all of BC&SL since JLB wasn't involved in the writing of that entire album.
Is any post-MP DT real DT? Is The Astonishing real DT since 3 out of the 5 members of the band were not involved in the writing process?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on September 16, 2021, 09:22:41 PM
I also really don't like that sudden ending to Beyond the Years.

I feel like that's just one of those things that you either like or you don't like. Same with The Beatles' "I Want You" or Dream Theater's "Pull Me Under".

-Marc.

I think it works on Pull Me Under, and doesn't work so great on Beyond the Years. I don't hate it, but I would have preferred a fade.

We can always hope that it gets a less sudden ending when it's played live. (One thing I love about Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy is that being played live is not an "if" when it comes to an epic like this.)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on September 16, 2021, 10:01:59 PM
I've been giving Beyond the Years Stand alone listens.  and while parts of it are jumping out at me more.  the I will be Here melody.  the Spanish flamenco part.  the abrupt heavy mid section.  that's all i'm getting is parts.  sorry i'm just hearing one of the most disjointed epics ever.

it's still down near the bottom still for me.  i'd much rather have more of I'm not Afraid PT. 2.  That is over way too quick i can have that piece go on another 30 minutes.  and yea beyonds abrupt ending is kinda anti-climactic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on September 17, 2021, 10:05:53 AM
RESCHEDULED NMB TOUR DATES
NMB have decided to move their October USA Tour Dates to February 2022.

NMB have been considering this decision for some time now. In light of the current uncertainties, we feel that the health and financial risks associated with this tour would be reduced by postponing the shows until February 2022.

We have worked with the promoters and have been able to reschedule all of the shows in the same cities and venues, so all tickets purchased will be good for the new dates, including VIP. And

The good news is that we can now consider more dates for the tour and bring NMB to more places, which will give more of you the chance to see the band! So, look for new shows to be announced soon!

We regret having to make this difficult decision in light of our fans that have made travel arrangements and we apologize profusely. But hopefully everyone can understand the reasoning behind it. So, we will see you in February, God willing!

The other great news is that Morsefest 2021 will be going ahead on Friday, October 8th and Saturday, October 9th! So, this is your opportunity to see NMBs only two shows of 2021, featuring the live premieres of songs from Innocence & Danger as well as once-in-a-lifetime rarities!

Tickets are still available for in-person shows including some VIP tickets, or you can join us virtually, also with VIP options. All details are here: https://www.nealmorse.com/product-category/morsefest/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on September 17, 2021, 10:31:49 AM
It also looks like they're adding  more dates, this was below that text

Quote
New tour dates:

Feb 07 Baltimore MD - Soundstage

Feb 08 NYC NY - Sony Hall

Feb 09 Boston MA - The Sinclair

Feb 10 TBA

Feb 11 TBA

Feb 13 TBA


Feb 15 Cleveland OH - Beachland Ballroom

Feb 17 Philadelphia PA - Keswick

Feb 18 Detroit MI - Crofoot

Feb 19 St Charles IL - Arcada

Feb 20 Fort Wayne IN - Pieres

Feb 22 Seattle WA - Triple Door

Feb ** TBA
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on September 17, 2021, 10:32:19 AM
Dang, I was really looking forward to seeing them Oct 12th in Seattle.  Well at least I have tickets for February now..   
I wonder of DT will do the same thing?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: El Barto on September 17, 2021, 10:33:50 AM
Well, that pretty much deals me out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on September 17, 2021, 10:46:20 AM
Mother.....

I LITERALLY bought my tickets - to NY AND Boston - this morning, and opted out of the "protection" protection.  I say that because I have a strong suspicion that one of those TBA's will be in Connecticut, and likely at a place where I can get front row and save a drive.  Dammit.   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on September 17, 2021, 10:59:28 AM
Mother.....

I LITERALLY bought my tickets - to NY AND Boston - this morning, and opted out of the "protection" protection.  I say that because I have a strong suspicion that one of those TBA's will be in Connecticut, and likely at a place where I can get front row and save a drive.  Dammit.

Well, I guess our meetup is delayed.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: El Barto on September 17, 2021, 11:06:04 AM
Mother.....

I LITERALLY bought my tickets - to NY AND Boston - this morning, and opted out of the "protection" protection.  I say that because I have a strong suspicion that one of those TBA's will be in Connecticut, and likely at a place where I can get front row and save a drive.  Dammit.

Well, I guess our meetup is delayed.
When you asked why I might be in your neighborhood, that was it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: countoftuscany42 on September 17, 2021, 11:25:05 AM
Sorry to everyone that already had tickets for the fall shows, but I'm hoping this means they'll add a CA date, preferably LA but if its SF I'd consider driving up
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on September 17, 2021, 11:56:20 AM
Mother.....

I LITERALLY bought my tickets - to NY AND Boston - this morning, and opted out of the "protection" protection.  I say that because I have a strong suspicion that one of those TBA's will be in Connecticut, and likely at a place where I can get front row and save a drive.  Dammit.

Well, I guess our meetup is delayed.
When you asked why I might be in your neighborhood, that was it.

Awe crap.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on September 17, 2021, 12:12:34 PM
Mother.....

I LITERALLY bought my tickets - to NY AND Boston - this morning, and opted out of the "protection" protection.  I say that because I have a strong suspicion that one of those TBA's will be in Connecticut, and likely at a place where I can get front row and save a drive.  Dammit.

Well, I guess our meetup is delayed.

Yeah, and I'm bummed.  That was pretty much why I was going to go to both shows.  Ah; we'll make it happen.  Are you going to DT?  I wasn't going to, but I may add that given I have nothing else now until February except for The Musical Box.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 17, 2021, 12:26:37 PM
Is it possible to get a refund if you bought tickets for a fall '21 show, but may not be able to attend in February '22?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on September 17, 2021, 12:52:11 PM
Mother.....

I LITERALLY bought my tickets - to NY AND Boston - this morning, and opted out of the "protection" protection.  I say that because I have a strong suspicion that one of those TBA's will be in Connecticut, and likely at a place where I can get front row and save a drive.  Dammit.

Well, I guess our meetup is delayed.

Yeah, and I'm bummed.  That was pretty much why I was going to go to both shows.  Ah; we'll make it happen.  Are you going to DT?  I wasn't going to, but I may add that given I have nothing else now until February except for The Musical Box.

Yes I am.  Box L4.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on September 17, 2021, 01:43:59 PM
Was thinking about buying tickets to the Baltimore show. Guess Ill wait and see if they announce something closer.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 17, 2021, 08:39:50 PM
I doubt STL will be worked into those new TBA dates, but oh well.   

I gave Beyond the Years a whirl in the car today when having to do a drive after work.  Sounded great.  That instrumental section from around the 21 minute mark on that lasts about two minutes or so is still a hair in the soup for me, but the rest of the song is money.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on September 17, 2021, 09:13:55 PM
Am I the only one who gets a Great Despair vibe from the first verse of The Way It Had to Be? There are a couple of moments where I feel like Eric is about to break into "And the master of indifference caught us blind and unaware..."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on September 17, 2021, 10:20:35 PM
I gave Beyond the Years two listens today after not listening to it for over a week. Still not feeling it.
The abrupt ending gave me an idea that maybe if you played the song again after it ends, it would loop back into the intro, kinda like how Octavarium ends with the intro to the album.
Spoiler alert: It doesnt work.  :lol Though that would have been a cool idea IMO.

BTY doesnt bring down the whole album for me, as the rest of it is brilliant. But man, the whole song just seems like a disjointed mess that doesnt flow well at all.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on September 18, 2021, 08:44:30 AM
I gave Beyond the Years two listens today after not listening to it for over a week. Still not feeling it.
The abrupt ending gave me an idea that maybe if you played the song again after it ends, it would loop back into the intro, kinda like how Octavarium ends with the intro to the album.
Spoiler alert: It doesnt work.  :lol Though that would have been a cool idea IMO.

BTY doesnt bring down the whole album for me, as the rest of it is brilliant. But man, the whole song just seems like a disjointed mess that doesnt flow well at all.

i agree i'm trying with it but it's so herky jerky as an epic that i'm not feeling it.  it's totally fine because i love Not Afraid Pt. 2 . i kind of wish that was the 30 minute one and BTY was 10 minutes, lol

such a throw everything at the wall epic and hope something sticks
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 18, 2021, 10:45:35 AM
First disc is one of the most solid discs of music out of Neal's discography. Disc 2 is bit of a harder nut to crack, but it's not bad, just very dense music.
I'd rather have that than two Neal-by-numbers epics.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on September 19, 2021, 05:20:24 PM
I finally listened to the new record (sorry Neal, but Iron Maiden have priority  :biggrin:). So far I've only listened in full once (but I already knew the first three).

Quick considerations (not that anyone asked):

CD1
01- Do It All Again - It has a great arrangement, a lot of interesting stuff... but I don't like the vocal lines and I hate the chorus. Unfortunately.

02 - Bird on a Wire - I don't like anything here.

03 - Your Place in the Sun - I like everything here. Everything works for me.

04 - Another Story to Tell - Reminds me of something I don't know what. Pretty cool and it has a kind of non-Nealmorseian vibe.

05 - The Way It Had to Be - Great start. It reminds Pink Floyd a little bit. Again I like the arrangement. I like the piano, the bass, the guitars. Good vocal melodies and Eric works well (and I'm not on team- Eric). Beautiful music.

06 - Emergence - Kind of loose on the record, but fuck it. I love stuff like that.

07 - Not Afraid, Pt. 1 - Great start with acoustic guitar and beautiful vocal melodies. I think the first half (more folk) is better than the second half.

08 - Bridge over Troubled Water - Interesting cover. Great vocal melodies (thanks Paul Simon  :)). I liked the version.

CD 2
01 - Not Afraid, Pt. 2 - I like it. There are moments like Neal Morse, others not so much. The arrangement is interesting, the vocals work (I just don't like the ending with Eric singing in a rather pompous way). One of the highlights.

02 - Beyond the Years - Very interesting start! I loved it. Afterwards the song is very Neal Morse-like. Gentlegiantisms. 15 min mark, very interesting. John Petrucci does a solo on this song? At 20 minutes, a totally random instrumental starts. The song seems to be over, but there are still 4 minutes left  :lol. The strings and the organ return. John Petrucci returns. Strings only (nice). Abrupt end.
Looks like you have it all here. I need to listen to it again.


I think the main quality of CD 1 is not being so similar to what Neal Morse (NMB) has always done. There is a flavor of newness here, although not everything has worked for me. Point for the band.
CD 2 has more of the band's style.

I don't think it's SB or Neal's early solo albums level, but I think it's the best NMB.  :)

I will listen again.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 19, 2021, 05:36:20 PM

01- Do It All Again - It has a great arrangement, a lot of interesting stuff... but I don't like the vocal lines and I hate the chorus. Unfortunately.


Regarding this, I know what you mean about the vocal lines.  I just haven't really connected with this song, and it hit me the other day that I do not like the verses at all.  It is just a clunky melody.  It doesn't happen often where I dislike a melody Neal sings, but it happened with that one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on September 19, 2021, 05:42:03 PM
Do It All Again has been a slow build for me, in part because, yeah, the verse melodies aren't particularly impressing me. Another element is that it doesn't quite have the level of energy I feel like it wants to have. I've come to like it more over my last few listens, though. I think it's pretty good instrumentally and I do like the chorus.

For a song that is sort of inviting comparisons to The Call with its length and placement on the album, though, it doesn't quite measure up to the standard that's been set before.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 19, 2021, 05:43:37 PM
The comparison to The Call "makes no sense to me."  They are both track 1's. That is where the extreme similarities begin and end. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on September 19, 2021, 06:00:22 PM
The comparison, which I've seen in a couple of reviews, is that they're both long, proggy tracks to open the albumone a little shy of 9 minutes and other a little more than 10. That's pretty much where it begins and ends. I, at least, am not trying to imply that Do It All Again is The Call Part Two.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 19, 2021, 06:06:15 PM
Eh, that is the annoying things about prog reviewers.  It is always "this song sounds like that song" or "this song sounds like that band."  Granted, the band invites that with their constant "this is the Supertramp part" or "this is the Gentle Giant section," but you'd think reviewers could be a little more creative with their wording.  I mean, we might as well call A Love That Never Dies Part 2 of Broken Sky / Long Day (Reprise), right?  I mean, they are both the last song of a double concept album, both feature several of the main themes of their albums, both feature Eric singing the climax, and both are overly dramatic in a good way.  THEY ARE THE SAME, AMIRITE??

:P :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on September 20, 2021, 08:14:51 AM
02 - Bird on a Wire - I don't like anything here.

Favorite song on the entire work.  Everything about this song is perfect to me.

Quote
04 - Another Story to Tell - Reminds me of something I don't know what. Pretty cool and it has a kind of non-Nealmorseian vibe.
Me too!  The song before is pure Jellyfish but this song, particularly the intro, has a vibe that I struggle with too; the closest I can come is Chicago.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on September 20, 2021, 08:38:11 AM

01- Do It All Again - It has a great arrangement, a lot of interesting stuff... but I don't like the vocal lines and I hate the chorus. Unfortunately.


Regarding this, I know what you mean about the vocal lines.  I just haven't really connected with this song, and it hit me the other day that I do not like the verses at all.  It is just a clunky melody.  It doesn't happen often where I dislike a melody Neal sings, but it happened with that one.

How do you hate a chorus like this?  I can get you not liking the vocal lines but the chorus is excellent.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 20, 2021, 09:04:58 AM

01- Do It All Again - It has a great arrangement, a lot of interesting stuff... but I don't like the vocal lines and I hate the chorus. Unfortunately.


Regarding this, I know what you mean about the vocal lines.  I just haven't really connected with this song, and it hit me the other day that I do not like the verses at all.  It is just a clunky melody.  It doesn't happen often where I dislike a melody Neal sings, but it happened with that one.

How do you hate a chorus like this?  I can get you not liking the vocal lines but the chorus is excellent.

Hey now, that was Dedalus who said he hated the chorus. ;)

I like the chorus a lot.  I just do not care for the verses. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on September 20, 2021, 09:45:11 AM
Am I the only one who gets a Great Despair vibe from the first verse of The Way It Had to Be? There are a couple of moments where I feel like Eric is about to break into "And the master of indifference caught us blind and unaware..."
Pretty sure this song was an extra from the TGA sessions that didn't make the final cut. I noticed the similarities as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on September 20, 2021, 09:48:35 AM

Quote
04 - Another Story to Tell - Reminds me of something I don't know what. Pretty cool and it has a kind of non-Nealmorseian vibe.
Me too!  The song before is pure Jellyfish but this song, particularly the intro, has a vibe that I struggle with too; the closest I can come is Chicago.
Can't remember exactly where I heard this (guessing I heard this on the Making Of video), but I can remember Mike mentioning somewhere about a Supertramp-esque track on the album and assumed this is the one he was referring to.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on September 20, 2021, 10:14:35 AM

01- Do It All Again - It has a great arrangement, a lot of interesting stuff... but I don't like the vocal lines and I hate the chorus. Unfortunately.


Regarding this, I know what you mean about the vocal lines.  I just haven't really connected with this song, and it hit me the other day that I do not like the verses at all.  It is just a clunky melody.  It doesn't happen often where I dislike a melody Neal sings, but it happened with that one.

How do you hate a chorus like this?  I can get you not liking the vocal lines but the chorus is excellent.

Hey now, that was Dedalus who said he hated the chorus. ;)

I like the chorus a lot.  I just do not care for the verses.

I know. I just used you quoting to respond to him.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on September 20, 2021, 10:50:31 AM

01- Do It All Again - It has a great arrangement, a lot of interesting stuff... but I don't like the vocal lines and I hate the chorus. Unfortunately.


Regarding this, I know what you mean about the vocal lines.  I just haven't really connected with this song, and it hit me the other day that I do not like the verses at all.  It is just a clunky melody.  It doesn't happen often where I dislike a melody Neal sings, but it happened with that one.

How do you hate a chorus like this?  I can get you not liking the vocal lines but the chorus is excellent.

I think it's tacky (I really don't know if this term translates well into English what I mean).


Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on September 20, 2021, 10:54:18 AM

Quote
04 - Another Story to Tell - Reminds me of something I don't know what. Pretty cool and it has a kind of non-Nealmorseian vibe.
Me too!  The song before is pure Jellyfish but this song, particularly the intro, has a vibe that I struggle with too; the closest I can come is Chicago.

I'm not so familiar with Chicago. Of the American bands with place names only Kansas I know well.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on September 20, 2021, 11:02:57 AM

01- Do It All Again - It has a great arrangement, a lot of interesting stuff... but I don't like the vocal lines and I hate the chorus. Unfortunately.


Regarding this, I know what you mean about the vocal lines.  I just haven't really connected with this song, and it hit me the other day that I do not like the verses at all.  It is just a clunky melody.  It doesn't happen often where I dislike a melody Neal sings, but it happened with that one.

How do you hate a chorus like this?  I can get you not liking the vocal lines but the chorus is excellent.

I think it's tacky (I really don't know if this term translates well into English what I mean).

I just think it's weird because that is a staple chorus to a typical Neal Morse song.  Now the pre chorus with Bill singing seems a bit off to me and that I do understand.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on September 20, 2021, 12:29:28 PM

Quote
04 - Another Story to Tell - Reminds me of something I don't know what. Pretty cool and it has a kind of non-Nealmorseian vibe.
Me too!  The song before is pure Jellyfish but this song, particularly the intro, has a vibe that I struggle with too; the closest I can come is Chicago.
Can't remember exactly where I heard this (guessing I heard this on the Making Of video), but I can remember Mike mentioning somewhere about a Supertramp-esque track on the album and assumed this is the one he was referring to.
[/quote]

I can see that - I would say it's got a Supertramp, Chicago, Toto, maybe even a Steely Danish type of vibe.  Definitely a 70's feel.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 20, 2021, 01:22:40 PM
I like Bird On A Wire, probably the best tune on the album, and the only song to get stuck in my head from I&D so far.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on September 20, 2021, 01:28:38 PM

Quote
04 - Another Story to Tell - Reminds me of something I don't know what. Pretty cool and it has a kind of non-Nealmorseian vibe.
Me too!  The song before is pure Jellyfish but this song, particularly the intro, has a vibe that I struggle with too; the closest I can come is Chicago.
Can't remember exactly where I heard this (guessing I heard this on the Making Of video), but I can remember Mike mentioning somewhere about a Supertramp-esque track on the album and assumed this is the one he was referring to.

I can see that - I would say it's got a Supertramp, Chicago, Toto, maybe even a Steely Danish type of vibe.  Definitely a 70's feel.

agreed. in fact the whole of disc 1......cover aside......seems a close homage to AOR which is fine by me....AOR nut here, lol


[/quote]
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 20, 2021, 01:50:57 PM
04 - Another Story to Tell - Reminds me of something I don't know what. Pretty cool and it has a kind of non-Nealmorseian vibe.
Me too!  The song before is pure Jellyfish but this song, particularly the intro, has a vibe that I struggle with too; the closest I can come is Chicago.
Can't remember exactly where I heard this (guessing I heard this on the Making Of video), but I can remember Mike mentioning somewhere about a Supertramp-esque track on the album and assumed this is the one he was referring to.
I can see that - I would say it's got a Supertramp, Chicago, Toto, maybe even a Steely Danish type of vibe.  Definitely a 70's feel.
agreed. in fact the whole of disc 1......cover aside......seems a close homage to AOR which is fine by me....AOR nut here, lol

The completely demolished quote train was *really* bothering me, so I fixed it.

Just remember, if you're going to quote someone, make sure YOUR response is BELOW all the quote text, including the code "[ / q u o t e ]" (without spaces) just so everyone knows what everyone is saying, especially when people are quoting posts with multiple quotes in them.

To bring the post back on topic - I've kind of given I&D a bit of a rest this past week or so. Not that I dislike it, but I think I kind of over-Nealed myself in the lead-up to the release of I&D. I'm sure I'll spin it again over the next few weeks before the new Yes and DT albums coming out next month.

Count me among the few that, while I was initially perplexed by the ending of BTY, have come to enjoy the sudden ending to the song and what it means in context with the song itself. I definitely need to revisit both epics with the lyrics in front of me to appreciate them more, though. The songs on disc 1 are a bit more direct and catchy, which I like. I'm sure others would have liked a more mixed-up track sequence, but I don't mind them putting both epics at the very end. I wonder if people would have felt differently if they had indexed BTY into its seven sections/movements since the way songs/epics are presented can affect the response and opinions of listeners.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 20, 2021, 07:39:53 PM
Yeah, even though I really like most of I&D, I am not binging on it like I normally do with new Neal releases, and the simple reason is I am a bit burned out on Neal.  Don't get me wrong, him being prolific is a gift to fans, but it is like there is no let-up.  How can we miss him if he is never gone? :lol

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 20, 2021, 08:26:44 PM
Yeah, even though I really like most of I&D, I am not binging on it like I normally do with new Neal releases, and the simple reason is I am a bit burned out on Neal.  Don't get me wrong, him being prolific is a gift to fans, but it is like there is no let-up.  How can we miss him if he is never gone? :lol

I know! And now he has *another* project coming out next year, in addition to NMB and TA tours, and who knows, maybe Flying Colors will reconvene for a fourth album soon too! In the words of The Beatles - "It's all too much."

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 20, 2021, 08:53:39 PM
I have to admit that when I heard about the Neal, Nick and Ross thing, my immediate reaction was, "Oh jeez, another project?"
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on September 20, 2021, 08:57:24 PM
yea i'm skipping the new project don't really care actually, lol

besides as much as i love neal there's so much other music to sample.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on September 20, 2021, 09:45:01 PM
Yeah, even though I really like most of I&D, I am not binging on it like I normally do with new Neal releases, and the simple reason is I am a bit burned out on Neal.  Don't get me wrong, him being prolific is a gift to fans, but it is like there is no let-up.  How can we miss him if he is never gone? :lol

On the other hand, one day he really will be goneor, on a lighter note, perhaps retired from music. I figure if he really releases so much that I can't keep up with it (which he kind of does), it'll be nice to have more material to dig into that's fresh to me down the road.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ariich on September 21, 2021, 12:06:23 AM
I have to admit that when I heard about the Neal, Nick and Ross thing, my immediate reaction was, "Oh jeez, another project?"
I mean, I like all three of them and am friends with Ross, and even I had that same reaction. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on September 21, 2021, 09:32:11 AM
I cant see Neal of all people ever retiring from music altogether.  :lol

I could see him retiring from touring eventually and calling it a day with NMB, TA, and FC, and just doing simple singer/songwriter stuff, like Life & Times, for the rest of his days.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on September 21, 2021, 09:40:03 AM
I have to admit that when I heard about the Neal, Nick and Ross thing, my immediate reaction was, "Oh jeez, another project?"
I mean, I like all three of them and am friends with Ross, and even I had that same reaction. :lol

Heh, makes me glad that I have generally avoided Neals releases outside of FC and TA. Im looking forward to this project just because I love the thought of Neal and Nick together again, though I have my trepidation as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on September 21, 2021, 10:26:53 AM
I just watched "Alive Again" from the live video "ALIVE Again" and man, breathtaking.   I can do without the instrument switch (in that song; I LOVE it generally, though it's depressing that literally ALL FIVE are better guitarists than I am!) but the ending is just amazing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 21, 2021, 12:26:40 PM
Yeah, even though I really like most of I&D, I am not binging on it like I normally do with new Neal releases, and the simple reason is I am a bit burned out on Neal.  Don't get me wrong, him being prolific is a gift to fans, but it is like there is no let-up.  How can we miss him if he is never gone? :lol

On the other hand, one day he really will be goneor, on a lighter note, perhaps retired from music. I figure if he really releases so much that I can't keep up with it (which he kind of does), it'll be nice to have more material to dig into that's fresh to me down the road.

Very, very true.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on September 21, 2021, 02:40:09 PM
I can't get enough Neal Morse, so the more the merrier for me! :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 23, 2021, 07:45:14 AM
I just watched "Alive Again" from the live video "ALIVE Again" and man, breathtaking.   I can do without the instrument switch (in that song; I LOVE it generally, though it's depressing that literally ALL FIVE are better guitarists than I am!) but the ending is just amazing.
Been a while since I've seen it, but I agree with you.  I love that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 23, 2021, 08:55:37 AM
So the tickets I bought were for a weekend show, and the rescheduled date in February is a Tuesday, and I probably won't be able to make it then. When I bought the tix it said no refunds, but I should be able to get one with this extenuating circumstance, who do I email about it? TM or Radiant?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 24, 2021, 06:32:58 AM
Glancing at the Neal FB fan page (which can be brutal at times), it looks like the abrupt ending in Beyond the Years is still getting talked about a lot.  Many do not like it.   Probably not a good artistic decision when something like that is the thing getting discussed the most about your new album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on September 24, 2021, 06:37:53 AM
It's just such an odd choice for ending a long epic, and one that seems to have no deeper meaning than to confuse the listener and do something jarring. I haven't focused on any lyrics, but is there a lyrical reason that may justify it?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mebert78 on September 24, 2021, 07:00:53 AM
I saw MP say on Instagram that it was intended to be similar to the abrupt ending of "Pull Me Under."

I think it's a cool ending.  Life ends abruptly sometimes.  It gives me chills every time I hear it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on September 24, 2021, 07:20:20 AM
Glancing at the Neal FB fan page (which can be brutal at times), it looks like the abrupt ending in Beyond the Years is still getting talked about a lot.  Many do not like it.   Probably not a good artistic decision when something like that is the thing getting discussed the most about your new album.

Sometimes fans are the worst.   :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on September 24, 2021, 07:23:59 AM
I saw MP say on Instagram that it was intended to be similar to the abrupt ending of "Pull Me Under."

I think it's a cool ending.  Life ends abruptly sometimes.  It gives me chills every time I hear it.

Agreed. And that middle section-drifting through the years-when that Hammond starts, Bill sings and then Eric goes into the solo...I could listen to that on a loop for the rest of my life and never get tired of it. I put it up there with Wish You Were Here in terms of moving my heart and soul.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: me7 on September 24, 2021, 07:26:17 AM
I saw MP say on Instagram that it was intended to be similar to the abrupt ending of "Pull Me Under."

Y'know, I'm starting to see a lot of structural similarities between "Images and Words" and "Innocence & Danger"......
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 24, 2021, 08:51:22 AM
I saw MP say on Instagram that it was intended to be similar to the abrupt ending of "Pull Me Under."
Well, then it was a terrible idea, because it's already been done.

It's virtually the only blemish for me on the new album, but it's a HUGE one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on September 24, 2021, 09:01:30 AM
I like the ending of Beyond the years. They could have either faded it out or resolved it, but this is more original. I like to be surprised. It's also kind of a creepy theme musically, so it works to cut it off and make it a bit more scary. "Where did it go and will it come back to haunt me?"  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on September 24, 2021, 10:54:03 AM
I saw MP say on Instagram that it was intended to be similar to the abrupt ending of "Pull Me Under."
Well, then it was a terrible idea, because it's already been done.

It's virtually the only blemish for me on the new album, but it's a HUGE one.

ha, ha. I agree so I just faded it out on Audacity. :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mr.Mister on September 24, 2021, 10:55:23 AM
I saw MP say on Instagram that it was intended to be similar to the abrupt ending of "Pull Me Under."

I think it's a cool ending.  Life ends abruptly sometimes.  It gives me chills every time I hear it.

Agreed. And that middle section-drifting through the years-when that Hammond starts, Bill sings and then Eric goes into the solo...I could listen to that on a loop for the rest of my life and never get tired of it. I put it up there with Wish You Were Here in terms of moving my heart and soul.

Same here - although for me it's the part after the multi-vocals in the "Islands in the Sun" section. In a genre that overuses the word "epic" this section gives me goosebumps and an epic feeling. Neil's "more of you less of me" vocals after it's just the cherry on top.

I was bit turned off with the sudden stop at the end of the song but 1 sec won't change how much I enjoy the other 31mins... which BTW how is this song half hour long? It goes by so fast
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on September 24, 2021, 11:02:14 AM
Quite frankly, that's not the biggest problem with this song. It didn't need to be more than 30 minutes. It's a fine example of the exaggerations of the prog.

But there are great moments.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on September 24, 2021, 11:02:32 AM
yea the people on Neal's FB page are going crazy like they never heard an abrupt ending, lol.

myself i still think it's an anti-climax on an already confused and disjointed epic but what can ya do?

and BTW i still love the album but that epic.......misfire. at least there is Not Afraid Pt. 2.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on September 24, 2021, 01:44:51 PM
I like the ending of Beyond the years. They could have either faded it out or resolved it, but this is more original. I like to be surprised. It's also kind of a creepy theme musically, so it works to cut it off and make it a bit more scary. "Where did it go and will it come back to haunt me?"  ;D

Agreed, it's definitely a bit creepy, especially with the abrupt ending the way it is. It's grown on me for that very reason.
The entire epic is still digesting in my brain though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 24, 2021, 03:41:16 PM
Glancing at the Neal FB fan page (which can be brutal at times), it looks like the abrupt ending in Beyond the Years is still getting talked about a lot.  Many do not like it.   Probably not a good artistic decision when something like that is the thing getting discussed the most about your new album.

Sometimes fans are the worst.   :)

Sometimes, we really are.  :lol :lol

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on September 25, 2021, 08:00:14 AM
The abrupt ending in Beyond the Years doesn't bother me.  I kind of wanted that dumb keyboard riff at the end to just stop. The rest of the song was so epic leading up to that point,  and with that keyboard outro being cut off is kind of a "enough is enough" moment.   :lol

Btw, I'm really digging their version of Bridge Over Troubled Water. Very well done!   :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 25, 2021, 08:54:38 AM
Actually, even though I think doing it was a misstep, the abrupt ending doesn't bother me either.  As I have mentioned before, the instrumental section that kicks in around the 21-22 minute mark is the issue for me.  The first 21+ minutes of the song is pretty much perfect, but then we can get that random instrumental section, and even though the song transitions back to the main theme for the climax, it feels like the song never really gets back the momentum it had been building for over 20 minutes.  The climax is still really good (that's what she said), but it just doesn't feel as natural due to the several minute of randomness that preceded it.  Prog can sometimes eat itself, and that feels like one of those "throwing everything in there including the kitchen sink worked against the song" moments.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mebert78 on September 25, 2021, 09:29:12 PM
Looked back ar MP's comment on Instagram about the ending of "Beyond the Years." Basically, he said the intent was to let the orchestration loop hypnotically and then abruptly cut it to snap the listener back to reality. He compared it to the Beatles' Abbey Road and Pink Floyd's The Wall.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on September 26, 2021, 12:24:31 PM
I finally got my copy of innocence and Danger. I've listened to some of it on youtube allready, but when I listened to the whole album on cd it made a much bigger impact on me.  I loved it the whole way through and those guys are really cranking out some good music.  They have a great way of constructing songs that elevate to new heights as the song progresses. I like how they add more and more harmonies in the later part of the song and exclamation points in the instrumentation and drums.
I've realized the importance of Eric Gillette in this band, it's the equivalent of how Tommy Shaw is to Styx. Great vocals and guitar playing, with compositional skills.  Another thing I like about this album is it really showcased Randy's bass playing skills, he's a monster on the bass!  Bill really shines on this album too with they keys and vocals and acoustic piano.  Mike's drumming carries this album with great enthusiasm, and Neal is putting out some of his best performances of his career.
All I have to say is,, WHAT AN ALBUM!  Love the epics too.   :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ariich on September 26, 2021, 03:09:47 PM
Looked back ar MP's comment on Instagram about the ending of "Beyond the Years." Basically, he said the intent was to let the orchestration loop hypnotically and then abruptly cut it to snap the listener back to reality. He compared it to the Beatles' Abbey Road and Pink Floyd's The Wall.
That's fine in theory, but for me it would have worked vastly better had there been some sort of sound to snap it back. As it is, it just cuts out and sounds accidental.

It doesn't ruin the song or anything, but I'm not a fan of it at all.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on September 27, 2021, 09:00:52 AM
Quote
Excited to announce the theme of the MF21 Inner Circle concert Ive decided to revisit my first two solo albums, "Neal Morse" & "Its Not Too Late," with a setlist drawn from those two albums. Ill be joined by Bill Hubauer, Randy George, Philip Martin, and Wil Morse for some seldom heard songs which I know IC members will love! If you arent yet a member of the Inner Circle, you can join at www.nealmorse.com/#circle.

Details of how to access the show in person or online will follow soon.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on September 27, 2021, 12:48:35 PM
MinistroRaven is Neal? :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 27, 2021, 02:05:55 PM
MinistroRaven is Neal? :neverusethis:

 :mehlin

MinistroRaven just Copy-Pastes all news, and it can be a bitisleading, especially if it's not in a quote block, or linked to a source.

But yes, MinistroRaven is Neal.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on September 27, 2021, 02:08:29 PM
MinistroRaven is Neal? :neverusethis:

We've never seen both in the same room, so...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on September 27, 2021, 02:08:46 PM
MinistroRaven is Neal? :neverusethis:

 :mehlin

MinistroRaven just Copy-Pastes all news, and it can be a bitisleading, especially if it's not in a quote block, or linked to a source.

But yes, MinistroRaven is Neal.

-Marc.

Neal, would love to be me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on September 27, 2021, 02:09:55 PM
MinistroRaven is Neal? :neverusethis:

We've never seen both in the same room, so...

haha, wrong!

(https://i.ibb.co/hf6zgLG/Jorge-Pozo-and-TA-BAND1.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 27, 2021, 02:31:41 PM
Sup Neal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on September 27, 2021, 02:34:11 PM
MinistroRaven is Neal? :neverusethis:

We've never seen both in the same room, so...

haha, wrong!

(https://i.ibb.co/hf6zgLG/Jorge-Pozo-and-TA-BAND1.jpg)

1. That's awesome :hefdaddy

2. Which one is the real Mike? :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on September 28, 2021, 03:05:58 AM
I honestly do not have any problem with Beyond the Years, though my preference does lie with the initial 20 minutes or so.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on September 28, 2021, 06:34:09 AM
Gonna be extremely hard for anything to top this in 2021. Every listen gets better. The combination of vocals really works. Eric's playing is phenomenal. And every day a different song speaks to me. Today it's Not Afraid pt 1.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on September 28, 2021, 09:22:00 AM
Eric's playing is phenomenal.

Agreed 10000% In fact, while I haven't heard the new DT album it'll be tough for JP to top what Eric has done on this album. I say that for two reasons. Eric is in his 'prime' right now, he's feeling it and just ripping out incredible stuff. And, while JP is JP and is utterly incredible.....I have a feeling I already know what I'm going to hear from him. 35+ years of creating music....there's not a lot left 'new' that JP is going to hit me with. It's all going to sound like something he's done before.

If you haven't seen Eric's youtube page I'd suggest you take a peek at it. He's posted some of his solo practicing for the album on it and it just reinforces what a beast he is.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 28, 2021, 09:35:46 AM
That may all be true.  But serious question here:  Why does an artist have to do something "new" for his/her work to be "better" than another artist's? 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on September 28, 2021, 09:45:24 AM
That may all be true.  But serious question here:  Why does an artist have to do something "new" for his/her work to be "better" than another artist's?

Maybe it's not necessary to do something new to be better.....and my better is different from your better, this is all subjective obviously. Using these two guys as an example like I did.....I just find Eric's recent output (SOAD, TGA, I&D) more compelling and interesting than JPs. Now, Terminal Velocity was JP's best stuff in years IMO just because it was solely focused on him but it was still in that JP style and sound that he's created over his career. It is what it is and he sounds fantastic! It's all incredible music. I'm just really digging listening to and watching Eric grow into an amazing guitarist.

 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 28, 2021, 10:00:49 AM
I love Eric's stuff as well, but I mean, his style and sound are very derivative of Petrucci, down even to the guitar he plays.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on September 28, 2021, 10:29:52 AM
I love Eric's stuff as well, but I mean, his style and sound are very derivative of Petrucci, down even to the guitar he plays.

Yeah, I was going to say the same exact thing. Eric is a great player, but there's no doubt he's eaten Petrucci solos for breakfast for years and years. When I listen to him, I don't go "wow, what a great, unique player he is!", I go "yeah, he sounds a lot like JP".

Also, listening to I&D, it became very evident that they just follow the "there's a epic ending here so Eric has to play a solo over it" formula and it's getting tired/stale. And some of those solos sound very similar to the stuff he's already done on Similitude and Great Adventure.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on September 28, 2021, 10:38:50 AM
Gonna be extremely hard for anything to top this in 2021. Every listen gets better. The combination of vocals really works. Eric's playing is phenomenal. And every day a different song speaks to me. Today it's Not Afraid pt 1.
I'm really digging Not Afraid pt 1 too - good stuff!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on September 28, 2021, 10:48:03 AM
That may all be true.  But serious question here:  Why does an artist have to do something "new" for his/her work to be "better" than another artist's?

Maybe it's not necessary to do something new to be better.....and my better is different from your better, this is all subjective obviously. Using these two guys as an example like I did.....I just find Eric's recent output (SOAD, TGA, I&D) more compelling and interesting than JPs. Now, Terminal Velocity was JP's best stuff in years IMO just because it was solely focused on him but it was still in that JP style and sound that he's created over his career. It is what it is and he sounds fantastic! It's all incredible music. I'm just really digging listening to and watching Eric grow into an amazing guitarist.
I wouldn't say anyone is "better" (they're both incredible guitarist) -  but as others have pointed out, there would be no Eric (stylistically speaking) if there was no JP before him.  He's obviously Eric's biggest influence.  And yes, on Terminal Velocity, JP is a total beast.  For my preference, both can totally shred, but I much prefer JP's sense of melody and his tone.  Don't get me wrong, I'm also a big fan of Eric (like his vocals too)!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on September 28, 2021, 12:46:50 PM
I love Eric's stuff as well, but I mean, his style and sound are very derivative of Petrucci, down even to the guitar he plays.

Yeah, I was going to say the same exact thing. Eric is a great player, but there's no doubt he's eaten Petrucci solos for breakfast for years and years. When I listen to him, I don't go "wow, what a great, unique player he is!", I go "yeah, he sounds a lot like JP".

Also, listening to I&D, it became very evident that they just follow the "there's a epic ending here so Eric has to play a solo over it" formula and it's getting tired/stale. And some of those solos sound very similar to the stuff he's already done on Similitude and Great Adventure.

I&D is still my album of the year, so far, withstanding the crucial onslaught of the new Maiden.   The complaints of "stale" just don't resonate with me.  No, this isn't a cool jazz record, nor an EDM record, but there are enough moments, in genre, that arrange the pieces in a way that emotionally make this more than just a recycling.   

Eric is very good, but he's not replacing Blackmore, Rhoades, Schenker and Gilmour on my Mt. Rushmore.  He's a great team player, but I don't think he plays the same role in the NMB that Petrooch plays in DT.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 28, 2021, 01:09:05 PM
I think the album is fantastic.

Also, Eric is the nicest guy ever.  Super humble and gracious.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on September 28, 2021, 06:33:01 PM
From MP FB page:

Quote
Neal Morse has been posting continuing coverage of all of the members of NMB rehearsing individually for the upcoming MorseFestheres a clip of me preparing for the shows (as I have for most of the past year): https://youtu.be/WxBhNJCXi7k
Get your MF21 live or virtual tickets here: https://www.nealmorse.com/product-category/morsefest/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on September 29, 2021, 02:38:43 AM
From MP FB page:

Quote
Neal Morse has been posting continuing coverage of all of the members of NMB rehearsing individually for the upcoming MorseFestheres a clip of me preparing for the shows (as I have for most of the past year): https://youtu.be/WxBhNJCXi7k

   :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on September 29, 2021, 02:49:38 AM
I think the album is fantastic.

Also, Eric is the nicest guy ever.  Super humble and gracious.

Also his second solo album "The Great Unknown" is just excellent!  He's a monster musician,  not only a incredible guitarist, but great on keyboards, drums, bass, and a awesome singer.  He's also savy as an engineer and producer.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on September 29, 2021, 06:24:27 AM
I think the album is fantastic.

Also, Eric is the nicest guy ever.  Super humble and gracious.

Also his second solo album "The Great Unknown" is just excellent!  He's a monster musician,  not only a incredible guitarist, but great on keyboards, drums, bass, and a awesome singer.  He's also savy as an engineer and producer.

Thanks for the tip, Jaci!   :) :) :)


(I'm kidding; it's a joke.)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on September 29, 2021, 10:06:08 AM
I think the album is fantastic.

Also, Eric is the nicest guy ever.  Super humble and gracious.

Also his second solo album "The Great Unknown" is just excellent!  He's a monster musician,  not only a incredible guitarist, but great on keyboards, drums, bass, and a awesome singer.  He's also savy as an engineer and producer.

Thanks for the tip, Jaci!   :) :) :)


(I'm kidding; it's a joke.)

 :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on September 29, 2021, 03:35:28 PM
I think the album is fantastic.

Also, Eric is the nicest guy ever.  Super humble and gracious.

Also his second solo album "The Great Unknown" is just excellent!  He's a monster musician,  not only a incredible guitarist, but great on keyboards, drums, bass, and a awesome singer.  He's also savy as an engineer and producer.

Thanks for the tip, Jaci!   :) :) :)


(I'm kidding; it's a joke.)

 :lol :biggrin: :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on September 29, 2021, 04:03:37 PM
Blabbermouth: Drama in NMB as Neal makes post on DreamTheaterForums.org laughing at Jaci's expense!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 30, 2021, 07:12:53 AM
lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on September 30, 2021, 11:50:46 AM
Ok after listening to the album two times the whole way through, it is great except for one cringeworthy part..
"I  LOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVE YOU"        :facepalm:  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on September 30, 2021, 12:41:35 PM
I think that chorus is great!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on September 30, 2021, 05:56:55 PM
Yeah, that chorus is one of my favorite parts! :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on October 01, 2021, 02:25:45 AM
I love that chorus too. One of the best choruses Neal has written in the last years. And that's saying something!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on October 01, 2021, 04:50:28 AM
Bird On A Wire has probably my favorite chorus on the album,  and perhaps the highest energy of all the songs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 01, 2021, 08:35:08 AM
Tried listening to this album for the first time yesterday after my initial listen to Maiden.  Just couldn't get excited about it after Senjutsu.  I liked some of what I heard, but I need to give it time when I'm not in a metal mood. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 02, 2021, 01:27:03 PM
I love both, but it's tough to switch back and forth, for sure.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 03, 2021, 07:05:49 AM
Looks like the alternate track list for the new album was as listed below (confirmed by Mike Portnoy):

Disc 1:
1 Not Afraid Part 2
2 Bird on a Wire
3 Emergence
4 I'm Not Afraid Part 1
5 Another Story to Tell
6 The Way It Had to Be

Disc 2:
1 Do It Again
2 Your Place in the Sun
3 Bridge over Troubled Water
4 Beyond the Years

I will have to try that one and see how it works, as I am on record as thinking it would have worked a lot better to not put the epics back to back on the actual release, so this might work a lot better.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on October 03, 2021, 10:22:11 AM
Looks like the alternate track list for the new album was as listed below (confirmed by Mike Portnoy):

Disc 1:
1 Not Afraid Part 2
2 Bird on a Wire
3 Emergence
4 I'm Not Afraid Part 1
5 Another Story to Tell
6 The Way It Had to Be

Disc 2:
1 Do It Again
2 Your Place in the Sun
3 Bridge over Troubled Water
4 Beyond the Years

I will have to try that one and see how it works, as I am on record as thinking it would have worked a lot better to not put the epics back to back on the actual release, so this might work a lot better.

This looks good. I would have liked to see the two epic a little more apart on the record.

By the way, I think the band could have trimmed the fat off this album a little. They always said they didn't want to make another double album but didn't know what to cut out. In my opinion, here's what they should have left on the album:

Not Afraid 2
Emergence
Not Afraid 1
Bridge
Do It All Again
Bird On A Wire
Beyond The Years

(not necessarily in this order)

Makes 83 minutes. A little trimming here and there to make it 80 minutes (worst case cut out Emergence) and you have a KILLER 1 disc (or 2LP) Neal Morse album (NMB album, sorry Jacy!!). Songs like Your Place and Another Story could have easily landed on a bonus disc. They're not bad but I really don't need pop songs like these on one of Neal Morse's prog albums. And The Way It Had To Be just doesn't work for me. One of the band's weakest ballads. It's relying far too much on that Im7-IV7 chord progression from Dark Side Of The Moon and Bill's bridge around 4:30 just doesn't fit the setting in my opinion.

Wow I'm sounding like I don't like this album. I do though! I think it's a brilliant album and Not Afraid 2 is one of Neal's best epics ever (only has that one tiny flaw where the flow isn't continued around 8 minutes but broken up to make space for the Mystery Man part). I just think a producer looking over the band's shoulder suggesting things like the above would elevate this band even more!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 03, 2021, 10:27:56 AM
Definitely could have trimmed things down.
They could have put the songs cut out on a bonus disc, maybe record a couple extra cover tunes or include a couple of live tracks.
As is, it's still one of Neal's best albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on October 03, 2021, 10:34:25 AM
I really disagree with the idea that the tracklist needed to be changed or shortened. I think the album is excellent as-is, and the flow is really good. Even having the two epics back-to-back at the end, which I was hesitant about when the album was announced, works perfectly.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 03, 2021, 11:30:42 AM
I cannot get on board with any edit of the album that eliminates The Way It Had to Be, which might end up being my favorite song from it.   And I am not a fan of automatically calling any slower/mellow song a ballad, and I would not call that one a ballad.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on October 03, 2021, 11:42:23 AM
Just the cover is skipable in my eyes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on October 03, 2021, 11:51:55 AM
I cannot get on board with any edit of the album that eliminates The Way It Had to Be, which might end up being my favorite song from it.   And I am not a fan of automatically calling any slower/mellow song a ballad, and I would not call that one a ballad.

Yeah, it's definitely not a ballad. And while it's not among my favorites on the album, I think it's good, and I can't really picture anything else coming after Another Story to Tell.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on October 03, 2021, 01:05:21 PM
I would have just cut out Emergence and Bridge Over Troubled Waters (it's a good cover, but certainly not necessary on a NMB album of original material) and maybe cut a little of the fat off of Beyond the Years.  Other than that, I'm loving all the tunes
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on October 04, 2021, 04:14:21 AM
I cannot get on board with any edit of the album that eliminates The Way It Had to Be, which might end up being my favorite song from it.   And I am not a fan of automatically calling any slower/mellow song a ballad, and I would not call that one a ballad.

I've read that a lot of people love this tune. That's totally fine, I just don't understand that at all  ;)
But you're right, not every quiet song is a ballad. However, in this case, it is a ballad imo.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 04, 2021, 06:36:38 AM

Makes 83 minutes. A little trimming here and there to make it 80 minutes (worst case cut out Emergence) and you have a KILLER 1 disc (or 2LP) Neal Morse album (NMB album, sorry Jacy!!). Songs like Your Place and Another Story could have easily landed on a bonus disc. They're not bad but I really don't need pop songs like these on one of Neal Morse's prog albums. And The Way It Had To Be just doesn't work for me. One of the band's weakest ballads. It's relying far too much on that Im7-IV7 chord progression from Dark Side Of The Moon and Bill's bridge around 4:30 just doesn't fit the setting in my opinion.

Wow I'm sounding like I don't like this album. I do though! I think it's a brilliant album and Not Afraid 2 is one of Neal's best epics ever (only has that one tiny flaw where the flow isn't continued around 8 minutes but broken up to make space for the Mystery Man part). I just think a producer looking over the band's shoulder suggesting things like the above would elevate this band even more!

Not to argue, but to just present an alternate viewpoint, since "taste", but this album is perfect the way it is.  Meaning, it's not perfect, but what might be "wrong" with it is not the song selection.   For me, epic after epic after epic gets tedious.   I listened to the album without knowing the songs or when the songs started/ended, and for me it really flowed nicely as a result.  And maybe it's me and my age/place in life, but those songs that sort of have a look back over the shoulder REALLY resonate with me.  I think this is an album that isn't made by men who are young anymore and are writing about that.   I'm not really 100% down with the religious aspect of Neal's lyrics - I usually search for a more secular allegory in his songs (Supernatural: that to me is about love; Alive Again:  that to me is about overcoming adversity and coming out of a dark period in your life) - and this album is probably his best at taking something that could be very religious in nature and making it more universal.   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 05, 2021, 06:18:59 AM
I cannot get on board with any edit of the album that eliminates The Way It Had to Be, which might end up being my favorite song from it.   And I am not a fan of automatically calling any slower/mellow song a ballad, and I would not call that one a ballad.

Yeah, it's definitely not a ballad. And while it's not among my favorites on the album, I think it's good, and I can't really picture anything else coming after Another Story to Tell.

Agreed. The transition from Another Story to Tell into The Way It Used to Be is masterful.  Most of the album does not have transitions (most of them begin and end without any transition or fade into the next song), but doing that with those two was a very wise decision.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on October 05, 2021, 12:31:05 PM
To me Not Afraid (1) should be the only Not Afraid. It's clearly the dominant lyric in the chorus. The big epic Not Afraid 2 could have a different title.

And no, not "I Love You"...don't worry.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on October 05, 2021, 12:58:28 PM
To me Not Afraid (1) should be the only Not Afraid. It's clearly the dominant lyric in the chorus. The big epic Not Afraid 2 could have a different title.

And no, not "I Love You"...don't worry.

Not "Mistery Man" either :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on October 05, 2021, 01:40:15 PM
I didn't think it would ever be possible for a NM album to top Testimony and One, but I think this album does. The only song I don't love is the cover. The rest is perfection.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on October 05, 2021, 01:52:12 PM
Tried listening to this album for the first time yesterday after my initial listen to Maiden.  Just couldn't get excited about it after Senjutsu.  I liked some of what I heard, but I need to give it time when I'm not in a metal mood.
Oh completely!  These albums are two different beasts but both excellent.  Let the novelty of the Maiden album settle down a bit,  then you can fully appreciate the NMB album.  I've been going back and forth between the two this last week especially, but on different days with different beer.
Perhaps next I'll try listening to both albums back to back to see if I come out normal.  Sounds like a grand experiment to me.    😁🤯
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on October 05, 2021, 01:55:40 PM
The only song I don't love is the cover. The rest is perfection.
I think the cover is quite amazing,  even the drum fill at the end!  💯💪
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 08, 2021, 03:47:59 PM
Morsefest this weekend!

SPOILERS

DAY 1:

I am not there, but my older brother went.  He is never good at remembering set lists, but it sounds like most or all of the first disc from the new album was played, along with Staring at the Sun, Revelation and some kind of medley featuring songs from Similitude and The Great Adventure.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on October 08, 2021, 04:07:54 PM
I don't wanna spoil anything for the Morsefest streamers, but I came down to TN last night... and blew a tire on the way😡

Looked like I wasn't gonna make the show, but reeeeeally lucked out with traffic and the NTB tire place I went to in West Virginia. Made it for the second hour. It was AWESOME. And VERY MUCH looking forward to tomorrow's show
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 08, 2021, 04:22:31 PM
I don't wanna spoil anything for the Morsefest streamers, but I came down to TN last night... and blew a tire on the way😡

Looked like I wasn't gonna make the show, but reeeeeally lucked out with traffic and the NTB tire place I went to in West Virginia. Made it for the second hour. It was AWESOME. And VERY MUCH looking forward to tomorrow's show

Nice!!  :hat :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on October 08, 2021, 06:42:37 PM
Morsefest this weekend!

SPOILERS

DAY 1:

I am not there, but my older brother went.  He is never good at remembering set lists, but it sounds like most or all of the first disc from the new album was played, along with Staring at the Sun, Revelation and some kind of medley featuring songs from Similitude and The Great Adventure.

Staring At The Sun as in the U2 song? Or Solid As The Sun from Question Mark? Revelation is a great song thats been ignored for much too long.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 08, 2021, 07:19:11 PM
Distance to the Sun. Oops.  :lol :lol

I will be curious to see the actual set list to see what songs from Similitude and The Great Adventure were actually played (assuming a set list poster doesn't get lazy and just call it a medley without identifying what songs were played).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on October 08, 2021, 09:01:31 PM
Kinda wish I hadn't gone for the stream-fest.  Streaming issue after issue.  Ended up watching some of it on the  small computer screen with headphones.  But I can stream anything all day long and this is the first thing I've had issues with.  And then less than two hours and no encore?  I mean I get it, there's another concert tomorrow night.  Overall just a disappointment for me.  Oh well, wasn't a huge cost investment.  Only reason I went for it was the cost seemed reasonable this year for the virtual tickets.

At least for tomorrow I have my expectations lowered and will just plan on watching on the computer instead of large screen tv and "it is what it is" lol.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 08, 2021, 09:46:49 PM
Yeah, it seems like the Morsefest shows are getting shorter yet more expensive.   I am sure tomorrow night's show will be long, with all of the epics, but it used to be that both nights were long shows.  Seems like night 1 is getting shorter and shorter every year. My brother said today's show was 1 hour and 45 minutes.  The first Morsefest I went to was 2017, and night 1 was right around 2 1/2 hours (and much cheaper!!).

Still curious to see what epics get played tomorrow aside from the two new ones.  I think the Healing Colors suite is a good bet if they bust out a Spock's song from the Neal years that has not been played yet at a Morsefest.   I believe the only other long epics/suites from the Neal years as yet un-played are The Water (won't get played for obvious reasons, unless they figure out a way to play it with leaving the one section out), Time Has Come (probably too much of an oddball song) and Flow (feels like too much of an Al song to play without him). 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on October 08, 2021, 09:54:50 PM
Stream was GREAT for me and the set list was spot on. The SOAD/TGA medley WAS an encore. Yes, the show lasted 1:45 which seems a bit short but considering what is on tap for 2moro night, I was completely fine with it. The acoustic spot in the show was AMAZING!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on October 08, 2021, 09:59:10 PM
Yeah, it seems like the Morsefest shows are getting shorter yet more expensive.   I am sure tomorrow night's show will be long, with all of the epics, but it used to be that both nights were long shows.  Seems like night 1 is getting shorter and shorter every year. My brother said today's show was 1 hour and 45 minutes.  The first Morsefest I went to was 2017, and night 1 was right around 2 1/2 hours (and much cheaper!!).

Still curious to see what epics get played tomorrow aside from the two new ones.  I think the Healing Colors suite is a good bet if they bust out a Spock's song from the Neal years that has not been played yet at a Morsefest.   I believe the only other long epics/suites from the Neal years as yet un-played are The Water (won't get played for obvious reasons, unless they figure out a way to play it with leaving the one section out), Time Has Come (probably too much of an oddball song) and Flow (feels like too much of an Al song to play without him).

Yeah I'm sure I'll like tomorrow better.  I'm all about the epics and would take them over the short songs any day.  I'm mostly bitter about the streaming issues.  I suppose I may have been spoiled that the 3 nights of Morsefest I've been too have been the two nights of first Morsefest, and then the musical thing, so I wasn't used to the "shorter" set list.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on October 08, 2021, 10:27:39 PM
Night 1 is on Setlist.fm already: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-neal-morse-band/2021/new-life-fellowship-cross-plains-tn-2b8d30fe.html
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on October 09, 2021, 07:37:34 AM
It's like take out food or fast food these days.

The burgers keep getting smaller, but they keep increasing the price.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 09, 2021, 12:47:24 PM
Night 1 is on Setlist.fm already: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-neal-morse-band/2021/new-life-fellowship-cross-plains-tn-2b8d30fe.html

Dammit.  One of the things I love so much about Mike Portnoy - and by extension Neal Morse - is that there are SO many moments where it seems they are thinking exactly what I'm thinking.    I got the references to Abbey Road when I heard Suite Charlotte Pike, and so to hear the live version was like "uh, huh! I saw that coming!".   There are others, but now "Breathe" at the end of "The Way It Had To Be"?  C'mon, man.  It's gettin creepy! :) :) :)   Not that I saw that coming per se, but TWIHTB is so Floydian to me it's a perfect fit.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on October 09, 2021, 03:09:50 PM
From what I can gather, the first night is supposed to resemble the Innocence side of the album, in that it only contains shorter songs. Now, Neal does have a bunch of fantastic short songs, so every one of us could point out a handful of tracks that should have been there, but still, that's one solid set list.

I am however looking forward to seeing the set list on the Danger night. Since it is only supposed to contain long songs, World without end is due for a comeback.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on October 09, 2021, 03:17:32 PM
From what I can gather, the first night is supposed to resemble the Innocence side of the album, in that it only contains shorter songs. Now, Neal does have a bunch of fantastic short songs, so every one of us could point out a handful of tracks that should have been there, but still, that's one solid set list.

I am however looking forward to seeing the set list on the Danger night. Since it is only supposed to contain long songs, World without end is due for a comeback.
Interested in tonights set list as well.  I think you're right about World Without End.  I believe Neal posted a clip of him practicing part of The Light - so I think there's a good chance that will get played as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on October 09, 2021, 04:12:44 PM
I think Alive Again will definitely appear since it's NMB's only other epic and it hasn't been played at Morsefest as far as I know.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on October 09, 2021, 04:22:20 PM
I thinking World Without End, Healing Colours, Alive Again, and the new epics. Id love to see something like Time Has Come make a random appearance
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on October 09, 2021, 05:46:29 PM
Tonight's MF was great! Longer than last night, which I appreciated, but I didn't feel cheated last night.

I also see some really good guesses in here! :tup  ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on October 09, 2021, 06:00:18 PM
Managed to get the files for night 1 and the IC concert, watching right now.

 :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on October 09, 2021, 10:42:58 PM
Tonight was simply INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 09, 2021, 10:57:19 PM
Looking at the setlist on setlist.fm now and it looks like it was about 150 minutes of music tonight? Being just six songs, it definitely feels like a night with Transatlantic, but just without Transatlantic.  :lol

I really hope Neal is willing to release Morsefest 2021 as a physical product, unlike Morsefest 2020. I would love to get it on CD/BD, especially seeing the second night's setlist. I hope everyone who attended/streamed enjoyed themselves!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on October 10, 2021, 01:54:47 AM
If I saw a Neal Morse concert and this was the set list, I would have been thrilled. Swap Alive again with Seeds of gold or one of the Sola scriptura epics, and it hardly gets better.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 10, 2021, 05:47:40 AM
I didn't see the actual set list posted here yet, so here ya go:

Not Afraid, Part 2
The Separated Man
Flow
World Without End
Beyond the Years
Alive Again

That is pretty insane.  Came in at around 2 hours and 45 minutes, according to my brother.  It would be a shame if a show with that set list isn't actually released for the general public to buy on DVD or Blu-ray (at this time, the only people who can buy the video are people who attended the concert), but I am not counting on it.  And it goes without saying that a set list of that length and with those songs more than makes up for Friday's shorter show.

I saw on FB that Portnoy said he wanted to do Time Has Come, but Neal wanted Flow.  I like Time Has Come, but Flow was definitely the better choice. Portnoy also added that he has more of an appreciation for Flow after playing it, as he was not a big fan of it before.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on October 10, 2021, 06:35:57 AM
I didn't see the actual set list posted here yet, so here ya go:

Not Afraid, Part 2
The Separated Man
Flow
World Without End
Beyond the Years
Alive Again

That is pretty insane.  Came in at around 2 hours and 45 minutes, according to my brother.  It would be a shame if a show with that set list isn't actually released for the general public to buy on DVD or Blu-ray (at this time, the only people who can buy the video are people who attended the concert), but I am not counting on it.  And it goes without saying that a set list of that length and with those songs more than makes up for Friday's shorter show.

I saw on FB that Portnoy said he wanted to do Time Has Come, but Neal wanted Flow.  I like Time Has Come, but Flow was definitely the better choice. Portnoy also added that he has more of an appreciation for Flow after playing it, as he was not a big fan of it before.

Great setlist. Flow is a good oddball choice that nobody probably expected, and it leaves the door open for them to potentially do Time Has Come next year. Neal's song choices from his first two solo albums were great too. I always get disappointed to see those albums be ignored when he's doing solo shows.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on October 10, 2021, 08:17:49 AM
It was a great setlist!  Beyond the Years was the highlight for me, just because it's still new(ish) and I'm still really into it.  Glad Neal chose Flow over Time Has Come.  The Separated Man was a nice surprise, too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on October 10, 2021, 08:19:56 AM
I agree that Flow is a better choice than Time has come.  :tup

I still can't get over that setlist. It's incredible.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 10, 2021, 08:31:36 AM
I still think The Separated Man might be the best song from Neal's solo records, so glad to see that one getting some love again.

I like Time Has Come a lot, but Flow is definitely better.   I consider Flow a top 5 Spock's song along with The Light, The Doorway, At the End of the Day and Jaws of Heaven.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on October 10, 2021, 09:10:02 AM
I watched the livestreams last night and Friday night, plus the IC show yesterday.

1st night was great. All the new songs sounded great, plus a couple surprises like Revelation and The Way Home. The TSOAD/TGA Medley was cool but I would have preferred a few deep cuts rather than songs that have been played before at MF. It was a great show all around though.

The IC show was great background music  :lol It was all songs from Neal's first two albums, which I've never payed much attention to, plus a few covers. I'm sure this will be an IC release some time next year.

2nd night setlist was incredible! I figured the two I&D epics, plus Alive Again and World Without End would be played. I was expecting Healing Colors of Sound if they were gonna do an SB epic, but Flow was a nice surprise. Separated Man was great as always. And they played that whole set all the way through with no intermission!

All this has me very excited for MF22 in April, but it also has me wondering what's left in Neal's catalog to cover at future Morsefests.

In the IC letter for March of this year, Neal said:
Quote
It remains to be seen how many more years we will be able to do Morsefest at New Life Fellowship, the church we've been having it all these years, as it is possible the owners could sell it.
So who knows when/where/if MF23 will happen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on October 10, 2021, 09:48:20 AM
Yeah, someone in the NM facebook group posted a picture of a For Sale sign up on the church property this weekend.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 10, 2021, 10:21:30 AM
Not related to NM, and maybe it's having been brought up as a Roman Catholic, but "selling a church" has always bewildered me.   It just seems like one of those things you don't "sell".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 10, 2021, 10:22:48 AM
All this has me very excited for MF22 in April, but it also has me wondering what's left in Neal's catalog to cover at future Morsefests.

In the IC letter for March of this year, Neal said:
Quote
It remains to be seen how many more years we will be able to do Morsefest at New Life Fellowship, the church we've been having it all these years, as it is possible the owners could sell it.
So who knows when/where/if MF23 will happen.

Considering that Neal has played almost all of his solo albums and (nearly) all of the NMB albums live at Morsefest over the last 8 years, I really am not sure what else he could do, especially after a Transatlantic Morsefest (which will likely be a very definitive TA Morsefest). I suppose if Flying Colors releases a fourth album, they could have a FC Morsefest weekend and play almost all of their material over two nights of shows. Neal could also do another SB Morsefest and revisit SB songs he hasn't played at Morsefest yet, or do whole albums (like Beware Of Darkness and V, two of my favorites).

But at this point, if you've been to/seen/bought physical media of the eight Morsefest shows, you've seen nearly everything Neal has had to offer in his career. I'm not sure what else he could do, or even would want to do, after Morsefest 2022. Guess we will wait and see!

Regarding last night's show, can anyone say they ended "Beyond The Years" live? I'm curious as to whether or not they played it like on the album (since they have a live string section), or if it was a big epic finish with the full band.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 10, 2021, 11:36:21 AM
I assume a potential sale would not affect Morsefest 2022, correct? 

Thinking ahead to the NMB tour, I think seeing what they played over these two shows gives a good indication of what they'll play then.  I could see the set list consisting of a lot of what was played night 1 and then the two new epics from night 2.  Hopefully, Revelation and The Way Home, which I thought were unimpressive selections given what they had to choose from (good shorter songs from the Neal catalogue that had yet to be played at a Morsefest), are not played, and Waterfall remains a part of the acoustic set with Not Afraid, Part 1.  I like Distance to the Sun, but if the acoustic set on the tour is just two songs, Waterfall and Not Afraid, Part 1 is the way to go, IMO. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on October 10, 2021, 11:50:08 AM
Im thinking they do the entire I&D minus Bridge Over Troubled Water and Emergence, Waterfall, Alive Again, and some kind of Similitude/Great Adventure Medley. I cant imagine theyd stick any of the SB songs in with the limited time they have.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on October 10, 2021, 11:55:44 AM
Time Has Come is easily one of my least favorite Neal era SB songs. Its almost a total train wreck! Flow on the other hand is totally brilliant.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on October 10, 2021, 02:18:12 PM
Great set list!  The only song that is slightly surprising to me is The Separated Man (in a good way as I too love that song) - just because it was already played during the first Morsefest.  If they release this on DVD/BD I'd definitely be a first day buyer!  In a somewhat related note, Beyond the Years has grown on me big-time!  So much good stuff packed into that Epic.  I'm even starting to enjoy and appreciate that crazy instrumental section now -  as it does provide some tension that gets resolved with the ending of the song.  I also really enjoy Bill's vocals on this and both of Eric's guitar solos are absolutely rippin - Great Stuff!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on October 10, 2021, 03:15:32 PM
Not related to NM, and maybe it's having been brought up as a Roman Catholic, but "selling a church" has always bewildered me.   It just seems like one of those things you don't "sell".

It happens with some frequency depending on the denomination/type of church. Churches outgrow their space and move or build new buildings (or more sadly the neighborhood changes and they dont want to be there anymore). Sometimes they close altogether and have to sell the property.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on October 11, 2021, 04:01:22 AM
Regarding last night's show, can anyone say they ended "Beyond The Years" live? I'm curious as to whether or not they played it like on the album (since they have a live string section), or if it was a big epic finish with the full band.
It was both - the band played to an eventual ending like how all fade-outs wrap up live, and a couple of seconds later the strings came back in and played that outro to an abrupt stopping point like on the album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on October 11, 2021, 06:56:21 AM
Not related to NM, and maybe it's having been brought up as a Roman Catholic, but "selling a church" has always bewildered me.   It just seems like one of those things you don't "sell".

This has become a very common thing in the Netherlands (and I bet similar in surrounding countries). If no one is using them, it becomes impossible to maintain them and pay for them. The fate of such a building varies wildly. Usually they are repurposed for something else.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 11, 2021, 07:19:15 AM
Not related to NM, and maybe it's having been brought up as a Roman Catholic, but "selling a church" has always bewildered me.   It just seems like one of those things you don't "sell".

It happens with some frequency depending on the denomination/type of church. Churches outgrow their space and move or build new buildings (or more sadly the neighborhood changes and they dont want to be there anymore). Sometimes they close altogether and have to sell the property.
Or there could be that old standby, a split caused by a doctrinal issue.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 11, 2021, 07:23:25 PM
Im thinking they do the entire I&D minus Bridge Over Troubled Water and Emergence, Waterfall, Alive Again, and some kind of Similitude/Great Adventure Medley. I cant imagine theyd stick any of the SB songs in with the limited time they have.

I'd be surprised if Alive Again stays for the tour, as that would give them two 30 minutes plus songs (which Alive Again always is live), not to mention a 20 minute one (Not Afraid, Part 1).  I think it is more likely that The Separated Man gets played, as it is not crazy long and would work a song from Neal's solo career into the mix.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 12, 2021, 07:56:34 AM
Im thinking they do the entire I&D minus Bridge Over Troubled Water and Emergence, Waterfall, Alive Again, and some kind of Similitude/Great Adventure Medley. I cant imagine theyd stick any of the SB songs in with the limited time they have.

I'd be surprised if Alive Again stays for the tour, as that would give them two 30 minutes plus songs (which Alive Again always is live), not to mention a 20 minute one (Not Afraid, Part 1).  I think it is more likely that The Separated Man gets played, as it is not crazy long and would work a song from Neal's solo career into the mix.

Bummer; Alive Again is probably my favorite (or at least top three) NMB songs, and I would LOVE to hear it live.  I'm going to at least two shows (maybe three depending where they add shows) and I would love to see that up close and in person.   I could care less if they play any Spock's Beard; I'd rather hear NMB and NM (solo) material.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 12, 2021, 06:19:43 PM
Im thinking they do the entire I&D minus Bridge Over Troubled Water and Emergence, Waterfall, Alive Again, and some kind of Similitude/Great Adventure Medley. I cant imagine theyd stick any of the SB songs in with the limited time they have.

I'd be surprised if Alive Again stays for the tour, as that would give them two 30 minutes plus songs (which Alive Again always is live), not to mention a 20 minute one (Not Afraid, Part 1).  I think it is more likely that The Separated Man gets played, as it is not crazy long and would work a song from Neal's solo career into the mix.

Bummer; Alive Again is probably my favorite (or at least top three) NMB songs, and I would LOVE to hear it live.  I'm going to at least two shows (maybe three depending where they add shows) and I would love to see that up close and in person.   I could care less if they play any Spock's Beard; I'd rather hear NMB and NM (solo) material.

I am just speculating, and odds are I will be dead wrong :lol.  I would just be surprised to see them play another 30-minute plus song on the proper tour, assuming of course that they play the two long epics from the new album, which I feel is a pretty safe assumption.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on October 13, 2021, 06:04:12 AM
They could surprise us all and keep doing World Without End instead...  :lol

I feel like Alive Again has more of a shot since it includes the entire NMB and hasn't been played for a tour's duration since 2015, and I know MP is always good at bringing back songs that haven't been aired in awhile. But The Separated Man is a top 10 NM track so you can't go wrong with whatever they play

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 13, 2021, 06:22:53 AM
Yep, any of those choices would be great (Alive Again, World Without End, Separated Man).

I'd love to see the return of In the Fire, but that got played on the first proper NMB tour, so it's probably not coming back this soon.  I am guessing this will be the first tour where The Call is given a rest.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Skeever on October 13, 2021, 09:09:10 AM
Not related to NM, and maybe it's having been brought up as a Roman Catholic, but "selling a church" has always bewildered me.   It just seems like one of those things you don't "sell".

Boy do I have news for you about the state of the Roman Catholic Church in America
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 13, 2021, 09:50:00 AM
Yep, any of those choices would be great (Alive Again, World Without End, Separated Man).

I'd love to see the return of In the Fire, but that got played on the first proper NMB tour, so it's probably not coming back this soon.  I am guessing this will be the first tour where The Call is given a rest.

The Call is one of those songs I don't listen to a lot, and I don't get jazzed for when I see it in the setlist, but when it's ACTUALLY played, and you see the joy that Neal has singing it, just makes you want to smile.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 13, 2021, 05:49:52 PM
Yep, any of those choices would be great (Alive Again, World Without End, Separated Man).

I'd love to see the return of In the Fire, but that got played on the first proper NMB tour, so it's probably not coming back this soon.  I am guessing this will be the first tour where The Call is given a rest.

The Call is one of those songs I don't listen to a lot, and I don't get jazzed for when I see it in the setlist, but when it's ACTUALLY played, and you see the joy that Neal has singing it, just makes you want to smile.

Not that the first half of the song isn't great, because it is, but from the little bass guitar break around the 5 1/2 minute mark to the end of the song is just some of the best music ever.  Awesome guitar solo, awesome synth solo, and those final choruses are just massive.  To say that ending is powerful would be the understatement of the century.  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on October 13, 2021, 07:11:05 PM
If someone asked me to play them one song that shows what prog rock is all about, The Call would be one of the first songs to come to mind. Complex and proggy while being fun, accessible and emotional.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on October 14, 2021, 05:49:42 AM
If someone asked me to play them one song that shows what prog rock is all about, The Call would be one of the first songs to come to mind. Complex and proggy while being fun, accessible and emotional.

This is something I think about a lot. How could you explain "Prog" in one song to someone who has no idea what it is? The Call is a very good example!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on October 14, 2021, 07:43:12 AM
There are so many songs to choose from that are good examples of prog.  Close To The Edge  and Hemispheres are the first ones that come to mind.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on October 14, 2021, 09:50:22 AM
There are so many songs to choose from that are good examples of prog.  Close To The Edge  and Hemispheres are the first ones that come to mind.

I love those two tracks but I think I'd show a song with a little more modern production. At least to someone in my age (I'm 28). And at least Close To The Edge - while being a masterpiece of course - might be to "much" for a casual charts or rock listener  ;) Anyway, didn't want to push this thread into off topic, but this might make an interesting separate thread!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on October 14, 2021, 11:48:13 AM
Yep, and the most important thing is to show them that progressive rock is alive and well in our time here and now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 14, 2021, 11:52:23 AM
Definitely go with something from Spiral Architect.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on October 14, 2021, 12:58:49 PM
There are so many songs to choose from that are good examples of prog.  Close To The Edge  and Hemispheres are the first ones that come to mind.

I love those two tracks but I think I'd show a song with a little more modern production.
That's a really good point.  The Odyssey, Octavarium, Greatest Show on Earth,  would be logical choices. Also the whole Similitude of a Dream album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on October 14, 2021, 04:44:24 PM
They sent out the download links for the MF21 streams. I ripped the audio from both nights, chopped it up, and made it into an album. So at long last...

(https://i.imgur.com/ikfdjj0.png)

I finally have them all
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 14, 2021, 09:29:53 PM
They sent out the download links for the MF21 streams. I ripped the audio from both nights, chopped it up, and made it into an album. So at long last...

(https://i.imgur.com/ikfdjj0.png)

I finally have them all

Amazing! I'm still miffed that Neal most likely won't ever release the Morsefest 2020 stuff on physical media. Hopefully he changes his mind for 2021.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on October 15, 2021, 07:35:43 AM
I could see it being an Inner Circle release someday.

Maybe he just doesnt see a regular CD/Blu-Ray release as profitable. Sola Gratia got a very lukewarm response from what Ive seen. As did the last Cover album. I remember him teasing a secret project last year and it turned out to be Cov3r to Cov3r, and the reaction here was pretty much Ohok.

2021 I think will definitely get a physical release. Along with a second live album from the upcoming tour featuring mostly the same songs  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 15, 2021, 08:12:01 AM
I could see it being an Inner Circle release someday.

Maybe he just doesnt see a regular CD/Blu-Ray release as profitable. Sola Gratia got a very lukewarm response from what Ive seen. As did the last Cover album. I remember him teasing a secret project last year and it turned out to be Cov3r to Cov3r, and the reaction here was pretty much Ohok.
I'm not sure how excited he thinks people should be about a covers album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 15, 2021, 09:06:20 AM
I don't see this year's Morsefest getting a physical release with the general public.  If I am reading it correctly, you can still buy the online stream for like $80 (I think), which then gives the option to then buy the download of the two shows for $30, so it would be a middle finger to the streamers to get them to pay $110(ish) for the download and then turn around and release it as a physical product to everyone for presumably a much cheaper price.   It stinks, but it's just the way it is.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on October 15, 2021, 09:25:23 AM
I think Ive listened to the Cover albums once each. Im sure its fun for him and Mike and Randy but I dont think any of their covers are interesting takes on the originals. If they did their own arrangements like with MacArthur Park and BOTW Id be a bit more interested.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on October 15, 2021, 07:20:56 PM
They sent out the download links for the MF21 streams. I ripped the audio from both nights, chopped it up, and made it into an album. So at long last...

(https://i.imgur.com/ikfdjj0.png)

I finally have them all

pssst... you're missing the Storytellers nights from 2016 and 2018 :-X

...AND The Great Nothing
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on October 15, 2021, 07:40:09 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/wVhsA70.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/EqMcpYd.png)
 ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on October 15, 2021, 07:42:36 PM
hahaha, NICE!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 16, 2021, 12:02:22 AM
So I just realized after performing "Revelation" at Morsefest 2021, Neal has played every song from V at a Morsefest!

"At The End Of The Day" at Morsefest 2015 w/NDV
"Revelation" at Morsefest 2021 w/NMB
"Thoughts Part 2" at Morsefest 2020 w/NMB
"All On A Sunday" at Morsefest 2019 IC Concert
"Goodbye To Yesterday" at Morsefest 2018 w/Voices Of The Beard
"The Great Nothing" at Morsefest 2018 w/NDV (before JCTE)

So I guess technically, he's played all of Snow and V at Morsefest!

As for other SB songs, "Flow" joins "Strange World" and "June" from The Kindness Of Strangers material performed at Morsefest. "The Distance To The Sun" returns (previously performed at Morsefest 2014 and 2018), along with "Day For Night", "Lay It Down" and "The Healing Colors Of Sound Pt. 2" having all been previously performed at Morsefest as well.

As for songs from Beware Of Darkness, only "Thoughts", "The Doorway" and "Waste Away" have been played at Morsefest, and from SB's debut, just "The Light" and "Go The Way You Go" (and I'm sure he'll never play all of "The Water" ever again for many reasons).

Looking back at all of that, I'm honestly surprised at how much Spock's Beard music he has revisited at Morsefest over the last 8 years. I don't expect him to pull any SB out for Morsefest 2022, and who knows if there will be a Morsefest 2023. If there is, it would be great to see him pull out "Time Has Come" or the entirety of "The Healing Colors Of Sound", and maybe something shorter like "Gibberish" or "On The Edge".

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on October 16, 2021, 06:23:16 AM
I think the Spock's catalog is probably where Neal will look to for future Morsefests. His whole solo catalog aside from some of Lifeline/Momentum has been represented and there's always going to be a need for rarities to make it feel like a unique event. I also think Morsefest is the main reason why he's been so productive, so he has something new to present there to justify having the event. And I wouldn't be surprised to see The Water make an appearance, either with some alterations or maybe even MP taking over vocals for the FU section.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 16, 2021, 06:40:17 AM
I honestly think that next year's Morsefest will be the last one.  With him having covered most of his essential material and the church up for sale, ending the Morsefest journey with Transatlantic next year seems like a safe bet.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on October 16, 2021, 09:14:44 AM
I'm not so sure (at least on the musical front). If he goes back to the normal late summer/early fall timeframe for Morsefest 2023, that would be almost two years from now and almost 18 months from Morsefest 2022. That's *a lot* of time for someone as prolific as him to release new music that he might want to play at a future Morsefest. If he had a new solo album for MF 2023, there'd hopefully be another NMB album for 2024. He only really needs one night's worth of new original material to carry a Morsefest, he can always flesh it out with covers/old rarities, etc...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on October 16, 2021, 10:09:34 AM
I think they would have announced by now if 22 will be the last Morsefest. In his original statement about selling the church, Neal said:

Quote
It remains to be seen how many more years we will be able to do Morsefest at New Life Fellowship

Doesn't sound to me like they intend to stop Morsefest just because the church might get sold. Maybe part of the reason MF22 is happening only half a year after 21 is to get it out of the way early in case a sale does happen later in the year.

If MF23 does happen, they have plenty of time to figure out another place to host it. Might not happen until late 2023 but I think it could still happen. As for what Neal could play then, who knows? As much as he writes and records he could easily have another solo album or even an NMB album out by then.

In a Q&A on one of the Blu-Rays(Maybe 2019, I forget), MP mentioned doing Similitude and TGA together at a future Morsefest. He could have been joking, but I don't think repeating albums they've already done is out of the question. They could even do Testimony 1 and 2 together.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 16, 2021, 10:32:59 AM
In a Q&A on one of the Blu-Rays(Maybe 2019, I forget), MP mentioned doing Similitude and TGA together at a future Morsefest. He could have been joking, but I don't think repeating albums they've already done is out of the question. They could even do Testimony 1 and 2 together.

That could be interesting, doing his two pairs of concept albums over two nights. It would definitely be a retread, even at Morsefest, but I think if there's enough fans who want to see those albums performed live again (one last time), he may do it. He could even poll fans as to which pair of albums they'd like to see performed live!

If he does a third Sola album, he could play all three over the course of two nights, and fill in the gaps with other solo stuff. Or MF23 could just very well be a brand new solo/NMB/FC album. I wouldn't mind seeing one more purely Spock's Beard Morsefest, playing a ton of songs he hasn't played yet at Morsefest.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on October 16, 2021, 11:56:49 AM
I don't think Morsefest 22 will be the last either.  I'm sure they're already looking for a possible alternative venue.  And I fully expect to have a new NMB album out by 2023 (these guys are on a roll and I think they know it)!  I would love to see some early Spocks though, like The Light and Beware of Darkness. And yes, MP singing the FU part of The Water would be perfect.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 17, 2021, 07:32:38 AM
I think they would have announced by now if 22 will be the last Morsefest. 

I doubt he knows for sure already that '22 will be the last, but I think he has to know that using the same venue may not be possible going forward, and doing it just about anywhere else will take away from it feeling like Morsefest.  Doing a couple of shows at a normal concert venue and calling it Morsefest just isn't the same, and finding another church near his home (one he is comfortable with) or whatever that is willing to let him do his thing may not be so easy.  We had talked it before, how Alive Again and World Without End were the two long epics from his solo/NMB career that had yet to be played at a Morsefest, and it wouldn't surprise me if they decided to play both knowing that this could be the last year NMB does a Morsefest (since TA is doing next year's), meaning they didn't want to risk saving either for a future Morsefest that they know now may never happen.  They wanted to check the boxes on getting both played at a Morsefest instead of saving one and then having that "dang, there won't be another Morsefest and we never played Alive Again at one!" moment.  That is my theory based on nothing. :P  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 17, 2021, 12:22:06 PM
I think they would have announced by now if 22 will be the last Morsefest. 

I doubt he knows for sure already that '22 will be the last, but I think he has to know that using the same venue may not be possible going forward, and doing it just about anywhere else will take away from it feeling like Morsefest.  Doing a couple of shows at a normal concert venue and calling it Morsefest just isn't the same, and finding another church near his home (one he is comfortable with) or whatever that is willing to let him do his thing may not be so easy.  We had talked it before, how Alive Again and World Without End were the two long epics from his solo/NMB career that had yet to be played at a Morsefest, and it wouldn't surprise me if they decided to play both knowing that this could be the last year NMB does a Morsefest (since TA is doing next year's), meaning they didn't want to risk saving either for a future Morsefest that they know now may never happen.  They wanted to check the boxes on getting both played at a Morsefest instead of saving one and then having that "dang, there won't be another Morsefest and we never played Alive Again at one!" moment.  That is my theory based on nothing. :P  :biggrin:

Huh, I didn't even realize they didn't play "Alive Again" at Morsefest 2015, but double checking setlist.fm, you're right. I know we have official live tour albums from Momentum and TGE, but those songs hadn't been done at Morsefest and I guess I thought they had been. No wonder they pulled them out for this year's Morsefest. Now I guess every song from TGE has been played live except "Doomsday Destiny".

I guess the middle 3 songs from Momentum haven't been played live at Morsefest yet, right?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 17, 2021, 12:30:29 PM
I think so, and technically the song Momentum has not been played in full; only a snippet of it was played in the encore medley in 2019.

I know it was played in some of the encores on the Similitude tour, but it was not played at Morsefest in 2017.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 29, 2021, 11:11:09 AM
I really find myself struggling to find enjoyment in Innocence and Danger.  I mean, normally, I don't make myself try to find enjoyment with music.  I either like it or a don't, and if the latter, I typically just move on to something else since there is so much that I do enjoy.  But Neal has been one of my top artists for years now, so I find it somewhat confusing when his work doesn't grab me.  This album falls into that category.  Maybe I just need to give it a few really focused listens.  Just not really connecting with it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 29, 2021, 11:16:42 AM
I really find myself struggling to find enjoyment in Innocence and Danger.  I mean, normally, I don't make myself try to find enjoyment with music.  I either like it or a don't, and if the latter, I typically just move on to something else since there is so much that I do enjoy.  But Neal has been one of my top artists for years now, so I find it somewhat confusing when his work doesn't grab me.  This album falls into that category.  Maybe I just need to give it a few really focused listens.  Just not really connecting with it.
I've certainly felt that with some of Neal's stuff, but not with that album.

I hope it clicks for you.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on October 29, 2021, 11:43:12 AM
I really find myself struggling to find enjoyment in Innocence and Danger.  I mean, normally, I don't make myself try to find enjoyment with music.  I either like it or a don't, and if the latter, I typically just move on to something else since there is so much that I do enjoy.  But Neal has been one of my top artists for years now, so I find it somewhat confusing when his work doesn't grab me.  This album falls into that category.  Maybe I just need to give it a few really focused listens.  Just not really connecting with it.
I'm finding that I'm now just listening to the "Danger" part of this.  I like all of the shorter concise songs - but they've seemed to run their course.  Whereas the two epics, they're still captivating my attention.  Anyone else in this boat?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 29, 2021, 01:02:54 PM
I really find myself struggling to find enjoyment in Innocence and Danger.  I mean, normally, I don't make myself try to find enjoyment with music.  I either like it or a don't, and if the latter, I typically just move on to something else since there is so much that I do enjoy.  But Neal has been one of my top artists for years now, so I find it somewhat confusing when his work doesn't grab me.  This album falls into that category.  Maybe I just need to give it a few really focused listens.  Just not really connecting with it.

I think you and I are at polar opposites.  What you write about the new DT is how I feel about the new NMB, and what you write about the new NMB is what I feel about the new DT.   Sorta, more or less.   The DT is good, it's not like they all of a sudden suck, but I'm just not connecting.  NMB is still my album of the year.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on October 29, 2021, 01:14:58 PM
I really find myself struggling to find enjoyment in Innocence and Danger.  I mean, normally, I don't make myself try to find enjoyment with music.  I either like it or a don't, and if the latter, I typically just move on to something else since there is so much that I do enjoy.  But Neal has been one of my top artists for years now, so I find it somewhat confusing when his work doesn't grab me.  This album falls into that category.  Maybe I just need to give it a few really focused listens.  Just not really connecting with it.

I think you and I are at polar opposites.  What you write about the new DT is how I feel about the new NMB, and what you write about the new NMB is what I feel about the new DT.   Sorta, more or less.   The DT is good, it's not like they all of a sudden suck, but I'm just not connecting.  NMB is still my album of the year.

Same here Bill. I really dig the new DT album.....BUT.....I like Innocence and Danger much more. I like the variety in it and IMO Eric utterly shines in I&D whereas JP is just doing JP. That's not a bad thing per say but JP is (just) throwing a bunch of notes out there that go well together where I feel that what Eric has given us is just beautiful all around.

Anyway....two great albums but I'm leaning TNMB as far as which one is my favorite.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on October 29, 2021, 02:06:44 PM
It's been a week and AVFTTOTW already sounds old to me. But Innocence & Danger, while sounding like a lot of what Morse has done, still sounds fresh to me 2 months since release.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 29, 2021, 06:02:18 PM
As I have said before, I think Innocence & Danger would have benefited by a much different running order. The one they used just doesn't seem to flow well for some reason, although the transition from Another Story to Tell into The Way It Had to Be is still killer.  Still a damn good album, but I don't see this coming close to the top of my list of favorite Neal(-related) albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dedalus on October 29, 2021, 08:17:49 PM
I really find myself struggling to find enjoyment in Innocence and Danger.  I mean, normally, I don't make myself try to find enjoyment with music.  I either like it or a don't, and if the latter, I typically just move on to something else since there is so much that I do enjoy.  But Neal has been one of my top artists for years now, so I find it somewhat confusing when his work doesn't grab me.  This album falls into that category.  Maybe I just need to give it a few really focused listens.  Just not really connecting with it.

I found it mostly enjoyable when I listened to it, but after a few weeks I realized how forgettable the record is.

I listened to the album and nothing was retained in my memory. It would have been the same if I hadn't listened.

But I'm not saying it's a bad record. It just didn't mark me. It was just another record.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on October 30, 2021, 05:46:44 AM
As I have said before, I think Innocence & Danger would have benefited by a much different running order. The one they used just doesn't seem to flow well for some reason, although the transition from Another Story to Tell into The Way It Had to Be is still killer.  Still a damn good album, but I don't see this coming close to the top of my list of favorite Neal(-related) albums.

Agreed. Putting the two epics on the second disc was a baffling move. I think they wanted to stick to the Innocence Disc 1/Danger Disc 2 concept too hard and it made a really disjointed finished product.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 30, 2021, 07:54:15 AM
Even though I have come around on liking the cover a lot, had they saved that for a bonus disc, ditched both Do It All Again and Emergence, and reworked the running order so the two epics aren't back to back, it could have been a killer 79-minute album. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RoeDent on October 30, 2021, 12:01:35 PM
Wonder why they keep doing all these experiments only for the general consensus to be that it should be like every other album...

I'm thinking of both I&D and TAU. Both haven't exactly become the future of album releasing, sequencing and structure.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on October 30, 2021, 12:27:15 PM
I think the track sequence is perfect.

I&D started neck-and-neck with Senjutsu, and hasn't quite had the staying power of the latter for me, but I still have a very positive view of it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 01, 2021, 02:41:34 PM
I really find myself struggling to find enjoyment in Innocence and Danger.  I mean, normally, I don't make myself try to find enjoyment with music.  I either like it or a don't, and if the latter, I typically just move on to something else since there is so much that I do enjoy.  But Neal has been one of my top artists for years now, so I find it somewhat confusing when his work doesn't grab me.  This album falls into that category.  Maybe I just need to give it a few really focused listens.  Just not really connecting with it.

I think you and I are at polar opposites.  What you write about the new DT is how I feel about the new NMB, and what you write about the new NMB is what I feel about the new DT.   Sorta, more or less.   The DT is good, it's not like they all of a sudden suck, but I'm just not connecting.  NMB is still my album of the year.
I like both albums quite a bit.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on November 03, 2021, 02:50:14 PM
Did they end up releasing the latest Morsefest audio on Waterfall or anywhere else outside of emailing folks? I'd like to get a hold of it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on November 15, 2021, 10:56:34 AM
Radiant has started their Christmas sales. A lot of the live cds/dvds are on sale for $1.99. If you have holes in your collection, you should definitely check it out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on November 15, 2021, 11:09:12 AM
Paul Gilbert is the guest on Neals podcast this week, which should be a lot of fun from the preview Neal posted today (its available now for Waterfall subscribers, Wednesday for everyone else).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 15, 2021, 11:11:36 AM
Radiant has started their Christmas sales. A lot of the live cds/dvds are on sale for $1.99. If you have holes in your collection, you should definitely check it out.

You get the physical product for a dollar and the download costs ten times as much? Where's the logic in that?

Sadly, as always, shipping is far too expensive to make the sale interesting if you live outside the US.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on November 15, 2021, 11:12:35 AM
Paul Gilbert is the guest on Neals podcast this week, which should be a lot of fun from the preview Neal posted today (its available now for Waterfall subscribers, Wednesday for everyone else).
Cool, I'll have to check that out.  His guitar solo on The Door is one of my favorite guitar solos ever!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on November 15, 2021, 11:18:31 AM
Sadly, as always, shipping is far too expensive to make the sale interesting if you live outside the US.

The story of my life.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 15, 2021, 11:33:05 AM
Radiant has started their Christmas sales. A lot of the live cds/dvds are on sale for $1.99. If you have holes in your collection, you should definitely check it out.
Is there a page that actually says what is on sale without just having to randomly click on items to see what the price is?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on November 15, 2021, 11:36:25 AM
Radiant has started their Christmas sales. A lot of the live cds/dvds are on sale for $1.99. If you have holes in your collection, you should definitely check it out.
Is there a page that actually says what is on sale without just having to randomly click on items to see what the price is?

I think the sale doesnt start until tomorrow (according to what Neal posted on FB), so maybe the sale page isnt up yet?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on November 15, 2021, 12:01:57 PM
It's interesting, I have both Sola Gratia and I&D and have not listened to either yet. Could not tell you why. Well, I have been leaning into really heavier music lately, I guess. That might be it, I really don't know. It seems as I get older, the heavier my tastes have been getting. I am getting into stuff that I never thought I ever would and it has opened a door to so much. Prog has sort of slipped by the wayside for now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on November 15, 2021, 12:07:39 PM
I go through ebbs and flows with NM, and I'm definitely in an ebb right now. I did listen to I&D a lot when it came out, but I still haven't listened much to SG or JCTE. But at some point I imagine I'll go into a heavy Neal phase, and then I'll come back to those albums.

I did grab a couple of albums on the Radiant sale, although I have most of the live albums now via previous sales. I got ? Live and I finally got V, which is not on sale, but has been out of stock on Radiant and Amazon for, like, years, but is in stock now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on November 15, 2021, 12:59:30 PM
It's interesting, I have both Sola Gratia and I&D and have not listened to either yet. Could not tell you why. Well, I have been leaning into really heavier music lately, I guess. That might be it, I really don't know. It seems as I get older, the heavier my tastes have been getting. I am getting into stuff that I never thought I ever would and it has opened a door to so much. Prog has sort of slipped by the wayside for now.

I am curious what you think of I&D.  I know for me it has legs like no album in a LONG time. It's probably my favorite NM/NMB album now, and yesterday I listened to it back to back with Senjutsu and it held it's own.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: jingle.boy on November 15, 2021, 01:08:03 PM
It's interesting, I have both Sola Gratia and I&D and have not listened to either yet. Could not tell you why. Well, I have been leaning into really heavier music lately, I guess. That might be it, I really don't know. It seems as I get older, the heavier my tastes have been getting. I am getting into stuff that I never thought I ever would and it has opened a door to so much. Prog has sort of slipped by the wayside for now.

I am curious what you think of I&D.  I know for me it has legs like no album in a LONG time. It's probably my favorite NM/NMB album now, and yesterday I listened to it back to back with Senjutsu and it held it's own.

I know this wasn't directed to me, but I'll offer my thoughts.  Both of them are great - I&D is contending for Album of the Year for me - Top 3 atm for sure.  SG was just outside my Top 20 for 2020.. though Seemingly Sincere was in my Top3 for songs for 2020, and there are a TON of great guitar solo's in SG.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 15, 2021, 01:09:05 PM
I couldn't really get into Solia Gratia.  It just didn't work for me.

But Innocence & Danger is fantastic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 15, 2021, 01:14:13 PM
I think I&D isn't bad, in fact it's pretty good, but I like Sola Gratia better.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 15, 2021, 01:35:46 PM
I think I&D isn't bad, in fact it's pretty good, but I like Sola Gratia better.
I've heard that from other people too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on November 15, 2021, 02:34:13 PM
It's interesting, I have both Sola Gratia and I&D and have not listened to either yet. Could not tell you why. Well, I have been leaning into really heavier music lately, I guess. That might be it, I really don't know. It seems as I get older, the heavier my tastes have been getting. I am getting into stuff that I never thought I ever would and it has opened a door to so much. Prog has sort of slipped by the wayside for now.

I am curious what you think of I&D.  I know for me it has legs like no album in a LONG time. It's probably my favorite NM/NMB album now, and yesterday I listened to it back to back with Senjutsu and it held it's own.

I know this wasn't directed to me, but I'll offer my thoughts.  Both of them are great - I&D is contending for Album of the Year for me - Top 3 atm for sure.  SG was just outside my Top 20 for 2020.. though Seemingly Sincere was in my Top3 for songs for 2020, and there are a TON of great guitar solo's in SG.

I welcome your thoughts (anyone's for that matter).  It's an open question.

For me, SG was good not great, but I&D is probably going to end up on the all time great list.  For me, it's THAT GOOD.  There's still not one track I skip over (I'll sometimes skip over even great tracks in the interest of time, if I'm in the mood for something; The Grand Experiment will sometimes get skipped to get to the AMAZING Waterfall, for instance). 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 15, 2021, 03:09:39 PM
I agree that while good, Sola Gratia was not one of Neal's better records, but it's still good, and I agree that there are a lot of great guitar solos on there.  Eric does the one, but Neal does the rest, and he has improved so much on the electric guitar over the years,
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on November 15, 2021, 04:25:50 PM
I agree that while good, Sola Gratia was not one of Neal's better records

Especially considering that Sola Scriptura is one of Neal's greatest
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on November 15, 2021, 06:40:37 PM
Radiant has started their Christmas sales. A lot of the live cds/dvds are on sale for $1.99. If you have holes in your collection, you should definitely check it out.

You get the physical product for a dollar and the download costs ten times as much? Where's the logic in that?

Sadly, as always, shipping is far too expensive to make the sale interesting if you live outside the US.

Methinks their goal is to burn through a bunch of extra physical inventory.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 15, 2021, 07:06:07 PM
I agree that while good, Sola Gratia was not one of Neal's better records

Especially considering that Sola Scriptura is one of Neal's greatest

I do not agree with that at all, but I know that some fans do consider it one of his best, so I will not quibble too much.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on November 16, 2021, 04:47:34 AM
Radiant has started their Christmas sales. A lot of the live cds/dvds are on sale for $1.99. If you have holes in your collection, you should definitely check it out.
Is there a page that actually says what is on sale without just having to randomly click on items to see what the price is?

When I took a look, I think every item included in the sale had a red circle in the upper right that said 'sale'. There wasn't a particular page though with all of the items. I just scrolled through the store until I found stuff I wanted.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 16, 2021, 06:30:36 AM
Radiant has started their Christmas sales. A lot of the live cds/dvds are on sale for $1.99. If you have holes in your collection, you should definitely check it out.
Is there a page that actually says what is on sale without just having to randomly click on items to see what the price is?

When I took a look, I think every item included in the sale had a red circle in the upper right that said 'sale'. There wasn't a particular page though with all of the items. I just scrolled through the store until I found stuff I wanted.

If you order it today from Radiant, there is a good chance you will receive it by Christmas 2022.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on November 16, 2021, 07:02:51 AM
But this is exactly the kind of stuff Radiant is good for. I've snagged some crazy good deals on Neal and Transatlantic live releases where I didn't really care if they showed up in 3 weeks or 3 months. I just try to avoid relying on them for new releases.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on November 16, 2021, 08:13:37 AM
But this is exactly the kind of stuff Radiant is good for. I've snagged some crazy good deals on Neal and Transatlantic live releases where I didn't really care if they showed up in 3 weeks or 3 months. I just try to avoid relying on them for new releases.

Just snagged Morsefest 2014, 2015, 2017 Blurays for $1.99 each and the Neal Morse Life and Times vinyl for $7.99. $14 media mail shipping. Can't complain for all of these items for $29. And don't care when it shows up lol. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on November 16, 2021, 08:37:04 AM
Exactly. This is the positive side of Radiant being dubiously runI guess they frequently put on these crazy sales in order to shed inventory. If you don't care about shipping time, you can get some awesome deals. It's how I've collected most of Neal's live releases.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 16, 2021, 09:25:07 AM
I was going to get some items and get them shipped to the freight company in Miami, but 72 USD for media mail is a bit steep.

Sorry Neal, I guess I will stick to Digital only.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on November 16, 2021, 09:28:18 AM
I ordered Life and Times for a shade over $5 including shipping. Not bad. Ill get it when I get it (have waited this long already).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on November 16, 2021, 10:12:51 AM
I was going to get some items and get them shipped to the freight company in Miami, but 72 USD for media mail is a bit steep.

Sorry Neal, I guess I will stick to Digital only.

What did you order? $72 sounds a bit steep for media mail, unless you ordered everything that was on sale.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on November 16, 2021, 10:38:44 AM
Radiant has started their Christmas sales. A lot of the live cds/dvds are on sale for $1.99. If you have holes in your collection, you should definitely check it out.
Is there a page that actually says what is on sale without just having to randomly click on items to see what the price is?

When I took a look, I think every item included in the sale had a red circle in the upper right that said 'sale'. There wasn't a particular page though with all of the items. I just scrolled through the store until I found stuff I wanted.
Here's the link to all the sale items - https://www.nealmorse.com/2021/11/16/insane-radiant-christmas-sale/?inf_contact_key=c308bd5616e3113e341429b416419ff1680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on November 16, 2021, 10:42:35 AM
I too think I&D is an excellent album, and a contender for album of the year - whereas Sola Gratia was just average by NM standards.  But I think it's important to remember one is a NM solo album, and one is a NMB album.  I don't think the writing contributions, by Bill and Randy in particular on this album, can be overstated enough.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 16, 2021, 12:05:08 PM
I was going to get some items and get them shipped to the freight company in Miami, but 72 USD for media mail is a bit steep.

Sorry Neal, I guess I will stick to Digital only.

What did you order? $72 sounds a bit steep for media mail, unless you ordered everything that was on sale.

Not everything, but half of it, haha
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on November 16, 2021, 01:17:49 PM
Radiant has started their Christmas sales. A lot of the live cds/dvds are on sale for $1.99. If you have holes in your collection, you should definitely check it out.
Is there a page that actually says what is on sale without just having to randomly click on items to see what the price is?

When I took a look, I think every item included in the sale had a red circle in the upper right that said 'sale'. There wasn't a particular page though with all of the items. I just scrolled through the store until I found stuff I wanted.
Here's the link to all the sale items - https://www.nealmorse.com/2021/11/16/insane-radiant-christmas-sale/?inf_contact_key=c308bd5616e3113e341429b416419ff1680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1


Thanks for the link. I searched the website twice and damned if I could find the sale. I'm definitely filling in some holes. Testimony 2 is only .99.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on November 17, 2021, 07:13:50 AM
I picked up Morsefest 2014,2015, and 2017, Live in Los Angeles, Alive Again, More is never Enough, Kaliveoscope, and Live in Tilberg 2017.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on November 17, 2021, 04:29:20 PM
Picked up Songs for November, Life and Times, Testimony 2 Live in LA, Morsefest 14 and 15
MF17 seems to not be available anymore, unfortunately, and it seems that I snagged the last copy of MF'15

9 bucks for everything + shipping so $15 for all those CDs. Not bad.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 18, 2021, 07:15:32 AM
The only things on sale that I didn't already have but wanted were the MF 2014 & 2015 BD sets, plus Life & Times. I got all 3 for only $9.96 shipped. Not bad! Now 8 can watch the first two MF shows in high def since the digipak sets only included DVDs and I've long wanted to get the BD sets for awhile anyway so at $1.99 each is a steal.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on November 29, 2021, 11:24:02 AM
I received my order on Saturday. Impressed with the delivery time. I'm located in Texas.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on November 29, 2021, 12:01:37 PM
I got my order on Friday. Pretty smooth transaction this time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on November 30, 2021, 06:27:47 AM
Got my Christmas sale order processed and delivered in less than a week. I was very surprised.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on November 30, 2021, 10:17:36 AM
Went ahead and ordered Testimony 2 just to be somewhat completist, and the proggy Christmas CD that I think about buying every year.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on November 30, 2021, 10:56:58 AM
and the proggy Christmas CD that I think about buying every year.

That's a great one, highly recommended :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on December 07, 2021, 02:36:50 PM
From the latest Inner Circle Letter

Quote
BIG NEWS: THE CHURCH HAS SOLD!

New Life Fellowship, where we have been having Morsefest for the past eight years, has a letter of intent for sale to another church down south of us. It's very exciting for the churches; they're all excited to move into a new season. The deal won't be complete for many months and there is a transition period that will go on for awhile so MF22 will certainly take place there.

However, I think you guys should know that this will almost certainly be the last Morsefest at that location. It's hard for me to imagine having Morsefest at a different location... I don't want to say it's the last one, but it could be. I don't have a crystal ball, but it is indeed possible, and I wanted to let you guys know. Wow, right?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 07, 2021, 03:16:27 PM
Neal is ever the salesman who could certainly be trying to sell the rest of the tickets assuming some are still available ("Get your tickets, it could be the last Morsefest ever!!"), but it is hard to imagine Morsefest anywhere else.  There is a specialness there to the concerts that you have to experience to get. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on December 07, 2021, 05:37:25 PM
I'm sure a big part of it is that they didn't have to pay for that venue, which knocks off a ton of the cost and allows for better profits.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 08, 2021, 02:34:00 PM
My order from November 18th has finally shipped as of today. Way to go, Radiant Records. At least it was 4 really cheap items that I am in no rush to get.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 08, 2021, 03:12:40 PM
I'm sure a big part of it is that they didn't have to pay for that venue, which knocks off a ton of the cost and allows for better profits.

I would imagine that the cost to the church (no way they do let him do it there for free) still means a higher profit to Neal than if he played it in a traditional venue, but I am sure a nice chunk goes into the collection plate that Sunday. :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 08, 2021, 05:52:15 PM
My order from November 18th has finally shipped as of today. Way to go, Radiant Records. At least it was 4 really cheap items that I am in no rush to get.

-Marc.

Still waiting on my order to ship. Glad I'm not in a Neal mood currently.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on December 09, 2021, 09:16:15 AM
Mine came Tuesday.  I still can't believe I got three six-disk sets, one three-disk set, one two-disk set and two single disks for $16.  I almost feel guilty (I'm not kidding).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 09, 2021, 07:39:40 PM
Mine came Tuesday.  I still can't believe I got three six-disk sets, one three-disk set, one two-disk set and two single disks for $16.  I almost feel guilty (I'm not kidding).

Hit confession this weekend and all will be forgiven. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 10, 2021, 02:52:02 PM
My order arrived today. Songs from November, Life and Times, Morsefest 2014 and 2015, and Testimony 2 Live. All for about $9.

A steal! Lots of CD ripping to get around to.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 10, 2021, 03:22:51 PM
My order arrived today. Songs from November, Life and Times, Morsefest 2014 and 2015, and Testimony 2 Live. All for about $9.

A steal! Lots of CD ripping to get around to.

Nice haul! My tracking number says my order arrived today as well but I've been at work all day. I got Life & Times, MF 2014 2BD, and the MF 2015 2BD (I had the 4CD/2DVD sets of those already but I couldn't pass up getting the concert videos in HD for only $1.99). I'm glad I didn't already buy those three items from Amazon where they were all at least $15 each. Everything else that was on sale I've already owned since their release, but it's nice to finally own Life & Times on CD.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on December 11, 2021, 02:27:00 PM
My order arrived today. Songs from November, Life and Times, Morsefest 2014 and 2015, and Testimony 2 Live. All for about $9.

A steal! Lots of CD ripping to get around to.

Nice haul! My tracking number says my order arrived today as well but I've been at work all day. I got Life & Times, MF 2014 2BD, and the MF 2015 2BD (I had the 4CD/2DVD sets of those already but I couldn't pass up getting the concert videos in HD for only $1.99). I'm glad I didn't already buy those three items from Amazon where they were all at least $15 each. Everything else that was on sale I've already owned since their release, but it's nice to finally own Life & Times on CD.

-Marc.

The one I missed out on, that seemed to be sold out once I tried ordering it, was Morsefest 2017 I think it was. Oh well. I probably would have never bought these albums otherwise, I'm not a big live prog album listener.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on December 17, 2021, 08:06:59 AM
Quote
Today we announce pre-order of a new batch of the Morsefest 2019 4CD/ 2 Blu ray set, which won Live Album of the Year in @ProgReport 2021 Awards.
200 copies are available and will dispatch from mid-Jan 2022. Plus for European fans - 100 copies will be on sale on the NMB 2022 European tour! https://www.nealmorse.com/product/morsefest-2019/

It's not very clear from this announcement, but you can order these on Radiant right now.

I decided not to get this on the first run, because I'm not much a fan of Flying Colors, but regretted my decision after they sold out. So this is perfect for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on December 18, 2021, 09:55:24 PM
Mine came Tuesday.  I still can't believe I got three six-disk sets, one three-disk set, one two-disk set and two single disks for $16.  I almost feel guilty (I'm not kidding).

I'd feel guilty too but the shipping wasn't double what I ordered.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on December 19, 2021, 09:41:52 AM
Quote
Today we announce pre-order of a new batch of the Morsefest 2019 4CD/ 2 Blu ray set, which won Live Album of the Year in @ProgReport 2021 Awards.
200 copies are available and will dispatch from mid-Jan 2022. Plus for European fans - 100 copies will be on sale on the NMB 2022 European tour! https://www.nealmorse.com/product/morsefest-2019/

It's not very clear from this announcement, but you can order these on Radiant right now.

I decided not to get this on the first run, because I'm not much a fan of Flying Colors, but regretted my decision after they sold out. So this is perfect for me.

Me too; ordered it yesterday.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 24, 2021, 08:25:31 PM
After a few recent listens, I am pretty comfortable now calling Innocence and Danger the 3rd best album the NMB have done, behind the obvious (for me) number 1 in Similitude and The Grand Experiment.

Even though I still find the running order a bit off, I do think Beyond the Years is one of the best super long epics Neal has even been a part of (whether it be NMB, solo, TA or Spock's), and The Way It Had to Be and Bird on a Wire are legit top tier songs as well.  A few minor quibbles aside, like me not being overly wild about the verse melodies in Do It All Again or finding some of the lyrics in Not Afraid Part 2 a bit too cheesy at times, almost everything else ranges from good to very good.  I wouldn't call the album as a whole a home run, but it's a stand-up triple.  :tup :tup

I know the defenders of The Great Adventure will rush in to talk that one up (and for me, it is very good, just the clear 4th best out of 4), but what do other NMB fans think?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on December 24, 2021, 08:43:43 PM
It's probably sitting at 4th place for me. I listened intently for the first couple weeks after it was released, but haven't even thought about it since. I did like a lot of the material but there's nothing on there I desperately need to hear again, whereas I get the urge to play Similitude/Adventure straight through every few months. The Grand Experiment's shorter run-time works in its favor as the 5 songs all have strong identities and I don't get bored of it. Between TA releasing a double and Sola Gratia coming out last year, I think I&D felt too much like "more of the same" to really make an impact in my musical world.



Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on December 24, 2021, 11:18:27 PM
After a few recent listens, I am pretty comfortable now calling Innocence and Danger the 3rd best album the NMB have done, behind the obvious (for me) number 1 in Similitude and The Grand Experiment.

Even though I still find the running order a bit off, I do think Beyond the Years is one of the best super long epics Neal has even been a part of (whether it be NMB, solo, TA or Spock's), and The Way It Had to Be and Bird on a Wire are legit top tier songs as well.  A few minor quibbles aside, like me not being overly wild about the verse melodies in Do It All Again or finding some of the lyrics in Not Afraid Part 2 a bit too cheesy at times, almost everything else ranges from good to very good.  I wouldn't call the album as a whole a home run, but it's a stand-up triple.  :tup :tup

I know the defenders of The Great Adventure will rush in to talk that one up (and for me, it is very good, just the clear 4th best out of 4), but what do other NMB fans think?

I'm one of those big Great Adventure fans, and that one is still #1 for me.

Innocence & Danger is probably in a competition for #2 with The Grand Experiment. I don't think anything beats the first and last songs of TGE, but I&D is more consistent and there's more of it (two features that don't often go hand-in-hand). To me, the weak link, to the extent there is one, is actually Not Afraid Pt. 1. Just feels a bit long for what it is. I love both epics and actually really, really like the lyrics on Not Afraid, Pt. 2. I also think Your Place in the Sun is really cool. I tend to be bearish in my ranking of new albums, so right now I'd still have TGE at #2 and I&D at #3, but that's a close call and could easily change with more time.

I'm a bit anomalous in that I put TSOAD last among the NMB albums, but that definitely doesn't mean I find it bad. These are four phenomenal albums, and this is the one that just doesn't connect with me quite as well. It's mainly the first disc that doesn't wow me. All the songs are good, but the section from We Have Got to Go through The Ways of a Fool just doesn't blow me away. From So Far Gone through the end it's amazing (with the exception of Slothagain, good song, doesn't wow me), but that slightly down section is enough to drop it behind their other three albums. It's hard not to compare TSOAD and TGA, and the equivalent section on TGA (A Momentary Change through Venture in Black) is just head-and-shoulders better IMO, just a spectacular run of songs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on December 25, 2021, 03:09:09 AM
1. The Great adventure
2. The Similitude
3. Innocence & danger
4. The Grand experiment

The first two are really close, though. I keep changing my mind.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on December 25, 2021, 07:25:34 AM
1. The Similitude
2. The Grand Experiment
3. Innocence & Danger
4. The Great Adventure
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 26, 2021, 07:20:42 AM
It's probably sitting at 4th place for me. I listened intently for the first couple weeks after it was released, but haven't even thought about it since. I did like a lot of the material but there's nothing on there I desperately need to hear again, whereas I get the urge to play Similitude/Adventure straight through every few months. The Grand Experiment's shorter run-time works in its favor as the 5 songs all have strong identities and I don't get bored of it. Between TA releasing a double and Sola Gratia coming out last year, I think I&D felt too much like "more of the same" to really make an impact in my musical world.

I think I&D has enough different stuff to not feel like a "more of the same" kinda album, although I get that a prog album heavily featuring Neal will always be pretty heavy on his usual tropes, and that can be difficult to overlook for some.  I get it.  Beyond the Years, for example, is more of a Bill piece than a Neal one apparently, but the structure of the song is still very much in line with what we usually get from one Neal writes (alone or with a band where he is the main writer).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 26, 2021, 07:29:00 AM
After a few recent listens, I am pretty comfortable now calling Innocence and Danger the 3rd best album the NMB have done, behind the obvious (for me) number 1 in Similitude and The Grand Experiment.

Even though I still find the running order a bit off, I do think Beyond the Years is one of the best super long epics Neal has even been a part of (whether it be NMB, solo, TA or Spock's), and The Way It Had to Be and Bird on a Wire are legit top tier songs as well.  A few minor quibbles aside, like me not being overly wild about the verse melodies in Do It All Again or finding some of the lyrics in Not Afraid Part 2 a bit too cheesy at times, almost everything else ranges from good to very good.  I wouldn't call the album as a whole a home run, but it's a stand-up triple.  :tup :tup

I know the defenders of The Great Adventure will rush in to talk that one up (and for me, it is very good, just the clear 4th best out of 4), but what do other NMB fans think?

I'm one of those big Great Adventure fans, and that one is still #1 for me.

Innocence & Danger is probably in a competition for #2 with The Grand Experiment. I don't think anything beats the first and last songs of TGE, but I&D is more consistent and there's more of it (two features that don't often go hand-in-hand). To me, the weak link, to the extent there is one, is actually Not Afraid Pt. 1. Just feels a bit long for what it is. I love both epics and actually really, really like the lyrics on Not Afraid, Pt. 2. I also think Your Place in the Sun is really cool. I tend to be bearish in my ranking of new albums, so right now I'd still have TGE at #2 and I&D at #3, but that's a close call and could easily change with more time.

I'm a bit anomalous in that I put TSOAD last among the NMB albums, but that definitely doesn't mean I find it bad. These are four phenomenal albums, and this is the one that just doesn't connect with me quite as well. It's mainly the first disc that doesn't wow me. All the songs are good, but the section from We Have Got to Go through The Ways of a Fool just doesn't blow me away. From So Far Gone through the end it's amazing (with the exception of Slothagain, good song, doesn't wow me), but that slightly down section is enough to drop it behind their other three albums. It's hard not to compare TSOAD and TGA, and the equivalent section on TGA (A Momentary Change through Venture in Black) is just head-and-shoulders better IMO, just a spectacular run of songs.

Your Place in the Sun is also one of my favorites. Good call on that one.

I think the 'I love you" line in the chorus of Not Afraid Part 2 is a bit too shmaltzy, but the rest of the song is mostly great.  The "Run, run, run, run, run, run, run away" parts is one of my favorite sections of the entire record (crank that up that highway and pray you don't get a ticket :lol), and the instrumental section right after that is just sublime.  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy

Interesting that you called out the We Have Got to Go through The Ways of a Fool run in Similitude as one that doesn't blow you away, as if I am in the mood for a small does of the record, stuff from that run is often what I go for.  I always crank Makes No Sense and Draw the Line and have a blast.  I like Sloth a lot, but do not genuflect to it like a lot of the fanbase does.  And the fans thinking pictures or references to sloths stopped being funny like five years ago (and the album came out five years and a month ago).

As for The Great Adventure, I agree about the A Momentary Change through Venture in Black run.  To the River and Venture in Black might be my two favorite songs from that record, although The Great Despair and A Love That Never Dies are not far behind.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 26, 2021, 07:29:38 AM
1. The Similitude
2. The Grand Experiment
3. Innocence & Danger
4. The Great Adventure

Yes! This the correct ranking.  :biggrin: :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on December 26, 2021, 10:56:43 AM
After a few recent listens, I am pretty comfortable now calling Innocence and Danger the 3rd best album the NMB have done, behind the obvious (for me) number 1 in Similitude and The Grand Experiment.

Even though I still find the running order a bit off, I do think Beyond the Years is one of the best super long epics Neal has even been a part of (whether it be NMB, solo, TA or Spock's), and The Way It Had to Be and Bird on a Wire are legit top tier songs as well.  A few minor quibbles aside, like me not being overly wild about the verse melodies in Do It All Again or finding some of the lyrics in Not Afraid Part 2 a bit too cheesy at times, almost everything else ranges from good to very good.  I wouldn't call the album as a whole a home run, but it's a stand-up triple.  :tup :tup

I know the defenders of The Great Adventure will rush in to talk that one up (and for me, it is very good, just the clear 4th best out of 4), but what do other NMB fans think?
I mostly agree with your assessment of I&D but not as high on TGE as you are.  I have them like this -

1. The Similitude
2. The Great Adventure
3. Innocence & Danger
4. The Grand Experiment
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 26, 2021, 11:26:02 AM

I mostly agree with your assessment of I&D but not as high on TGE as you are.  I have them like this -

1. The Similitude
2. The Great Adventure
3. Innocence & Danger
4. The Grand Experiment

I get that Agenda causes some to dock TGE a bit, but while that and the title track are both merely good IMO, The Call, Waterfall and Alive Again are, for me, three of the best Neal(-related) songs ever. 

Note that I always rank and rate albums based off of the proper albums, meaning I do not factor bonus tracks into the equation.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on December 27, 2021, 05:01:36 AM
1. The Great Adventure
2. The Similitude of a Dream
3. The Grand Experiment
4. Innocence & Danger

All pretty close to each other and consistent in quality. I enjoy Agenda. And each album has it's own strenghts that make it stand on it's own in their discography. I rank all of these at or near the top of everything Neal Morse.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on December 27, 2021, 12:53:51 PM

I mostly agree with your assessment of I&D but not as high on TGE as you are.  I have them like this -

1. The Similitude
2. The Great Adventure
3. Innocence & Danger
4. The Grand Experiment
The Call, Waterfall and Alive Again are, for me, three of the best Neal(-related) songs ever.
I agree with you here.  I just think overall, the other three are stronger efforts.  They're all great though!  Splitting hairs at this level of awesomeness.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 27, 2021, 01:58:22 PM
TSOAD
TGE
I&D
TGA
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on December 28, 2021, 04:27:18 PM
1. Similitude
2. I & D
3. TGE
4. TGA
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 29, 2021, 06:51:28 AM
OK, so I gave Sola Gratia another chance.  And no, I definitely don't like it.  Probably my least favorite NM-related album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on December 29, 2021, 09:47:46 AM
OK, so I gave Sola Gratia another chance.  And no, I definitely don't like it.  Probably my least favorite NM-related album.
I gave it a listen the other day as well, and I think it's pretty good.  Far from his best, and not in the same league as the NMB releases we're discussing, but good nonetheless.  Middle to lower tier of Neal's work - but that's mostly because he has so many incredible releases. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on December 29, 2021, 11:37:58 AM
I still have yet to hear The Grand Experiment,  but I love the Similitude,  The Great Adventure,  and Innocence & Danger.   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 29, 2021, 08:30:33 PM
OK, so I gave Sola Gratia another chance.  And no, I definitely don't like it.  Probably my least favorite NM-related album.
I gave it a listen the other day as well, and I think it's pretty good.  Far from his best, and not in the same league as the NMB releases we're discussing, but good nonetheless.  Middle to lower tier of Neal's work - but that's mostly because he has so many incredible releases.

Yep.  I gave Sola Gratia a recent spin as well, and while it pales in comparison to many of his other records (on his own and with his various bands), it does have a couple of outstanding songs in Overflow and Never Change, and I love the sound of it (very warm and lush).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on December 30, 2021, 10:23:42 AM
OK, so I gave Sola Gratia another chance.  And no, I definitely don't like it.  Probably my least favorite NM-related album.
I gave it a listen the other day as well, and I think it's pretty good.  Far from his best, and not in the same league as the NMB releases we're discussing, but good nonetheless.  Middle to lower tier of Neal's work - but that's mostly because he has so many incredible releases.

Yep.  I gave Sola Gratia a recent spin as well, and while it pales in comparison to many of his other records (on his own and with his various bands), it does have a couple of outstanding songs in Overflow and Never Change, and I love the sound of it (very warm and lush).
I bet if some new artist released Sola Gratia, we'd all be like this new guy is incredible lol.  It's just because Neal is so prolific it's held to such a high standard.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 30, 2021, 11:38:04 AM
OK, so I gave Sola Gratia another chance.  And no, I definitely don't like it.  Probably my least favorite NM-related album.
I gave it a listen the other day as well, and I think it's pretty good.  Far from his best, and not in the same league as the NMB releases we're discussing, but good nonetheless.  Middle to lower tier of Neal's work - but that's mostly because he has so many incredible releases.

Yep.  I gave Sola Gratia a recent spin as well, and while it pales in comparison to many of his other records (on his own and with his various bands), it does have a couple of outstanding songs in Overflow and Never Change, and I love the sound of it (very warm and lush).
I bet if some new artist released Sola Gratia, we'd all be like this new guy is incredible lol.  It's just because Neal is so prolific it's held to such a high standard.

Very true. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on December 30, 2021, 11:46:05 AM
Sola Gratia sounds really nice. I got new speakers (Wharfedale 12.2) and out of all NM works it is the one I chose to spin and it did not dissapoint.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 30, 2021, 01:16:00 PM
OK, so I gave Sola Gratia another chance.  And no, I definitely don't like it.  Probably my least favorite NM-related album.
I gave it a listen the other day as well, and I think it's pretty good.  Far from his best, and not in the same league as the NMB releases we're discussing, but good nonetheless.  Middle to lower tier of Neal's work - but that's mostly because he has so many incredible releases.

Yep.  I gave Sola Gratia a recent spin as well, and while it pales in comparison to many of his other records (on his own and with his various bands), it does have a couple of outstanding songs in Overflow and Never Change, and I love the sound of it (very warm and lush).
I didn't like either of those songs lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on December 30, 2021, 04:58:34 PM
Overflow is one of his weakest ballads and Never Change just sounds like Jesus' Blood 2.0, and I don't care for Jesus' Blood.

I listened to the album today for the first time in a while and I do think it is his weakest. Even his other notably weak album, Lifeline, has some decent tracks. Leviathan, So Many Roads, and the title track.
Sola Gratia just sounds like Neal on autopilot. Sounds like he just wrote something to pass the time in quarantine and to have something to play at Morsefest last year.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 31, 2021, 11:53:44 AM
I listened to the album today for the first time in a while and I do think it is his weakest. Even his other notably weak album, Lifeline, has some decent tracks. Leviathan, So Many Roads, and the title track.
Sola Gratia just sounds like Neal on autopilot. Sounds like he just wrote something to pass the time in quarantine and to have something to play at Morsefest last year.
Now see, for me, Lifeline is miles and miles ahead of Sola Gratia.

I would compare Sola Gratia more to Momentum, which I also didn't like very much.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 31, 2021, 11:56:27 AM
Lifeline is easily my least favorite of those, and not really close.  It is at the bottom along with ?.  Sola Gratia and Momentum are middle-of-the-road for me.  I haven't listened to Momentum in awhile, and would have to do so in order to say which I would prefer. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 31, 2021, 12:17:34 PM
Time to rank Neal's solo prog albums?
Time to rank Neal's solo prog albums!
One
Testimony 2
?
Sola Scriptura
Testimony
Momentum
Lifeline
Sola Gratia

The bottom half will likely always be the bottom half, and the Top half will always be in my Top, with One being my favorite of his solo prog efforts. The next three could probably swap spots depending on how I feel but that's what I'm feeling right now.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on December 31, 2021, 02:37:15 PM
1. Sola Scriptura
2. ?
3. Testimony 2
4. Momentum
5. Testimony
6. One
7. Lifeline
8. Sola Gratia

I'll leave out Jesus Christ the Exorcist because I've never been able to finish it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on December 31, 2021, 02:59:49 PM
1. Sola Scriptura
2. ?
3. One
4. Testimony 2
5. Testimony
6. Lifeline
7. Sola Gratia
8. Momentum
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 31, 2021, 03:59:10 PM
1. ?
2. One
3. Testimony
4. Sola Scriptura


5. Lifeline



6. Testimony 2 (I prefer the bonus disc to the actual album)


7. Momentum
8. Sola Gratia

I haven't listened to Jesus Christ the Exorcist.  Not really any interest in that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 31, 2021, 04:11:17 PM
I haven't listened to Jesus Christ the Exorcist.  Not really any interest in that.

Certainly your call.  But you are missing out. 

I would try to persuade you by telling you to take a bit to watch the Morsefest presentation of it to see if that changes your mind.  Everybody, with the exception of one of the vocalists, takes it to another level and makes it a joy to watch.  Unfortunately, that one exception is Talon, who takes perhaps the best and one of the most important vocal performances on the album and really butchers it live.  Poor kid obviously had no idea how to perform that role in a live setting and blew out her voice almost immediately. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 31, 2021, 04:12:35 PM
6. Testimony 2 (I prefer the bonus disc to the actual album)

Bonus Disc? I assume you mean disc 2, which has never been a "bonus" in the sense that it was superfluous or not meant to be part of the album. Testimony 2 has always been 2 discs and was never released as a single disc. It's like Porcupine Tree's The Incident, with 1 disc containing a self-contained conceptual piece and a 2nd disc with other unrelated songs but still part of the main album (and not a "bonus").

But yeah, "Seeds Of Gold" is top-notch Neal.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 31, 2021, 04:21:16 PM
He's talking about the bonus disk that has Absolute Beginner, Supernatural, and Seeds of Gold on them.  Tellingly, I don't remember anything about those songs.  I prefer the album proper. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 31, 2021, 04:23:48 PM
But that was not a bonus disc.  Absolute Beginner, Supernatural and Seeds of Gold are all part of the proper album, but I sense you know this already.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 31, 2021, 05:07:34 PM
But that was not a bonus disc.  Absolute Beginner, Supernatural and Seeds of Gold are all part of the proper album, but I sense you know this already.  :biggrin:

Bosk probably thinks Disc 2 of SDOIT is a bonus disc and prefers "the album proper".  :rollin

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on January 01, 2022, 10:16:50 AM
Testimony 2 disc 1 clearly has an ending, a finale, wraps up the album with a tight bow, and the 3 songs on disc 2 seemingly have nothing to do with the Testimony concept, I mean, they aren't even labelled as "part 9" in the Testimony saga.

Disc 2 is a bonus disc in everything but name. A great one though, as Seeds of Gold is one of Neal's best tunes.

SDoIT is marketed as a double album. I don't recall T2 marketed as a double.
Even with Six Degrees, the title suite could be seen as an album-within-an-album. I often listen to the discs separately as if they were two albums, but I still recognize both discs as one album, no bonus discs. I sort of do this with T2, to me, T2 disc 2 is its own little album that I listen to separately from the main disc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on January 01, 2022, 10:20:18 AM
Testimony 2 disc 1 clearly has an ending, a finale, wraps up the album with a tight bow, and the 3 songs on disc 2 seemingly have nothing to do with the Testimony concept, I mean, they aren't even labelled as "part 9" in the Testimony saga.

Disc 2 is a bonus disc in everything but name. A great one though, as Seeds of Gold is one of Neal's best tunes.

SDoIT is marketed as a double album. I don't recall T2 marketed as a double.
Even with Six Degrees, the title suite could be seen as an album-within-an-album. I often listen to the discs separately as if they were two albums, but I still recognize both discs as one album, no bonus discs.

I just got Testimony 2 from the recent Radiant sale. I think the second disc is the strongest part of it to be honest.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on January 01, 2022, 10:22:09 AM
Testimony 2 disc 1 clearly has an ending, a finale, wraps up the album with a tight bow, and the 3 songs on disc 2 seemingly have nothing to do with the Testimony concept, I mean, they aren't even labelled as "part 9" in the Testimony saga.

Disc 2 is a bonus disc in everything but name. A great one though, as Seeds of Gold is one of Neal's best tunes.

SDoIT is marketed as a double album. I don't recall T2 marketed as a double.
Even with Six Degrees, the title suite could be seen as an album-within-an-album. I often listen to the discs separately as if they were two albums, but I still recognize both discs as one album, no bonus discs.

I just got Testimony 2 from the recent Radiant sale. I think the second disc is the strongest part of it to be honest.

I think the whole thing is great, but you might just be right. I think I've listened to the 2nd disc more often than the main disc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 01, 2022, 02:39:35 PM
But that was not a bonus disc. 

That is a strange position to take.  But whatever.  The semantics don't bother me.  We both know what disk/songs we are talking about, which is the main thing.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 01, 2022, 07:24:32 PM
1. Sola Scriptura
2. Testimony 2
3. ?
4. Sola Gratia
5. Testimony
6. Momentum
7. One
8. Lifeline
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 01, 2022, 10:26:00 PM
Doing a bit of math for the five of us who have put up our rankings of Neal's 8 solo prog albums, here's how they average, out of a total 40 points:

Sola Scriptura = 34 (5, 8, 8, 5, 8)
? = 34 (6, 7, 7, 8, 6)
Testimony 2 = 28 (7, 6, 5, 3, 7)
One = 26 (8, 3, 6, 7, 2)
Testimony = 22 (4, 4, 4, 6, 4)
Momentum = 14 (3, 5, 1, 2, 3)
Lifeline = 12 (2, 2, 3, 4, 1)
Sola Gratia = 10 (1, 1, 2, 1, 5)

I gave 8th place albums 1 point, 7th place 2, etc. etc.

Of the five of us, four placed Testimony at 5th place (the most common ranking for a single album). Three of us put Sola Gratia last, as well as Sola Scriptura first (which takes the top spot over ? despite having the same number of points, since it was placed first in more lists).

Seems like the consensus agrees that Lifeline, Momentum, and Sola Gratia are bottom-half albums, with only two rankings putting any of them above 5th place. Likewise, there is a consensus that ? and Sola Scriptura are top-half albums, with everyone placing them at least 4th or higher.

1. ?
2. One
3. Testimony
4. Sola Scriptura


5. Lifeline



6. Testimony 2 (I prefer the bonus disc to the actual album)


7. Momentum
8. Sola Gratia

I haven't listened to Jesus Christ the Exorcist.  Not really any interest in that.

So it looks like after Sola Scriptura, Neal's solo albums just got worse and worse for you (and that he peaked in 2005 with ?). Now I wonder how you would rank the NMB albums in with these eight, just to see where they would fit.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 02, 2022, 06:38:53 AM
Doing a bit of math for the five of us who have put up our rankings of Neal's 8 solo prog albums, here's how they average, out of a total 40 points:

Except that Jesus Chris the Exorcist is a Neal solo prog album, so even if you want to cherry pick and only count certain albums, as if the others never happened, you still left one off.  Or is this where we cherry pick some more and say The Exorcist doesn't count because it used different singers?  "Oh no, Neal did an album that sounds different than all of the others!!!!" 

Neal fans are a strange bunch. I have seen it elsewhere online as well.  I have never seen the fanbase of another artist go out of their way to rank albums by ignoring certain albums for the sake of it.  And it seems like they know that Neal gets accused of his music being too samey, yet their exercise of ranking his prog albums pretty much eliminates all of the albums that do not sound like his "normal" prog albums, so they ironically only reinforce that narrative about Neal.

This would be like if someone started a thread called "What are your favorite debut albums?" and someone said, "Well, Opeth's album with growls are different than the ones without, and Damnation was the first totally without, so I am counting that as their debut!"  :lol :lol

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on January 02, 2022, 06:55:29 AM
Doing a bit of math for the five of us who have put up our rankings of Neal's 8 solo prog albums, here's how they average, out of a total 40 points:

Except that Jesus Chris the Exorcist is a Neal solo prog album, so even if you want to cherry pick and only count certain albums, as if the others never happened, you still left one off.  Or is this where we cherry pick some more and say The Exorcist doesn't count because it used different singers?  "Oh no, Neal did an album that sounds different than all of the others!!!!" 

Neal fans are a strange bunch. I have seen it elsewhere online as well.  I have never seen the fanbase of another artist go out of their way to rank albums by ignoring certain albums for the sake of it.  And it seems like they know that Neal gets accused of his music being too samey, yet their exercise of ranking his prog albums pretty much eliminates all of the albums that do not sound like his "normal" prog albums, so they ironically only reinforce that narrative about Neal.

This would be like if someone started a thread called "What are your favorite debut albums?" and someone said, "Well, Opeth's album with growls are different than the ones without, and Damnation was the first totally without, so I am counting that as their debut!"  :lol :lol

Theres also at least some prog on Neals self-titled first solo album (A Whole Nother Trip). That album is pretty close musically to the early Spocks Beard albums (some prog, some pop).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 02, 2022, 07:49:39 AM
Doing a bit of math for the five of us who have put up our rankings of Neal's 8 solo prog albums, here's how they average, out of a total 40 points:

Except that Jesus Chris the Exorcist is a Neal solo prog album, so even if you want to cherry pick and only count certain albums, as if the others never happened, you still left one off.  Or is this where we cherry pick some more and say The Exorcist doesn't count because it used different singers?  "Oh no, Neal did an album that sounds different than all of the others!!!!" 

Neal fans are a strange bunch. I have seen it elsewhere online as well.  I have never seen the fanbase of another artist go out of their way to rank albums by ignoring certain albums for the sake of it.  And it seems like they know that Neal gets accused of his music being too samey, yet their exercise of ranking his prog albums pretty much eliminates all of the albums that do not sound like his "normal" prog albums, so they ironically only reinforce that narrative about Neal.

This would be like if someone started a thread called "What are your favorite debut albums?" and someone said, "Well, Opeth's album with growls are different than the ones without, and Damnation was the first totally without, so I am counting that as their debut!"  :lol :lol

honestly JCTE is so unmemorable i forgot it.  but just put it last in my list than, lol

i really did forget it existed......poor JCTE

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 02, 2022, 08:07:08 AM
Ok so i HAVE to modify now i feel bad cause i honestly DID forget some

1. Sola Scriptura
2. Testimony 2
3. ?
4. Sola Gratia
5. Testimony
6. Momentum
7.  One
8. Neal Morse
9. Lifeline
10. It's not too Late
11. Jesus Christ the Exorcist

i think that now covers.  I forgot the self titled because i just think Spock's beard more than solo.  It's too late and JCTE are just both highly forgettable to me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on January 02, 2022, 11:21:16 AM
But that was not a bonus disc. 

That is a strange position to take.  But whatever.  The semantics don't bother me.  We both know what disk/songs we are talking about, which is the main thing.  :tup
I think Kev's right based on Neal never marketed it as a "bonus disc", but rather as a double album.  But I agree with you, and the others, in that it does have that feel (even though Seeds of Gold is one of his best).  I think after Testimony, which was so long and all about his story, it's natural to think of disc 2 of Testimony 2 as a "bonus disc", as it's not a continuation of Neal's "story".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on January 02, 2022, 11:25:31 AM
JCTE is the one Neal "solo prog" album I do not have.  I guess I should pick it up.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 02, 2022, 11:30:28 AM
But that was not a bonus disc. 

That is a strange position to take.  But whatever.  The semantics don't bother me.  We both know what disk/songs we are talking about, which is the main thing.  :tup
I think Kev's right based on Neal never marketed it as a "bonus disc", but rather as a double album.  But I agree with you, and the others, in that it does have that feel (even though Seeds of Gold is one of his best).  I think after Testimony, which was so long and all about his story, it's natural to think of disc 2 of Testimony 2 as a "bonus disc", as it's not a continuation of Neal's "story".

Agreed.  Even though it was always presented as a double album, I get why some feel like Disc 1 is the proper album and the three songs on Disc 2 are bonus songs. Semantics aside, that is still one of my three favorite Neal solo records along with One and ?.  The flow and sound of Disc 1 is just so on the money.   :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 02, 2022, 11:35:56 AM
JCTE surely isn't one Neal's best, but I think some people are way too harsh on it. It's obviously not going to feel like your usual NM prog solo album, but that's because it's a multi-vocalist rock opera/concept album.

My only real complaints about the album are 1. Talon's voice, which I don't think blends well with the rest of the cast and 2. Eric's drumming, which sounds like a poor man's MP impression (no offense to Eric, but drums are clearly not his main instrument).

As for Testimony 2 being a double album or an album with a bonus disc, I don't care really, but Seeds of Gold is one of Neal's best songs ever, no question :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 02, 2022, 04:19:17 PM
My only real beef with The Exorcist album is the mix.  It is too dry.  The melodies usually jump out of the speakers at you with a Rich Mouser mix, but with that one it is like they are struggling to get out at times.  I wonder if it being a more vocal-heavy approach than normal made them go for a different sound.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on January 03, 2022, 12:47:28 AM
I think there's a consensus on there being eight "core" Neal Morse solo albums, because they are the albums with MP and Randy that focus on prog. Where would it end? If you take his self-titled and It's Not Too Late, why not Songs From November, or Life & Times? What about his lesser known albums like Songs from the Highway? Or his worship albums? I don't ever think of JCTE as one of the core albums; for one, MP doesn't play on it, and two, it's a rock opera with a huge cast. It's a completely different kind of thing than any of his other albums. It's got Randy, Bill, and Eric, why can't it be an NMB album? Answer: because it just isn't. It's a Neal "project" in my mind more than a Neal "album" if that makes sense. The Beatles had MANY albums that are just forgotten about and not ranked against the "core" 14 or whatever they have. It's the same way with Neal.

Anyway, ranking the core eight:

1. Testimony 2 (Love both discs, including the not-a-bonus-disc #2 :P)
2. Sola Scriptura
3. One
4. ?
5. Lifeline
6. Testimony
7. Momentum
8. Sola Gratia
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 03, 2022, 02:28:40 AM
I was always bothered by bands attaching a second disc to the conceptual one-disc release, where it clear that the songs are thematically not connected to the ones on the first disc. The artists make it clear that those are not bonus tracks but rather actual parts of the album. That sort of ruined The Incident by Porcupine Tree for me.

It also slightly brings down Testimony 2. However, it's still so great that it's my favorite solo release by Neal. It's just not ten out of ten.  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 03, 2022, 06:31:19 AM
I think there's a consensus on there being eight "core" Neal Morse solo albums, because they are the albums with MP and Randy that focus on prog. Where would it end? If you take his self-titled and It's Not Too Late, why not Songs From November, or Life & Times? What about his lesser known albums like Songs from the Highway? Or his worship albums? I don't ever think of JCTE as one of the core albums; for one, MP doesn't play on it, and two, it's a rock opera with a huge cast. It's a completely different kind of thing than any of his other albums. It's got Randy, Bill, and Eric, why can't it be an NMB album? Answer: because it just isn't. It's a Neal "project" in my mind more than a Neal "album" if that makes sense. The Beatles had MANY albums that are just forgotten about and not ranked against the "core" 14 or whatever they have. It's the same way with Neal.



Wait, if the eight "core" are defined by Neal doing prog with Mike and Randy, then why is the original Testimony on there?  Randy George did not play on that album.  I suppose we can always move the goal posts again and say, "But he played on the tour!" :P

With the Beatles, I suspect you are referring to albums like Past Masters Volume 1 and 2, ones that obviously released as a compilation albums of songs that for the most part did not make studio albums, since they were a band that released a lot of singles on their own.  Albums like Songs for November, Life and Times and It's Not Too Late are not compilation albums.  Neal wrote and released those as...wait for it...Neal Morse solo albums.  :eek :eek  (I will not comment on the worship albums because I am largely unfamiliar with them and do not know the stories behind those releases.)

As for something being "a completely different kind of thing than any of his other albums," I didn't realize that an artist had to release the same kind of album over and over, and if they release something different, well, then it really doesn't count.  That is an interesting take. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 03, 2022, 08:40:11 AM
I'm simple if it's got Neal morse on it (without the Band attached on the end of course) it's a Neal Morse solo album.  No matter who plays on it......i just am more interested in the prog end of things than the worship end.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 03, 2022, 09:57:21 AM
I'm simple if it's got Neal morse on it (without the Band attached on the end of course) it's a Neal Morse solo album.  No matter who plays on it......i just am more interested in the prog end of things than the worship end.

So... Transatlantic, Flying Colors, and Spock's Beard are all Neal solo albums as well? ;)  :lol

I know we're all being a bit picky and pedantic here, but I only meant to categorize Neal's solo prog albums are that his most well-known, and yes, those are the ones that feature Mike Portnoy. When Neal released Testimony, I think it was a big deal that he was doing music with Mike outside of Transatlantic, especially after he "left" SB and TA. And when Mike kept coming back, it seemed like that was the formula for Neal's solo prog albums at the time, all the way up to the formation of the Neal Morse Band during the Momentum era. And the fact that Neal produced Sola Gratia with just Mike (and Randy) shows that he himself considers that to be definitive solo prog release like the seven that came before it (well six since Randy wasn't on Testimony, but he was on the tour :p).

I think most fans will agree that those eight albums are what many would consider his "solo prog output", where in the music was written and produced (almost) entirely by Neal himself, featuring drums by Portnoy and bass by George, and where Neal does (nearly) all of the vocals. Not having Mike and multiple vocalists kind of puts JCTE in a separate category. It's also not the first musical/rock opera Neal has written (Hitman, which dates a bit further back in his career, though never officially released outside of the IC Club).

I think we can all agree that we don't have to include his singer-songwriter albums when ranking his solo prog stuff since they're completely different in feel, despite his debut solo album closing with a 20-minute prog epic, though that song isn't even as proggy as his other early prog epics (from SB and TA). They're all fine albums, but I think most prog fans/casual Neal fans aren't aware of those albums, and probably have not even heard them at all, same with the worship albums.

But back to Neal and solo prog releases - do we think he'll ever do another one outside of the NMB, like with Sola Gratia? Or will he just stick with the 3 bands he's currently in from now until he's retired?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 03, 2022, 10:16:28 AM
I think the chances that he does another solo album outside of NMB is approaching 100%.   Not to be dramatic or starry-eyed about it, but I get the sense that making records for Neal is not a job, not something you "retire" from.  I think he will be making music in some form or another until his brain is no longer processing that music for one reason or another.

I think it's far more likely he jettisons the other bands than it is that he forsakes another solo album (simply because the consequences of the burden are far greater when you have 2/3/4 other band members).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 03, 2022, 10:18:32 AM
Everybody forgets about A Proggy Christmas when they do their rankings.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 03, 2022, 11:52:07 AM
I'm simple if it's got Neal morse on it (without the Band attached on the end of course) it's a Neal Morse solo album.  No matter who plays on it......i just am more interested in the prog end of things than the worship end.

So... Transatlantic, Flying Colors, and Spock's Beard are all Neal solo albums as well? ;)  :lol

I know we're all being a bit picky and pedantic here, but I only meant to categorize Neal's solo prog albums are that his most well-known, and yes, those are the ones that feature Mike Portnoy. When Neal released Testimony, I think it was a big deal that he was doing music with Mike outside of Transatlantic, especially after he "left" SB and TA. And when Mike kept coming back, it seemed like that was the formula for Neal's solo prog albums at the time, all the way up to the formation of the Neal Morse Band during the Momentum era. And the fact that Neal produced Sola Gratia with just Mike (and Randy) shows that he himself considers that to be definitive solo prog release like the seven that came before it (well six since Randy wasn't on Testimony, but he was on the tour :p).

I think most fans will agree that those eight albums are what many would consider his "solo prog output", where in the music was written and produced (almost) entirely by Neal himself, featuring drums by Portnoy and bass by George, and where Neal does (nearly) all of the vocals. Not having Mike and multiple vocalists kind of puts JCTE in a separate category. It's also not the first musical/rock opera Neal has written (Hitman, which dates a bit further back in his career, though never officially released outside of the IC Club).

I think we can all agree that we don't have to include his singer-songwriter albums when ranking his solo prog stuff since they're completely different in feel, despite his debut solo album closing with a 20-minute prog epic, though that song isn't even as proggy as his other early prog epics (from SB and TA). They're all fine albums, but I think most prog fans/casual Neal fans aren't aware of those albums, and probably have not even heard them at all, same with the worship albums.

But back to Neal and solo prog releases - do we think he'll ever do another one outside of the NMB, like with Sola Gratia? Or will he just stick with the 3 bands he's currently in from now until he's retired?

-Marc.



well you know basically what i'm saying :lol

but yea all these distinctions get so muddled......just enjoy the music i say.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on January 03, 2022, 11:55:07 AM
I'm simple if it's got Neal morse on it (without the Band attached on the end of course) it's a Neal Morse solo album.  No matter who plays on it......i just am more interested in the prog end of things than the worship end.

So... Transatlantic, Flying Colors, and Spock's Beard are all Neal solo albums as well? ;)  :lol

I know we're all being a bit picky and pedantic here, but I only meant to categorize Neal's solo prog albums are that his most well-known, and yes, those are the ones that feature Mike Portnoy. When Neal released Testimony, I think it was a big deal that he was doing music with Mike outside of Transatlantic, especially after he "left" SB and TA. And when Mike kept coming back, it seemed like that was the formula for Neal's solo prog albums at the time, all the way up to the formation of the Neal Morse Band during the Momentum era. And the fact that Neal produced Sola Gratia with just Mike (and Randy) shows that he himself considers that to be definitive solo prog release like the seven that came before it (well six since Randy wasn't on Testimony, but he was on the tour :p).

I think most fans will agree that those eight albums are what many would consider his "solo prog output", where in the music was written and produced (almost) entirely by Neal himself, featuring drums by Portnoy and bass by George, and where Neal does (nearly) all of the vocals. Not having Mike and multiple vocalists kind of puts JCTE in a separate category. It's also not the first musical/rock opera Neal has written (Hitman, which dates a bit further back in his career, though never officially released outside of the IC Club).

I think we can all agree that we don't have to include his singer-songwriter albums when ranking his solo prog stuff since they're completely different in feel, despite his debut solo album closing with a 20-minute prog epic, though that song isn't even as proggy as his other early prog epics (from SB and TA). They're all fine albums, but I think most prog fans/casual Neal fans aren't aware of those albums, and probably have not even heard them at all, same with the worship albums.

But back to Neal and solo prog releases - do we think he'll ever do another one outside of the NMB, like with Sola Gratia? Or will he just stick with the 3 bands he's currently in from now until he's retired?

-Marc.
I agree with this ^
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 03, 2022, 11:58:19 AM
I hope he does another solo record.  i appear to be in the minority but i adored sola Gratia and think it has of the best"second side) of music he's ever done....the last 7 songs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on January 03, 2022, 11:59:25 AM
I think the chances that he does another solo album outside of NMB is approaching 100%.   Not to be dramatic or starry-eyed about it, but I get the sense that making records for Neal is not a job, not something you "retire" from.  I think he will be making music in some form or another until his brain is no longer processing that music for one reason or another.

I think it's far more likely he jettisons the other bands than it is that he forsakes another solo album (simply because the consequences of the burden are far greater when you have 2/3/4 other band members).
I agree with this as well.  He'll definitely release more solo albums for sure.  If anything, I think we'll see less of TA and Flying Colors, unfortunately.  I think they know they have something special with the NMB chemistry, so I expect that to continue as well as future "solo" releases.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 03, 2022, 12:04:08 PM
I think the chances that he does another solo album outside of NMB is approaching 100%.   Not to be dramatic or starry-eyed about it, but I get the sense that making records for Neal is not a job, not something you "retire" from.  I think he will be making music in some form or another until his brain is no longer processing that music for one reason or another.

I think it's far more likely he jettisons the other bands than it is that he forsakes another solo album (simply because the consequences of the burden are far greater when you have 2/3/4 other band members).
I agree with this as well.  He'll definitely release more solo albums for sure.  If anything, I think we'll see less of TA and Flying Colors, unfortunately.  I think they know they have something special with the NMB chemistry, so I expect that to continue as well as future "solo" releases.

If Transatlantic is done, I'd be fine with that. They produced five very fine albums and as great at TAU is, I'm not sure they could do anything else that could top that or their earlier works. A sixth TA album just seems difficult for me to imagine what it'd be like. Flying Colors, on the other hand, I really hope sticks around, as it's the most unlike-his-other-bands that Neal has been in, especially since he's not a major musical contributor with Steve Morse and Casey McPherson throwing in their music just as much as Neal. I would love to see at least two more albums from them, I think they've got it in them to do at least two more and then call it a day. I honestly hope they reconvene this year, especially if Neal's tour plans get canceled in the wake of resurging COVID cases. Get the boys back together to do FC4 this Spring and release it in the Fall, and maybe by then, touring will be more certain and they could do a FC Tour (opening with Morsefest 2022!).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on January 03, 2022, 02:39:02 PM
I think the chances that he does another solo album outside of NMB is approaching 100%.   Not to be dramatic or starry-eyed about it, but I get the sense that making records for Neal is not a job, not something you "retire" from.  I think he will be making music in some form or another until his brain is no longer processing that music for one reason or another.

I think it's far more likely he jettisons the other bands than it is that he forsakes another solo album (simply because the consequences of the burden are far greater when you have 2/3/4 other band members).
I agree with this as well.  He'll definitely release more solo albums for sure.  If anything, I think we'll see less of TA and Flying Colors, unfortunately.  I think they know they have something special with the NMB chemistry, so I expect that to continue as well as future "solo" releases.

If Transatlantic is done, I'd be fine with that. They produced five very fine albums and as great at TAU is, I'm not sure they could do anything else that could top that or their earlier works. A sixth TA album just seems difficult for me to imagine what it'd be like. Flying Colors, on the other hand, I really hope sticks around, as it's the most unlike-his-other-bands that Neal has been in, especially since he's not a major musical contributor with Steve Morse and Casey McPherson throwing in their music just as much as Neal. I would love to see at least two more albums from them, I think they've got it in them to do at least two more and then call it a day. I honestly hope they reconvene this year, especially if Neal's tour plans get canceled in the wake of resurging COVID cases. Get the boys back together to do FC4 this Spring and release it in the Fall, and maybe by then, touring will be more certain and they could do a FC Tour (opening with Morsefest 2022!).

-Marc.
Yeah, I don't think Flying Colors is done and I agree, I think they've got more left in them to say musically.  My point was more that we might get a Flying Colors album every 5 years vs. every 18-24 months with the NMB.  That's how I see it anyway.  As far as Transatlantic, it's tough to say.  TAU Forevermore was my album of the year last year.  So if they can produce more on that level, I'm all for it.  It does kinda feel like this upcoming Morsefest performance is their swansong though.  But what do I know? I could be totally wrong and they're planning a writing session for TA 6 before or after Morsefest....it's certainly possible.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 03, 2022, 05:57:11 PM
I think the chances that he does another solo album outside of NMB is approaching 100%.   Not to be dramatic or starry-eyed about it, but I get the sense that making records for Neal is not a job, not something you "retire" from.  I think he will be making music in some form or another until his brain is no longer processing that music for one reason or another.

I think it's far more likely he jettisons the other bands than it is that he forsakes another solo album (simply because the consequences of the burden are far greater when you have 2/3/4 other band members).

Agreed.  I don't see Neal stopping until he cannot physically do it anymore and/or he runs out of ideas, and the former seems more likely to happen first given that he has an endless amount of creativity, but hopefully not for another 15-20 years.  Hey, if Keith Richards can keep going till almost 80, then Neal can as well, right? :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on January 03, 2022, 10:07:15 PM
Neal has talked on his podcast before about how hard it is for him to compromise within the confines of a band at times. While he admits sometimes having that outside influence and feedback from bandmates about his writing can be important, he also sometimes just wants to be able to put out whatever his vision is without having to compromise on anything with bandmates. So I think he'll always want to do his own solo albums from time to time.

I do agree that there is a very definite "solo prog Neal" output that essentially served the same function for Neal as Spock's Beard, starting with Testimony. I don't think it's hard to draw a distinction between those albums and his first two solo albums or his praise and worship albums or Songs from November and Life and Times. But I also think people should include those other albums when considering his body of work as a whole. Because Neal has never been just a prog guy, and if you're ignoring the poppier singer-songwriter stuff you're missing out on some of the best stuff he's done IMO.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on January 04, 2022, 05:39:00 AM
Neal has hinted on Facebook that he is working on a project based on a book right now. I want to say that it was a Biography about a missionary but I could be projecting, and I'm too lazy to go look it up. It sounds like it would be a solo prog album, though it is really too early to tell.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on January 04, 2022, 11:01:22 AM
Neal has hinted on Facebook that he is working on a project based on a book right now. I want to say that it was a Biography about a missionary but I could be projecting, and I'm too lazy to go look it up. It sounds like it would be a solo prog album, though it is really too early to tell.
That sounds interesting.  I wonder if it's for a new solo album or possibly the NMB?  I think he always has "something in the works".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 04, 2022, 11:07:37 AM
Neal has hinted on Facebook that he is working on a project based on a book right now. I want to say that it was a Biography about a missionary but I could be projecting, and I'm too lazy to go look it up. It sounds like it would be a solo prog album, though it is really too early to tell.

Is it God's Smuggler? He's mentioned writing songs for it in his Nov and Oct IC Newsletters more recently, but revealed it in his July newsletter, saying he had 10-12 songs already written for it by then. It is based on the book God's Smuggler, and it is "a story about a guy named Brother Andrew. He's a man from the Netherlands who smuggled Bibles behind the iron curtain in the 50s and 60s." as Neal said.

He's gone on to say that he doesn't really know how this whole project will manifest, but given the subject matter, I could see it being another NMB album, but at very least, another solo album since he seems to be taking a lot of time and care in crafting the songs for it by himself.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 04, 2022, 11:40:58 AM
Doing a bit of math for the five of us who have put up our rankings of Neal's 8 solo prog albums, here's how they average, out of a total 40 points:

Except that Jesus Chris the Exorcist is a Neal solo prog album, so even if you want to cherry pick and only count certain albums, as if the others never happened, you still left one off.  Or is this where we cherry pick some more and say The Exorcist doesn't count because it used different singers?  "Oh no, Neal did an album that sounds different than all of the others!!!!" 

Neal fans are a strange bunch. I have seen it elsewhere online as well.  I have never seen the fanbase of another artist go out of their way to rank albums by ignoring certain albums for the sake of it.  And it seems like they know that Neal gets accused of his music being too samey, yet their exercise of ranking his prog albums pretty much eliminates all of the albums that do not sound like his "normal" prog albums, so they ironically only reinforce that narrative about Neal.

This would be like if someone started a thread called "What are your favorite debut albums?" and someone said, "Well, Opeth's album with growls are different than the ones without, and Damnation was the first totally without, so I am counting that as their debut!"  :lol :lol

I don't know that it's "cherrypicking" so much as Neal just has had a lot of different projects that are different degrees of similar, and fans like things to fit into neat little boxes, but we don't always agree about what the boxes are or what should go into each one.  To me, the singer-songwriter albums feel like they go in a different category than Neal's solo prog stuff, just because they are a different genre (or at least subgenre) of music.  And Neal seems to feel this way too, it seems, since he rarely if ever includes any of those songs in his sets when he tours for his solo or NMB tours.  So those just feel like separate entities to me. 

Solo prog and NMB are a bit tricker to me.  Yes, there are different players from the early albums.  And they appear to be set up as separate entities legally, I think.  And the songwriting his handled differently.  But overall, the music is virtually indistinguishable, there is considerable overlap in players, and Neal seems to treat the music from the two as completely interchangeable when he tours.  To me, these don't feel like two separate things for most purposes.

Since it was mentioned, I will acknowledge that JCTE is a bit of an oddball.  There were lots of additional players brought into the mix, and the format is really different.  Neal practically views this as a separate one-off project that was in the works for a long time.  But that said, it really isn't all that independent from his other stuff.  So I would include it in the big ball of "Neal solo prog" and NMB. 

So all that said, I completely get that people feel differently about some of those classifications.  And I'm not going to scream too loudly if others see it differently.  At the end of the day, I don't think it really matters.  The above are my opinions only, and I don't think that taking a hard line one way or the other is fruitful, especially since I see a lot of grey rather than clearly defined lines.

So, for me, lumping the solo prog stuff and the NMB stuff together, here's my ranking:

1.  One:  All time favorite album
2.  The Great Adventure:  I have really enjoyed Neal's output through the years, but this just took things back to a level I hadn't felt in a LONG time. 
3.  Sola Scriptura:  Could be #2 on a different day.
4.  Testimony:  Nostalgia probably plays a big role in ranking it this high.  But I love it.  Yes, it feels overly long.  But when you take time to truly understand and appreciate the story, I think it becomes apparent that it is long and plodding for a reason.  It's kinda like Lord of the Rings in that way.  If you are looking for conciseness or action, it isn't the thing for you.  But if you can be patient and understand that the long, plodding nature of the journey itself is kinda the point, it is pretty rewarding. 
5.  Similitude:  Really solid album.  I was not expecting TGA to top it and was surprised when that one was so good.  But I really like this one as well.
6.  JCTE:  Hard to rank.  There are some things that bug me about this album.  And some parts that don't do a lot for me.  But the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.  So at least for now, it feels like it should be about here.
7.  Testimony 2:  Feels like it pales in comparison to the original.  And, for the most part, little if any of disk 2 has stuck with me.  But there are some really great moments as well. 
8.  The Grand Experiment:  This album doesn't really feel "special" like a lot of Neal's albums do, but it is just a fun, enjoyable listen.
9.  Momentum:  Same comments as TGE.  These two are almost interchangeable for me.
10.  Sola Gratia:  Some things on here confuse me, but there are some great moments too.  I feel like Neal could have done more with this concept than he did.  Almost seems like he was distracted.
11.  Innocence & Danger:  Maybe I just haven't gotten used to it yet.  It's a perfectly fine album.  But nothing stands out to me yet.  But admittedly, the problem is that it came out at roughly the same time as DT's new album, so I have barely given this one the time of day.  Maybe it "deserves" better, but it is what it is.
12.  ?:  Some really cool moments, but doesn't do it for me overall. 
13.  Lifeline:  Leviathan is not a good song.  It just isn't.  I have no idea why Neal thinks otherwise and keeps playing it.  And not much else on the album stands out to me or has stood the test of time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on January 04, 2022, 01:08:37 PM
I don't know that it's "cherrypicking" so much as Neal just has had a lot of different projects that are different degrees of similar, and fans like things to fit into neat little boxes, but we don't always agree about what the boxes are or what should go into each one.  To me, the singer-songwriter albums feel like they go in a different category than Neal's solo prog stuff, just because they are a different genre (or at least subgenre) of music.  And Neal seems to feel this way too, it seems, since he rarely if ever includes any of those songs in his sets when he tours for his solo or NMB tours.  So those just feel like separate entities to me. 

Solo prog and NMB are a bit tricker to me.  Yes, there are different players from the early albums.  And they appear to be set up as separate entities legally, I think.  And the songwriting his handled differently.  But overall, the music is virtually indistinguishable, there is considerable overlap in players, and Neal seems to treat the music from the two as completely interchangeable when he tours.  To me, these don't feel like two separate things for most purposes.

Since it was mentioned, I will acknowledge that JCTE is a bit of an oddball.  There were lots of additional players brought into the mix, and the format is really different.  Neal practically views this as a separate one-off project that was in the works for a long time.  But that said, it really isn't all that independent from his other stuff.  So I would include it in the big ball of "Neal solo prog" and NMB. 

So all that said, I completely get that people feel differently about some of those classifications.  And I'm not going to scream too loudly if others see it differently.  At the end of the day, I don't think it really matters.  The above are my opinions only, and I don't think that taking a hard line one way or the other is fruitful, especially since I see a lot of grey rather than clearly defined lines.

So, for me, lumping the solo prog stuff and the NMB stuff together, here's my ranking:

1.  One:  All time favorite album
2.  The Great Adventure:  I have really enjoyed Neal's output through the years, but this just took things back to a level I hadn't felt in a LONG time. 
3.  Sola Scriptura:  Could be #2 on a different day.
4.  Testimony:  Nostalgia probably plays a big role in ranking it this high.  But I love it.  Yes, it feels overly long.  But when you take time to truly understand and appreciate the story, I think it becomes apparent that it is long and plodding for a reason.  It's kinda like Lord of the Rings in that way.  If you are looking for conciseness or action, it isn't the thing for you.  But if you can be patient and understand that the long, plodding nature of the journey itself is kinda the point, it is pretty rewarding. 
5.  Similitude:  Really solid album.  I was not expecting TGA to top it and was surprised when that one was so good.  But I really like this one as well.
6.  JCTE:  Hard to rank.  There are some things that bug me about this album.  And some parts that don't do a lot for me.  But the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.  So at least for now, it feels like it should be about here.
7.  Testimony 2:  Feels like it pales in comparison to the original.  And, for the most part, little if any of disk 2 has stuck with me.  But there are some really great moments as well. 
8.  The Grand Experiment:  This album doesn't really feel "special" like a lot of Neal's albums do, but it is just a fun, enjoyable listen.
9.  Momentum:  Same comments as TGE.  These two are almost interchangeable for me.
10.  Sola Gratia:  Some things on here confuse me, but there are some great moments too.  I feel like Neal could have done more with this concept than he did.  Almost seems like he was distracted.
11.  Innocence & Danger:  Maybe I just haven't gotten used to it yet.  It's a perfectly fine album.  But nothing stands out to me yet.  But admittedly, the problem is that it came out at roughly the same time as DT's new album, so I have barely given this one the time of day.  Maybe it "deserves" better, but it is what it is.
12.  ?:  Some really cool moments, but doesn't do it for me overall. 
13.  Lifeline:  Leviathan is not a good song.  It just isn't.  I have no idea why Neal thinks otherwise and keeps playing it.  And not much else on the album stands out to me or has stood the test of time.
Great post!  Except for your rankings LOL
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: me7 on January 04, 2022, 01:20:38 PM
The last few pages taught me, that some Neal fans don't consider "?" to be among his best works  :omg:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 04, 2022, 01:53:15 PM
The last few pages taught me, that some Neal fans don't consider "?" to be among his best works  :omg:

To this day, I've only listened to it in full about 1 or 2 times at best. I rank it towards the bottom with Lifeline :lol

I should give it another spin soon.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on January 04, 2022, 01:55:13 PM
The last few pages taught me, that some Neal fans don't consider "?" to be among his best works  :omg:

You know, I don't think I've heard a note of that album. Must have heard some promo clips maybe, but it came out before YouTube and streaming services made checking things out easy to do, and I was so disappointed by One that it was not an auto-buy for me at that point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on January 04, 2022, 03:03:30 PM
HOF, if part of your issue with One is that it feels somewhat overlong and reprise happy, you might enjoy ?. It's the most compact concept album of Neal's career.

I think ? is maybe Neal's best solo album (I don't include NMB in that). There are a lot of pieces on there that are unusual for him, and it feels like a cohesive musical journey that doesn't waste a moment. The other competitors would be Sola Scripture and the first Testimony (which is kind of the opposite direction from ?, but makes it work).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 04, 2022, 03:29:39 PM
My issue with one is it just feels overlong even for a neal album.  don't get me wrong i love

the Creation
Author of Confusion
Separated Man
Reunion

but i just get bored when i listen too it in spots....hence why it ranks low with me.

add in cut songs ad it just goes on and on and on, lol

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on January 04, 2022, 03:37:58 PM
I just didn't find the music on One to be enjoyable. Just wasn't picking up what Neal was putting down. Testimony was also a bit of a letdown, but I at least enjoyed a good chunk of it. One really made me question whether I needed to buy any more NM albums. I don't think I picked up another NM release until Flying Colors came out, and I've only sort of dipped my toes in Neal's solo prog stuff since. I'll pick stuff up when it's discounted on Radiant though (that's how I got Momentum, Lifeline, and recently Testimony II). 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on January 04, 2022, 04:00:08 PM
I feel that. One is not at all among my favorites, either. I think there are good songs on there, especially Author of Confusion and Reunion, but I don't really connect with songs like The Creation and The Separated Man as much as a lot of other NM music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on January 04, 2022, 04:03:28 PM
? Was a swing and a miss for me. Testimony and One are my favorites but I&D is also really good. I never bought anything after ? Until the new one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 04, 2022, 05:45:13 PM
I wonder if liking One and/or ? depends on when you discovered Neal and his music. Personally, I discovered him in 2005, just before ? came out, so it was his first new album for me after I became a fan. I *really* enjoyed it, especially with all the guest musicians on it. I also really enjoyed One quite a bit, even with the expanded tracklist to make it an 11-track, 920-minute album. It was his latest album when I became a fan, so I spun the heck out of it and really got into One.

Also, Neal just released his December IC Newsletter and he brings up his God's Smuggler musical some more, saying that his recent watch of Tick, Tick... Boom! may have influenced his writing a bit. Other than that, he doesn't give many more details, but at this point, he probably has well over 20 songs written at various stages of completion. I think he'll do another JTCE-styled album, and at this point, that means he's written at least three different musicals (the other being the aforementioned Hitman, which was released via the Inner Circle in a demo format). With regards to "fitting his work in a neat box", I think we can safely put his musicals in a separate category apart from solo prog, NMB, worship, and singer-songwriter stuff, as well as the more obvious distinctions with his other bands (SB, TA, and FC). He definitely has a  lot of avenues for musical output, and as others have said above, I think he'll keep doing this until he's physically and/or mentally unable to write/record/perform music.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on January 04, 2022, 06:03:49 PM
It's possible, but I don't think I would fit into that theory. I got into Transatlantic in around 2013 and Neal solo in around 2015, and I rate ? near the top and One near the bottom.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 04, 2022, 06:31:33 PM
? is ranked as Neal's 2nd best solo album by voters at both RYM and Prog Archives, and usually gets mad love from most on the fan FB page, so I thinki it is safe to say that Neal's fans in general do consider it one of his best solo albums, although there will be always be some contrarians, some of whom post here at DTF. :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 04, 2022, 06:59:33 PM
Also, Neal just released his December IC Newsletter and he brings up his God's Smuggler musical some more, saying that his recent watch of Tick, Tick... Boom! may have influenced his writing a bit. Other than that, he doesn't give many more details, but at this point, he probably has well over 20 songs written at various stages of completion. I think he'll do another JTCE-styled album, and at this point, that means he's written at least three different musicals (the other being the aforementioned Hitman, which was released via the Inner Circle in a demo format). With regards to "fitting his work in a neat box", I think we can safely put his musicals in a separate category apart from solo prog, NMB, worship, and singer-songwriter stuff, as well as the more obvious distinctions with his other bands (SB, TA, and FC). He definitely has a  lot of avenues for musical output, and as others have said above, I think he'll keep doing this until he's physically and/or mentally unable to write/record/perform music.

-Marc.

Very interested in that new musical he's working on! Also, never heard of Hitman before, but it makes sense considering I'm not an IC member. Do you have any info/backstory on it? Sorry if this was mentioned recently in the thread and I missed it :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 04, 2022, 08:39:35 PM
I wonder if liking One and/or ? depends on when you discovered Neal and his music. Personally, I discovered him in 2005, just before ? came out, so it was his first new album for me after I became a fan. I *really* enjoyed it, especially with all the guest musicians on it. I also really enjoyed One quite a bit, even with the expanded tracklist to make it an 11-track, 920-minute album. It was his latest album when I became a fan, so I spun the heck out of it and really got into One.

Also, Neal just released his December IC Newsletter and he brings up his God's Smuggler musical some more, saying that his recent watch of Tick, Tick... Boom! may have influenced his writing a bit. Other than that, he doesn't give many more details, but at this point, he probably has well over 20 songs written at various stages of completion. I think he'll do another JTCE-styled album, and at this point, that means he's written at least three different musicals (the other being the aforementioned Hitman, which was released via the Inner Circle in a demo format). With regards to "fitting his work in a neat box", I think we can safely put his musicals in a separate category apart from solo prog, NMB, worship, and singer-songwriter stuff, as well as the more obvious distinctions with his other bands (SB, TA, and FC). He definitely has a  lot of avenues for musical output, and as others have said above, I think he'll keep doing this until he's physically and/or mentally unable to write/record/perform music.

-Marc.

He has written 4 musical counting HOMELAND, another IC release

EDIT:

HOMELAND album info:

Homeland is an album by Neal Morse. It is a piece that was written for a musical theater production in the early 1990s. Many of the musical themes from this production would later appear on some of the Spock's Beard albums. This is the twelfth release in the Neal Morse Inner Circle

Tracklist:

Set up for Overture/Son of Mine
Overture/Son of Mine
Set up for Where Will I Go Now
Where Will I Go Now
Set up for Lord of the Flies
Lord of the Flies
Set up for Cut Throat Island/Mother
Cut Throat Island
Mother
Set up for Haiti Rise
Haiti Rise
Set up for What Do They Know?
What Do They Know?
Set up for We Will Better the World
We Will Better the World
Set up for How Can You Love That Man?
How Can You Love That Man?
Set up for The Greatest of Them All
The Greatest of Them All
Set up for Rise Again
Rise Again
Set up for the End Of Homeland
The End Of Homeland
Rise Again Reprise
End Talk
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 04, 2022, 08:49:30 PM
Also, Neal just released his December IC Newsletter and he brings up his God's Smuggler musical some more, saying that his recent watch of Tick, Tick... Boom! may have influenced his writing a bit. Other than that, he doesn't give many more details, but at this point, he probably has well over 20 songs written at various stages of completion. I think he'll do another JTCE-styled album, and at this point, that means he's written at least three different musicals (the other being the aforementioned Hitman, which was released via the Inner Circle in a demo format). With regards to "fitting his work in a neat box", I think we can safely put his musicals in a separate category apart from solo prog, NMB, worship, and singer-songwriter stuff, as well as the more obvious distinctions with his other bands (SB, TA, and FC). He definitely has a  lot of avenues for musical output, and as others have said above, I think he'll keep doing this until he's physically and/or mentally unable to write/record/perform music.

-Marc.

Very interested in that new musical he's working on! Also, never heard of Hitman before, but it makes sense considering I'm not an IC member. Do you have any info/backstory on it? Sorry if this was mentioned recently in the thread and I missed it :biggrin:

Notes
Hit Man: A Musical by Neal Morse was first started in the early 1990s. It includes demo material from the first recordings in Oxnard, California.

Two record moguls make a bet, one saying he can "make a band famous that doesn't even exist". This is the story and the musical that is inspired from this premise.
Band
See credits (only additional info shown)
Robert White as Stan
Maggie Egin as Iris
Pam Parker as Iris
Christopher as Wolfe
Margaret Mendenhall as Tish
Dean Bro as Wolfe

Characters
Nat Wolfe or Frank Wolfe - the 'Hit Man' or The Record Executive
Art Godaman - The Rival Record Executive or Wolfe's mogul friend in the 'bet'
Stan Fudgerucker - The Desperate Songwriter
Iris Fudgerucker - The Songwriter's Wife
Tisch - The Record Executive Secretary
James - with Jo, Stan and Iris' Best Friends
Jo - with James, Stan and Iris' Best Friends
Ensemble - various music business people
Collideoscope - the band

This is "Inner Circle #4" November 2005

tracklist:

Track listing
1 Intro
2 The Overture / The Buzz
3 Set Up for "I Want to Be"
4 I Want to Be
5 Set Up for "Hit Man"
6 Hit Man
7 Set Up for "You Were My Eyes"
8 You Were My Eyes
9 Set Up for "We Are the Artists"
10 We Are the Artists
11 Set Up for "The Contract / Sign Here"
12 The Contract / Sign Here
13 Have You Heard?
14 Set Up for "The Duet"
15 The Duet
16 Set Up for "You're What Makes Me Tick"
17 You're What Makes Me Tick
18 Set Up for "Wolfe's Big Debut"
19 Wolfe's Big Debut
20 Set Up for "Until He Finds Me"
21 Until He Finds Me
22 Set Up for "The Glory"
23 The Glory
24 Set Up for "Collideoscope"
25 Collideoscope
26 Set Up for "There's the Moon"
27 There's the Moon
28 Set up for the End
29 The Buzz Reprise
30 Never Let the Light Go Dark
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 04, 2022, 08:56:34 PM
? is ranked as Neal's 2nd best solo album by voters at both RYM and Prog Archives, and usually gets mad love from most on the fan FB page, so I thinki it is safe to say that Neal's fans in general do consider it one of his best solo albums, although there will be always be some contrarians, some of whom post here at DTF. :)

Yup.  I will happily own the "contrarian" badge if that's what you want to call it.  But I'm also not a hater.  I acknowledge that it is ranked highly by a lot of fans and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it if asked.  It's just not my thing.

But you don't need to try to bait me in almost every post relating to Neal and DT and try to make my opinions sound more extreme than they are.  I have no problem voicing my tastes and my opinions, but it's not like I don't acknowledge that others' opinions might differ.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 04, 2022, 09:52:01 PM
@MinistroRaven thanks a lot, pal :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on January 05, 2022, 02:18:12 AM
I have rarely listened to ?, don't really care for it to be honest.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 05, 2022, 07:14:48 AM
I love ?, but it definitely has a slightly different feel than some of his other albums.  Kind of heavy (for Neal), and a lot of compact songs that flow together like one long thing.

But really, as much as we talk about the NM sameiness, most of his albums are slightly distinct.  Nothing from Sola Scriptura feels like it would fit on Lifeline, for instance (and vice versa).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on January 05, 2022, 03:09:45 PM
I love ?!  It's my second favorite Neal solo prog album (not including NMB albums) after Sola Scriptura.  I really should have made it to Moresfest 2015 - as they played both Sola Scriptura and ? - would have been my ultimate Morsefest!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 05, 2022, 04:30:32 PM
@MinistroRaven thanks a lot, pal :tup :tup

 :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 05, 2022, 07:05:56 PM
? is ranked as Neal's 2nd best solo album by voters at both RYM and Prog Archives, and usually gets mad love from most on the fan FB page, so I thinki it is safe to say that Neal's fans in general do consider it one of his best solo albums, although there will be always be some contrarians, some of whom post here at DTF. :)

Yup.  I will happily own the "contrarian" badge if that's what you want to call it.  But I'm also not a hater.  I acknowledge that it is ranked highly by a lot of fans and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it if asked.  It's just not my thing.

But you don't need to try to bait me in almost every post relating to Neal and DT and try to make my opinions sound more extreme than they are.  I have no problem voicing my tastes and my opinions, but it's not like I don't acknowledge that others' opinions might differ.

I honestly do not know what you mean with the baiting comment.  I think some of us are just more aggressively wordy with our opinions (that can probably be said about both you and me), but no offense is intended.  :tup :tup

And "contrarian" was not meant to be negative or anything.  Heck, I am a contrarian when it comes to Sola Scriptura (I think it is really good, but I don't consider it one of his best like many fans do), and I am good with that.  It would be no fun if we all loved the same stuff.  :hat :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 06, 2022, 07:12:03 AM
? is ranked as Neal's 2nd best solo album by voters at both RYM and Prog Archives, and usually gets mad love from most on the fan FB page, so I thinki it is safe to say that Neal's fans in general do consider it one of his best solo albums, although there will be always be some contrarians, some of whom post here at DTF. :)

Yup.  I will happily own the "contrarian" badge if that's what you want to call it.  But I'm also not a hater.  I acknowledge that it is ranked highly by a lot of fans and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it if asked.  It's just not my thing.

But you don't need to try to bait me in almost every post relating to Neal and DT and try to make my opinions sound more extreme than they are.  I have no problem voicing my tastes and my opinions, but it's not like I don't acknowledge that others' opinions might differ.

I honestly do not know what you mean with the baiting comment.  I think some of us are just more aggressively wordy with our opinions (that can probably be said about both you and me), but no offense is intended.  :tup :tup

And "contrarian" was not meant to be negative or anything.  Heck, I am a contrarian when it comes to Sola Scriptura (I think it is really good, but I don't consider it one of his best like many fans do), and I am good with that.  It would be no fun if we all loved the same stuff.  :hat :hat

Contrarian?  You rang?  :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Peter Mc on January 06, 2022, 05:24:56 PM
I think the chances that he does another solo album outside of NMB is approaching 100%.   Not to be dramatic or starry-eyed about it, but I get the sense that making records for Neal is not a job, not something you "retire" from.  I think he will be making music in some form or another until his brain is no longer processing that music for one reason or another.

I think it's far more likely he jettisons the other bands than it is that he forsakes another solo album (simply because the consequences of the burden are far greater when you have 2/3/4 other band members).
I agree with this as well.  He'll definitely release more solo albums for sure.  If anything, I think we'll see less of TA and Flying Colors, unfortunately.  I think they know they have something special with the NMB chemistry, so I expect that to continue as well as future "solo" releases.

If Transatlantic is done, I'd be fine with that. They produced five very fine albums and as great at TAU is, I'm not sure they could do anything else that could top that or their earlier works. A sixth TA album just seems difficult for me to imagine what it'd be like. Flying Colors, on the other hand, I really hope sticks around, as it's the most unlike-his-other-bands that Neal has been in, especially since he's not a major musical contributor with Steve Morse and Casey McPherson throwing in their music just as much as Neal. I would love to see at least two more albums from them, I think they've got it in them to do at least two more and then call it a day. I honestly hope they reconvene this year, especially if Neal's tour plans get canceled in the wake of resurging COVID cases. Get the boys back together to do FC4 this Spring and release it in the Fall, and maybe by then, touring will be more certain and they could do a FC Tour (opening with Morsefest 2022!).

-Marc.

I can also see TA being done or at least another long break.  I get the impression that there is always friction in those records, particularly between Neal and Roine wrestling a little to get more of their parts included.  They actually got to a point this time where they literally couldnt compromise and took the unprecedented step of releasing their own different versions of the album.  I think it will be a while before they go back there but I may be totally wrong.  Im not saying this is Roger Waters/David Gilmour level animosity or anything but Im not sure its 100% a fun experience for them either.

It wouldnt worry me too much to be honest as NMB scratch that particular itch for me for the most part although Roine does add a bit of a laid back 70s vibe which sets it apart.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 06, 2022, 06:55:22 PM


Contrarian?  You rang?  :) :) :) :)

Hehe,  :tup :tup

I can also see TA being done or at least another long break.  I get the impression that there is always friction in those records, particularly between Neal and Roine wrestling a little to get more of their parts included.  They actually got to a point this time where they literally couldnt compromise and took the unprecedented step of releasing their own different versions of the album.  I think it will be a while before they go back there but I may be totally wrong.  Im not saying this is Roger Waters/David Gilmour level animosity or anything but Im not sure its 100% a fun experience for them either.

It wouldnt worry me too much to be honest as NMB scratch that particular itch for me for the most part although Roine does add a bit of a laid back 70s vibe which sets it apart.

I am a big fan of Roine as well, but for me NMB is much better and more interesting than Transatlantic right now.  Don't get me wrong, I'll be seeing TA at Morsefest this year and will have a blast without a doubt, but I personally feel now that all four NMB album are better than both of the last two records Transatlantic did.  As much as I love the first three Transatlantic albums, if you asked me, "What two Neal projects/bands would you like to see new studio albums from in the next year or so?", my quick answer would be Neal Morse Band and Flying Colors.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on January 07, 2022, 10:43:44 AM
But that was not a bonus disc. 

That is a strange position to take.  But whatever.  The semantics don't bother me.  We both know what disk/songs we are talking about, which is the main thing.  :tup
I think Kev's right based on Neal never marketed it as a "bonus disc", but rather as a double album.  But I agree with you, and the others, in that it does have that feel (even though Seeds of Gold is one of his best).  I think after Testimony, which was so long and all about his story, it's natural to think of disc 2 of Testimony 2 as a "bonus disc", as it's not a continuation of Neal's "story".
I was listening to Morsefest 2017 yesterday, and it's interesting that they played both Supernatural and Seeds of Gold, prior to playing Disc 1, but they did not play Absolute Beginner.  Anybody have any insight into why they skipped that one?

I also found it interesting, that when it came to Steve Morse's amazing solo in Seeds of Gold, they split it up with Neal taking the first half (different than Steve Morse) then Eric comes ripping in with the 2nd half.  I'm surprised they didn't let Eric take the whole thing.  He's an amazing player who can seriously shred (after watching him handle some of the crazy LTE JP parts, as well as Paul Gilbert's amazing solo in The Door), I feel like he could have handled it and done it justice.  Does anybody know if the part of the solo Neal was playing was from the original demo he did or something like that?  If that's the case, then I can see how it makes sense - otherwise I would have let Eric shred away.  Just my opinion..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 07, 2022, 10:50:58 AM
Neal played the solo live when they did shows for T2 (this was before he got the first iteration of what now is NMB), so I guess it was just a nod to that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 07, 2022, 11:23:07 AM
I am a big fan of Roine as well, but for me NMB is much better and more interesting than Transatlantic right now.  Don't get me wrong, I'll be seeing TA at Morsefest this year and will have a blast without a doubt, but I personally feel now that all four NMB album are better than both of the last two records Transatlantic did.  As much as I love the first three Transatlantic albums, if you asked me, "What two Neal projects/bands would you like to see new studio albums from in the next year or so?", my quick answer would be Neal Morse Band and Flying Colors.

That's an interesting take.  I have cooled of a bit on The Absolute Universe since it came out.  I'm not sure I would put it in the top 4 anymore.  But even at #4, I feel that it is a close #4.  Similitude and TGA are in that same tier for me.  And it would be close.  So close that I hate to rank them, because I feel it would be just far too arbitrary.  But if I had to, I think at the moment, I would go:
1.  TGA
2.  TAU
3.  Similitude
But, again, they are close.  Similitude being last in that ranking does not imply that it doesn't measure up.  The distance between #1 and #3 on that list is miniscule.

And I would probably lump Kaliedoscope and the other two NMB albums together in a lower tier.  They feel about the same to me in quality.  I like them.  But I could easily do without and wouldn't miss them much if Thanos snapped them out of existence. 

But I guess all I'm really trying to say is that I love TAU, and would absolutely put it up there with the best NMB material.  Honestly, if I could plan my "Ultimate Morsefest Experience" right now, I would probably have it be a 3-night affair with Similitude, TGA, and TAU each played in their entirety.  Yeah, not realistic at all.  But if that could somehow happen, I don't think I could come up with anything more perfect.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 07, 2022, 11:32:43 AM
And I would probably lump Kaliedoscope and the other two NMB albums together in a lower tier.  They feel about the same to me in quality.  I like them.  But I could easily do without and wouldn't miss them much if Thanos snapped them out of existence. 

Neal's catalog is so big that Thanos would need to snap twice to get rid of it all ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on January 07, 2022, 11:47:25 AM
I am a big fan of Roine as well, but for me NMB is much better and more interesting than Transatlantic right now.  Don't get me wrong, I'll be seeing TA at Morsefest this year and will have a blast without a doubt, but I personally feel now that all four NMB album are better than both of the last two records Transatlantic did.  As much as I love the first three Transatlantic albums, if you asked me, "What two Neal projects/bands would you like to see new studio albums from in the next year or so?", my quick answer would be Neal Morse Band and Flying Colors.

I definitely agree with this. I have my own specific, lyric-related reasons (discussed in one of the AOTY threads) for not loving TAU, but even just musically, I found Innocence & Danger vastly more interesting and enjoyable.

It's hard not to notice that NMB is one album away from producing about the same amount of original music in a decade as Transatlantic produced in 22 years (NMB is at 387 minutes including the TGE bonus tracks; TA is at 433 minutes including the TW bonus tracks and counting the Ultimate edition for TAU). And, controversial though it may be, I think that if NMB 5 is anywhere near the level of the first four, that run will top the Transatlantic discography. BAF and TW would be very difficult to beat, but I think I'd put all four NMB albums above the other three TA albumsat the very least above SMPTe and TAU (it might be a close call between Kaleidoscope and the last couple).

In fact, this might be an interesting ranking to do:
1. The Whirlwind
2. Bridge Across Forever
3. The Great Adventure
4. Innocence & Danger
5. The Grand Experiment
6. Kaleidoscope
7. The Similitude of a Dream
8. SMPTe
9. The Absolute Universe
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on January 07, 2022, 02:19:17 PM
1. The Whirlwind
2. The Similitude of a Dream
3. Innocence and Danger
4. Bridge Across Forever
5. The Great Adventure
6. The Absolute Universe
7. The Grand Experiment
8. SMPTe
9. Kaleidoscope
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 07, 2022, 02:34:33 PM
Guess I'll join in, too...

Bridge Across Forever
The Whirlwind
The Absolute Universe
Innocence & Danger
The Similitude Of A Dream
The Great Adventure
SMPT:e
The Grand Experiment (Special Edition)
Kaleidoscope

So, for me, the NMB albums are middle-of-the-pack for the most part. I honestly haven't heard TSOAD and TGA thoroughly in a long while, but I still have fond memories of getting to know those albums, but I am a prisoner of nostalgia, and have loved BAF and TW a lot longer and they hold a special place in my heart. As for The Absolute Universe, I've grown to love it over the past almost-year, and it gets better for me every time I spin it, and likewise, I&D grows on me as well, and is probably my favorite NMB album to date. I think it says something to Neal and his bands that even his 2021 albums with both groups rank so highly in this ranking. He's still got it!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on January 07, 2022, 02:42:01 PM
Neal played the solo live when they did shows for T2 (this was before he got the first iteration of what now is NMB), so I guess it was just a nod to that.
OK, thanks.  I knew there had to be more to it then just Neal being like "Hey Eric, let's split this solo and do it together".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on January 07, 2022, 03:56:07 PM
SMPT:e
Bridge Across Forever
The Similitude Of A Dream
The Whirlwind
The Great Adventure
The Grand Experiment
Innocence & Danger
Kaleidoscope
The Absolute Universe

The first 2 TA albums were absolutely life-changing for me when I first heard them. They were my introduction into progressive rock and I only got them because MP played on them and I was a huge DT fan, but they became instant favorites. All the albums beyond that are great to decent, but nothing in prog-rock has really been able to touch those besides maybe the 90's FK albums and maybe V by SB.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 07, 2022, 06:56:59 PM
My ranking of the nine TA and NMB albums would be as listed below.  Normal versions only, as I think counting versions with bonus songs is cheating.  Because there are three official versions of TAU, I listed the one I like the best.

01 The Similitude of a Dream
02 SMPTe
03 The Whirlwind
04 Bridge Across Forever
05 The Grand Experiment
06 Innocence and Danger
07 The Great Adventure
08 The Absolute Universe (ultimate version)
09 Kaleidoscope
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: me7 on January 08, 2022, 02:20:38 AM
I was listening to Morsefest 2017 yesterday, and it's interesting that they played both Supernatural and Seeds of Gold, prior to playing Disc 1, but they did not play Absolute Beginner.  Anybody have any insight into why they skipped that one?

That song is best left forgotten. It sounds like a title track for a turn-of-the-millennium teenie film. It reminds me of the South Park episode, in which the boys start a Christian Rock band by copying famous love songs, only replacing all terms of endearment with God/Lord/Jesus
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 08, 2022, 06:27:51 AM
Yeah, even though that night was advertised as playing all of T2, I was fine with them having left Absolute Beginner out.   I don't dislike the song, but it's pretty average, and the set list that night was nothing but great stuff, and having that in there would have been like having a tiny hair in the otherwise marvelous soup.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 08, 2022, 08:51:34 AM
I was listening to Morsefest 2017 yesterday, and it's interesting that they played both Supernatural and Seeds of Gold, prior to playing Disc 1, but they did not play Absolute Beginner.  Anybody have any insight into why they skipped that one?

I'm not sure. Someone should ask Neal next chance they meet him. Also ask him why he didn't place "Back To The Garden" with the rest of the songs from One back in 2014. That one has been bugging me, too.

Had he played those two songs, he would have live versions of every main solo prog album at Morsefest except Lifeline (which had its better songs played) and Momentum, since the only two Momentum songs played at Morsefest have been "Thoughts Pt. 5" (in 2020) and "World Without End" (played last year), but given that they played the epic already, I doubt he'll go back and do the whole album again. Maybe they'll play "Weathering Sky" and "Smoke And Mirrors" at some point in the future.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 08, 2022, 09:02:39 AM
I was listening to Morsefest 2017 yesterday, and it's interesting that they played both Supernatural and Seeds of Gold, prior to playing Disc 1, but they did not play Absolute Beginner.  Anybody have any insight into why they skipped that one?

I'm not sure. Someone should ask Neal next chance they meet him. Also ask him why he didn't place "Back To The Garden" with the rest of the songs from One back in 2014. That one has been bugging me, too.

Had he played those two songs, he would have live versions of every main solo prog album at Morsefest except Lifeline (which had its better songs played) and Momentum, since the only two Momentum songs played at Morsefest have been "Thoughts Pt. 5" (in 2020) and "World Without End" (played last year), but given that they played the epic already, I doubt he'll go back and do the whole album again. Maybe they'll play "Weathering Sky" and "Smoke And Mirrors" at some point in the future.

-Marc.

Except that Back to the Garden is a bonus track, not an album track (that is not semantics, that is reality), so him not playing that is the same thing as not playing some of the bonus tracks from Lifeline as well.

The fact that Back to the Garden is part of the "restored" running order is irrelevant.  It is not a part of the officially released proper album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 08, 2022, 09:38:45 AM
as long as we're doing rankingss which i enjoy.

1. Similitude
2. Bridge Across Forever
3. Whrilwind
4. Innocence & Danger
5. Absolute Universe (encompassing all versions here)
6. SMPT:e
7. Grand Experiment
8. The Great  Adventure
9. Kaleidoscope

The only NMB album i'd call an absolute classic is Similitude.....nothing else they did quite stands up to my two fav transatlantics's  Innocence & Danger came pretty close though. Kaleidoscope is a true stinker for Transatlantic though....yikes.



 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on January 08, 2022, 10:43:26 AM
I was listening to Morsefest 2017 yesterday, and it's interesting that they played both Supernatural and Seeds of Gold, prior to playing Disc 1, but they did not play Absolute Beginner.  Anybody have any insight into why they skipped that one?

That song is best left forgotten. It sounds like a title track for a turn-of-the-millennium teenie film. It reminds me of the South Park episode, in which the boys start a Christian Rock band by copying famous love songs, only replacing all terms of endearment with God/Lord/Jesus
It's far from my favorite as well.  But I always got the impression that these Morsefest's were sort of the unofficial "official live documentation" of these albums, if that makes sense.  So I figured Neal (and MP being a completest) would have wanted that song documented as well.  I guess not.  It would be a good question to ask Neal.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 08, 2022, 12:21:49 PM
I was listening to Morsefest 2017 yesterday, and it's interesting that they played both Supernatural and Seeds of Gold, prior to playing Disc 1, but they did not play Absolute Beginner.  Anybody have any insight into why they skipped that one?

That song is best left forgotten. It sounds like a title track for a turn-of-the-millennium teenie film. It reminds me of the South Park episode, in which the boys start a Christian Rock band by copying famous love songs, only replacing all terms of endearment with God/Lord/Jesus
It's far from my favorite as well.  But I always got the impression that these Morsefest's were sort of the unofficial "official live documentation" of these albums, if that makes sense.  So I figured Neal (and MP being a completest) would have wanted that song documented as well.  I guess not.  It would be a good question to ask Neal.

Neal seems to forget stuff like that, so it would probably be a better question to ask Mike Portnoy to be honest, as he has a mind like a steel trap and could probably give the exact reason and the date and time they decided against playing it. :P :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 08, 2022, 12:29:01 PM
Oh, and while it was not an instant grabber (what song over 30 minutes is??), I do now think that Beyond the Years is one of the best epics to ever appear on a Neal Morse-related album.   It is hard to top All of the Above or Stranger in Your Soul, but Beyond the Years is in that next tier.  :coolio :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 08, 2022, 01:18:17 PM
I was listening to Morsefest 2017 yesterday, and it's interesting that they played both Supernatural and Seeds of Gold, prior to playing Disc 1, but they did not play Absolute Beginner.  Anybody have any insight into why they skipped that one?

I'm not sure. Someone should ask Neal next chance they meet him. Also ask him why he didn't place "Back To The Garden" with the rest of the songs from One back in 2014. That one has been bugging me, too.

Had he played those two songs, he would have live versions of every main solo prog album at Morsefest except Lifeline (which had its better songs played) and Momentum, since the only two Momentum songs played at Morsefest have been "Thoughts Pt. 5" (in 2020) and "World Without End" (played last year), but given that they played the epic already, I doubt he'll go back and do the whole album again. Maybe they'll play "Weathering Sky" and "Smoke And Mirrors" at some point in the future.

-Marc.

Except that Back to the Garden is a bonus track, not an album track (that is not semantics, that is reality), so him not playing that is the same thing as not playing some of the bonus tracks from Lifeline as well.

The fact that Back to the Garden is part of the "restored" running order is irrelevant.  It is not a part of the officially released proper album.

But they did include Nothing to Believe and King Jesus, both being "bonus" tracks and part of the "restored" tracklist just like Back to the Garden. I think that's what Marc is saying, why include some of the extra tracks and not all of them.

Of course, Neal and co. can do whatever they want with their own setlists/shows, but I'm definitely with Marc on this one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 08, 2022, 01:57:40 PM
I was listening to Morsefest 2017 yesterday, and it's interesting that they played both Supernatural and Seeds of Gold, prior to playing Disc 1, but they did not play Absolute Beginner.  Anybody have any insight into why they skipped that one?

I'm not sure. Someone should ask Neal next chance they meet him. Also ask him why he didn't place "Back To The Garden" with the rest of the songs from One back in 2014. That one has been bugging me, too.

Had he played those two songs, he would have live versions of every main solo prog album at Morsefest except Lifeline (which had its better songs played) and Momentum, since the only two Momentum songs played at Morsefest have been "Thoughts Pt. 5" (in 2020) and "World Without End" (played last year), but given that they played the epic already, I doubt he'll go back and do the whole album again. Maybe they'll play "Weathering Sky" and "Smoke And Mirrors" at some point in the future.

-Marc.

Except that Back to the Garden is a bonus track, not an album track (that is not semantics, that is reality), so him not playing that is the same thing as not playing some of the bonus tracks from Lifeline as well.

The fact that Back to the Garden is part of the "restored" running order is irrelevant.  It is not a part of the officially released proper album.

But they did include Nothing to Believe and King Jesus, both being "bonus" tracks and part of the "restored" tracklist just like Back to the Garden. I think that's what Marc is saying, why include some of the extra tracks and not all of them.

Of course, Neal and co. can do whatever they want with their own setlists/shows, but I'm definitely with Marc on this one.

That's precisely what I've thought- why bother learning two but not all three? It's not like BTTG I a particularly difficult song to learn. I just would like to know why it wasn't included. I'm sure Mike brought it up considering how much of a fan he is of Neal's music, but maybe Neal just didn't want to do it. Same with "Absolute Beginner".

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: me7 on January 08, 2022, 02:32:06 PM
Why am I convinced that BTTG is an actual bonus track and not part of the original album?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 08, 2022, 02:38:32 PM
Because it's a bonus song. I find it odd that this discussion takes place so often. Official tracklists are available all over the place.  ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on January 08, 2022, 02:41:45 PM
The Morsefest performance of "One" was specifically promoted as being the "entire One album including the bonus tracks that are part of the One storyline".  This is what makes it seem odd to me that that particular song was singled out and omitted.  Not that I really care either way (even though I like the song), just sayin'. 

Personally, I always thought Back to the Garden felt more like it "belonged" in the story/setlist than Nothing to Believe.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on January 08, 2022, 02:58:04 PM
Oh, and while it was not an instant grabber (what song over 30 minutes is??), I do now think that Beyond the Years is one of the best epics to ever appear on a Neal Morse-related album.   It is hard to top All of the Above or Stranger in Your Soul, but Beyond the Years is in that next tier.  :coolio :coolio
I agree with you - Beyond the Years is an amazing song!  I love everything about it (even the crazy instrumental section and Bills vocals (they're not always my favorite) but they work well on this track). Love Eric's solos, the keyboard solos, everyone's vocals etc.  It's hard for me to compare it to TA though.  I was trying to make a list earlier of my favorites of TA and NMB, like a lot of you guys did, and it just wasn't working for me for some reason.  I think to me, they're just "different enough", if that makes sense, where it's hard for me to lump together.  Whereas Neal's solo prog albums and NMB I can easily lump together.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 08, 2022, 08:09:41 PM
Oh, and while it was not an instant grabber (what song over 30 minutes is??), I do now think that Beyond the Years is one of the best epics to ever appear on a Neal Morse-related album.   It is hard to top All of the Above or Stranger in Your Soul, but Beyond the Years is in that next tier.  :coolio :coolio
I agree with you - Beyond the Years is an amazing song!  I love everything about it (even the crazy instrumental section and Bills vocals (they're not always my favorite) but they work well on this track). Love Eric's solos, the keyboard solos, everyone's vocals etc.  It's hard for me to compare it to TA though.  I was trying to make a list earlier of my favorites of TA and NMB, like a lot of you guys did, and it just wasn't working for me for some reason.  I think to me, they're just "different enough", if that makes sense, where it's hard for me to lump together.  Whereas Neal's solo prog albums and NMB I can easily lump together.

The crazy instrumental section (the one that begins around 21-22 minute mark) is still the one thing holding back just enough for me to not put it on the same level as All of the Above and Stranger in Your Soul, but it doesn't bug me anymore like it did at first; I just don't love that section.  But the rest of the song is just money.  I can ignore the silly cutoff at the end since that feels like the epilogue following the real climax anyway.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on January 09, 2022, 11:52:57 AM
Oh, and while it was not an instant grabber (what song over 30 minutes is??), I do now think that Beyond the Years is one of the best epics to ever appear on a Neal Morse-related album.   It is hard to top All of the Above or Stranger in Your Soul, but Beyond the Years is in that next tier.  :coolio :coolio
I agree with you - Beyond the Years is an amazing song!  I love everything about it (even the crazy instrumental section and Bills vocals (they're not always my favorite) but they work well on this track). Love Eric's solos, the keyboard solos, everyone's vocals etc.  It's hard for me to compare it to TA though.  I was trying to make a list earlier of my favorites of TA and NMB, like a lot of you guys did, and it just wasn't working for me for some reason.  I think to me, they're just "different enough", if that makes sense, where it's hard for me to lump together.  Whereas Neal's solo prog albums and NMB I can easily lump together.

The crazy instrumental section (the one that begins around 21-22 minute mark) is still the one thing holding back just enough for me to not put it on the same level as All of the Above and Stranger in Your Soul, but it doesn't bug me anymore like it did at first; I just don't love that section.  But the rest of the song is just money.  I can ignore the silly cutoff at the end since that feels like the epilogue following the real climax anyway.
Yeah, the cutoff doesn't bother me anymore either.  It's a great song 100%!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 10, 2022, 06:19:31 PM
Speaking of Innocence and Danger, as some of you may or may not remember, a friend and I have been doing listening parties for a while now, where we run through the discography of an artist and discuss each album.  I had the idea a few weeks ago of ending the year/starting the new year with reviewing five albums by favorites.  Like me, he is a big fan of Steven Wilson, DT and Neal Morse, so we did, in order, The Future Bites (SW), A View from the Top of the World (DT), LTE3 (LTE), Innocence and Danger (NMB) and The Absolute Universe (TA).

Having just done the last two, it was shocking how much better Innocence and Danger is than The Absolute Universe.  My buddy had nearly the exact same thought.  Even when taking the ultimate edition of TAU into account, it just feels light years behind I&D.  Part of that is because TAU is just lacking in spots, but a big part as well is because of how damn good I&D is.  It just sounds fresher and more vibrant.  I really want to find a way to see them on the upcoming tour, but I am just not sure it is possible.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 11, 2022, 06:36:49 AM
I'm repeating myself now, I know, but I haven't had a record "linger" with me like I&D for a LONG LONG time (and funny that Maiden's album is in the same boat and they came out within weeks of each other).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 11, 2022, 09:42:27 AM
I recently played I & D again too and i still LOVE it.....a lot of it plays like a neal era spock's album actually.

Two things though.

1. unlike most here.  I have not grown to like Beyond the Years at all......too disjointed for me.  nothing really gells for me.  and it doesn't justify 30 minutes for me.  if he wanted to stretch one song out it should have be Not Afraid Pt. I ADORE that song.  BTY is one of my least favorite epics he's done.

2.  also i've had it with the prog-ed up versions of classics.....they don't work


solid 8/10

or if you want 4/5

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 11, 2022, 09:51:19 AM
Since I got the album a bit later than most, I had seen the criticism of Bridge Over Troubled Water before I got the album.  I often like covers, and I think Neal has done some great ones, so I was going in fully prepared to defend this one (especially since the original is a pretty good song).  But I have to say, it just doesn't do anything for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on January 11, 2022, 05:04:02 PM
The NMB has great chemistry and I think they know it.  IMO, the music sounds fresher because of the input from Bill and Eric.  They are both super talented, and when you add their talents to one of the most prolific song writers in prog history, you get this awesomeness.  That's how I see it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 11, 2022, 07:43:04 PM
Eric and Bill definitely add a lot of to the greatness of NMB, but to circle back to my point about I&W being a lot better than The Absolute Universe, that was on the heels of having listened to The Breath of Life and Forevermore (which did the reviews as two separate ones of the two versions). Both are such massive teases.  My own personal ultimate edition of the album, which blends the best of the two versions, is pretty darn good, but I can't count my own personal running orders as an official version damn it. :lol  But there is some great stuff on TAU.  And Roine hits it out of the park on that record (when Neal isn't editing his stuff out  >:( >:( ).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 11, 2022, 09:40:23 PM
Eric and Bill definitely add a lot of to the greatness of NMB, but to circle back to my point about I&W being a lot better than The Absolute Universe, that was on the heels of having listened to The Breath of Life and Forevermore (which did the reviews as two separate ones of the two versions). Both are such massive teases.  My own personal ultimate edition of the album, which blends the best of the two versions, is pretty darn good, but I can't count my own personal running orders as an official version damn it. :lol  But there is some great stuff on TAU.  And Roine hits it out of the park on that record (when Neal isn't editing his stuff out  >:( >:( ).

Innocence & Words? :P :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on January 12, 2022, 11:48:56 AM
Eric and Bill definitely add a lot of to the greatness of NMB, but to circle back to my point about I&W being a lot better than The Absolute Universe, that was on the heels of having listened to The Breath of Life and Forevermore (which did the reviews as two separate ones of the two versions). Both are such massive teases.  My own personal ultimate edition of the album, which blends the best of the two versions, is pretty darn good, but I can't count my own personal running orders as an official version damn it. :lol  But there is some great stuff on TAU.  And Roine hits it out of the park on that record (when Neal isn't editing his stuff out  >:( >:( ).
I hear you, and I agree Roine is great on TAU.  I think for me, it just depends on my mood.  Sometimes I'm just in a Transatlantic mood, and everything I play from them is just great, and sometimes I'm not.  Just me I guess..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 12, 2022, 12:29:10 PM
Eric and Bill definitely add a lot of to the greatness of NMB, but to circle back to my point about I&W being a lot better than The Absolute Universe, that was on the heels of having listened to The Breath of Life and Forevermore (which did the reviews as two separate ones of the two versions). Both are such massive teases.  My own personal ultimate edition of the album, which blends the best of the two versions, is pretty darn good, but I can't count my own personal running orders as an official version damn it. :lol  But there is some great stuff on TAU.  And Roine hits it out of the park on that record (when Neal isn't editing his stuff out  >:( >:( ).

Innocence & Words? :P :lol

Hah, yep. :facepalm: :lol


I hear you, and I agree Roine is great on TAU.  I think for me, it just depends on my mood.  Sometimes I'm just in a Transatlantic mood, and everything I play from them is just great, and sometimes I'm not.  Just me I guess..

For sure. It's funny because since I posted that earlier this week, I have spun my own personal ultimate edition of TAU several times and have enjoyed the heck out of it, so I just need to stick with that forevermore. :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on January 12, 2022, 09:53:56 PM
Having just done the last two, it was shocking how much better Innocence and Danger is than The Absolute Universe.  My buddy had nearly the exact same thought.  Even when taking the ultimate edition of TAU into account, it just feels light years behind I&D.  Part of that is because TAU is just lacking in spots, but a big part as well is because of how damn good I&D is.  It just sounds fresher and more vibrant.  I really want to find a way to see them on the upcoming tour, but I am just not sure it is possible.

I've already mentioned my lyric-related struggle with TAU, but I think even if that were not the case, I would feel this way. Having them both come out in the same year really drives home that TA is a collaboration whose best years are behind it, while NMB is a really vibrant and exciting collaboration in the here and now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 13, 2022, 11:13:48 AM
Tour update....

https://www.nealmorse.com/2022/01/13/nmb-tour-update-good-news-and-bad-news/

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on January 13, 2022, 11:29:20 AM
Well, mine is still on.  Damn I hate that bands have to shuffle like this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 13, 2022, 07:19:04 PM
After years of me trying to get him onboard with no success, my dad (a guitarist who usually doesn't like prog too much) just asked me to share some NM music with him. He's listening to Sola Scriptura right now :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 13, 2022, 08:01:31 PM
After years of me trying to get him onboard with no success, my dad (a guitarist who usually doesn't like prog too much) just asked me to share some NM music with him. He's listening to Sola Scriptura right now :tup

Nice!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 13, 2022, 08:01:48 PM
Still no STL date.  Damn.

I blame Portnoy. :P :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 14, 2022, 07:02:11 AM
Next time I talk to him, I'll ask him if he's going to Indonesia.   :) :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshade on January 18, 2022, 12:59:23 PM
With Neal's vast body of work between his solo/NMB stuff, SB, TA, and other projects, he should be expanding his set lists to the point where anything could be played on any given night, instead of full album performances or static set lists. It would be pretty interesting if he committed to that, even just for one or two tours.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 18, 2022, 02:05:59 PM
With Neal's vast body of work between his solo/NMB stuff, SB, TA, and other projects, he should be expanding his set lists to the point where anything could be played on any given night, instead of full album performances or static set lists. It would be pretty interesting if he committed to that, even just for one or two tours.

Well, he has played music from his various bands with his other various bands, just probably not to the extent you're wishing for. For example, he's played SB tunes (in full and in partial) with Transatlantic, Flying Colors, solo, and with the Neal Morse Band. He's also played TA tunes with his solo tours and with the NMB. I think what it comes down to is wanting to represent the music he's recorded with the musicians he's currently touring with. Granted, Portnoy is in like all of those groups, but each group has different lead vocalists (Roine & Pete, Bill & Eric, Casey) whose voices all lend themselves to their music, but hearing, say, Bill belt out Pete's lines from Transatlantic, or Casey sing some Transatlantic, might feel a bit weird.

If Neal had a MEGA tour with all of those musicians on stage, he could probably do it justice, but I don't see that happening at all. Now, if it was just music that only Neal sang on, that would be more likely, especially since he does that already with Spock's Beard songs (and has been doing for the last 20 years).

Maybe when Neal feels like he's reached the end of his live performance career, he'll hold one more Morsefest and feature music and musicians from all of his bands (SB, TA, FC, and NMB) and have a week-long concert festival.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 18, 2022, 06:18:47 PM
Yeah, with no concept album to tour on this time around, it would be cool if NMB would get a little more flexible with the set lists. Heck, just have one or two spots a night that are left open every night to where it could be anything. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on January 19, 2022, 03:56:05 AM
The new album is great, if I get to see them play I would love them to just play it as is. And I'd personally prefer them to keep it to The Neal Morse Band material in general. All of that is still fresh and there is plenty to rotate if they wish to do that (7 CD's worth of music). 

Most bands I see play roughly the same setlist with a couple of new(er) songs sprinkled along the setlist over a period of several years. Neal Morse has very big differences between tours usually, as there is always plenty of new material.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on January 19, 2022, 08:05:41 AM
I think NMB should play mostly NMB music at this point. I know that the name causes some people to think of NMB as a successor to NM solo, but at this point I think it's a distinct collaboration. Eric and Bill should be touring mostly music that they worked on, not acting as a backing band for the NM career retrospective.

I think there's room for a couple of NM solo songs and maybe one SB song, but I don't think those should take over the setlists at this point. I don't think there's any reason for NMB to incorporate Transatlantic or Flying Colors songs into its regular setlists, because those bands are still touring.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 19, 2022, 09:00:53 AM
I think NMB should play mostly NMB music at this point. I know that the name causes some people to think of NMB as a successor to NM solo, but at this point I think it's a distinct collaboration. Eric and Bill should be touring mostly music that they worked on, not acting as a backing band for the NM career retrospective.
I tend to agree with this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on January 19, 2022, 12:46:05 PM
I think NMB only incorporates older solo songs to give the audience some "deep" tracks. They've played every album straight through numerous times so there's no real rarities to give the audience besides older tracks that haven't been played in forever. As great as stuff like Morsefest and the Marillion Weekends are, it seems that once bands go the yearly long-weekend route, their ordinary sets get a bit more stale and boring because they're saving the obscure stuff for the special events.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on January 19, 2022, 12:57:35 PM
I think NMB should play mostly NMB music at this point. I know that the name causes some people to think of NMB as a successor to NM solo, but at this point I think it's a distinct collaboration. Eric and Bill should be touring mostly music that they worked on, not acting as a backing band for the NM career retrospective.

I think there's room for a couple of NM solo songs and maybe one SB song, but I don't think those should take over the setlists at this point. I don't think there's any reason for NMB to incorporate Transatlantic or Flying Colors songs into its regular setlists, because those bands are still touring.
I agree with this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 19, 2022, 05:35:57 PM
I agree with 425 as well.  I know it is the Neal Morse Band, but playing too much stuff from Neal's other projects is not necessary.  Not that I don't love hearing some of it, but NMB has more than enough material now to where playing material regularly from Neal's other projects, including his solo work, is not really needed.  Morsefest is a different animal of course, cause that is a Neal Morse-centric event.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mebert78 on January 22, 2022, 06:17:31 PM
I am bummed. I have VIP seating tickets for the NYC show at the Sony Theater on Feb. 8, but I can't make it now. I have posted them for re-sale on Ticketmaster, but if anyone here is interested feel free to message me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 01, 2022, 12:39:08 PM
https://youtu.be/Xnq7QBtJlpI

The Daily Doug has an interview up with Neal Morse! A fun listen as Neal talks about the upcoming D'Virgilio Morse Jennings album Troika, and other things regarding NMB, TA, and SB as well!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on February 01, 2022, 06:36:58 PM
*****POSSIBLE SETLIST TYPE SPOILER*****



















Mike Portnoy on Facebook replied to a comment regarding if they were going to play a Spock's Beard song.



















He said "Only NMB material"
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on February 01, 2022, 10:07:09 PM
https://youtu.be/Xnq7QBtJlpI

The Daily Doug has an interview up with Neal Morse! A fun listen as Neal talks about the upcoming D'Virgilio Morse Jennings album Troika, and other things regarding NMB, TA, and SB as well!

-Marc.

This was just a really fun interview. Doug did a great job of prepping for it (unlike some YouTuber interviews I've seen lately - looking at you Pete Pardo) and really had some good questions for Neal, who seemed to really be into it and happy to discuss a wide range of topics. The one thing I wish was that Doug had let Neal go on a little more about what it was like for Spock's Beard to make it as a prog band in the 90s, but understandably the interview was getting long at that point. Really cool to see two accomplished musicians discussing their craft. Maybe Neal will get Doug to come on his podcast at some point. That would probably be a lot of fun.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 02, 2022, 07:46:47 AM
https://youtu.be/Xnq7QBtJlpI

The Daily Doug has an interview up with Neal Morse! A fun listen as Neal talks about the upcoming D'Virgilio Morse Jennings album Troika, and other things regarding NMB, TA, and SB as well!

-Marc.
Watched this last night.  Very entertaining.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on February 02, 2022, 07:50:03 AM
As did I.  Next week seeing The Neal Morse Band live again.  Might meet up with Rumborak! :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 02, 2022, 07:54:03 AM
As did I.  Next week seeing The Neal Morse Band live again.  Might meet up with Rumborak! :metal
Tell him I said "Hi!"
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on February 02, 2022, 08:54:05 AM
As did I.  Next week seeing The Neal Morse Band live again.  Might meet up with Rumborak! :metal
Tell him I said "Hi!"

I will!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on February 02, 2022, 11:09:18 AM
https://youtu.be/Xnq7QBtJlpI

The Daily Doug has an interview up with Neal Morse! A fun listen as Neal talks about the upcoming D'Virgilio Morse Jennings album Troika, and other things regarding NMB, TA, and SB as well!

-Marc.
Was a fun watch.  I've grown to like Doug and of course Neal is one of my all time favorite musicians.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on February 02, 2022, 02:46:20 PM
https://youtu.be/Xnq7QBtJlpI

The Daily Doug has an interview up with Neal Morse! A fun listen as Neal talks about the upcoming D'Virgilio Morse Jennings album Troika, and other things regarding NMB, TA, and SB as well!

-Marc.

This was just a really fun interview. Doug did a great job of prepping for it (unlike some YouTuber interviews I've seen lately - looking at you Pete Pardo)

Agreed. That guy is TERRIBLE!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on February 02, 2022, 02:52:02 PM
https://youtu.be/Xnq7QBtJlpI

The Daily Doug has an interview up with Neal Morse! A fun listen as Neal talks about the upcoming D'Virgilio Morse Jennings album Troika, and other things regarding NMB, TA, and SB as well!

-Marc.

This was just a really fun interview. Doug did a great job of prepping for it (unlike some YouTuber interviews I've seen lately - looking at you Pete Pardo)

Agreed. That guy is TERRIBLE!

I mean, he seems like a nice guy, but he also seems to do zero prep before he starts recording his videos.
 
Also, I hope you arent Pete Pardo!  ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on February 03, 2022, 02:19:36 AM
I've never had a problem with Pete Pardo interviews. What's not to like? He seemed pretty informed to me last time he interviewed Neal.

I agree that the interview with Doug was really good, I enjoyed it.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on February 03, 2022, 02:33:27 AM
I saw Pardo on YouTube but never really watched many videos by him. Could you guys post a videos where this becomes evident?

Another YouTuber who is constantly semi-prepared is Notes Reviews. He keeps mispronouncing people's names and album titles, it drives me crazy  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on February 03, 2022, 07:23:08 AM
I've never had a problem with Pete Pardo interviews. What's not to like? He seemed pretty informed to me last time he interviewed Neal.

I agree that the interview with Doug was really good, I enjoyed it.  :tup

I may have been too hard on him. Went back and rewatched the interview I was thinking of, and I didnt get the same impression. There was one review a while back where he didnt seem to have done much leg work to learn who was in the band or how to pronounce certain names. But I think I probably was overreacting.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on February 03, 2022, 11:06:07 AM
Pete pardo's fine.  i think his best work is when he does round table style discussions with friends.  those are a blast.  his weakness is when he does album rankings.  there he always seems bored and disinterested.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mebert78 on February 03, 2022, 11:37:41 AM
I watched Pete Pardo's review of DT's A View from the Top of World.  In a 10-minute video about the album, the only thing he said about the 20-minute title track was: "The big, big epic works fine for me."  Nothing more.  It made me feel like he rushed out the review or something.  That aside, he seems like a knowledgeable prog guy though.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on February 03, 2022, 05:35:09 PM
I watched Pete Pardo's review of DT's A View from the Top of World.  In a 10-minute video about the album, the only thing he said about the 20-minute title track was: "The big, big epic works fine for me."  Nothing more.  It made me feel like he rushed out the review or something.  That aside, he seems like a knowledgeable prog guy though.



thoese are all his reviews. 

"it's cool.....i dig it......i dig it."

or

"it's not good.......not good.......nah.....don't dig it"

lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on February 06, 2022, 11:06:39 AM
Pete's advantage is that he has been doing this for a VERY long time. I think he's probably the first guy to do metal reviews on YouTube. But there are others that go into a lot more detail. Not to toot my own horn, but look at this review, written by a colleague of mine at Sonic Perspectives: https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/neal-morse-band-innocence-danger/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 06, 2022, 08:44:00 PM
Pete's advantage is that he has been doing this for a VERY long time. I think he's probably the first guy to do metal reviews on YouTube. But there are others that go into a lot more detail. Not to toot my own horn, but look at this review, written by a colleague of mine at Sonic Perspectives: https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/neal-morse-band-innocence-danger/

To push back a little, Scott seems like a good guy, but he is one of the runners of the Neal Morse fan forum, so it is hard to view any review he does of a Neal Morse album as being totally objective.  Same thing goes for the Geoff guy there who literally works for Radiant (not full time, but helps out when needed, IIRC) and also submits professional reviews for Neal or Neal-related albums.  I get that this is the way it is now, but that is the problem with a lot of the reviewers, as they are so worried about losing access that their reviews almost have to be positive or they risk pissing off the artists.  And to bring it around a little, that is a big advantage for artists nowadays, as it used to be any braindead critic should rip them and the artist has little recourse to reply and have it heard by the masses, but with the information age and social media, an artist can respond to criticism right away (which can be a good thing or a bad thing).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on February 07, 2022, 02:58:48 AM
I just checked out that channel and it seems fine to me. Some people just like to hear people talk about their passion. Most reviews seem short form and come at a frequent rate. I get the appeal of that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 08, 2022, 07:44:41 AM
So who is going to Sony Hall tonight to see the NMB?   I'm heading down myself; should be in the area around 4:00. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on February 08, 2022, 07:54:14 AM
So who is going to Sony Hall tonight to see the NMB?   I'm heading down myself; should be in the area around 4:00. 

I'll be there Stads. You have a general admission or VIP ticket?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 08, 2022, 08:01:27 AM
So who is going to Sony Hall tonight to see the NMB?   I'm heading down myself; should be in the area around 4:00. 

I'll be there Stads. You have a general admission or VIP ticket?

GA, I believe.

Are the VIP tix seated?  Or is this an entirely standing show?   I know for Flying Colors, we just walked in and had a decent placement.  I wasn't up against the barrier or anything, but I saw and heard the entire show.

Is there an opener (I don't think so...)?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on February 08, 2022, 10:56:20 AM
So who is going to Sony Hall tonight to see the NMB?   I'm heading down myself; should be in the area around 4:00. 

I'll be there Stads. You have a general admission or VIP ticket?

GA, I believe.

Are the VIP tix seated?  Or is this an entirely standing show?   I know for Flying Colors, we just walked in and had a decent placement.  I wasn't up against the barrier or anything, but I saw and heard the entire show.

Is there an opener (I don't think so...)?


So for this one there's VIP seating with tables and chairs right in front of the stage (which is a bit weird of a setup imo). I called the venue, no opening band just doors at 6 and NMB at 8.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on February 08, 2022, 01:58:58 PM
I am looking forward to seeing the set list tomorrow morning.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on February 08, 2022, 03:04:53 PM
I am looking forward to seeing the set list tomorrow morning.  :tup

Me 2! Going to the Keswick show next week! :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 08, 2022, 05:36:33 PM
I look forward to lazy fans posting a set list with "Similitude medley" instead of listing the actual freaking songs, leaving us to wonder what actual songs were played.  :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on February 09, 2022, 05:24:04 AM
SETLIST SPOILER




















A friend of mine at the show said they played ALL I&D plus:

I'm guessing it was the medley from morsefest last year?

City of Destruction
So Far Gone
The Ways of a Fool
Welcome to the World
The Great Adventure
A Love That Never Dies
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: utopiarun on February 09, 2022, 06:32:23 AM
They didn't play all of I&D, they omitted Emergence and Not Afraid Pt. 1. They added Waterfall to the first part of the set. I thought the show was good. The band was on fire and Neal was all over the place when they opened with Do It All Again and Bird On A Wire. I sensed things were kind of slowing down with it being too I&D heavy as The Way It Had To Be was a bit of a slog and as much as I think Bridge Over Troubled Water is good, they should have done another original there.

The "epics" portion was a bit much IMO. They are good songs but by the end of Beyond The Years I was bored to tears. That's just me it's hard for me to keep my energy throughout a 31 minute song. I used to feel the same way about World Without End, more like song without end.  :laugh:

The band rebounded in the encore portion with the songs noted above and the crowd loved it. I wish they would have thrown a Welcome To The World in the first set but that's just me.

Everyone was in great voice, there were a few messups with the sound etc which is to be expected for the first night.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 09, 2022, 07:54:06 AM
Since I love I&D, it can't be "I&D heavy" to me.  I thought the energy of the first two songs was incredible.  Bird On A Wire, my favorite song from I&D, was everything I could have hoped for.  Mike was ON. FIRE.  En fuego.   

I was pleasantly surprised with the encore.   I haven't really connected with The Similitude/Great Adventure records like many others have, so when Bill (Axeman) and I were talking about what the set could look like, I was really hoping for Alive Again instead of the medley.  But I left convinced.  It was a powerful segment and they did it right. 

For me, and I get that it's just for me, that was an almost perfect show.  The musicianship was off the charts; I've already said Mike was on fire, and I really don't know how Neal does it, frankly.  He constantly rotated between four instruments (counting the laptop) and sang - though Eric took at least one if not two of the parts that I always attributed to Neal.   While there were errors, it was organic and never detracted from the show.  If anything it made it more real; Neal came out as Do It Again started squinted at his laptop and reached into his pocket to pull out his reading glasses.  How metal is that?  His roadie plugged in his acoustic and there was a huge click, and later he walked to the front of the stage and the cord pulled out on him.  Yet he never missed a beat.   The song selection wasn't perfect (I would have liked Alive Again, and Not Afraid Pt. 1) but it was solid.  I feel blessed (pun intended) to have witnessed Waterfall live.  It was simply amazing.

I'm excited to see them again tonight to see what changes, if anything, and to see what might have been modifications from the record to the stage, or what might have been "improv" (mistake?).   There was a segment where Randy had a sort of solo spot along with Mike and it seemed like Mike MIGHT have missed the beat and Randy looked at him; was it to keep time in a complicated spot, was it acknowledging that Mike was playing with him a bit, or was it acknowledging there was a mistake there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 09, 2022, 07:59:49 PM
That is quite surprising that Not Afraid Pt. 1 was not played, but the return of Waterfall into the rotation of the normal touring is a great thing.  Seems a bit strange to have two covers in there when there are so many great NMB songs going unplayed, but still looks really good overall.  Still a little bummed they aren't hitting STL, but absolutely not complaining as I know touring around this pandemic is a minefield.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 10, 2022, 08:19:54 AM
So, saw Boston.  They certainly fixed all the technical problems and really delivered a great set.  I think the band - at least Neal himself - was more into it tonight.  He seemed to genuinely escape into the music, whereas NY had moments where he was clearly "performing" (trying to get all the moves/changes down).   Great to see that his banter and raps are not scripted, too.

Waterfall was just as beautiful the second time as it was the first.

Got to chat briefly with Randy in the street before the show. Very nice man and I appreciate his time. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on February 10, 2022, 10:37:08 AM
So, saw Boston.  They certainly fixed all the technical problems and really delivered a great set.  I think the band - at least Neal himself - was more into it tonight.  He seemed to genuinely escape into the music, whereas NY had moments where he was clearly "performing" (trying to get all the moves/changes down).   Great to see that his banter and raps are not scripted, too.

Waterfall was just as beautiful the second time as it was the first.

Got to chat briefly with Randy in the street before the show. Very nice man and I appreciate his time.
Same exact setlist as NY? 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on February 10, 2022, 10:38:55 AM
That is quite surprising that Not Afraid Pt. 1 was not played, but the return of Waterfall into the rotation of the normal touring is a great thing.  Seems a bit strange to have two covers in there when there are so many great NMB songs going unplayed, but still looks really good overall.  Still a little bummed they aren't hitting STL, but absolutely not complaining as I know touring around this pandemic is a minefield.
I'm with you Kev, big fan of Not Afraid Pt. 1.  I would rather see that and another original or two then see them play cover songs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 10, 2022, 10:48:43 AM
So, saw Boston.  They certainly fixed all the technical problems and really delivered a great set.  I think the band - at least Neal himself - was more into it tonight.  He seemed to genuinely escape into the music, whereas NY had moments where he was clearly "performing" (trying to get all the moves/changes down).   Great to see that his banter and raps are not scripted, too.

Waterfall was just as beautiful the second time as it was the first.

Got to chat briefly with Randy in the street before the show. Very nice man and I appreciate his time.
Same exact setlist as NY?

Yessir
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 10, 2022, 11:05:33 AM
Correct me if I'm wrong, but is this the first NMB tour setlist to not feature any pre-NMB Neal Morse songs in the setlist? I remember the last encore medley they did featured a chronological Neal-compilation including songs from his solo prog albums, but I'm pretty sure this is the first NMB tour to not feature songs from the likes of Testimony, One, etc.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 10, 2022, 11:46:00 AM
Correct me if I'm wrong, but is this the first NMB tour setlist to not feature any pre-NMB Neal Morse songs in the setlist? I remember the last encore medley they did featured a chronological Neal-compilation including songs from his solo prog albums, but I'm pretty sure this is the first NMB tour to not feature songs from the likes of Testimony, One, etc.

-Marc.
I think so.  And that's fine.  Surely at this point they have enough NMB material not to require anything prior.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 10, 2022, 12:00:06 PM
Correct me if I'm wrong, but is this the first NMB tour setlist to not feature any pre-NMB Neal Morse songs in the setlist? I remember the last encore medley they did featured a chronological Neal-compilation including songs from his solo prog albums, but I'm pretty sure this is the first NMB tour to not feature songs from the likes of Testimony, One, etc.

-Marc.
I think so.  And that's fine.  Surely at this point they have enough NMB material not to require anything prior.

Oh definitely, and I was merely observing and not critiquing, though I know some fans might be disappointed at the lack of pre-NMB material, but I like that they're able to stand on their own as a band now with material that only they have written/recorded together. I'm sure that Mike had a hand in crafting the set list, though I wonder how they went about deciding how much I&D material they would play.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 10, 2022, 12:28:07 PM
Not sure why fans would be disappointed to see the Neal Morse Band playing all songs by the Neal Morse Band. ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 10, 2022, 12:30:55 PM
Not sure why fans would be disappointed to see the Neal Morse Band playing all songs by the Neal Morse Band. ;)

For a band named after a man who has been/is in multiple bands and has been known to cover his own material from various bands while in other bands, some might expect a SB or Solo-Morse song during each tour of his. But you're right, at this point, most folks should just be expecting NMB to play NMB!

And speaking of this tour, has anyone heard/read if they'll be recording any of the shows while on tour for a future live release?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 10, 2022, 12:31:46 PM
I am assuming they will record and release half of them for live releases. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 10, 2022, 12:39:06 PM
I am assuming they will record and release half of them for live releases. :lol
Same
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 10, 2022, 01:00:48 PM
I certainly didn't see any cameras at the first two shows.  I imagine the O2 show might be filmed, or are they playing the Z7 or 013 or whatever it is where every other Neal Morse related show ever has been filmed?  :) :)

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 10, 2022, 01:36:38 PM
I certainly didn't see any cameras at the first two shows.  I imagine the O2 show might be filmed, or are they playing the Z7 or 013 or whatever it is where every other Neal Morse related show ever has been filmed?  :) :)

The 013 in Tilburg has been a mainstay for prog concert videos for Neal, as well as Roine Stolt. I suspect if there's a concert to record in Europe, that'll be the one, though it'll be the 5th show out of 18 in Europe, so maybe they'll opt for one later in the tour leg, like in Brno (again), or Hamburg. It would be neat to see them release a show from NA, though, given that Neal more often than not releases European shows from his tours (though we do get Morsefests every year in the US).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: tuto on February 13, 2022, 09:23:17 AM
I find it extremely weird that they decided to exclude Not Afraid Pt1. It would have only taken up 4 more minutes and they could have done it right after Waterfall while they were already in "acoustic mode".
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on February 13, 2022, 09:29:06 AM
I find it extremely weird that they decided to exclude Not Afraid Pt1. It would have only taken up 4 more minutes and they could have done it right after Waterfall while they were already in "acoustic mode".

And they could've avoided the covers.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 13, 2022, 11:57:07 AM
Not trying to be "bitch about the set list" guy today, really :lol, but while I love seeing all of those new songs in NMB's set list, it feels like little imagination went in to making it.  After two full tours of full albums being played and taking up the entire set lists (prior to encores), it was cool to see them release a non-concept album, as that meant they could do a set list of NMB songs that bounce all around from album to album, but instead the main set is basically most of the new album (minus Emergence and Not Afraid Part 1 omitted) in the same running order as the album and then with the Breathe cover and Waterfall snuck in there as well, and then it's "okay, here are three songs from Similitude all played back to back to back" and then the same thing with The Great Adventure. 

To be fair, the fact that they are able to tour at all right now is a blessing, but I just thought a little more imagination would have been put into the running order of this set list.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on February 13, 2022, 01:40:36 PM
Not trying to be "bitch about the set list" guy today, really :lol, but while I love seeing all of those new songs in NMB's set list, it feels like little imagination went in to making it.  After two full tours of full albums being played and taking up the entire set lists (prior to encores), it was cool to see them release a non-concept album, as that meant they could do a set list of NMB songs that bounce all around from album to album, but instead the main set is basically most of the new album (minus Emergence and Not Afraid Part 1 omitted) in the same running order as the album and then with the Breathe cover and Waterfall snuck in there as well, and then it's "okay, here are three songs from Similitude all played back to back to back" and then the same thing with The Great Adventure. 

To be fair, the fact that they are able to tour at all right now is a blessing, but I just thought a little more imagination would have been put into the running order of this set list.

Spot on.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: tuto on February 13, 2022, 05:55:15 PM
I find it extremely weird that they decided to exclude Not Afraid Pt1. It would have only taken up 4 more minutes and they could have done it right after Waterfall while they were already in "acoustic mode".

And they could've avoided the covers.

I'm actually quite alright with the covers because they only do about 50 seconds of 'Breathe', and their version of Bridge Over Troubled Water brings me to tears every time. It's just that they could have definitely fit a 4 minute song like Not Afraid Pt 1. They even did it at Morsefest so it seems odd to exclude it now
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 14, 2022, 06:53:38 AM
Not trying to be "bitch about the set list" guy today, really :lol, but while I love seeing all of those new songs in NMB's set list, it feels like little imagination went in to making it.  After two full tours of full albums being played and taking up the entire set lists (prior to encores), it was cool to see them release a non-concept album, as that meant they could do a set list of NMB songs that bounce all around from album to album, but instead the main set is basically most of the new album (minus Emergence and Not Afraid Part 1 omitted) in the same running order as the album and then with the Breathe cover and Waterfall snuck in there as well, and then it's "okay, here are three songs from Similitude all played back to back to back" and then the same thing with The Great Adventure. 

To be fair, the fact that they are able to tour at all right now is a blessing, but I just thought a little more imagination would have been put into the running order of this set list.

I got the chance to speak to Randy briefly in the street before the Boston show and we talked about that.  I had mentioned "Alive Again", and he said that they agonized (my word) about the set.  They wanted to play the new album - and if you saw it, you can tell that they are energized by that music - and struggled with what to do around that.  They considered "Alive Again" but it would have taken too much of the set.  "Waterfall" and the medley were the compromise that seemed to check the most boxes and cover the most ground.

As someone who considers I&D to be one of my favorite albums OF ALL TIME by any artist, I'm not sweating them playing the new album.  Even if it wasn't a favorite, they don't tour enough for me to be mad about them wanting to play their new music, music they are obviously incredibly proud of.   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 14, 2022, 08:31:18 AM


I got the chance to speak to Randy briefly in the street before the Boston show and we talked about that.  I had mentioned "Alive Again", and he said that they agonized (my word) about the set.  They wanted to play the new album - and if you saw it, you can tell that they are energized by that music - and struggled with what to do around that.  They considered "Alive Again" but it would have taken too much of the set.  "Waterfall" and the medley were the compromise that seemed to check the most boxes and cover the most ground.

As someone who considers I&D to be one of my favorite albums OF ALL TIME by any artist, I'm not sweating them playing the new album.  Even if it wasn't a favorite, they don't tour enough for me to be mad about them wanting to play their new music, music they are obviously incredibly proud of.

Thanks for posting what Randy said. Good to get that kind of insight.  :tup :tup

And to reiterate, I have no issues with them playing most of the new album. I am glad they are!  I just thought they would have been a little more creative with the set list rather than playing every song from it (that got played) in the exact same order in which they appear on the studio album.  That's it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 14, 2022, 09:58:56 AM
It kind of works, though.  The first two are like a shot out of a cannon (I've often said Bird On A Wire is my favorite song from the new record, and seeing it live twice has done NOTHING to diminish that).   They introduce the next few as their "poppier" side, and it does sort of level off a bit, but then the BOTW picks things back up again.  Waterfall is done "acoustically", meaning, the band (minus Randy) are on stools performing.  Then there is a break, and there is literally 50 minutes of music straight through.   For me, Beyond The Years has sort of taken it's time in sinking in, but at no time did I think "wow, this is a LOT!"
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 14, 2022, 04:24:55 PM
I hear ya.  Beyond the Years is pretty amazing, so that would pretty much work anywhere in the set list. 

I said it before and I will say it again: Waterfall being back in the set list just feels right.   I know fans go nuts over June by Spock's, and that is a good song, but Waterfall feels like NMB's We All Need Some Light.  Both of those songs are just 10/10. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 15, 2022, 07:32:24 AM
I hear ya.  Beyond the Years is pretty amazing, so that would pretty much work anywhere in the set list. 

I said it before and I will say it again: Waterfall being back in the set list just feels right.   I know fans go nuts over June by Spock's, and that is a good song, but Waterfall feels like NMB's We All Need Some Light.  Both of those songs are just 10/10.

People talk about the musicality of the NMB, and for me, that song is just the essence of what I love about music.  Four people (and not to leave out Randy; he played the synth part near the end) playing real instruments, singing each of their parts, and creating something that is greater than the sum of the parts.   I don't expect others to have the same experience, but for me, who LOVES that song (anyone get an "Entangled" vibe?) i got to see it two nights in a row and it was enchanting.   I really get off these days in watching people play captivating music (and yes, I know this is subjective) in real time.  There was no relying on lights, or explosions, or stage sets, or anything like that.  They could have been playing this in the lobby of a hotel, or in the parking lot, and to hear that level of skill is just something special.   When I saw Bruce Springsteen on Broadway, one of the things I really liked was being close enough where I could hear him playing and singing outside the amplification.  It made it real.  This had the same vibe, and I feel lucky to have experienced it.

(By the way, I just saw The Musical Box play in Ridgefield, from the front row; they did Entangled as well, and it had a VERY similar, enchanting feeling.  The music was just swirling around the theater in all three cases.)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ShadowWalker on February 15, 2022, 12:49:27 PM
I got to see the show in Baltimore and put me in the group that had no problem with the setlist. Would I have liked to have heard a few more track from The Grand Experiment? Absolutely, because I missed out on that tour when the album was new. But not hearing more of it didn't bother me. I like the new album and every song I have not seen live in person (I don't count watching Morsefest 2021 online as seeing a song performed live). So other than the encore, everything was new to me and that alone makes puts my seal of approval on the setlist. It was a great show and I just wish the Keswick show this week was on Saturday so I could take it in a second time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 15, 2022, 01:11:18 PM
I'm sorry to sound so obsessive about this, but I kicked around Albany (about 75 minutes from me) and the Keswick.  My wife was tolerant of two school nights, but if I stretched it to four, I think she'd ask to check my phone.  "What's her name??"
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 15, 2022, 06:53:49 PM
I hear ya.  Beyond the Years is pretty amazing, so that would pretty much work anywhere in the set list. 

I said it before and I will say it again: Waterfall being back in the set list just feels right.   I know fans go nuts over June by Spock's, and that is a good song, but Waterfall feels like NMB's We All Need Some Light.  Both of those songs are just 10/10.

People talk about the musicality of the NMB, and for me, that song is just the essence of what I love about music.  Four people (and not to leave out Randy; he played the synth part near the end) playing real instruments, singing each of their parts, and creating something that is greater than the sum of the parts.   I don't expect others to have the same experience, but for me, who LOVES that song (anyone get an "Entangled" vibe?) i got to see it two nights in a row and it was enchanting.  I really get off these days in watching people play captivating music (and yes, I know this is subjective) in real time.  There was no relying on lights, or explosions, or stage sets, or anything like that.  They could have been playing this in the lobby of a hotel, or in the parking lot, and to hear that level of skill is just something special.  When I saw Bruce Springsteen on Broadway, one of the things I really liked was being close enough where I could hear him playing and singing outside the amplification.  It made it real.  This had the same vibe, and I feel lucky to have experienced it.

(By the way, I just saw The Musical Box play in Ridgefield, from the front row; they did Entangled as well, and it had a VERY similar, enchanting feeling.  The music was just swirling around the theater in all three cases.)

You and me both. There is just something so pure, so live, about performances like that.  I think a few of our favorite other bands could take a cue these days and be a bit more like that at times.  :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on February 15, 2022, 10:45:50 PM
I'm sorry to sound so obsessive about this, but I kicked around Albany (about 75 minutes from me) and the Keswick.  My wife was tolerant of two school nights, but if I stretched it to four, I think she'd ask to check my phone.  "What's her name??"

"Eric... name's Eric..."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: PowerSlave on February 16, 2022, 12:56:48 AM
That is quite surprising that Not Afraid Pt. 1 was not played, but the return of Waterfall into the rotation of the normal touring is a great thing.  Seems a bit strange to have two covers in there when there are so many great NMB songs going unplayed, but still looks really good overall.  Still a little bummed they aren't hitting STL, but absolutely not complaining as I know touring around this pandemic is a minefield.

I was at the Cleveland show tonight. The PF cover was extremely brief. Probably no more than a minute to a minute and a half at the most. I don't really think anything got booted out of the set to include it. It was more of a case of tagging it on to the end of another song.

Unfortunately, Randy had on and off tech issues throughout the night, and Neal ended up stopping the band in the middle of a song due to it. However, it didn't detract from the show in my opinion. The band performed extremely well and Neal was very emotional towards the end of the set. I think that he was near to tears a couple of times towards the end of the night.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on February 16, 2022, 02:00:46 AM
That is quite surprising that Not Afraid Pt. 1 was not played, but the return of Waterfall into the rotation of the normal touring is a great thing.  Seems a bit strange to have two covers in there when there are so many great NMB songs going unplayed, but still looks really good overall.  Still a little bummed they aren't hitting STL, but absolutely not complaining as I know touring around this pandemic is a minefield.

I was at the Cleveland show tonight. The PF cover was extremely brief. Probably no more than a minute to a minute and a half at the most. I don't really think anything got booted out of the set to include it. It was more of a case of tagging it on to the end of another song.

Unfortunately, Randy had on and off tech issues throughout the night, and Neal ended up stopping the band in the middle of a song due to it. However, it didn't detract from the show in my opinion. The band performed extremely well and Neal was very emotional towards the end of the set. I think that he was near to tears a couple of times towards the end of the night.

I think those technical problems mostly don't make a show worse (if they aren't too big)... quite the contrary, imo they often show that this music is being produced LIVE in that very moment and something can go wrong at any time. It makes the performance human and organic for me.

And sometimes they even add to the song, like the obligatory technical difficulty Michael Akerfeldt is having on every Opeth live album  :lol The longer pause in Demon Of The Fall live at Red Rocks added a lot of suspense to the performance  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 16, 2022, 06:25:27 AM
I'm sorry to sound so obsessive about this, but I kicked around Albany (about 75 minutes from me) and the Keswick.  My wife was tolerant of two school nights, but if I stretched it to four, I think she'd ask to check my phone.  "What's her name??"

"Eric... name's Eric..."

"She sounds... hideous!"
"Well, she's a guy..."

(The original State Farm commercials introducing "Jake... from State Farm.")
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 16, 2022, 06:27:55 AM
That is quite surprising that Not Afraid Pt. 1 was not played, but the return of Waterfall into the rotation of the normal touring is a great thing.  Seems a bit strange to have two covers in there when there are so many great NMB songs going unplayed, but still looks really good overall.  Still a little bummed they aren't hitting STL, but absolutely not complaining as I know touring around this pandemic is a minefield.

I was at the Cleveland show tonight. The PF cover was extremely brief. Probably no more than a minute to a minute and a half at the most. I don't really think anything got booted out of the set to include it. It was more of a case of tagging it on to the end of another song.

Unfortunately, Randy had on and off tech issues throughout the night, and Neal ended up stopping the band in the middle of a song due to it. However, it didn't detract from the show in my opinion. The band performed extremely well and Neal was very emotional towards the end of the set. I think that he was near to tears a couple of times towards the end of the night.

Not so much in New York, which I already said felt more like a recitation because of the tech issues he had, but in Boston it was the same way.  I REALLY, HONESTLY felt he was emotionally invested in that show.  He dabbed his face with tissues at the end, and I don't know if it was an act or not, but like I said above, the music was certainly delivered with gusto.   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ShadowWalker on February 16, 2022, 08:59:20 AM
That is quite surprising that Not Afraid Pt. 1 was not played, but the return of Waterfall into the rotation of the normal touring is a great thing.  Seems a bit strange to have two covers in there when there are so many great NMB songs going unplayed, but still looks really good overall.  Still a little bummed they aren't hitting STL, but absolutely not complaining as I know touring around this pandemic is a minefield.

I was at the Cleveland show tonight. The PF cover was extremely brief. Probably no more than a minute to a minute and a half at the most. I don't really think anything got booted out of the set to include it. It was more of a case of tagging it on to the end of another song.

Unfortunately, Randy had on and off tech issues throughout the night, and Neal ended up stopping the band in the middle of a song due to it. However, it didn't detract from the show in my opinion. The band performed extremely well and Neal was very emotional towards the end of the set. I think that he was near to tears a couple of times towards the end of the night.

Not so much in New York, which I already said felt more like a recitation because of the tech issues he had, but in Boston it was the same way.  I REALLY, HONESTLY felt he was emotionally invested in that show.  He dabbed his face with tissues at the end, and I don't know if it was an act or not, but like I said above, the music was certainly delivered with gusto.

I've seen Neal have that kind of an emotional reaction a number of times. I think you hit the nail on the head about his emotional investment in the material he plays live. It has always felt honest and sincere to me, especially when you take into consideration the spiritual journey he went on that led to his departure from Spock's Beard. I've interviewed him twice and talked to him briefly during the M&G after the Life and Times solo acoustic show in Asbury Park NJ and it is that genuineness that strikes me. That genuineness really takes all of his musical projects to the next level and makes his live performances something special every time I get to see him, regardless of the band he is performing with.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on February 16, 2022, 10:27:01 AM
That is quite surprising that Not Afraid Pt. 1 was not played, but the return of Waterfall into the rotation of the normal touring is a great thing.  Seems a bit strange to have two covers in there when there are so many great NMB songs going unplayed, but still looks really good overall.  Still a little bummed they aren't hitting STL, but absolutely not complaining as I know touring around this pandemic is a minefield.

I was at the Cleveland show tonight. The PF cover was extremely brief. Probably no more than a minute to a minute and a half at the most. I don't really think anything got booted out of the set to include it. It was more of a case of tagging it on to the end of another song.

Unfortunately, Randy had on and off tech issues throughout the night, and Neal ended up stopping the band in the middle of a song due to it. However, it didn't detract from the show in my opinion. The band performed extremely well and Neal was very emotional towards the end of the set. I think that he was near to tears a couple of times towards the end of the night.

Not so much in New York, which I already said felt more like a recitation because of the tech issues he had, but in Boston it was the same way.  I REALLY, HONESTLY felt he was emotionally invested in that show.  He dabbed his face with tissues at the end, and I don't know if it was an act or not, but like I said above, the music was certainly delivered with gusto.

I've seen Neal have that kind of an emotional reaction a number of times. I think you hit the nail on the head about his emotional investment in the material he plays live. It has always felt honest and sincere to me, especially when you take into consideration the spiritual journey he went on that led to his departure from Spock's Beard. I've interviewed him twice and talked to him briefly during the M&G after the Life and Times solo acoustic show in Asbury Park NJ and it is that genuineness that strikes me. That genuineness really takes all of his musical projects to the next level and makes his live performances something special every time I get to see him, regardless of the band he is performing with.
I definitely think Neal's emotional outpouring is genuine, when I saw them in Orlando back in 2019 I think it was, it was the first night of the tour and there were several times he broke down at various points on the set of The Great Adventure. You can seem him breaking down a lot during the Morsefest shows too. The guy really connects with his music and it shows when he's playing it on stage. He's a ball of energy even at his age.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on February 17, 2022, 09:25:57 PM
Just got back from the Keswick show. One word...........INCREDIBLE! :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: frogprog on February 18, 2022, 06:16:25 AM
I concur!! Top notch!!
It's a shame the Keswick was only about 1/3 full but the band played like it was a packed stadium.
Thanks again, fellas.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on February 18, 2022, 12:43:04 PM
I concur!! Top notch!!
It's a shame the Keswick was only about 1/3 full but the band played like it was a packed stadium.
Thanks again, fellas.
How many people does the Keswick hold approximately?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on February 18, 2022, 12:51:42 PM
I concur!! Top notch!!
It's a shame the Keswick was only about 1/3 full but the band played like it was a packed stadium.
Thanks again, fellas.
How many people does the Keswick hold approximately?

I believe 1300. I would say about 500 in attendance :censored
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on February 18, 2022, 01:01:28 PM
I concur!! Top notch!!
It's a shame the Keswick was only about 1/3 full but the band played like it was a packed stadium.
Thanks again, fellas.
How many people does the Keswick hold approximately?

I believe 1300. I would say about 500 in attendance :censored
Have they played there in the past?  Just trying to get an idea if attendance is down for them this time or not (obviously Covid has a lot to do with it)?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 18, 2022, 01:44:42 PM
I'm sorry to sound so obsessive about this, but I kicked around Albany (about 75 minutes from me) and the Keswick.  My wife was tolerant of two school nights, but if I stretched it to four, I think she'd ask to check my phone.  "What's her name??"

"Eric... name's Eric..."

"What are you wearing, 'Eric?'"

"Uh...khakis..."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: frogprog on February 18, 2022, 07:48:44 PM
Yes they have played the Keswick many times. I have probably seen Neal and Mp there 25 times in various forms. In fact Transatlantic is playing here in April. It was probably the lowest attendance i have ever seen for a prog show at the venue. I'm guessing it's due to people being cautious about going out to a show. I sure hope Neal and the guys are able to make the $$$ of a sparsely attended tour work. I'm also sincerely hoping the TA show in a few weeks is a success  and it kicks off the tour with a bang for them. For all the entertainment they give us, they surely deserve it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on February 19, 2022, 07:24:38 AM
Bought tickets for the Detroit show last night. Was so excited as this was my first post-pandemic show so it's been a couple of years since I've seen live music. Got about 20 minutes to the venue (about a 2 hour drive for me), and f'n remembered that the venue has a 'Prove Covid vaccination' policy.....and we forgot our damn vaccination cards.  >:( :censored  So deflating and disappointed, just turned around and drove back home at that point.

Going to see DT in Ohio on Wednesday. Hopefully I remember the card that time!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on February 19, 2022, 08:13:46 AM
I caught both the NYC show last week and then the Keswick on Thursday. Both shows were good, but for me the Keswick show was a step above. The venue for the NYC show was somewhat awkwardly staged in that there was temporary table seating installed all in front of the stage and so everyone was sitting down and plenty were eating dinner through the set (myself included admittedly :lol). The crowd at the Keswick show was much more energetic and it seemed like the band really appreciated/fed off of it.

In terms of the setlist, I don't have any complaints. Technically they're including two covers, but Breathe is only a ~60 second reprise and Bridge Over Troubled Water got one of the better reactions both nights that I saw them. Ahead of time I was hoping for Alive Again as the encore as I haven't seen that song live, but I really can't argue with a run of choice selections from Similitude and TGA.

I do hope the band is doing well enough with the turnout on this show. The NYC show seemed decently enough attended, but the guy at the door gave Stadler a free VIP seating upgrade when we got there since I had one (that's right DTF, I enjoyed a candlelit concert for two with Stads, eat your hearts out), and the Keswick was probably around 50% full. The Transatlantic show at the same venue in April does look to be selling better.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on February 19, 2022, 09:37:08 AM
Yes they have played the Keswick many times. I have probably seen Neal and Mp there 25 times in various forms. In fact Transatlantic is playing here in April. It was probably the lowest attendance i have ever seen for a prog show at the venue. I'm guessing it's due to people being cautious about going out to a show. I sure hope Neal and the guys are able to make the $$$ of a sparsely attended tour work. I'm also sincerely hoping the TA show in a few weeks is a success  and it kicks off the tour with a bang for them. For all the entertainment they give us, they surely deserve it.
That's my concern, I hope they aren't losing any money at these shows.  Or I should say the promoter would be losing the $$, but then they'd be hesitant to bring them back again.  Such a great band with amazing music, they deserve success.  I hate reading about these sparsely attended shows.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on February 19, 2022, 09:39:36 AM
Bought tickets for the Detroit show last night. Was so excited as this was my first post-pandemic show so it's been a couple of years since I've seen live music. Got about 20 minutes to the venue (about a 2 hour drive for me), and f'n remembered that the venue has a 'Prove Covid vaccination' policy.....and we forgot our damn vaccination cards.  >:( :censored  So deflating and disappointed, just turned around and drove back home at that point.

Going to see DT in Ohio on Wednesday. Hopefully I remember the card that time!!
Damn, that's rough.  Take a picture of your card and put it on your phone.  That would probably work.  I took my card to the show out here in San Diego, but saw other people showing pics on their phones.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: frogprog on February 19, 2022, 10:12:44 AM
Yeah my buddy forgot his card and his wife sent him a picture of the front and back and that was accepted at The Keswick
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 19, 2022, 11:47:30 AM
Learning2Live, that is a bummer, but while it is too late now, I would have kept driving there and hoped they didn't ask.  The only concert I have went to since 2020 was last fall and I could have shown them my driver's license and said it was my vaccination card and they wouldn't have noticed; that is how quickly they glossed over it. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on February 19, 2022, 01:21:04 PM
I have a pic of mine on my phone, but my wife doesn't have hers on her phone, so we were still out of luck. We emailed the venue while still driving there and they replied back reiterating the need for the card. I gave up at that point. I surely hope they'll record one of the shows now. But knowing Neal's past, we should expect at least 1 recording coming!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on February 19, 2022, 04:50:22 PM
I'll be attending the Seattle show this coming Tuesday and it looks like its sold out..  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: frogprog on February 20, 2022, 08:17:57 AM
Glad to hear Seattle is sold out. What is the size of the venus?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on February 20, 2022, 02:27:08 PM
I think the seating arrangement at the triple door is around 500, but there's a standing room area in the back too.
Each patron has table space and they serve food and drinks.
The NMB always seems to sell out this place so it's a no brainier for the promoters too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ShadowWalker on February 21, 2022, 01:50:24 PM
Yes they have played the Keswick many times. I have probably seen Neal and Mp there 25 times in various forms. In fact Transatlantic is playing here in April. It was probably the lowest attendance i have ever seen for a prog show at the venue. I'm guessing it's due to people being cautious about going out to a show. I sure hope Neal and the guys are able to make the $$$ of a sparsely attended tour work. I'm also sincerely hoping the TA show in a few weeks is a success  and it kicks off the tour with a bang for them. For all the entertainment they give us, they surely deserve it.

If the Keswick show was a weekend, I would have gone to that after the awesome show in Baltimore. I will be there for the Transatlantic show in April. Can't wait for that. I have driving up from the MD side of the DC metro area for a number of shows at the Keswick. It is a great place to see a show.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on February 23, 2022, 12:22:06 AM
The Seattle show tonight was very good. Neal was really into it, and the crowd gave a big standing ovation early on in the night after one song (sorry I cant remember which!), and that seemed to put the band in a good place.

Tonight was the first time that I really realized how key Eric Gillette is. His vocals were the strongest of the whole band and his solos were all huge moments. Watching him play some crazy solo and then immediately flow into an amazing vocal section was really something. He can really do it all, and its become hard to imagine what the band would be like without him.

Bill Hubauer was sick tonight (or at least not feeling well). They didnt mention it but it was clear early on. He gave it all he had but he coughed on a lot of high notes, and often pulled way back from the mic and did a light falsetto. He occasionally stopped singing entirely, and Neal would cover for him when it happened. I felt bad for him but he still gave it 100% and seemed like he was having as much fun as he could.

Overall the band was incredibly tight, the mix was mostly great, and the crowd was into it. It was a great show.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on February 23, 2022, 12:37:39 PM
The Seattle show tonight was very good. Neal was really into it, and the crowd gave a big standing ovation early on in the night after one song (sorry I cant remember which!), and that seemed to put the band in a good place.

Tonight was the first time that I really realized how key Eric Gillette is. His vocals were the strongest of the whole band and his solos were all huge moments. Watching him play some crazy solo and then immediately flow into an amazing vocal section was really something. He can really do it all, and its become hard to imagine what the band would be like without him.

Bill Hubauer was sick tonight (or at least not feeling well). They didnt mention it but it was clear early on. He gave it all he had but he coughed on a lot of high notes, and often pulled way back from the mic and did a light falsetto. He occasionally stopped singing entirely, and Neal would cover for him when it happened. I felt bad for him but he still gave it 100% and seemed like he was having as much fun as he could.

Overall the band was incredibly tight, the mix was mostly great, and the crowd was into it. It was a great show.
Yes, Eric Gillette is a beast of a musician, I'm a huge fan!  Sucks to hear Bill was under the weather.  I'm bummed I'm missing the show in LA tonight.  It's just too far for me to travel on a school night (at least 2 hrs each way from San Diego).  If it was on a weekend, I'd surely make the trip.  I wish they would play in SD, but I know that will probably never happen.  I'm just glad DT has made SD a regular stop every tour now, so can't complain too much. I'm hoping that NMB will do another leg later in the year, and maybe a weekend show in SoCal that I could attend.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on February 23, 2022, 01:39:19 PM
When I saw NMB in Orlando in 2019 MP was really sick from a cold/flu, I have no idea how he could play that whole set the way he did plus sing his parts. I marvel at these guys being able to perform this vast array of music when being down.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on February 23, 2022, 01:54:14 PM
Yes indeed, the sold out Seattle show was amazing!  The whole band seemed to be having a great time and I agree about Eric Gillette,  the dude is a powerhouse on guitar and vocals. The crowd was really into it with standing ovations. I was in the back section right in front of the soundboard so I could stand up whenever and not block anyone's view. 
I didn't notice Bill being sick as he sang quite well. I remember him forgetting a keyboard part in one of the songs and quit playing for a measure or two, but he made a nice recovery.
 The NMB really brought it and I'm so glad I got to see them again. I thought this show was even better than the one they played here in 2019.   :coolio

Just to add to that,  Mike Portnoy is still killin it!   lots of fun to watch.    :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: countoftuscany42 on February 23, 2022, 08:51:45 PM
In the second row for the LA show tonight  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on March 03, 2022, 06:58:34 PM
Fun video highlighting the drummers of Morsefest.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja0hc4Kcxkw&feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on April 15, 2022, 08:26:20 AM
So, if this is presumptuous, I apologize, but I've had to bail on TA in Jersey and I'm shut out of Morsefest because of a family vacation.

If anyone has the chance to ask Mike anything, either at Morsefest or otherwise, I have a question that is sort of lingering with me.  You can blame/attribute the question to me if you want; there was a time that Mike knew who "Stadler" was and I've met him once and he acknowledged me, though I have no illustions he'd remember me.  The question:

I'm six months younger than Mike, so essentially the same age.  The lyrics from "Innocence and Danger" have REALLY resonated with me on a deep level. There's a lot there that I am going through at this stage of my life; contemplations, re-evaluations, that sort of thing, and a sort of understanding of my place in the world.    I want to know two things:  have those lyrics resonated in any special way with Mike, given all he's experienced and gone through in his life, and did any of those sentiments influence his recent peace-making with Dream Theater as a unit (his peace with John was before I&D)?

(I'm going to post this in the Mike thread as well.)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on April 21, 2022, 06:21:00 PM
Radiant just sent this out  :omg:

(https://i.imgur.com/HzA0OLn.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on May 12, 2022, 01:06:12 PM
A bit of a controversial opinion here, but anyway, here it comes.

Just listened to the latest two NMB epics (Not Afraid pt. 2 and Beyond the Years) again back to back last night when I was out for a walk and just couldn't shake the feeling that Eric just doesn't fit the band at all, at least his guitar playing. His vocals do work and blend well with Neal's and Bill's, but every time he went for a guitar solo, I would be like "here we go again", and it was very distracting. Now, this isn't a criticism to his playing, the guy has this phenomenal Petrucci-like approach and has everything a guitar player like that would ever want to have, it's just that that kind of player doesn't really fit with NMB's music, imo. He's basically a prog metal guitar player stuck in a prog rock band, and even Mike P has made comments on how Eric's much more influenced by prog metal that any of the other guys who have a very different musical background and influences.

We know, however, that he's part of Diego Tejeida's new band, so I think we'll see more of him in his natural habitat :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on May 12, 2022, 02:59:52 PM
A bit of a controversial opinion here, but anyway, here it comes.

Just listened to the latest two NMB epics (Not Afraid pt. 2 and Beyond the Years) again back to back last night when I was out for a walk and just couldn't shake the feeling that Eric just doesn't fit the band at all, at least his guitar playing. His vocals do work and blend well with Neal's and Bill's, but every time he went for a guitar solo, I would be like "here we go again", and it was very distracting. Now, this isn't a criticism to his playing, the guy has this phenomenal Petrucci-like approach and has everything a guitar player like that would ever want to have, it's just that that kind of player doesn't really fit with NMB's music, imo. He's basically a prog metal guitar player stuck in a prog rock band, and even Mike P has made comments on how Eric's much more influenced by prog metal that any of the other guys who have a very different musical background and influences.

We know, however, that he's part of Diego Tejeida's new band, so I think we'll see more of him in his natural habitat :hat

I kind of feel this way about most of Neals solo stuff with MP. Its like he tried to incorporate DT into his music or something and its never really quite worked IMO.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 13, 2022, 06:32:23 AM
A bit of a controversial opinion here, but anyway, here it comes.

Just listened to the latest two NMB epics (Not Afraid pt. 2 and Beyond the Years) again back to back last night when I was out for a walk and just couldn't shake the feeling that Eric just doesn't fit the band at all, at least his guitar playing. His vocals do work and blend well with Neal's and Bill's, but every time he went for a guitar solo, I would be like "here we go again", and it was very distracting. Now, this isn't a criticism to his playing, the guy has this phenomenal Petrucci-like approach and has everything a guitar player like that would ever want to have, it's just that that kind of player doesn't really fit with NMB's music, imo. He's basically a prog metal guitar player stuck in a prog rock band, and even Mike P has made comments on how Eric's much more influenced by prog metal that any of the other guys who have a very different musical background and influences.

We know, however, that he's part of Diego Tejeida's new band, so I think we'll see more of him in his natural habitat :hat

I kind of get where you are coming from, but I think it's key to note that most prog metal bands are guitar-driven (or heavily feature guitar), while NMB is not a guitar-driven band, so there are less chances for him to dominate the soundscape.  Neal Morse's music, whether it be solo work or without the framework of a band, almost never calls for the electric guitar to be the star while the others fade into the background, so I think you have to view it through that lens.  But Eric's solos and playing within the framework of the NMB are always damn good, and of course Neal plays plenty of electric guitar as well.  I do think there are moments that sound a bit DT-esque, like the instrumental section if Beyond the Years or the intro of Bird on a Wire, and I am sure that is the combo of the Eric Gillette/Mike Portnoy influence, but that is fine. It adds different elements and/or more color to the overall NMB sound.  And I am not sure the "he is a prog metal guy stuck in a prog rock band" comment is that accurate, as he has shown he is more than capable of busting out killer solos that are very much prog rock.  See: the solos in The Slough and The Great Despair.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on May 13, 2022, 07:25:03 AM
For me that heavier, metal-ish edge in prog rock without going full metal is what makes TNMB so special. Eric is a big part of why I deem TNMB one of the best bands out there right now, both studiowise and live. Mike often also has that metal energy to his playing. It is also part of why to me there is a significant distinction between NM solo and TNMB.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on May 13, 2022, 07:29:44 AM
Love both epics and the guitar parts.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on May 13, 2022, 08:46:51 AM
A bit of a controversial opinion here, but anyway, here it comes.

Just listened to the latest two NMB epics (Not Afraid pt. 2 and Beyond the Years) again back to back last night when I was out for a walk and just couldn't shake the feeling that Eric just doesn't fit the band at all, at least his guitar playing. His vocals do work and blend well with Neal's and Bill's, but every time he went for a guitar solo, I would be like "here we go again", and it was very distracting. Now, this isn't a criticism to his playing, the guy has this phenomenal Petrucci-like approach and has everything a guitar player like that would ever want to have, it's just that that kind of player doesn't really fit with NMB's music, imo. He's basically a prog metal guitar player stuck in a prog rock band, and even Mike P has made comments on how Eric's much more influenced by prog metal that any of the other guys who have a very different musical background and influences.

We know, however, that he's part of Diego Tejeida's new band, so I think we'll see more of him in his natural habitat :hat

I kind of get where you are coming from, but I think it's key to note that most prog metal bands are guitar-driven (or heavily feature guitar), while NMB is not a guitar-driven band, so there are less chances for him to dominate the soundscape.  Neal Morse's music, whether it be solo work or without the framework of a band, almost never calls for the electric guitar to be the star while the others fade into the background, so I think you have to view it through that lens.  But Eric's solos and playing within the framework of the NMB are always damn good, and of course Neal plays plenty of electric guitar as well.  I do think there are moments that sound a bit DT-esque, like the instrumental section if Beyond the Years or the intro of Bird on a Wire, and I am sure that is the combo of the Eric Gillette/Mike Portnoy influence, but that is fine. It adds different elements and/or more color to the overall NMB sound.  And I am not sure the "he is a prog metal guy stuck in a prog rock band" comment is that accurate, as he has shown he is more than capable of busting out killer solos that are very much prog rock.  See: the solos in The Slough and The Great Despair.

I don't disagree with this at all! I just think that he gets too much into "shredder mode" when it comes to his solos, and those moments are fantastic on their own, but in context of Neal's/NMB's music they sound a bit out of place.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on May 13, 2022, 08:58:02 AM
For me that heavier, metal-ish edge in prog rock without going full metal is what makes TNMB so special. Eric is a big part of why I deem TNMB one of the best bands out there right now, both studiowise and live. Mike often also has that metal energy to his playing. It is also part of why to me there is a significant distinction between NM solo and TNMB.
This.  Agree 100%
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 13, 2022, 05:36:30 PM
For me that heavier, metal-ish edge in prog rock without going full metal is what makes TNMB so special. Eric is a big part of why I deem TNMB one of the best bands out there right now, both studiowise and live. Mike often also has that metal energy to his playing. It is also part of why to me there is a significant distinction between NM solo and TNMB.

Agreed.  I also think musicians are always far more diverse than many realize.  The idea that Eric is a prog metal guitarist playing in the wrong kind of band implies that he would only be a good fit in a prog metal band, and I highly disagree with that.  I am sure most thought of Portnoy as more of a metal drummer than anything in the earlier DT days, but I think time has shown that he is a better rock drummer than a metal one.  He is a good metal drummer.  He is a fantastic rock drummer. 

I don't disagree with this at all! I just think that he gets too much into "shredder mode" when it comes to his solos, and those moments are fantastic on their own, but in context of Neal's/NMB's music they sound a bit out of place.

I think he occasionally veers into "shredder mode" a bit too much, but I can also say the same thing about Petrucci, but by and large, I think Eric's playing is a big part of what makes NMB a different entity from not just Neal's solo career, but all of his other bands.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 18, 2022, 06:29:45 AM
Another Story to Tell (from the forthcoming Morsefest 2021 Blu-ray):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWXICRDt254

I am happy to see that those awful overlay effects that have ruined too many recent Neal video releases were not in that at all. :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on May 18, 2022, 07:58:54 AM
That's a great performance of my favorite song from the album. I don't even mind the key change.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on May 18, 2022, 08:09:17 AM
Another Story to Tell (from the forthcoming Morsefest 2021 Blu-ray):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWXICRDt254

I am happy to see that those awful overlay effects that have ruined too many recent Neal video releases were not in that at all. :tup :tup

That was fun as is to be expected of the band, the overlay effects don't really bother me so much. It's the blue spotlights they use that makes the video unwatchable for me. The Spock's show had a huge amount of it throughout.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on May 18, 2022, 11:36:08 AM
Great performance and the video looks awesome IMO.  First time I can remember Eric playing a strat.  And it looks like Bill is using one of Jordan Rudess's GEO apps at the end there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on May 18, 2022, 03:57:57 PM
TSOAD is very good, but it hasn't clicked as being "Great!" yet, even after seeing it live.  I say "yet".  I listened to the first half of it on Morsefest 2017 set and WOW.  It might be clicking.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 18, 2022, 05:31:39 PM
TSOAD is very good, but it hasn't clicked as being "Great!" yet, even after seeing it live.  I say "yet".  I listened to the first half of it on Morsefest 2017 set and WOW.  It might be clicking.

TSOAD is different from most double concept albums in that is starts off slow and builds up to most of the best stuff.  Don't get me wrong, I love the whole record, but it feels like most of the best songs are near the end of Disc 1 or on Disc 2, while the running joke about many double concept albums is that Disc 1 is where it peaks and then Disc 2 is more of a mixed bag. Similitude never lags in quality and ends in a most awesome way.  Glad you are enjoying it more.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on May 18, 2022, 06:05:11 PM
Similitude took a while to click with me. I remember listening to it for the first time when it came out and I thought, meh. Neal Morse by the numbers. Skip.. I didnt even finish the first disc. Didnt listen to it for a while after that.
Fast forward to the announcement of The Great Adventure, and I decided I should finally listen to the whole thing. Now its a top 5 Neal record for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 19, 2022, 06:22:33 AM
Similitude took a while to click with me. I remember listening to it for the first time when it came out and I thought, meh. Neal Morse by the numbers. Skip.. I didnt even finish the first disc. Didnt listen to it for a while after that.
Fast forward to the announcement of The Great Adventure, and I decided I should finally listen to the whole thing. Now its a top 5 Neal record for me.

See, I had the opposite reaction.  While the structure of the album was very Neal Morse-ish - the big overture, the presence of several main themes, the final song being a grandiose slow burner featuring some of those themes - I was thrown off at first by how different some of it was.  For one, you had these other guys singing a lot of lead vocal.  Remember that this was only the 2nd NMB album, and the amount of lead singing members not named Neal did on the main disc of The Grand Experiment was pretty limited (aside from Bill's one section in Alive Again, he and Eric pretty much only got a line here and a line there), so having the lead vocals shared was a bit of a culture shock, especially to hear quite a few songs where Neal was not the main singer of that song.  And towards that end, hearing a full-fledged Neal Morse prog album where he didn't sing the big ending of the last song was very different (Neal sings the epilogue at the very end, but Eric sings lead when the song and entire album climaxes).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on May 19, 2022, 07:43:03 AM
When I first listened to TSOAD, I hadnt even heard TGE yet, so I wasnt familiar with Bill and Erics voices. I heard The Ways of the Fool and thought Randy was singing.  :lol
At the time I thought the new vocalists were a nice addition, but the music still sounded like business as usual. I still think Bill sounds like a muppet.  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on May 19, 2022, 10:32:28 AM
Similitude took a while to click with me. I remember listening to it for the first time when it came out and I thought, meh. Neal Morse by the numbers. Skip.. I didnt even finish the first disc. Didnt listen to it for a while after that.
Fast forward to the announcement of The Great Adventure, and I decided I should finally listen to the whole thing. Now its a top 5 Neal record for me.

See, I had the opposite reaction.  While the structure of the album was very Neal Morse-ish - the big overture, the presence of several main themes, the final song being a grandiose slow burner featuring some of those themes - I was thrown off at first by how different some of it was.  For one, you had these other guys singing a lot of lead vocal.  Remember that this was only the 2nd NMB album, and the amount of lead singing members not named Neal did on the main disc of The Grand Experiment was pretty limited (aside from Bill's one section in Alive Again, he and Eric pretty much only got a line here and a line there), so having the lead vocals shared was a bit of a culture shock, especially to hear quite a few songs where Neal was not the main singer of that song.  And towards that end, hearing a full-fledged Neal Morse prog album where he didn't sing the big ending of the last song was very different (Neal sings the epilogue at the very end, but Eric sings lead when the song and entire album climaxes).
I agree with the initial "culture shock" of having the other guys singing lead.  But now I think that's one of my favorite aspects of The NMB.  We can nitpick certain things and debate about which NMB album is best, but to me all 4 NMB albums are stellar!  I definitely like them more than Transatlantic now, and I think Neal and Mike should make this their number one priority and really try to grow this band.  I think they hit gold with Eric and Bill and the chemistry between all 5 of them is undeniable.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on May 20, 2022, 05:13:47 AM

I agree with the initial "culture shock" of having the other guys singing lead.  But now I think that's one of my favorite aspects of The NMB.  We can nitpick certain things and debate about which NMB album is best, but to me all 4 NMB albums are stellar!  I definitely like them more than Transatlantic now, and I think Neal and Mike should make this their number one priority and really try to grow this band.  I think they hit gold with Eric and Bill and the chemistry between all 5 of them is undeniable.

Agreed.  As much as I love Transatlantic, NMB is where the most magic is happening now when it comes to Neal Morse's music, so I hope they keep this going as long as possible. Considering that four of the five members are 55 or older, I hope they keep active and making as much music with the five as they can.  With any luck, this year's tour is seeing them talking about ideas already for the next studio record.  :coolio :coolio
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on May 20, 2022, 12:18:12 PM
I agree with both of you. As much as MP is allergic to having a "main band," I really hope they devote a significant share of their time to NMB, because they have a good thing going.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 13, 2022, 03:46:16 PM
https://youtu.be/ntyeqUI3xzw

The last 17 minutes of "Beyond The Years" from Morsefest 2021 have been uploaded by Neal. It's an amazing performance and everyone sounds great! Can't wait to get this 5CD/2BD behemoth of a package!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on June 13, 2022, 04:24:04 PM
https://youtu.be/ntyeqUI3xzw

The last 17 minutes of "Beyond The Years" from Morsefest 2021 have been uploaded by Neal. It's an amazing performance and everyone sounds great! Can't wait to get this 5CD/2BD behemoth of a package!

-Marc.
Incredible performance by an incredible band.  They're all amazing but Bill and Eric are just so good here, amazing!  I'll say it again, I think Neal and Mike should stop messing around with their other projects and concentrate their efforts with the NMB and make it their full time gig. IMO, this is so much better than anything else they're doing nowadays and it deserves their full attention.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on June 13, 2022, 04:38:41 PM
That is a great clip!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 13, 2022, 07:26:04 PM
Band sounds good, and I love that they finally figured out that the overlay effects SUCK.  I just wish the crowd had a little enthusiasm as concert videos are always better to watch when the fans at the show actually look like they have a pulse. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 13, 2022, 08:28:25 PM
I'm with Kev. Great performance, looks pretty well-shot and edited, but the crowd comes across as anemic.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 13, 2022, 09:24:27 PM
This is where the prog fans spin it as "true prog fans are respectful and quiet and want to watch the band play," but concerts are supposed to be fun.  The crowds were energetic both nights at Morsefest this year for Transatlantic.  The crowd on that 2021 clip looked like they were all given an Excedrin PM an hour before the show. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on June 14, 2022, 03:31:46 AM
I don't know, it is the in the middle of a new long ass "sit back and enjoy the ride" type of song with many slow parts. Maybe US crowds are different, but this does not seem out of the ordinary to me given the context. I am sure there are many parts of interaction during the concert.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on June 14, 2022, 06:44:43 AM
I don't know, it is the in the middle of a new long ass "sit back and enjoy the ride" type of song with many slow parts. Maybe US crowds are different, but this does not seem out of the ordinary to me given the context. I am sure there are many parts of interaction during the concert.

You can do both, though.  I know for me, personally, the two NMB shows I saw were an incredibly emotional experience (I've really connected with the new album).   I wasn't rushing the stage or anything, but in my little place, I was really feeling the emotion and it didn't interrupt my ability to hear what was playing.  Honestly, I think there are a number of people for whom it's about being "cool", but that's purely a guess/speculation, and based on nothing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on June 14, 2022, 07:08:40 AM
I LOVE that section of BtY. Beautiful!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on June 15, 2022, 07:57:41 AM
I really hope they release a blu-ray of this tour from a different show besides Morsefest.  I prefer just the five band members doing what they do without the overkill production.  Kind of like Live in Tilburg. 💪💯
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on June 15, 2022, 01:33:50 PM
Im sure theyll release a live album from this tour. History has shown that Neal likes to double dip with live releases.

Morsefest 2017 / NMB - TSOAD Live in Tilburg
Morsefest 2019 / NMB - TGA Live in BRNO / Flying Colors - Third Stage
And Im pretty sure Transatlantic is recording a show on their European tour, so with Morsefest 2022 thats another double.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on June 15, 2022, 09:52:44 PM
Got a shipped email from radiant today morning for the Morsefest blu-ray. Won't be able to dig into it just yet though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on June 16, 2022, 01:08:01 PM
Mine is supposed to arrive today. Maybe Radiant has finally gotten their act together.


Nah probably not
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 16, 2022, 02:31:28 PM
Got a shipped email from radiant today morning for the Morsefest blu-ray. Won't be able to dig into it just yet though.

I got my shipment notification email the other day. Current tracking says it should arrive by the 22nd, so just a couple of days before the actual release date.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on June 16, 2022, 05:58:40 PM
It's here! And it's obnoxiously large like MF19  :lol

(https://i.imgur.com/iM2CfWJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fbV2R5S.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ESlgEsj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/TBVxTO5.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 16, 2022, 06:17:53 PM
Very nice! Cannot wait to watch those epics get played!

My tracking number updated to say my set is arriving tomorrow! Guess my weekend watching is sorted!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 16, 2022, 06:20:17 PM
I may still order it, but I just fear it would become another live Blu-ray/DVD that I never watch.  I don't watch those nearly as much as I used to in general, so I am far more choosy with the ones I buy now. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on June 17, 2022, 02:22:12 PM
I may still order it, but I just fear it would become another live Blu-ray/DVD that I never watch.  I don't watch those nearly as much as I used to in general, so I am far more choosy with the ones I buy now.
Same.  I get much more use out of the CD's or audio files as I do most of my listening nowadays in the car.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on June 17, 2022, 06:51:34 PM
I may still order it, but I just fear it would become another live Blu-ray/DVD that I never watch.  I don't watch those nearly as much as I used to in general, so I am far more choosy with the ones I buy now.

I generally buy all things Neal Morse and DT for that matter like this just to support them. I know this will go in the stack with the rest of them that Ill watch a time or two a year and Im cool with it. I just like to support the band when I can and this is an easy way to do it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 17, 2022, 07:18:58 PM
I must have been in the right mood, because I ordered the set from Radiant. Why not? :lol

Seeing those epics on the big screen will be, well, epic.  :biggrin: :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on June 17, 2022, 08:20:24 PM
As I've mentioned before, I downloaded the livestreams back in October and ripped the audio. So I've had these shows in my library for a while now. I noticed that some of the mistakes in the original audio from the livestream have been fixed.

For example, in the original audio, Eric fudged the guitar lead going into that first "Come ooooooon" in A Love That Never Dies. This has been replaced with a different solo. Maybe they spliced in audio from another performance on the tour?
Neal struggled a bit with the "Follow, I cannot follow" section of Not Afraid, Pt.2. Neal has redone the vocals for at least that section.
I'm sure there's others I didn't notice.

This isn't a complaint by any means, as these changes make for a more enjoyable final product. Just thought I'd mention it. And this is certainly nothing new. You'd be hard pressed to find a live album by any band that hasn't been touched up in some way.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on June 22, 2022, 06:42:21 PM
Is this the only live document from the Innocence and Danger Tour? Or is there another in the works?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on June 23, 2022, 06:12:30 AM
Is this the only live document from the Innocence and Danger Tour? Or is there another in the works?

I hope there is; that was a hell of a show, IMO.   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on June 23, 2022, 11:44:07 AM
Is this the only live document from the Innocence and Danger Tour? Or is there another in the works?

I would think they'd record at least one of the European shows as a standalone release. They've sorta done that with the 3 albums prior to Innocence & Danger.


Just got done listening to disc 1 of 5 from the 2021 Morsefest set, performance is tight and sound mix is excellent as usual.


I may have missed this but was the 2020 Morsefest performance ever released? Could have been as a stream or digital purchase on their Waterfall app or Inner Circle?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on June 23, 2022, 11:50:01 AM

I may have missed this but was the 2020 Morsefest performance ever released? Could have been as a stream or digital purchase on their Waterfall app or Inner Circle?

The audio is available on Waterfall. The video was only available for purchase during the event as a download and hasn't been available since.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on June 23, 2022, 11:59:00 AM

I may have missed this but was the 2020 Morsefest performance ever released? Could have been as a stream or digital purchase on their Waterfall app or Inner Circle?

The audio is available on Waterfall. The video was only available for purchase during the event as a download and hasn't been available since.

Ok makes sense, was watching the special features and they have a behind the scenes feature of the camera work while the band is playing the Thoughts Trilogy and that looked really cool.

I hope they make it available for purchase sometime down the road for both audio and video.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 23, 2022, 12:38:09 PM
It would be annoying if there weren't any physical releases of Morsefest 2020 stuff considering every other Morsefest has had some sort of physical product. Maybe Mike, ever the collector, will urge Neal to release Morsefest 2020, perhaps as another limited release from Radiant.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on June 23, 2022, 01:37:41 PM
It would be annoying if there weren't any physical releases of Morsefest 2020 stuff considering every other Morsefest has had some sort of physical product. Maybe Mike, ever the collector, will urge Neal to release Morsefest 2020, perhaps as another limited release from Radiant.

-Marc.
Was Moresfest 2020 Sola Gratia?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on June 23, 2022, 01:44:28 PM
It would be annoying if there weren't any physical releases of Morsefest 2020 stuff considering every other Morsefest has had some sort of physical product. Maybe Mike, ever the collector, will urge Neal to release Morsefest 2020, perhaps as another limited release from Radiant.

-Marc.
Was Moresfest 2020 Sola Gratia?


Night 1 was all covers

Night 2 was the Thoughts Trilogy and Sola Gratia


I dont see it every getting an official release other than maybe an Inner Circle exclusive. Sola Gratia seemed to be met with a resounding Meh upon its release so why bother releasing a live version? Wouldnt surprise me if those songs never get played at a proper live show.

Also, werent in-person tickets like insanely expensive? Maybe Neal wants to keep it as a you had to be there kind of thing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on June 24, 2022, 03:38:11 AM
Neal said at one point that he does not plan on releasing Morsefest 2020 due to it being streamed due to Covid. Of course, he said the same thing about Morsefest 21
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 27, 2022, 12:02:00 PM
I hope they release Morsefest 2020 at some point. I've been collecting NM related live albums lately and that one's still missing for me (and MF 2021).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on July 02, 2022, 06:44:22 PM
Is this the only live document from the Innocence and Danger Tour? Or is there another in the works?

I hope there is; that was a hell of a show, IMO.

Liked it better than the album. At least one live release would be nice and would hope it would be a stand alone but I'll take whatever I can get.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 03, 2022, 09:43:17 AM
Is this the only live document from the Innocence and Danger Tour? Or is there another in the works?

I would think they'd record at least one of the European shows as a standalone release. They've sorta done that with the 3 albums prior to Innocence & Danger.


Just got done listening to disc 1 of 5 from the 2021 Morsefest set, performance is tight and sound mix is excellent as usual.


I may have missed this but was the 2020 Morsefest performance ever released? Could have been as a stream or digital purchase on their Waterfall app or Inner Circle?

Neal's June IC Newsletter just went out and he said they filmed and recorded the Tilburg show (https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-neal-morse-band/2022/poppodium-013-tilburg-netherlands-bb481ea.html) on the NMB I&D Tour.

I suspect that'll probably come out later this year or maybe even early next year. Neal seems like he'll be pretty busy over the next couple months anyway and will want a break after the TA European Tour leg.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on July 03, 2022, 10:43:40 AM
I was also glad to see him refer to a couple of the songs he wrote on the tour bus as maybe being for "the trio", so hopefully there's a follow-up from D'Virgilio/Morse/Jennings in our future
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on July 03, 2022, 11:13:40 AM
I had an idea for Morsefest 2023. Which will almost definitely never happen, but I can dream.

Morsefest 2023: The Power of 3
Featuring the NMB, Haken, and Big Big Train

Since the church is out of the question, and 2/3 of those bands are based in Europe, it would make more sense to have it in Europe. All three bands are likely to have a new album out at some point in 2023.

3 nights. 2 sets each.
1st set each night is a Storytellers acoustic kind of show featuring Neal, Nick, Ross, and whoever else from the 3 bands who wants to join. They play songs from Troika and some covers.

2nd set each night is a set from one of the headliners. 1st night Haken, 2nd night BBT, 3rd night NMB.

It would make Morsefest into more of a, y'know, festival. Rather than just 1 or 2 bands as it's always been. It would be less Morse at Morsefest, but I think it would be a cool idea to expand the event and keep it going.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on July 03, 2022, 11:21:33 AM
Is this the only live document from the Innocence and Danger Tour? Or is there another in the works?

I would think they'd record at least one of the European shows as a standalone release. They've sorta done that with the 3 albums prior to Innocence & Danger.


Just got done listening to disc 1 of 5 from the 2021 Morsefest set, performance is tight and sound mix is excellent as usual.


I may have missed this but was the 2020 Morsefest performance ever released? Could have been as a stream or digital purchase on their Waterfall app or Inner Circle?

Neal's June IC Newsletter just went out and he said they filmed and recorded the Tilburg show (https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-neal-morse-band/2022/poppodium-013-tilburg-netherlands-bb481ea.html) on the NMB I&D Tour.

I suspect that'll probably come out later this year or maybe even early next year. Neal seems like he'll be pretty busy over the next couple months anyway and will want a break after the TA European Tour leg.

-Marc.

I unfortunately could not make it to that show, but nice to hear I can watch it in full glory later!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 03, 2022, 11:25:19 AM
The problem with doing Morsefest in Europe, or too far from Neal's home, is that his biggest helpers (Joey and Amy Pippin, the latter of whom runs Radiant) when it comes to organizing it also live right there near Nashville, and the logistics of them all setting up a Morsefest on another continent would be far too challenging.  And making into a festival-like event where a bunch of outsiders set it up and run the show would take away from the intimacy of what is Morsefest.  Yes, things change, but unless Neal can find a way to make it happen close to home again, I'd be shocked to see another.  And there is no need to even call it Morsefest if you are going to make it a lot less Neal Morse-centric.  Just my two cents.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on July 03, 2022, 01:53:46 PM
Kev makes a lot of great points, but how about a NMB / BBT co headlining tour?  That would be the ultimate show for me!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on July 03, 2022, 02:44:40 PM
Kev makes a lot of great points, but how about a NMB / BBT co headlining tour?  That would be the ultimate show for me!!

Or a Spocks Beard/BBT tour with the original SB lineup (plus Ted).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 03, 2022, 03:14:50 PM
I'm sure Neal has some friends in Europe who could organize an EU Morsefest, like Geoff Bailie.

I don't think an overseas Morsefest is impossible, but very unlikely. Maybe under another name organized by other people, but it wouldn't be called Morsefest.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on July 03, 2022, 03:45:51 PM
Kev makes a lot of great points, but how about a NMB / BBT co headlining tour?  That would be the ultimate show for me!!

Or a Spocks Beard/BBT tour with the original SB lineup (plus Ted).
That would be great but would mean double duty for NDV.  And is Spock's still even a band?  To me it looks like they're not, with all the PSA activity.  I think I'll stick to NMB / BBT double bill lol.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on July 03, 2022, 04:23:39 PM
The problem with doing Morsefest in Europe, or too far from Neal's home, is that his biggest helpers (Joey and Amy Pippin, the latter of whom runs Radiant) when it comes to organizing it also live right there near Nashville, and the logistics of them all setting up a Morsefest on another continent would be far too challenging.  And making into a festival-like event where a bunch of outsiders set it up and run the show would take away from the intimacy of what is Morsefest.  Yes, things change, but unless Neal can find a way to make it happen close to home again, I'd be shocked to see another.  And there is no need to even call it Morsefest if you are going to make it a lot less Neal Morse-centric.  Just my two cents.
Precisely, and I figure a big part of what it makes it worth it is the low cost of using a church and friends. Those savings would be wiped out in Europe.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on July 03, 2022, 04:57:18 PM
Kev makes a lot of great points, but how about a NMB / BBT co headlining tour?  That would be the ultimate show for me!!

Or a Spocks Beard/BBT tour with the original SB lineup (plus Ted).
That would be great but would mean double duty for NDV.  And is Spock's still even a band?  To me it looks like they're not, with all the PSA activity.  I think I'll stick to NMB / BBT double bill lol.

Would be fun to have a farewell tour, but then you probably wouldnt want to make it a double bill.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 03, 2022, 06:16:24 PM
Neal hasn't been a regular member of Spock's in 20 years.  It's over. Get over it, peeps.  :lol :lol :biggrin: :biggrin:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on July 03, 2022, 06:44:22 PM
All valid points Kev, all the more reason this is just my daydream rather than a genuine possibility  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on July 03, 2022, 07:50:54 PM
Neal hasn't been a regular member of Spock's in 20 years.  It's over. Get over it, peeps.  :lol :lol :biggrin: :biggrin:

No, but he has done special shows with them since the break, written and performed songs with them, and hes still good friends with/related to all of them. If they were going to do some sort of farewell tour, I dont think its a stretch to think he might be willing to participate.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on July 04, 2022, 06:27:43 AM
Yeah, I don't think it would really be Morsefest if it wasn't happening in the Nashville area. If they were able to find a new, suitable venue to hold another one then you could just have Haken and BBT schedule US tours that either start or end at Morsefest. I think the idea of that triple bill over the course of three nights is awesome, but I also don't know that they'd have a Morsefest where 2/3 of the headlining bands don't actually feature Neal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 04, 2022, 08:49:45 AM
Yeah, I don't think it would really be Morsefest if it wasn't happening in the Nashville area. If they were able to find a new, suitable venue to hold another one then you could just have Haken and BBT schedule US tours that either start or end at Morsefest. I think the idea of that triple bill over the course of three nights is awesome, but I also don't know that they'd have a Morsefest where 2/3 of the headlining bands don't actually feature Neal

BUT it could be a very good chance for Morsefest to transform into something else. I nice FEST where many bands perform, and NMB could be the headliner. Think of something like ProgPower, or any other festival. This could be huge.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on July 04, 2022, 09:33:22 AM
Yeah, realistically I think Morsefest as a standalone thing has run it's course. '22 is most likely the last one, but maybe Neal does one more as a farewell show somewhere down the line.
I'd love to see Progressive Nation make a return. Stuff like Cruise to the Edge and ProgPower have taken it's place, but an event like that actually going on tour would be cool to see. Especially if they get a bigger name like DT attached.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on July 08, 2022, 06:47:52 AM
Yeah, I don't think it would really be Morsefest if it wasn't happening in the Nashville area. If they were able to find a new, suitable venue to hold another one then you could just have Haken and BBT schedule US tours that either start or end at Morsefest. I think the idea of that triple bill over the course of three nights is awesome, but I also don't know that they'd have a Morsefest where 2/3 of the headlining bands don't actually feature Neal

I just spent five days down in Nashville; I cannot believe that another venue couldn't be found.  We visited friends outside of Nashville - probably 15 minutes, 20 minutes max from Cross Plains, if I know how to read a map - and we passed at least two places that might have sufficed (I'm going off of pictures; I haven't yet been to a Morsefest). 

The point of this is to say, whether there is another or not is really a matter of will and desire more than logistics, IMO.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on July 08, 2022, 09:24:11 AM
Is this the only live document from the Innocence and Danger Tour? Or is there another in the works?

I would think they'd record at least one of the European shows as a standalone release. They've sorta done that with the 3 albums prior to Innocence & Danger.


Just got done listening to disc 1 of 5 from the 2021 Morsefest set, performance is tight and sound mix is excellent as usual.


I may have missed this but was the 2020 Morsefest performance ever released? Could have been as a stream or digital purchase on their Waterfall app or Inner Circle?

Neal's June IC Newsletter just went out and he said they filmed and recorded the Tilburg show (https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-neal-morse-band/2022/poppodium-013-tilburg-netherlands-bb481ea.html) on the NMB I&D Tour.

This is great news!  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 08, 2022, 10:56:38 AM
Is this the only live document from the Innocence and Danger Tour? Or is there another in the works?

I would think they'd record at least one of the European shows as a standalone release. They've sorta done that with the 3 albums prior to Innocence & Danger.


Just got done listening to disc 1 of 5 from the 2021 Morsefest set, performance is tight and sound mix is excellent as usual.


I may have missed this but was the 2020 Morsefest performance ever released? Could have been as a stream or digital purchase on their Waterfall app or Inner Circle?

Neal's June IC Newsletter just went out and he said they filmed and recorded the Tilburg show (https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-neal-morse-band/2022/poppodium-013-tilburg-netherlands-bb481ea.html) on the NMB I&D Tour.
This is great news!  :tup

It is, but I didn't say that.  ;)  :tup

And speaking of I&D, I did finally watch Morsefest 2021, but only just the Epics/Danger night. I'll have to go back and watch the first night sometime soon. I just really wanted to see them play those epics!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 08, 2022, 07:55:32 PM
Yeah, I don't think it would really be Morsefest if it wasn't happening in the Nashville area. If they were able to find a new, suitable venue to hold another one then you could just have Haken and BBT schedule US tours that either start or end at Morsefest. I think the idea of that triple bill over the course of three nights is awesome, but I also don't know that they'd have a Morsefest where 2/3 of the headlining bands don't actually feature Neal

I just spent five days down in Nashville; I cannot believe that another venue couldn't be found.  We visited friends outside of Nashville - probably 15 minutes, 20 minutes max from Cross Plains, if I know how to read a map - and we passed at least two places that might have sufficed (I'm going off of pictures; I haven't yet been to a Morsefest). 

The point of this is to say, whether there is another or not is really a matter of will and desire more than logistics, IMO.

I don't think finding another venue is the issue; Neal could find one in the Nashville (and its surrounding areas) pretty easily, I am sure. But finding one where he is allowed to pretty much have a free run at doing whatever it takes to run the show would be the difficult part.  Plus, it goes without saying at this point that Neal has pretty much played all of his concept albums at Morsefest, so there isn't a lot left for him to play (anything new in the future notwithstanding).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on July 09, 2022, 02:35:26 PM
Yeah, I don't think it would really be Morsefest if it wasn't happening in the Nashville area. If they were able to find a new, suitable venue to hold another one then you could just have Haken and BBT schedule US tours that either start or end at Morsefest. I think the idea of that triple bill over the course of three nights is awesome, but I also don't know that they'd have a Morsefest where 2/3 of the headlining bands don't actually feature Neal

I just spent five days down in Nashville; I cannot believe that another venue couldn't be found.  We visited friends outside of Nashville - probably 15 minutes, 20 minutes max from Cross Plains, if I know how to read a map - and we passed at least two places that might have sufficed (I'm going off of pictures; I haven't yet been to a Morsefest). 

The point of this is to say, whether there is another or not is really a matter of will and desire more than logistics, IMO.

I don't think finding another venue is the issue; Neal could find one in the Nashville (and its surrounding areas) pretty easily, I am sure. But finding one where he is allowed to pretty much have a free run at doing whatever it takes to run the show would be the difficult part.  Plus, it goes without saying at this point that Neal has pretty much played all of his concept albums at Morsefest, so there isn't a lot left for him to play (anything new in the future notwithstanding).
I have a feeling we will not see another Morsefest for a few years anyway.  I could see a scenario where NMB release a couple more albums, if they're outstanding albums (which they'll probably be), this could then stimulate a demand for another Morsefest - and at that point they'd find a way to make it happen.  That's what I'm predicting.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 09, 2022, 07:30:07 PM

I have a feeling we will not see another Morsefest for a few years anyway.  I could see a scenario where NMB release a couple more albums, if they're outstanding albums (which they'll probably be), this could then stimulate a demand for another Morsefest - and at that point they'd find a way to make it happen.  That's what I'm predicting.

I think that is a likely scenario, with Morsefest being done as an every year thing, but maybe getting another one or two as a special event every few years.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on August 06, 2022, 05:45:04 PM
Was there an Inner Circle release for July? With all this talk of the Whirlwind demo in the Transatlantic thread it just occurred to me. We got the newsletter but nothing else.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on August 06, 2022, 05:46:10 PM

I have a feeling we will not see another Morsefest for a few years anyway.  I could see a scenario where NMB release a couple more albums, if they're outstanding albums (which they'll probably be), this could then stimulate a demand for another Morsefest - and at that point they'd find a way to make it happen.  That's what I'm predicting.

I think that is a likely scenario, with Morsefest being done as an every year thing, but maybe getting another one or two as a special event every few years.

I'm so glad I finally went this year.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on August 06, 2022, 06:34:29 PM
Was there an Inner Circle release for July? With all this talk of the Whirlwind demo in the Transatlantic thread it just occurred to me. We got the newsletter but nothing else.

I believe Neal said that a few of the guys played a private party gig back in July (wedding maybe?) that featured some stuff from Neal's various bands as well as some fun covers. They just needed a little bit longer to get the recording ready for release.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 06, 2022, 08:50:32 PM

I have a feeling we will not see another Morsefest for a few years anyway.  I could see a scenario where NMB release a couple more albums, if they're outstanding albums (which they'll probably be), this could then stimulate a demand for another Morsefest - and at that point they'd find a way to make it happen.  That's what I'm predicting.

I think that is a likely scenario, with Morsefest being done as an every year thing, but maybe getting another one or two as a special event every few years.

I'm so glad I finally went this year.

 :hat :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on August 07, 2022, 01:13:08 PM
Was there an Inner Circle release for July? With all this talk of the Whirlwind demo in the Transatlantic thread it just occurred to me. We got the newsletter but nothing else.

I believe Neal said that a few of the guys played a private party gig back in July (wedding maybe?) that featured some stuff from Neal's various bands as well as some fun covers. They just needed a little bit longer to get the recording ready for release.
I read that somewhere as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 08, 2022, 01:58:42 PM

I have a feeling we will not see another Morsefest for a few years anyway.  I could see a scenario where NMB release a couple more albums, if they're outstanding albums (which they'll probably be), this could then stimulate a demand for another Morsefest - and at that point they'd find a way to make it happen.  That's what I'm predicting.

I think that is a likely scenario, with Morsefest being done as an every year thing, but maybe getting another one or two as a special event every few years.

I could see this being the case. I think at this point, Neal will probably want to slow things down a bit. I could see him finishing up that concept album he's been working on this year, release it next year, then reconvene with NMB next year for a Fall 2023 album and 2024 Tour, so even if he wanted to do another Morsefest, I don't see one happening again until at LEAST Summer or Fall 2024.

Neal's last IC Newsletter definitely had a sort of melancholy feel to it in his statement of wanting to take a break and see where things go from here on out. I don't think he's close to retiring, but he's definitely not getting any younger. Guess we'll have to wait and see. I think NMB definitely have one more album in them, at least, with another big tour to follow. As stated before, Neal is currently 62, Randy is 60, Mike is 55, and Eric is a spry 37 (just a few months younger than me actually). I couldn't find Bill's age, but he's probably somewhere between 55 and 65 I think, maybe closer to Mike's age. At any rate, with Neal and Randy reaching their mid-60s in the years to come, I can definitely see them wanting to slow things down a bit, but I'd love to be surprised!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 08, 2022, 02:13:14 PM
I talked with Bill Hubauer last weekend at Nick's wedding, and he indicated that the NMB would get together again some time after New Year's, if the plan holds.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 08, 2022, 02:18:44 PM
I talked with Bill Hubauer last weekend at Nick's wedding, and he indicated that the NMB would get together again some time after New Year's, if the plan holds.

I figured as such. Neal's had a busy year so far, and between all of that and his IC message, he definitely deserves a few months off. It'll be a good time for the band members to write up some demos and have them ready for their next sessions anyway.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on August 08, 2022, 02:20:44 PM
I cant wait for the inevitable Whoops! We wrote another double album! announcement
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 08, 2022, 02:26:58 PM
I cant wait for the inevitable Whoops! We wrote another double album! announcement

Even better when they say they started the sessions saying they only wanted to make a single album and tried really hard but didn't want to leave any of the material on the cutting room floor. We'll get a 95-100 minute long album again.

But I would find it refreshing if they made an hour long album, one epic around 18-25 minutes, then 4 or 5 shorter songs, something akin to SB's V or Neal's own Momentum. Having a shorter album also means more space in the set list for older tunes to come back when they tour on it.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on August 08, 2022, 02:32:51 PM
Yeah realistically I could see the next one being a shorter, single-disc album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 08, 2022, 06:12:20 PM
I hope they go into the studio with no preconceived notions and just let it flow naturally, and whatever happens, happens.  Besides, it's been three years now since the band did a double concept album, so they are due.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on August 08, 2022, 06:19:43 PM
For me, the more NMB material we get the better!  All 4 of their albums have been stellar!  So as far as I'm concerned, bring on another double album!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on August 09, 2022, 01:22:09 AM
But I would find it refreshing if they made an hour long album, one epic around 18-25 minutes, then 4 or 5 shorter songs, something akin to SB's V or Neal's own Momentum.
They did do this with The Grand experiment. Unfortunately, it turned out not to be one of my favorites. I don't think the length nor the structure of the album will be of importance to me, though. As long as the songs are good, I'm in.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 09, 2022, 01:15:38 PM
I mean, whatever they put out is fine with me.  They have a pretty high hit percentage with me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 17, 2022, 09:07:21 AM
Was there an Inner Circle release for July? With all this talk of the Whirlwind demo in the Transatlantic thread it just occurred to me. We got the newsletter but nothing else.

JULY IC RELEASE JUST LANDED

This is the track list:

(https://i.ibb.co/xmr47ht/Captura-de-Pantalla-2022-08-17-a-la-s-11-01-14.png)

Eric: Bass and guitars
MP: Percussion, drums, bass
Neal: Lead vocals, guitars, bass, drums
Bill: Keys, bass
Melody Portnoy: Chorus and lead vocals
Judy Harrelson: chorus

---

Man, Kayla sung by Neal is not as good as with Casey on vocals.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 16, 2022, 11:03:42 PM
Six days ago, Neal's solo album Momentum celebrated its 10th anniversary!

I haven't heard this one in awhile so I may give it a spin this weekend. I remember liking it when it came out, and it actually features players who would go on to form the Neal Morse Band. What ever happened to Adson anyway?

I was just reminded that it turned 10 from a Facebook memory that I had where I showed off receiving my signed copy of the album (one of the few I have that features signatures from Neal, Mike AND Randy all together).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on September 17, 2022, 12:26:18 PM
That was my first solo album by Neal. I immediately loved the epic and the title track, but the rest grew on me over the years. It's a pretty great album overall. One of his best, actually, up there with Testimony 2, Sola scriptura and the debut.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on September 23, 2022, 08:24:51 PM
I guess Ill put this here. Sick ass cover of Bohemian Rhapsody by Eric Gillette. Dudes got some serious talent.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GaLgKBPxVlw
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on September 23, 2022, 09:20:56 PM
I guess Ill put this here. Sick ass cover of Bohemian Rhapsody by Eric Gillette. Dudes got some serious talent.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GaLgKBPxVlw

Another notch on his masterful musician belt! :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on September 24, 2022, 05:26:14 PM
I guess Ill put this here. Sick ass cover of Bohemian Rhapsody by Eric Gillette. Dudes got some serious talent.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GaLgKBPxVlw

Another notch on his masterful musician belt! :hefdaddy

Guy has a monster of talent  :hefdaddy  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on September 24, 2022, 05:47:10 PM
I posted that link on FB yesterday and only got one like..lol!

But if I would post something like a picture of a half eaten meal at a restaurant, I will become a fb celebrity with over a hundred likes. .
Sign of the times.. 🤪

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on September 27, 2022, 08:17:47 AM
Quote
RADIANT RECORDS PROUDLY PRESENTS... RADIANT SCHOOL FEBRUARY 2023: A 5 DAY MASTERCLASS WITH NEAL MORSE
Would you like to spend a week learning music composition, arranging, and audio recording with NEAL MORSE? The Radiant School is your opportunity to do just that!

Neal says: "We havent been able to do an in-person Radiant School since 2019 - so I am super excited to announce we are running one in February 2023!!! It's always a great musical adventure, as well as chance to get to know some very talented people. An accredited engineer will be with us sharing their expertise, and we are keeping the class to 10 students - and I hope youre one of them!"

Each student will have a small space to set up their music workstations. Neal will demonstrate an example of how he composes and records. Then he will be listening to the participants and giving ideas as they compose and work together. Students will take turns coming into the tracking room with Neal and working on their music. Then we will spend some time recording some of the best music that is written. This will be determined by Neal. On the last day we will mix as much of the music as we can. (You are free to use any recordings from this class as you wish.)

The Masterclass is running on February 6-10, 2023.

All the details are available here:

https://www.nealmorse.com/product/radiant-school-february-2023/

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 03, 2022, 10:29:37 AM
Quote
Vinyl Lovers check out the Neal Morse related vinyl albums we have available at the Radiant store. Some titles are down to the final few copies and we dont anticipate further pressings - so grab them while you can! https://www.nealmorse.com/product-category/vinyl/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 08, 2022, 11:52:07 AM
From Neal's Inner Circle newsletter, regarding the release of Morsefest 2020:

Quote
MORSEFEST 2020!
Many of you have asked if this was going to be available, as you are collectors and want a matching set. As Mike Portnoy said to me, "You know, people are going to have Morsefest 2019 and they're going to have Morsefest 2021, and ultimately Morsefest 2022... what about 2020?! We can't have a missing space!"

I know that we had said that we would not digitally release it on Blu-ray or anything like that, but hopefully enough time has passed and people will really want it.

Thad and Scott have done a wonderful new edit and Jerry Guidroz has mixed this thing properly and you're going to be amazed at how great this thing sounds! I was listening to the Cover to Cover night and it is an absolute gas! "Live and Let Die" or "25 or 6 to 4" with Eric Gillette singing... oh my god, it's amazing! "Starless" is incredible, as well.

Anyway, that will be coming out fairly soon. Hopefully we're going to bundle it with the Transatlantic: Live in Paris at a special price, only on the Radiant site, so that'll be coming up in the near future.

I'm glad they're looking into finally releasing it!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 08, 2022, 12:44:45 PM
What a lame way to do it, though.  You can only get it in a bundle with the TA Paris show (that I had zero intention of buying because Morsefest 2022 is all I will need from this last TA tour)?  That is a terrible way to do it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 08, 2022, 02:50:35 PM
EW....only too radiant again?

the curse of the collector i said i wasn't going to buy the last two morsefests from there....i broke and did it :lol

now this......i hate it. and as a fucking bundle..... dumb.

sigh but i'm going do it.......i'm a shill.

on another note.....funny this came up i've been REALLY opening up to the Absolute Universe.  i liked it at first Really love it now.  ALL versions have their place with me.  it's overtaken the Whirlwind as my number 2 Transatlantic album.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 08, 2022, 03:09:59 PM
Only through Radiant?

Better get your order in now, so you receive it by...well...who really knows?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on November 08, 2022, 03:12:22 PM
Only through Radiant?

Better get your order in now, so you receive it by...well...who really knows?


right, lol

god how i wish they'd just let me buy it through amazon again.  so much less stress.

as a fan it really tests me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 10, 2022, 09:43:27 AM
And once again, Neal is going to lose my business for something I would like to have.  Oh well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on November 10, 2022, 09:45:43 AM
I was going to buy TA Live in Paris anyway, so I'll probably grab it as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 10, 2022, 03:48:58 PM
And once again, Neal is going to lose my business for something I would like to have.  Oh well.

I honestly think Neal is completely oblivious to how terrible the customer service is at Radiant.  My guess is he makes a nice chunk of money every year from Radiant thanks to the fans who accept and make excuses for the bad service, but I can't help but wonder how many sales he has lost over the years.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 10, 2022, 04:21:04 PM
And once again, Neal is going to lose my business for something I would like to have.  Oh well.

I honestly think Neal is completely oblivious to how terrible the customer service is at Radiant.  My guess is he makes a nice chunk of money every year from Radiant thanks to the fans who accept and make excuses for the bad service, but I can't help but wonder how many sales he has lost over the years.

I know.  I think a lot of that is probably true.  For a lot of different reasons, I was really hoping I would get a chance to talk to Mike Portnoy after the JP show earlier this week.  If it happened, and the conversation was going well and there was time to work it in, I wanted to try to mention this to him and get him to understand that this is a real thing and see if he could maybe mention it to Neal.  No such luck on getting to talk to him.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 11, 2022, 06:22:07 AM
The thing is, I get Neal using Radiant.  It is tougher now than ever nowadays for artists to make a living doing just music, and even tougher for someone as underground as Neal, who has found a niche that supports him really well.  I just think he deserves better than to have such poor customer service representing him.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on November 11, 2022, 09:29:11 AM
This is irksome for me as well. Not because of Radiant; I don't really care how long stuff takes to get to me, and they always eventually do. But because I spent money on ordering the download of this two years ago, when they said it wasn't being released. Had they said, "yeah it's not priority, but eventually this will come out. Maybe 2023..." I would have waited. I always go for the physical, especially for Morsefest stuff. That's kind of infuriating.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on November 11, 2022, 11:53:52 AM
This is irksome for me as well. Not because of Radiant; I don't really care how long stuff takes to get to me, and they always eventually do. But because I spent money on ordering the download of this two years ago, when they said it wasn't being released. Had they said, "yeah it's not priority, but eventually this will come out. Maybe 2023..." I would have waited. I always go for the physical, especially for Morsefest stuff. That's kind of infuriating.

Yeah, decisions like this are tough for me to evaluate. On the one hand, I don't like releases that are short-term exclusives without a good reason, because I don't like the practice of permanently making the release unavailable to fans who are happy to pay for it but miss the window. On the other hand, once you make the promise "this is going to be an exclusive," and people spend money based on that assumption, re-releasing it can seem like a raw deal to those people, especially if the re-release is cheaper or in a more desirable format.

I don't imagine this is going to happen, and it might not be economical to do it, but I think in this case it would be fair to give people who purchased the download a discount on the physical release.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on November 16, 2022, 05:21:49 AM
Neal is releasing a CD edition of Last Minute Christmas Album and is signing every copy. It's normal CD priced so if you like his poppier stuff I would check it out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on November 22, 2022, 08:18:12 AM
https://www.nealmorse.com/product/morsefest2020lockdown/

Morsefest 2020 is available for Preorder. Stand-alone, not bundled with the TA Blu-ray as we previously thought.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 22, 2022, 08:26:28 AM
https://www.nealmorse.com/product/morsefest2020lockdown/

Morsefest 2020 is available for Preorder. Stand-alone, not bundled with the TA Blu-ray as we previously thought.

FROM NEAL MORSE:

"Im delighted to announce a very special new release: Morsefest 2020: Lockdown on 4CDs and 2 Blu-rays!

Morsefest 2020 was an event that Im still amazed actually happened! For a time, the pandemic meant that having a Morsefest was going to be out of the question. However as restrictions started to ease, we began investigating whether we could run Morsefest as a live stream with perhaps a very small crowd. Slowly the pieces came together for two nights: an evening where we visited the very best songs from the Cover To Cover albums, followed by a night that focused on my new Sola Gratia album. With a small group of massively supportive fans and helpers gathered we made Morsefest History! People tuned in from all over the world and even had Zoom Morsefest parties!

At the time, we didnt envisage ever commercially releasing this for many reasons. But after putting out MF19 and MF21 as self releases, many, many fans (and also one drummer who shall remain nameless!!!) kept asking us to fill the gap in their Morsefest collection! After consulting with some fans, we all agreed - lets do it! The audio was fully remixed and the video re-edited from the raw live streams and, I have to say, I think this is one of the very best Morsefest audio/video sets! Plus, weve included "The Great Nothing" from Morsefest 2018, which many of you have asked for on Blu-ray!

Weve assembled a 4 CD/2 Blu-ray set available exclusively from Radiant Records, which will be released on January 17th, 2023. Pre-orders start on Tuesday, November 22nd at 9:00AM Central and we aim to dispatch as soon as we receive the finished product from the manufacturer! Plus, Ill sign the first 200 copies sold from the website plus a random selection of orders will include an extra bonus piece of Morsefest history wait and see!"
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on November 22, 2022, 08:38:04 AM
Im assuming this will be packaged like MF19 and 21, with an obnoxiously large cardboard case that wont fit on my shelf.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 22, 2022, 08:59:28 AM
https://www.nealmorse.com/product/morsefest2020lockdown/

Morsefest 2020 is available for Preorder. Stand-alone, not bundled with the TA Blu-ray as we previously thought.

Neal's statement was:
Quote
Hopefully we're going to bundle it with the Transatlantic: Live in Paris at a special price, only on the Radiant site, so that'll be coming up in the near future.

I could see how it could be interpreted that way, but I just read it as "we will bundle it with Live In Paris at a special price". Thankfully those who wanted just MF20 can get it without the next Transatlantic live album.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 22, 2022, 05:50:50 PM
Good to see it is being released the way it is.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on November 22, 2022, 06:23:45 PM
Good to see it is being released the way it is.  :tup :tup

It's the way it had to be ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on November 23, 2022, 08:05:17 AM
So....if I wanted the signed copy (I'm sure I missed it by now) I would have to forsake the bundle price?  I haven't ordered MF yet, though I will; should I wait to see if it's still in stock or buy it and suck it up?

You know, you can't just wing this stuff.  You really can't.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on November 23, 2022, 08:24:25 AM
I dont think theres gonna be a bundle at this point. Preorders for the TA Blu-ray go up next week, per the latest IC newsletter, so if they were gonna bundle them both together, why make MF20 available for preorder a week before?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on November 27, 2022, 12:20:10 PM
Neal is releasing a CD edition of Last Minute Christmas Album and is signing every copy. It's normal CD priced so if you like his poppier stuff I would check it out.

Friend of mine bought the CD (First time he ordered from Radiant so he never had his signature before) and we listened to it in the car and I thought it was pretty good. I love the Zappaesque tune and the rest if pretty cool too. Pretty laid back but I may pick it up at some point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on November 27, 2022, 09:50:26 PM
Neal is releasing a CD edition of Last Minute Christmas Album and is signing every copy. It's normal CD priced so if you like his poppier stuff I would check it out.

Friend of mine bought the CD (First time he ordered from Radiant so he never had his signature before) and we listened to it in the car and I thought it was pretty good. I love the Zappaesque tune and the rest if pretty cool too. Pretty laid back but I may pick it up at some point.

That's generally my impression as well. Not one I pull out much, but if I want some nice easy background music while doing Christmas related activities I'll put it on.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on December 01, 2022, 09:38:46 AM
Quote
Pre-Order Transatlantic's New Live Album
Hey everyone,
 
Just a heads up that we will open pre-orders for the new Transatlantic live album on Friday, December 2nd at 8:00AM Central / 2:00PM U.K. 
 
Pre-ordering from Radiant will give access to an exclusive variant and the chance to get a signed item free of charge with your order!
Watch for the email with links on Friday at that time!
 
Thanks for your support,
Neal

Email from Radiant just now.

Edit: I suppose this should have gone in the Transatlantic thread  :loser:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on December 08, 2022, 08:53:33 PM
I was thinking about getting Neal's Last Minute Christmas Album from Radiant, but apparently their website messes up with my antivirus, as it is infested with some sort of malware. Never happened to me before, but with Radiant it doesn't surprise me anymore :lol

To those who have it, how do you like it?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on December 09, 2022, 02:46:19 AM
I was thinking about getting Neal's Last Minute Christmas Album from Radiant, but apparently their website messes up with my antivirus, as it is infested with some sort of malware. Never happened to me before, but with Radiant it doesn't surprise me anymore :lol

To those who have it, how do you like it?

I enjoy it, but it's not something I reach for everyday. It makes for really good background music I've found.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 09, 2022, 04:29:21 AM
I was thinking about getting Neal's Last Minute Christmas Album from Radiant, but apparently their website messes up with my antivirus, as it is infested with some sort of malware. Never happened to me before, but with Radiant it doesn't surprise me anymore :lol

To those who have it, how do you like it?

The malware in that website is a false positive. Dont worry about it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on December 09, 2022, 08:09:29 AM
I enjoy it, but it's not something I reach for everyday. It makes for really good background music I've found.

Guess I'll wait another year before getting it :lol I listened to a couple of the tracks on Neal's Youtube channel and wasn't really blown away or anything.

The malware in that website is a false positive. Dont worry about it.

So weird, never happened to me before on their site :huh:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 15, 2022, 08:12:32 AM
A new concept album is in the works, NM has music for a triple album, but he said he probably will trimmed it dow to a double album as he doesn't want to repeat themes too much. He signed a deal with Frotiers, he is working on lyrics now and he doesn't know who will play on it. The story will be related to Joseph from the Bible.

He is exchanging demos with Nick and Ross for a follow album too.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on December 15, 2022, 08:24:56 AM
A new concept album is in the works, NM has music for a triple album, but he said he probably will trimmed it dow to a double album as he doesn't want to repeat themes too much. He signed a deal with Frotiers, he is working on lyrics now and he doesn't know who will play on it. The story will be related to Joseph from the Bible.

He is exchanging demos with Nick and Ross for a follow album too.

I've always thought telling David's story would be a great one to tell musically as well. So many avenues of story there. Will be interested to hear this....and, I hope that it's just a NMB album with that cast of characters writing/performing the music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on December 15, 2022, 08:28:36 AM
A new concept album is in the works, NM has music for a triple album, but he said he probably will trimmed it dow to a double album as he doesn't want to repeat themes too much. He signed a deal with Frotiers, he is working on lyrics now and he doesn't know who will play on it. The story will be related to Joseph from the Bible.

He is exchanging demos with Nick and Ross for a follow album too.

I've always thought telling David's story would be a great one to tell musically as well. So many avenues of story there. Will be interested to hear this....and, I hope that it's just a NMB album with that cast of characters writing/performing the music.

I'd be interested if Neal could pull off a sort of "Star One" or "Ayreon" thing with six or seven decently known singers.  That'd be fun.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 15, 2022, 08:57:23 AM
A new concept album is in the works, NM has music for a triple album, but he said he probably will trimmed it dow to a double album as he doesn't want to repeat themes too much. He signed a deal with Frotiers, he is working on lyrics now and he doesn't know who will play on it. The story will be related to Joseph from the Bible.

He is exchanging demos with Nick and Ross for a follow album too.

I've always thought telling David's story would be a great one to tell musically as well. So many avenues of story there. Will be interested to hear this....and, I hope that it's just a NMB album with that cast of characters writing/performing the music.

I'd be interested if Neal could pull off a sort of "Star One" or "Ayreon" thing with six or seven decently known singers.  That'd be fun.

He pretty much did that with JCTE, and I thought it worked really well (although I still think Ted Leonard is a bit underwhelming as Jesus on the album [and that is related to album performance only--he knocked it out of the park on the live version]). 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on December 15, 2022, 09:44:03 AM
Interesting that Neal is releasing this on Frontiers rather than Inside/Out. Has he worked with them before?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on December 15, 2022, 10:13:28 AM
Interesting that Neal is releasing this on Frontiers rather than Inside/Out. Has he worked with them before?

IIRC, JCTE was also released through them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 15, 2022, 11:19:13 AM
Interesting that Neal is releasing this on Frontiers rather than Inside/Out. Has he worked with them before?

IIRC, JCTE was also released through them.

Correct
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on December 15, 2022, 05:24:17 PM
I wonder why he is doing this with another record company again.  I noticed that the Exorcist didn't sound as good as most of Neal's other records this century (the mix was a bit dry and flat), so I hope that was a coincidence and not a Frontiers thing. You never know when it comes to labels pushing certain things on artists. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on December 15, 2022, 05:28:17 PM
You never know when it comes to labels pushing certain things on artists. 

(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/forumavatars/avatar_92_1662855311.jpeg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on December 15, 2022, 05:40:16 PM
I wonder why he is doing this with another record company again.  I noticed that the Exorcist didn't sound as good as most of Neal's other records this century (the mix was a bit dry and flat), so I hope that was a coincidence and not a Frontiers thing. You never know when it comes to labels pushing certain things on artists.

Poor sounding mixes are kind of a Frontiers trademark.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on December 15, 2022, 05:55:37 PM
I wonder why he is doing this with another record company again.  I noticed that the Exorcist didn't sound as good as most of Neal's other records this century (the mix was a bit dry and flat), so I hope that was a coincidence and not a Frontiers thing. You never know when it comes to labels pushing certain things on artists.

I agree on the mix, it doesn't sound quite "right". That, and Eric's drumming.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on December 17, 2022, 07:53:21 AM
Has anyone else had trouble editing the name of the new IC Keys and Guitar album? I'm trying to rename and edit the files so they make a semblance of sense on my phone and computer, but my computer won't let me and I can't change the name on my phone either. I've tried turning off read only mode but it keeps turning back on immediately when I click away. I've tried redownloading a few times. This is the only IC release I've had trouble with. Anyone more tech savvy than me and can provide assistance?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on December 19, 2022, 11:45:36 AM
After a few months of spinning other albums I grabbed Innocence And Danger and spun it on Sunday. Just a superb album, man. I would say it's on par with my 2 favorites, Testimony and One. And the middle section of Beyond The Years might be one of my top 10 musical sections of all time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on December 20, 2022, 04:04:50 PM
After a few months of spinning other albums I grabbed Innocence And Danger and spun it on Sunday. Just a superb album, man. I would say it's on par with my 2 favorites, Testimony and One. And the middle section of Beyond The Years might be one of my top 10 musical sections of all time.
Agree with everything you said Emtee except my two other favorites are Sola Scriptura and ?.  Beyond the Years is absolutley awesome!  Love Eric and Bill's contributions here.  Can't wait for the next NMB album!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on December 22, 2022, 12:36:18 PM
Important news for Inner Circle members

Quote
New and Improved Inner Circle Membership!
Hi Everyone!
 
Behold! Christmas time comes with good tidings of great joy well, thats kind of what this email is about!
 
For many years our Inner Circle functionality on the updated website has thrown up a few problems password issues, people not getting emails, payments not renewing - and we are really sorry!  But we now have a solution that will fix all of that going forward - which is the good news!
 
In order to make that happen, we have had to end the previous way of doing things, which (and this is the not so good news!) means that Inner Circle members will need to sign up again.  It actually wont look that different to what you did when you first enrolled - but this time it will be without the problems. The old system will be switched off on Christmas Eve (December 24th).

So there was good news, bad news and now some more good news!  To thank you for your support as Inner Circle Members, and for taking the time to sign up to the new system, when you sign up, we will add the MP3 files for the Morsefest 2020 Cover To Cover show straight into your Downloads folder!
 
So youll get that audio 4 weeks before official release date and can enjoy it over the holiday season. 😃
 
In addition to the early release of Morsefest 2020 Cover To Cover audio, you also get your first month of new Inner Circle membership for free. 😃😃
 
Signing up for the new Inner Circle costs nothing today, and you get the audio files for immediate download.
 
Your monthly Inner Circle monthly membership fee will resume in 30 days on our new system.
Instructions
Click the link to sign up for the new and improved Inner Circle membership:
https://www.nealmorse.com/?alg_apply_coupon=IC-3MD
 
If you have any trouble we are standing by to help. Just drop us  an email at the link below, and well help you make the transition:
 
help.my.inner.circle.access.is.wonky@nealmorse.com   🤓
 
Thanks again for your support and I look forward to an exciting year with lots of new music and releases in 2023!
 
Happy holidays!
 
Neal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on December 22, 2022, 01:18:26 PM
Important news for Inner Circle members

Quote
New and Improved Inner Circle Membership!
Hi Everyone!
 
Behold! Christmas time comes with good tidings of great joy well, thats kind of what this email is about!
 
For many years our Inner Circle functionality on the updated website has thrown up a few problems password issues, people not getting emails, payments not renewing - and we are really sorry!  But we now have a solution that will fix all of that going forward - which is the good news!
 
In order to make that happen, we have had to end the previous way of doing things, which (and this is the not so good news!) means that Inner Circle members will need to sign up again.  It actually wont look that different to what you did when you first enrolled - but this time it will be without the problems. The old system will be switched off on Christmas Eve (December 24th).

So there was good news, bad news and now some more good news!  To thank you for your support as Inner Circle Members, and for taking the time to sign up to the new system, when you sign up, we will add the MP3 files for the Morsefest 2020 Cover To Cover show straight into your Downloads folder!
 
So youll get that audio 4 weeks before official release date and can enjoy it over the holiday season. 😃
 
In addition to the early release of Morsefest 2020 Cover To Cover audio, you also get your first month of new Inner Circle membership for free. 😃😃
 
Signing up for the new Inner Circle costs nothing today, and you get the audio files for immediate download.
 
Your monthly Inner Circle monthly membership fee will resume in 30 days on our new system.
Instructions
Click the link to sign up for the new and improved Inner Circle membership:
https://www.nealmorse.com/?alg_apply_coupon=IC-3MD
 
If you have any trouble we are standing by to help. Just drop us  an email at the link below, and well help you make the transition:
 
help.my.inner.circle.access.is.wonky@nealmorse.com   🤓
 
Thanks again for your support and I look forward to an exciting year with lots of new music and releases in 2023!
 
Happy holidays!
 
Neal

I saw that email earlier. I'm glad they're finally addressing these issues that I and many others have been having for literal YEARS (since before the pandemic). Although I've noticed that the website nealmorse.com has not been loading for nearly a week now. Anyone else having this issue or is it just me? Either way, the link in the email wasn't working for me as well, so who knows when this will actually work.

Side-note, I ordered some merch from them on Black Friday and when I finally got my package earlier this month, they sent me a wrong t-shirt (I asked for a Morsefest 2018 shirt and they sent me a 2019 shirt, which I already had). I've emailed them 5 times since then and no response yet. I guess I was eventually going to have bad customer service from them since I haven't at all in the last decade or so since I started ordering from them. Ah well...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on December 22, 2022, 03:00:12 PM
Although I've noticed that the website nealmorse.com has not been loading for nearly a week now. Anyone else having this issue or is it just me? Either way, the link in the email wasn't working for me as well, so who knows when this will actually work.

Not working for me either :tdwn
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on December 23, 2022, 03:28:09 AM
I haven't been having any problems with the website.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on December 23, 2022, 09:42:06 AM
The link worked fine for me. They just sent another email with the same info so maybe itll work now for those it didnt work for.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on January 11, 2023, 01:00:31 PM
Got the email that my Morsefest 2020 lockdown set shipped to my old address. I moved after placing the order back in November and emailed them a few days back asking to ship to the new address. So not sure what is going to happen now. I have the tracking number, so maybe I'll stop by my old place and see what they say.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 11, 2023, 03:28:04 PM
Got the email that my Morsefest 2020 lockdown set shipped to my old address. I moved after placing the order back in November and emailed them a few days back asking to ship to the new address. So not sure what is going to happen now. I have the tracking number, so maybe I'll stop by my old place and see what they say.

That happened to me last year with my Grateful Dead "Dave's Picks" subscription. They were wonderful, and replaced the CD set without question (even though I was able to get the delivery, since the new owners of the house I sold were kind enough to reach out through our real estate agents). Let's hope Radiant is the same way. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 13, 2023, 02:23:38 PM
Quote
MORSEFEST 2023!
We have decided that we are going to do a Morsefest 2023! We are going to do Testimony, because it's the 20th anniversary of Testimony, AND Testimony 2, as well as other various beauties.

We are (barring anything unforeseen)... this is kind of a big announcement... are you ready? We are currently hoping to do a Morsefest 2023 in US on August 11-12 and a Morsefest in Europe on August 18-19.

We will be doing the US one at the new church building which is smaller, so it will be more intimate, but of course, we will be filming. We haven't decided whether or not we will be live-streaming yet. We will save that decision for a little later. But we're definitely going to be doing Morsefest! I've got everybody cleared and I'll give you more information about the personnel as it comes for sure, but it's looking that way! There will be not one but TWO Morsefests in 2023! And you heard it here absolutely first!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 13, 2023, 03:14:12 PM
Quote
MORSEFEST 2023!
We have decided that we are going to do a Morsefest 2023! We are going to do Testimony, because it's the 20th anniversary of Testimony, AND Testimony 2, as well as other various beauties.

We are (barring anything unforeseen)... this is kind of a big announcement... are you ready? We are currently hoping to do a Morsefest 2023 in US on August 11-12 and a Morsefest in Europe on August 18-19.

We will be doing the US one at the new church building which is smaller, so it will be more intimate, but of course, we will be filming. We haven't decided whether or not we will be live-streaming yet. We will save that decision for a little later. But we're definitely going to be doing Morsefest! I've got everybody cleared and I'll give you more information about the personnel as it comes for sure, but it's looking that way! There will be not one but TWO Morsefests in 2023! And you heard it here absolutely first!

Just saw that, and that's wild! Just when we thought Morsefest 2022 might have been the last one, he comes back with a Testimony 1 & 2 weekend! And on two continents! I wonder which country/city they'll perform in. My best guess? Tilburg at the 013, cuz Neal ALWAYS goes there.

As far as the show itself, I can't say I'm TOO excited, considering how many complete live versions of both Testimony and Testimony 2 have been performed/released, so hopefully they make it extra special this time around. If it's mostly the same as it was in 2014 (Testimony) and 2017 (Testimony 2), then I don't mind if we don't get any officially released audio/video from Morsefest 2023.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on January 13, 2023, 03:16:55 PM
Quote
MORSEFEST 2023!
We have decided that we are going to do a Morsefest 2023! We are going to do Testimony, because it's the 20th anniversary of Testimony, AND Testimony 2, as well as other various beauties.

We are (barring anything unforeseen)... this is kind of a big announcement... are you ready? We are currently hoping to do a Morsefest 2023 in US on August 11-12 and a Morsefest in Europe on August 18-19.

We will be doing the US one at the new church building which is smaller, so it will be more intimate, but of course, we will be filming. We haven't decided whether or not we will be live-streaming yet. We will save that decision for a little later. But we're definitely going to be doing Morsefest! I've got everybody cleared and I'll give you more information about the personnel as it comes for sure, but it's looking that way! There will be not one but TWO Morsefests in 2023! And you heard it here absolutely first!

 :omg: Nice to hear, although like others have said, not anything "new"
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 13, 2023, 08:04:26 PM
I can't say I am surprised.  Will be interesting to see how small and intimate this new church is. The one it's always been at didn't really look or feel like a normal church, so hopefully the new one is similar. Or maybe I am just used to the Catholic churches with uncomfortable wood pews and crosses and pics of Mary everywhere.  :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on January 13, 2023, 08:27:20 PM
Got my signed copy of the Lockdown Morsefest BR/CD today. Current owners of the old house were kind enough to keep it aside for me.




(https://imgur.com/doeD53p.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 13, 2023, 10:20:52 PM
Alain from the latest newsletter

Quote
THE JOSEPH ALBUM!
Big news! As I was working on this thing... it is so long... it is such a beast... it is a real epic and I started adding more things of course. Imagine that!

I woke up one morning thinking, you know, I don't like the way this one transition goes... maybe that piece should stop there and there should be a choral section that comes in. So I spent a whole day writing a choral section that isn't very long but it's pretty involved and has some pretty beautiful chords. I was trying to write some kind of modern classical piece (the kind that I really enjoy these days).

Things like that started happening and I was lengthening solos and whatnot and I tried to listen to the whole thing down and it was just too much. I think it might be like a meal that has too many steaks, if you're a meat-eater anyway. I decided it's going to be better in two sections. I've talked to the label and they've agreed: we're going to have a Joseph: Part One and a Joseph: Part Two! What we are shooting for is Joseph: Part One to come out in August of this year, and Joseph: Part Two to come out in the early part of the coming year.

So, this is the big news about that project. I have finished guitars, bass, drums, and most of the organ on the demos. Also, Talon David came over yesterday and sang lead vocal on the Potiphar's wife section. I told her I was sorry she didn't get as nice a role as on JCE, but she was cool with it. I didn't know if she was going to be kind of disappointed, but she was fine with it and she killed the song and some other short bits. It was a real joy to see her. Nathan Martin engineered.

It's good to be with other humans every now and then. I discover that over and over (laughing!)

Anyway, that's coming along well and I am deep in that but also deep in other stuff like...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on January 13, 2023, 11:16:13 PM
Alain from the latest newsletter

Quote
THE JOSEPH ALBUM!
Big news! As I was working on this thing... it is so long... it is such a beast... it is a real epic and I started adding more things of course. Imagine that!

I woke up one morning thinking, you know, I don't like the way this one transition goes... maybe that piece should stop there and there should be a choral section that comes in. So I spent a whole day writing a choral section that isn't very long but it's pretty involved and has some pretty beautiful chords. I was trying to write some kind of modern classical piece (the kind that I really enjoy these days).

Things like that started happening and I was lengthening solos and whatnot and I tried to listen to the whole thing down and it was just too much. I think it might be like a meal that has too many steaks, if you're a meat-eater anyway. I decided it's going to be better in two sections. I've talked to the label and they've agreed: we're going to have a Joseph: Part One and a Joseph: Part Two! What we are shooting for is Joseph: Part One to come out in August of this year, and Joseph: Part Two to come out in the early part of the coming year.

So, this is the big news about that project. I have finished guitars, bass, drums, and most of the organ on the demos. Also, Talon David came over yesterday and sang lead vocal on the Potiphar's wife section. I told her I was sorry she didn't get as nice a role as on JCE, but she was cool with it. I didn't know if she was going to be kind of disappointed, but she was fine with it and she killed the song and some other short bits. It was a real joy to see her. Nathan Martin engineered.

It's good to be with other humans every now and then. I discover that over and over (laughing!)

Anyway, that's coming along well, and I am deep in that but also deep in other stuff like...
:omg: :huh: :corn
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 14, 2023, 05:00:23 AM
Hahaha

.like new DMJ
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on January 14, 2023, 05:11:55 AM
Yeah, as far as I can tell his current projects are the Joseph albums, new D'Virgilio Morse & Jennings, and the stage version of God's Smuggler. Add in whatever input is needed from him on live releases. TA's Live @ Paris is out soon, but then there's Morsefest 2022 and I'm assuming there's also a NMB release from their tour in the works at some point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 14, 2023, 06:49:27 AM
Weren't they supposed to start working on a new NMB album soon? Does Neal ever sleep? :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 14, 2023, 08:21:42 AM
I don't think we've had any NMB news since the end of their tour.  Neal even said in his newsletter yesterday that he will let us know the personnel for this year's Morsefest when the time is right (or something to that effect), which makes me wonder if the NMB isn't going to be the main band for Morsefest again this year (which they almost always are except when it's a TA, SB or FC thing).  Maybe they are just taking a year off, but for Neal to have so many balls in the air and none of them seemingly sticking to the NMB brand seems a bit curious.  Or maybe they are just keeping future plans on the lowdown.  I would hate to see the band as is no longer exist.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on January 14, 2023, 10:19:22 AM
Wow, a Neal Morse two parter! That's excellent, I'm really looking forward to it. Sola gratia was a nice listen but it didn't have much staying power, so hopefully this one is a bit more memorable.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on January 15, 2023, 03:29:07 PM
I don't think we've had any NMB news since the end of their tour.  Neal even said in his newsletter yesterday that he will let us know the personnel for this year's Morsefest when the time is right (or something to that effect), which makes me wonder if the NMB isn't going to be the main band for Morsefest again this year (which they almost always are except when it's a TA, SB or FC thing).  Maybe they are just taking a year off, but for Neal to have so many balls in the air and none of them seemingly sticking to the NMB brand seems a bit curious.  Or maybe they are just keeping future plans on the lowdown.  I would hate to see the band as is no longer exist.
I know I read somewhere (probably on here), that somebody ran into Bill Hubauer last year and he sated they were to begin writing a new album at the beginning of this year - but maybe that plan changed.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 19, 2023, 10:33:46 AM
Quote
Morsefest Europe 2023!

We are looking for a suitable venue for a European Morsefest this year.  Do you know somewhere?

What are we looking for:

 - Central Europe - Sorry U.K. and Ireland but were trying to find somewhere thats the most accessible for most people.

- Needs to be a venue / theater / church with sound and lights that can accommodate a minimum of 400 people

- The venue needs to have additional halls / rooms so we can accommodtate band / crew. And it needs to have catering facilities. 

- Somewhere that has access to good accommodation nearby would be ideal.

Are you a venue owner or have a contact in one that would fit the bill? If so send details, including contact details to morsefestinfo<a>radiantrecords<dot>com

Soooo... I guess the details haven't been finalized yet. :lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 19, 2023, 10:54:11 AM
I don't think we've had any NMB news since the end of their tour.  Neal even said in his newsletter yesterday that he will let us know the personnel for this year's Morsefest when the time is right (or something to that effect), which makes me wonder if the NMB isn't going to be the main band for Morsefest again this year (which they almost always are except when it's a TA, SB or FC thing).  Maybe they are just taking a year off, but for Neal to have so many balls in the air and none of them seemingly sticking to the NMB brand seems a bit curious.  Or maybe they are just keeping future plans on the lowdown.  I would hate to see the band as is no longer exist.
I know I read somewhere (probably on here), that somebody ran into Bill Hubauer last year and he sated they were to begin writing a new album at the beginning of this year - but maybe that plan changed.
It was me.  I talked to him at Nick's wedding.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on January 19, 2023, 11:13:39 AM
I don't think we've had any NMB news since the end of their tour.  Neal even said in his newsletter yesterday that he will let us know the personnel for this year's Morsefest when the time is right (or something to that effect), which makes me wonder if the NMB isn't going to be the main band for Morsefest again this year (which they almost always are except when it's a TA, SB or FC thing).  Maybe they are just taking a year off, but for Neal to have so many balls in the air and none of them seemingly sticking to the NMB brand seems a bit curious.  Or maybe they are just keeping future plans on the lowdown.  I would hate to see the band as is no longer exist.
I know I read somewhere (probably on here), that somebody ran into Bill Hubauer last year and he sated they were to begin writing a new album at the beginning of this year - but maybe that plan changed.
It was me.  I talked to him at Nick's wedding.
:tup  Hopefully they still write a new album this year.  Love me some NMB!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 19, 2023, 11:52:17 AM
Quote
Morsefest Europe 2023!

We are looking for a suitable venue for a European Morsefest this year.  Do you know somewhere?

What are we looking for:

 - Central Europe - Sorry U.K. and Ireland but were trying to find somewhere thats the most accessible for most people.

- Needs to be a venue / theater / church with sound and lights that can accommodate a minimum of 400 people

- The venue needs to have additional halls / rooms so we can accommodtate band / crew. And it needs to have catering facilities. 

- Somewhere that has access to good accommodation nearby would be ideal.

Are you a venue owner or have a contact in one that would fit the bill? If so send details, including contact details to morsefestinfo<a>radiantrecords<dot>com

Soooo... I guess the details haven't been finalized yet. :lol

-Marc.

I wish that, while they're at it, they also change the setlist and play something else :P There's already two full live releases for each Testimony album, and that's including previous Morsefest editions.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 19, 2023, 12:07:36 PM
Quote
Morsefest Europe 2023!

We are looking for a suitable venue for a European Morsefest this year.  Do you know somewhere?

What are we looking for:

 - Central Europe - Sorry U.K. and Ireland but were trying to find somewhere thats the most accessible for most people.

- Needs to be a venue / theater / church with sound and lights that can accommodate a minimum of 400 people

- The venue needs to have additional halls / rooms so we can accommodtate band / crew. And it needs to have catering facilities. 

- Somewhere that has access to good accommodation nearby would be ideal.

Are you a venue owner or have a contact in one that would fit the bill? If so send details, including contact details to morsefestinfo<a>radiantrecords<dot>com

Soooo... I guess the details haven't been finalized yet. :lol

-Marc.

I wish that, while they're at it, they also change the setlist and play something else :P There's already two full live releases for each Testimony album, and that's including previous Morsefest editions.

Yeaaaah, that's not TERRIBLY exciting, so I wonder if he'll pull out some rarer stuff to pad out the nights a bit more (looking at "Seeds Of Gold", "Supernatural" and "Absolute Beginner").

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: jmarkwilson on January 21, 2023, 10:01:10 AM
Got my Morsefest 2020 yesterday. Took 6 days from the US to the Uk. Got a signed copy.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 21, 2023, 11:01:18 AM
Got my Morsefest 2020 yesterday. Took 6 days from the US to the Uk. Got a signed copy.

Nice!  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ich bin besser on January 23, 2023, 09:16:13 AM
and the stage version of God's Smuggler.

What's that? Never heard of it...
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 23, 2023, 09:20:01 AM
and the stage version of God's Smuggler.

What's that? Never heard of it...

I wonder if liking One and/or ? depends on when you discovered Neal and his music. Personally, I discovered him in 2005, just before ? came out, so it was his first new album for me after I became a fan. I *really* enjoyed it, especially with all the guest musicians on it. I also really enjoyed One quite a bit, even with the expanded tracklist to make it an 11-track, 920-minute album. It was his latest album when I became a fan, so I spun the heck out of it and really got into One.

Also, Neal just released his December IC Newsletter and he brings up his God's Smuggler musical some more, saying that his recent watch of Tick, Tick... Boom! may have influenced his writing a bit. Other than that, he doesn't give many more details, but at this point, he probably has well over 20 songs written at various stages of completion. I think he'll do another JTCE-styled album, and at this point, that means he's written at least three different musicals (the other being the aforementioned Hitman, which was released via the Inner Circle in a demo format). With regards to "fitting his work in a neat box", I think we can safely put his musicals in a separate category apart from solo prog, NMB, worship, and singer-songwriter stuff, as well as the more obvious distinctions with his other bands (SB, TA, and FC). He definitely has a  lot of avenues for musical output, and as others have said above, I think he'll keep doing this until he's physically and/or mentally unable to write/record/perform music.

-Marc.

It's a new musical album based on the book of the same name.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ich bin besser on January 23, 2023, 09:33:35 AM
Ah, okay. Thank you, Marc!  :tup

I quit the IC a few years ago (after being a member from the beginning) cause I simply didn't find the time to listen to all that music. Recently got the live DVD of Jesus Christ, the Exorcist (after owning the album on vinyl - still have to watch the DVD), and also know Hitman.

This dude is a constant source of very enjoyable music. If I'd have to name my fav songwriter, I'd be him.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on January 24, 2023, 03:49:02 AM
Gave Sola Gratia another spin last night, and I don't know why, but it hit different. It just clicked. The ending of the made me tear up a bit, which is very strange. Definitely better than I remembered!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on January 28, 2023, 10:01:56 PM
Watching The Great Nothing on the Lockdown 2020 Morsefest is so much fun. I had no clue this song was performed and now there's a kick ass live recording of it with NDV on drums just killing it along with his vocals.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on January 29, 2023, 05:57:34 AM
Watching The Great Nothing on the Lockdown 2020 Morsefest is so much fun. I had no clue this song was performed and now there's a kick ass live recording of it with NDV on drums just killing it along with his vocals.

It was performed in 2018, but inexplicably left off that year's Morsefest release, something that seems to make zero sense, to borrow a phrase from a NMB song, but when it comes to business, I stopped trying to figure out why Neal does certain things a certain way years ago.  :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on January 29, 2023, 07:49:03 PM
2018 Morsefest was the Exorcist musical right? Was anything officially released from that year's Morsefest? Not counting anything in the Inner Circle as I'm not a member.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 29, 2023, 08:48:08 PM
2018 Morsefest was the Exorcist musical right? Was anything officially released from that year's Morsefest? Not counting anything in the Inner Circle as I'm not a member.

https://www.discogs.com/master/1868322-Neal-Morse-Jesus-Christ-The-Exorcist-Live-At-Morsefest-2018

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on January 29, 2023, 09:14:15 PM
Ok cool thanks, I'm guessing this was the only one that MP missed.


Edit: there was also the 2016 one with Spock's Beard with no MP.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 30, 2023, 07:40:32 AM
I just listened to the lockdown set over the weekend.   SO... Baker Street is one of my favorite songs of all time. EVER.   I've loved it since I was a kid hearing it on AM radio when I'd listen at night.   I always thought it was about someone who kept grabbing for the ring, but could never quite get it.  It ends hopeful, but in that bleak way that people who are destined for less than greatness are always sort of eternally hopeful.

Well, Neal Morse makes that friggin' song his own on that set.  Holy transformation, Batman.  If I didn't know better, I'd think that he wrote it as a sort of synopsis of the first Testimony record (and maybe part of the second too).  So good.  So uplifting.  So transformative.   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on January 30, 2023, 11:46:45 AM
Yeah, the covers set was a lot of fun, I went through the Blu Ray when it first arrived
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on February 03, 2023, 09:25:04 AM
IDK if we have a dedicated thread for this band, but We Came From Space announce new studio album Overloads due out on Feb. 3rd

Quote
Pop/Prog quartet We Came From Space comprised of Bill Hubauer (Neal Morse Band), Dave Buzard, Dave Hawk, and Tim Malone, are pleased to announce their 3rd studio album titled Overlords, due out on Feb 3rd.  The album is the full-length follow-up to their 2018 album While You Were Away and includes 2 tracks from the bands 2020 3-song EP.
 
The band are also pleased to share the video for Shes the Bomb/Atomic Blues which you can see here: https://youtu.be/hN6pawNbnbo

Four years in the making, Overlords was finally completely late 2022 to be released early in 2023. While not a concept album by any means, a loose theme emerged on the subject of the known and unknown forces that watch and control our lives.  These overlords may be corporations, people in our lives, our own narrow thinking, and even AI driven technologies.
 
The band have this to say about the new album:
 
We tend to take longer than the average band to birth our albums but, to me, the results have always been more than worth it!
Dave B.
 
Im excited about how weve evolved as a band on the new album. This album has more extended instrumental sections that allow us to stretch out a bit more!
Bill H.
 
WCFS albums are sold by weight, not by volume. (Some settling may have occurred.)
Dave H
 
Watch the trailer for the album here:
https://youtu.be/ZcttB6BMJhY
 
The album is available for digitally here:
https://wecamefromspace.bandcamp.com/album/overlords
 
And available for physical orders here:
https://www.nealmorse.com/product/we-came-from-space-overlords/
 
Tracklisting:
1.Overlords (10:45)
2.On the Radio (7:33)
3.Empty Space (5:06)
4.Shes the Bomb/Atomic Blues (10:39)
5.Reputation (5:32)
6.Silent Letters (5:12)
7.Facade (4:56)
8.Seize the Day (9:19)
 
 
About the band:
 
Hubauer, Buzard and Hawk. Basically grew up together all graduated from the same western PA high school. Both Buzard and Hawk played in various regional bands together off and on over the years, but oddly never with Hubauer despite being close friends and having similar musical interests. Sometime around 2011, Hubauer and Buzard reconnected and started talking about doing music together with the idea that they would write and play music that would have been the kind of music that they used to listen to together when they were in high school.
 
With a different rhythm section, Hubauer and Buzard release the first We Came From Space album, How To Be Human, in 2013. The How To Be Human album caught the ear of Hawk who said if they ever needed a new bass player, he was their guy. As it turned on the drummer and bass player from the first album decided to move on and Hawk joined the band on bass. A mutual friend pointed them to Pittsburgh drummer Tim Malone, and it was a great fit. The second album While You Were Away was released in 2018 and made a bit of noise due to Hubauers association with the Neal Morse Band. A three song EP Reasons in the Rhyme was released in 2020.
 
Bill Hubauer - Keyboards, Guitar, Lead and BGV
Dave Buzard - Guitar, Lead and BGV
Dave Hawk - Bass Guitar, Lead and BGV
Tim Malone - Drums and Percussion
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 03, 2023, 11:12:30 AM
Listened to it this morning.  Pretty good, as I expected.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mr.Mister on February 03, 2023, 12:38:03 PM
I've been on a NM run lately and currently listen to The Call - it's one of my favorites, what a song. The second half is proof that epic is a matter of tension and release, an unexpected journey. Not a time stamp. Close to 10 years since it's release and still gives me goosebumps

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on February 03, 2023, 02:12:56 PM
IDK if we have a dedicated thread for this band, but We Came From Space announce new studio album Overloads due out on Feb. 3rd

Quote
Pop/Prog quartet We Came From Space comprised of Bill Hubauer (Neal Morse Band), Dave Buzard, Dave Hawk, and Tim Malone, are pleased to announce their 3rd studio album titled Overlords, due out on Feb 3rd.  The album is the full-length follow-up to their 2018 album While You Were Away and includes 2 tracks from the bands 2020 3-song EP.
 
The band are also pleased to share the video for Shes the Bomb/Atomic Blues which you can see here: https://youtu.be/hN6pawNbnbo

Four years in the making, Overlords was finally completely late 2022 to be released early in 2023. While not a concept album by any means, a loose theme emerged on the subject of the known and unknown forces that watch and control our lives.  These overlords may be corporations, people in our lives, our own narrow thinking, and even AI driven technologies.
 
The band have this to say about the new album:
 
We tend to take longer than the average band to birth our albums but, to me, the results have always been more than worth it!
Dave B.
 
Im excited about how weve evolved as a band on the new album. This album has more extended instrumental sections that allow us to stretch out a bit more!
Bill H.
 
WCFS albums are sold by weight, not by volume. (Some settling may have occurred.)
Dave H
 
Watch the trailer for the album here:
https://youtu.be/ZcttB6BMJhY
 
The album is available for digitally here:
https://wecamefromspace.bandcamp.com/album/overlords
 
And available for physical orders here:
https://www.nealmorse.com/product/we-came-from-space-overlords/
 
Tracklisting:
1.Overlords (10:45)
2.On the Radio (7:33)
3.Empty Space (5:06)
4.Shes the Bomb/Atomic Blues (10:39)
5.Reputation (5:32)
6.Silent Letters (5:12)
7.Facade (4:56)
8.Seize the Day (9:19)
 
 
About the band:
 
Hubauer, Buzard and Hawk. Basically grew up together all graduated from the same western PA high school. Both Buzard and Hawk played in various regional bands together off and on over the years, but oddly never with Hubauer despite being close friends and having similar musical interests. Sometime around 2011, Hubauer and Buzard reconnected and started talking about doing music together with the idea that they would write and play music that would have been the kind of music that they used to listen to together when they were in high school.
 
With a different rhythm section, Hubauer and Buzard release the first We Came From Space album, How To Be Human, in 2013. The How To Be Human album caught the ear of Hawk who said if they ever needed a new bass player, he was their guy. As it turned on the drummer and bass player from the first album decided to move on and Hawk joined the band on bass. A mutual friend pointed them to Pittsburgh drummer Tim Malone, and it was a great fit. The second album While You Were Away was released in 2018 and made a bit of noise due to Hubauers association with the Neal Morse Band. A three song EP Reasons in the Rhyme was released in 2020.
 
Bill Hubauer - Keyboards, Guitar, Lead and BGV
Dave Buzard - Guitar, Lead and BGV
Dave Hawk - Bass Guitar, Lead and BGV
Tim Malone - Drums and Percussion

 :omg: REALLY loving this! :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 04, 2023, 06:22:01 AM
I've been on a NM run lately and currently listen to The Call - it's one of my favorites, what a song. The second half is proof that epic is a matter of tension and release, an unexpected journey. Not a time stamp. Close to 10 years since it's release and still gives me goosebumps

Agreed.  Amazing song, and that ending is just absurdly good.  On the list of best songs Neal has written/co-written, that one is right near the top.  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 20, 2023, 08:38:05 AM
Quote
Were happy to announce Morsefest 2023 USA!

VENUE

All  of the Morsefest events will be taking place at New Life Fellowship  (note this is not the same venue as previous Morsefests as the church  has moved location).

Location: 3660 Hwy 31W, White House, TN 37188

TICKETS

When tickets go on sale you will be able to buy:

A  Double Night Ticket priced at $299 which will get you a seat of your  choice at the shows on Friday and Saturday evening - we expect the shows  to start at 7:30PMwith doors open at 6:30PM ; or

A VIP Friday/  VIP Saturday Double Night Ticket priced at $599 - with this ticket you  will be able to choose seating in the front 4 rows of the venue, attend a  VIP Meet & Greet session - doors open at 3:00PM - on the relevant  day. You also get one evenings dinner at the venue at 5:00PM on the day  of your VIP Session and a VIP merch pack.

Closer to the time,  Inner Circle members will also be able to obtain a free ticket for  themselves and one accompanying person to the exclusive Inner Circle  show which will take place on Saturday morning at 10:00AM (doors at  9:30AM)

Please note that the dinner sessions are limited to the  VIPs on the particular day of their VIP session - so you cannot buy  separate dinner tickets.

We are using the Tickera system this year which requires you to be signed into www.nealmorse.com.  So make sure youre ready with your password and payment method up to date.

WHATS HAPPENING?

2023  marks the 20th anniversary of the Testimony album.  So on Friday  evening, NMB will be playing the Testimony album in full, and on  Saturday they will be playing Testimony Two in full.  On both nights  there will be surprise bonus material in the true Morsefest tradition.

As ever, NMB will be augmented by singers, string players, percussion and all sorts of extras!

WHATS INCLUDED WITH THE VIP TICKET?

In addition to being able to attend both the Friday and Saturday concerts, your VIP ticket gets you:

Choice of seat in the first 4 rows for BOTH SHOWS

Attendance  at the VIP Meet & Greet session with NMB on the respective day -  this will include a Q&A session, Photo opportunity with NMB, a  chance to speak to NMB members individually and get some items signed  and hopefully some fun and games!

Attendance at dinner on the day of your VIP Session. The dinner will include a main course, dessert and a drink.

An exclusive VIP merch pack including VIP-only t shirt, VIP laminate, signed poster, plus other exclusive items.

Please note that there will only be 40 VIP tickets for each evening - we expect that these will go quickly so get in early!

WHEN DO TICKETS GO ON SALE?

Tickets go live at 9:00AM Central on Monday February 27th

An email will be sent the day before with the link, which will then go live at 9:00AM on the relevant day

The  venue holds 250 people - so there will be 170 Double Night Tickets, 40  VIP Friday Double Night and 40 VIP Saturday Double Night tickets for  sale! So make sure you dont miss out!

Note all timings are subject to slight variation and full timetable will be confirmed on the week of the event.

We  are super excited to be doing Testimony and Testimony Two on the 20th  anniversary of the Testimony album and we cant wait to see you at this  once in a lifetime event!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 20, 2023, 08:41:27 AM
Do we know when this is?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on February 20, 2023, 08:43:34 AM
Man....I really want to get to a Morse Fest and would love to see this one for sure because I really like both Testimony albums....but the cost....especially considering all three of my sons would 100% want to go....I can't see it happening.

If the VIP deals were like legit hang with the band members for a bit and get to chit chat and what not then 'maybe'.....and maybe there's more of that going on at a Morsefest.....but typically they're the whole get ushered through the line and have a brief 20 second encounter, a pic and a handshake thing. Just can't justify spending the $$$ on that these days.

Will just have to wait for the DVD
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 20, 2023, 08:47:25 AM
Quote
Announcing Morsefest 2023 Europe!

VENUE

All of the Morsefest events will be taking place at Poppodium Boerderij in the Netherlands.

Location: Amerikaweg 145, 2717 AV Zoetermeer, Netherlands

TICKETS

When tickets go on sale you will be able to buy:

• A  Double Night Ground Floor Ticket priced at $325 which will get you a  seat of your choice at the shows on Friday and Saturday evening - we  expect the shows to start at 8:00PM with doors open at 7:00PM; or

• A  VIP Friday/ VIP Saturday Double Night Ticket priced at $625 - with this  ticket you will be able to choose the best seats in the venue, attend a  VIP Meet & Greet session from 3:30PM on the relevant day - doors  open at 3:00. You also get one evening’s dinner at the venue at 5:00PM  on the day of your VIP Session and a VIP merch pack: or

• A Double Night Balcony Standing Ticket priced at $180 - there are no reserved spaces in the balcony area.

• Closer  to the time, Inner Circle members will also be able to obtain a free  ticket for themselves and one accompanying person to the exclusive Inner  Circle show which will take place on Saturday morning at 10:00AM (doors  at 9:30AM)

• Please note that due to the size of the new  premises, the dinner sessions are limited to the VIPs on the particular  day of their VIP session - so you cannot buy separate dinner tickets.

• Morsefest Europe tickets are slightly higher priced than Morsefest USA to cover the VAT and other unique costs.

We are using the Tickera system this year which requires you to be signed into www.nealmorse.com. So make sure you’re ready with your password and payment method up to date.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

• On  Friday evening, NMB will be playing the Testimony album in full, and on  Saturday they will be playing Testimony Two in full.  On both nights  there will be surprise bonus material in the true Morsefest tradition.

• As  ever, NMB will be augmented by singers, string players and all sorts of  extras, including Collin Leijenaar who will be playing percussion!

WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH THE VIP TICKET?

In addition to being able to attend both the Friday and Saturday concerts, your VIP ticket gets you:

• Choice of seat in the best seats in the venue for BOTH SHOWS

• Attendance  at the VIP Meet & Greet session with NMB on the respective day -  this will include a Q&A session, Photo opportunity with NMB, a  chance to speak to NMB members individually and get some items signed…  and hopefully some fun and games!

• Attendance at dinner on the day of your VIP Session. The dinner will include a main course, dessert and a drink.\

• An exclusive VIP merch pack including VIP-only t shirt, VIP laminate, signed poster, plus other exclusive items.

Please note that there will only be 40 VIP tickets for each evening - we expect that these will go quickly… so get in early!

WHEN DO TICKETS GO ON SALE?

• Tickets go live at 9:00AM Central on Tuesday February 28th

• An email will be sent the day before with the link, which will then go live at 9:00AM on the relevant day

• The  venue holds 325 people - so there will be 145 Double Night Tickets, 40  VIP Friday Double Night, 40 VIP Saturday Double Night tickets and 100  Double Night Balcony Standing Tickets for sale! So make sure you don’t  miss out!

We are  super excited to be doing Testimony and Testimony Two on the 20th  anniversary of the Testimony album and we can’t wait to see you at this  once in a lifetime event!

Here's the European Morsefest info!

Quote
Morsefest 2023 USA & Europe!

I'm super excited to announce that NMB, plus many special guests, will be performing Testimony and Testimony Two (plus other surprises!) on the 20th anniversary of the Testimony album. The shows will take place at New Life Fellowship in White House, TN, on August 11th & 12th, and at The Boerderij, Zootermeer, Holland, on August 18th & 19th!

Tickets for the USA show go on sale on Monday, February 27th, and for the European show on Tuesday, February 28th - spaces are limited! Look forward to seeing you there!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DyWizI3CKUo&feature=youtu.be


-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on February 20, 2023, 08:52:56 AM
Boerderij is the venue that Big Big Train just played last year. It's a smaller stage and a standing only venue, so that will be a different vibe for a Morsefest.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on February 20, 2023, 09:26:18 AM
Never been a huge fan of T1 and I already saw T2 live back in 2011 on that tour. Gonna pass on this. Also doesnt feel as special as past Morsefests since were at the point of repeating already played albums. Which was bound to happen if they wanted this to continue, but yeah it doesnt seem like an event like say last years MF.

Cool of them to expand it to Europe though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 20, 2023, 09:30:15 AM
I checked out the pics of the new venue in TN online and that place is really, really small.  I know my brother will try to talk me into going, but I am likely to pass this year.  I love T2, but saw that back at Morsefest 2017, and while I like the original Testimony, I don't love it to where I feel like I need to see it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on February 20, 2023, 09:39:23 AM
I think I passed by the new venue theyre referring to last year when I was trying to find a parking spot, and yeah it is significantly smaller.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 20, 2023, 11:24:30 AM
Aw, don't bail!  This might be my first Morsefest; I don't want to be there by myself!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on February 20, 2023, 12:00:17 PM
I checked out the pics of the new venue in TN online and that place is really, really small.  I know my brother will try to talk me into going, but I am likely to pass this year.  I love T2, but saw that back at Morsefest 2017, and while I like the original Testimony, I don't love it to where I feel like I need to see it.

This is me, as well. As much as I'd love to see T2 again, T1 doesn't excite me enough to make the trip this year. I will try and save up for the inevitable 2026 Similitude/Great Adventure Morsefest. Those albums are much more exciting than any others.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on February 20, 2023, 12:38:44 PM
Aw, don't bail!  This might be my first Morsefest; I don't want to be there by myself!!!
I'm seriously considering going as well (would be my first Morsefest).  Testimony 2 is one of my all-time favorite albums and I also like T1.  Plus I'm thinking we're all getting older (the band and myself), so who knows how many more opportunities we'll all have to see something like this.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on February 20, 2023, 12:58:48 PM
Googled New Life White House and got a totally different church in TN. Googled the address that is in the release and Google Street View shows that as a tiny Seventh-Day Adventist church. Either way, if that address is where it is, looks like there's parking for about 30 people.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on February 20, 2023, 01:07:34 PM
Googled New Life White House and got a totally different church in TN. Googled the address that is in the release and Google Street View shows that as a tiny Seventh-Day Adventist church. Either way, if that address is where it is, looks like there's parking for about 30 people.

Yeah, got the same things. Not sure that info is correct. Don't think even MP's drum kit could fit on that SDA church stage.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on February 20, 2023, 01:23:58 PM
Yeah theres no way a tiny stage like this is gonna fit the NMB and all their gear and all the extra musicians. And you only have seating for what, like 100 people?

Theres a larger building next door however, maybe thats where theyd perform?

(https://i.ibb.co/w01WPvp/A7824-F86-E002-49-B5-A6-D6-EDED1906-E967.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2nBtCbc)
(https://i.ibb.co/0BZxvZR/FDAFFA45-10-F1-4452-AFE0-7-F3684886-CFF.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RhPqdPk)
(https://i.ibb.co/Y7vh13C/0894-D6-AE-0-BC5-4-B9-A-A77-A-6910-F73436-BB.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HDmqbVS)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 20, 2023, 01:25:13 PM
Googled New Life White House and got a totally different church in TN. Googled the address that is in the release and Google Street View shows that as a tiny Seventh-Day Adventist church. Either way, if that address is where it is, looks like there's parking for about 30 people.
It could be that Neal's church is renting space at the SVA church.

Or that they bought the SVA church, and Google hasn't updated yet.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on February 20, 2023, 01:40:35 PM
Either way, a VIP ticket guaranteeing the first 4 rows is not much of a deal. Looks like standing at the back would be fantastically close.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 20, 2023, 06:12:30 PM
Either way, a VIP ticket guaranteeing the first 4 rows is not much of a deal. Looks like standing at the back would be fantastically close.

Yes, but you won't be as close to Jesus.  :biggrin:

Aw, don't bail!  This might be my first Morsefest; I don't want to be there by myself!!!

Where were you last year when it was Transatlantic? :P :P (kidding, I know life has gotten in the way recently)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 20, 2023, 06:18:19 PM
Either way, a VIP ticket guaranteeing the first 4 rows is not much of a deal. Looks like standing at the back would be fantastically close.

Yes, but you won't be as close to Jesus.  :biggrin:

Aw, don't bail!  This might be my first Morsefest; I don't want to be there by myself!!!

Where were you last year when it was Transatlantic? :P :P (kidding, I know life has gotten in the way recently)

I really wish I could have been there for that one.  But, as you say, life wouldn't really permit it.  I was starting to feel like it was something that could work.  But with a kid in college and a second close behind, our finances aren't as comfortable as they once were.

By the way, speaking of TA, have you done a top X countdown thread for them? 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 20, 2023, 06:27:34 PM
No. They don't have that many songs, and with the epics obviously being the ones that would finish at the top, the predictability of it doesn't really make that one I think would be overly interesting.  The three longest epics from the first two albums would obviously finish as the top 3.

I have considered doing one about favorite Neal/Neal-related songs between 15 and 35 minutes.  I think that could be fun.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on February 20, 2023, 06:30:40 PM
I'd be up for that.  And as much as I'd still like a TA one, I just realized that I'd rage quit as soon as you split The Whirlwind into separate "songs."  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 20, 2023, 06:37:54 PM
Right, I don't feel like dealing with the silliness, and it would be unfair to list it as a single song as you are then basically pitting every song against an entire album, one that is widely loved by the fanbase. It wouldn't be an interesting countdown at all.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on February 21, 2023, 12:46:55 PM
No. They don't have that many songs, and with the epics obviously being the ones that would finish at the top, the predictability of it doesn't really make that one I think would be overly interesting.  The three longest epics from the first two albums would obviously finish as the top 3.

I have considered doing one about favorite Neal/Neal-related songs between 15 and 35 minutes.  I think that could be fun.
I'm in on this one if you do it!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on February 21, 2023, 03:03:36 PM
Either way, a VIP ticket guaranteeing the first 4 rows is not much of a deal. Looks like standing at the back would be fantastically close.

Yes, but you won't be as close to Jesus.  :biggrin:

Aw, don't bail!  This might be my first Morsefest; I don't want to be there by myself!!!

Where were you last year when it was Transatlantic? :P :P (kidding, I know life has gotten in the way recently)

Fate has pretty much conspired against my ever seeing Transatlantic.  I had to donate a front row ticket for the regular show in April to my friend, due to family vacation, and I couldn't make Tennessee because of being in Florida with my family.  I had a similar experience during the Kaliedoscope tour.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 21, 2023, 05:14:11 PM
No. They don't have that many songs, and with the epics obviously being the ones that would finish at the top, the predictability of it doesn't really make that one I think would be overly interesting.  The three longest epics from the first two albums would obviously finish as the top 3.

I have considered doing one about favorite Neal/Neal-related songs between 15 and 35 minutes.  I think that could be fun.
I'm in on this one if you do it!

I have about 342 ideas, so anything could be next. :P :P


Fate has pretty much conspired against my ever seeing Transatlantic.  I had to donate a front row ticket for the regular show in April to my friend, due to family vacation, and I couldn't make Tennessee because of being in Florida with my family.  I had a similar experience during the Kaliedoscope tour.

I hear ya.  Circumstances and life can certainly get in the way of having a good time far too often these days.  >:( >:(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 27, 2023, 06:43:43 AM
Quote
MORSEFEST 2023 - DELAY TO TICKET SALE LAUNCH

Hi everyone - apologies but due to some technical issues weve encountered over the weekend we are going to have to delay the launch of ticket sales for Morsefest 2023. Sorry that this is quite late notice - we were hoping a solution could be found but so far it hasnt. We know many of you are keen to get your tickets and we need to be 100% confident the process will run smoothly.  We will keep you posted on the new dates and apologies to everyone who planned to be online to buy tickets. We expect this will also affect the Morsefest Europe launch tomorrow as well.

Apologies - Neal

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 27, 2023, 04:26:52 PM
So I got my order of Final Flight from Radiant today, and in addition to a signed laminated tour badge, I also got a paper sleeve with "Disc Two CD" of Morsefest 2020 Lockdown. I'm not sure why, as I don't recall reading about any issues with it, but maybe someone else can fill me in as to why it was included in my order.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 27, 2023, 07:02:25 PM
Quote
MORSEFEST 2023 - DELAY TO TICKET SALE LAUNCH

Hi everyone - apologies but due to some technical issues weve encountered over the weekend we are going to have to delay the launch of ticket sales for Morsefest 2023. Sorry that this is quite late notice - we were hoping a solution could be found but so far it hasnt. We know many of you are keen to get your tickets and we need to be 100% confident the process will run smoothly.  We will keep you posted on the new dates and apologies to everyone who planned to be online to buy tickets. We expect this will also affect the Morsefest Europe launch tomorrow as well.

Apologies - Neal

-Marc.

It shows what a clown show Radiant is when there was no email about this delay.  I know Neal (or the person who runs his account) posted it on a few social media sites, but you cannot assume everyone is on those.  For there not be an email today from Radiant about this delay is symbolic of how terrible their customer service is.  It's so disappointing to see Radiant continually drop the ball.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: BRGM on February 27, 2023, 11:24:02 PM
Quote
MORSEFEST 2023 - DELAY TO TICKET SALE LAUNCH

Hi everyone - apologies but due to some technical issues weve encountered over the weekend we are going to have to delay the launch of ticket sales for Morsefest 2023. Sorry that this is quite late notice - we were hoping a solution could be found but so far it hasnt. We know many of you are keen to get your tickets and we need to be 100% confident the process will run smoothly.  We will keep you posted on the new dates and apologies to everyone who planned to be online to buy tickets. We expect this will also affect the Morsefest Europe launch tomorrow as well.

Apologies - Neal

-Marc.

It shows what a clown show Radiant is when there was no email about this delay.  I know Neal (or the person who runs his account) posted it on a few social media sites, but you cannot assume everyone is on those.  For there not be an email today from Radiant about this delay is symbolic of how terrible their customer service is.  It's so disappointing to see Radiant continually drop the ball.

I got the email, however, I have not received an email regarding the European Morsefest, which is all I'm interested in really. So yeah 🤡 indeed!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on February 28, 2023, 03:47:11 AM
I got this email, yet I can't get them to email me back about my order way back in December...I've emailed them 5 times and still nothing :(
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on February 28, 2023, 07:39:02 AM
Quote
Ticket links for Morsefest 2023 Europe will go live at 9:00AM Central US time / 4:00 PM Central Europe time/ 3:00 PM UK time.

Come and hear the story, and be part of the experience!

https://www.nealmorse.com/tc-events/morsefest-2023-europe/

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: BRGM on February 28, 2023, 07:46:54 AM
Quote
Ticket links for Morsefest 2023 Europe will go live at 9:00AM Central US time / 4:00 PM Central Europe time/ 3:00 PM UK time.

Come and hear the story, and be part of the experience!

https://www.nealmorse.com/tc-events/morsefest-2023-europe/

-Marc.

Exciting! Anyone else going?

EDIT: And the post is deleted, I guess this weekends technical issues are still going then.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on February 28, 2023, 11:46:23 AM
Quote
MORSEFEST 2023 - DELAY TO TICKET SALE LAUNCH

Hi everyone - apologies but due to some technical issues weve encountered over the weekend we are going to have to delay the launch of ticket sales for Morsefest 2023. Sorry that this is quite late notice - we were hoping a solution could be found but so far it hasnt. We know many of you are keen to get your tickets and we need to be 100% confident the process will run smoothly.  We will keep you posted on the new dates and apologies to everyone who planned to be online to buy tickets. We expect this will also affect the Morsefest Europe launch tomorrow as well.

Apologies - Neal

-Marc.

It shows what a clown show Radiant is when there was no email about this delay.  I know Neal (or the person who runs his account) posted it on a few social media sites, but you cannot assume everyone is on those.  For there not be an email today from Radiant about this delay is symbolic of how terrible their customer service is.  It's so disappointing to see Radiant continually drop the ball.
Unrelated to Morsefest, but related to the frustratingly poor customer service, I have sent 3 emails now relating to an issue I have over the last 3 weeks and zero response.  Is there any other way to contact them?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 28, 2023, 12:22:01 PM

Unrelated to Morsefest, but related to the frustratingly poor customer service, I have sent 3 emails now relating to an issue I have over the last 3 weeks and zero response.  Is there any other way to contact them?

Sadly, your best bet is to go on Facebook and fine the Neal Morse fan group and be direct and post a message saying that Radiant is ignoring your emails.  Someone will loop in the lady who runs it by hyperlinking her, and then you will have to deal with the rush of fanboys and girls telling you to be patient and that she is doing the best she can, but you'll at least get a reply then.  Maybe.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on February 28, 2023, 12:41:59 PM
Quote
MORSEFEST 2023 - DELAY TO TICKET SALE LAUNCH

Hi everyone - apologies but due to some technical issues weve encountered over the weekend we are going to have to delay the launch of ticket sales for Morsefest 2023. Sorry that this is quite late notice - we were hoping a solution could be found but so far it hasnt. We know many of you are keen to get your tickets and we need to be 100% confident the process will run smoothly.  We will keep you posted on the new dates and apologies to everyone who planned to be online to buy tickets. We expect this will also affect the Morsefest Europe launch tomorrow as well.

Apologies - Neal

-Marc.

It shows what a clown show Radiant is when there was no email about this delay.  I know Neal (or the person who runs his account) posted it on a few social media sites, but you cannot assume everyone is on those.  For there not be an email today from Radiant about this delay is symbolic of how terrible their customer service is.  It's so disappointing to see Radiant continually drop the ball.

I did receive an email with the notification yesterday.

(https://i.ibb.co/5sVPtDK/Captura-de-pantalla-2023-02-28-a-la-s-15-40-39.png)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on February 28, 2023, 02:38:47 PM

Unrelated to Morsefest, but related to the frustratingly poor customer service, I have sent 3 emails now relating to an issue I have over the last 3 weeks and zero response.  Is there any other way to contact them?

Sadly, your best bet is to go on Facebook and fine the Neal Morse fan group and be direct and post a message saying that Radiant is ignoring your emails.  Someone will loop in the lady who runs it by hyperlinking her, and then you will have to deal with the rush of fanboys and girls telling you to be patient and that she is doing the best she can, but you'll at least get a reply then.  Maybe.
LOL - only it's not funny.  Thanks Kev for the advice..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on February 28, 2023, 07:44:02 PM
Glad to see that some got emails.


Unrelated to Morsefest, but related to the frustratingly poor customer service, I have sent 3 emails now relating to an issue I have over the last 3 weeks and zero response.  Is there any other way to contact them?

Sadly, your best bet is to go on Facebook and fine the Neal Morse fan group and be direct and post a message saying that Radiant is ignoring your emails.  Someone will loop in the lady who runs it by hyperlinking her, and then you will have to deal with the rush of fanboys and girls telling you to be patient and that she is doing the best she can, but you'll at least get a reply then.  Maybe.
LOL - only it's not funny.  Thanks Kev for the advice..

 :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on February 28, 2023, 08:12:13 PM
So I got my order of Final Flight from Radiant today, and in addition to a signed laminated tour badge, I also got a paper sleeve with "Disc Two CD" of Morsefest 2020 Lockdown. I'm not sure why, as I don't recall reading about any issues with it, but maybe someone else can fill me in as to why it was included in my order.

-Marc.

Mine just arrived today and I got one too. No clue why.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on March 01, 2023, 12:13:11 PM
For anyone having trouble getting a hold of someone at Radiant Records,

Their old Facebook page still has their phone number listed. I called today and within 2 rings I talked to Amy. My issue was resolved immediately.

Easier than finding the right Facebook fan group.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on March 01, 2023, 02:00:42 PM
For anyone having trouble getting a hold of someone at Radiant Records,

Their old Facebook page still has their phone number listed. I called today and within 2 rings I talked to Amy. My issue was resolved immediately.

Easier than finding the right Facebook fan group.
Can you post or PM me the phone number please? Thanks!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on March 02, 2023, 03:58:10 AM
For anyone having trouble getting a hold of someone at Radiant Records,

Their old Facebook page still has their phone number listed. I called today and within 2 rings I talked to Amy. My issue was resolved immediately.

Easier than finding the right Facebook fan group.
Can you post or PM me the phone number please? Thanks!

I messaged you
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on March 02, 2023, 03:24:19 PM
For anyone having trouble getting a hold of someone at Radiant Records,

Their old Facebook page still has their phone number listed. I called today and within 2 rings I talked to Amy. My issue was resolved immediately.

Easier than finding the right Facebook fan group.
Can you post or PM me the phone number please? Thanks!

I messaged you
Got it.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 03, 2023, 02:44:58 PM
Quote
Were excited that ticket sales for Morsefest 2023 in the USA and Europe are happening on Monday, March 6th and Tuesday, March 7th.

Apologies everyone that we werent able to go ahead with the scheduled ticket sales last week. We encountered an issue with our website, close to the launch time and decided to delay the sale, rather than run it and end up with a website crash. We want to thank you for your patience!

So you can be ready, we are sharing the links to the web pages that youll be able to buy the tickets from.

USA - https://www.nealmorse.com/tc-events/morsefest-2023-usa/
Europe - https://www.nealmorse.com/tc-events/morsefest-2023-europe/

*** PLEASE NOTE: the links will show 404 - PAGE NOT FOUND it is activated at 9:00 AM Central/ 3:00 PM UK/ 4:00PM CET on Monday (USA) and Tuesday (Europe) respectively.

We are looking forward to seeing many of you at what we know will be a very special event.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on March 06, 2023, 08:19:23 AM
I did it.  I took the plunge. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on March 06, 2023, 08:25:58 AM
I'm surprised you were able to get your purchase through. Looks like they should've given themselves more than an extra week.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on March 06, 2023, 08:30:08 AM
I'm surprised you were able to get your purchase through. Looks like they should've given themselves more than an extra week.

There were a lot of rainbow circles involved (I'm working off a Mac).   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on March 06, 2023, 08:39:11 AM
This is what we refer to in the business as an "unmitigated disaster."

I've been trying for 35 minutes to get checked out, but by the time I reach checkout, the seats have either expired, or it says there's an issue with my cart (doesn't specify what) and I have to start over.

My favorite moment so far was when I added my group's 3 seats to my cart and it gave me this total:

(http://www.jacobbenton.com/files/img/nealmorse.png)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on March 06, 2023, 08:49:05 AM
Good lord  :lol just when you think it cant get any worse with Radiant
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on March 06, 2023, 08:51:57 AM
They were front row, so I was ready and willing to check out and then deal with Radiant later about the refund for overcharging, but it never let me get to the checkout page.

Still trying now as we speak.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on March 06, 2023, 08:58:44 AM
58 minutes later I have tickets :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 06, 2023, 09:02:36 AM
58 minutes later I have tickets :lol
Jesus Christ, what a clusterfuck.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on March 06, 2023, 09:04:28 AM
58 minutes later I have tickets :lol
Jesus Christ, what a clusterfuck.

:lol maybe this is Neal testing his fans faith and patience in him. I gotta admit half the reason I check this thread is to read about the latest radiant drama.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 06, 2023, 09:05:34 AM
58 minutes later I have tickets :lol
Jesus Christ, what a clusterfuck.

:lol maybe this is Neal testing his fans faith and patience in him. I gotta admit half the reason I check this thread is to read about the latest radiant drama.
:lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on March 06, 2023, 11:41:24 AM
This is what we refer to in the business as an "unmitigated disaster."

I've been trying for 35 minutes to get checked out, but by the time I reach checkout, the seats have either expired, or it says there's an issue with my cart (doesn't specify what) and I have to start over.

My favorite moment so far was when I added my group's 3 seats to my cart and it gave me this total:

(http://www.jacobbenton.com/files/img/nealmorse.png)

<Stadler runs off to check his AmEx bill...>

I know I got front row, slightly to the side, then the screen refreshed and there was front row center available.  I debated switching them out then figured I better cut my losses and take what I had.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on March 06, 2023, 01:44:27 PM
This is what we refer to in the business as an "unmitigated disaster."

I've been trying for 35 minutes to get checked out, but by the time I reach checkout, the seats have either expired, or it says there's an issue with my cart (doesn't specify what) and I have to start over.

My favorite moment so far was when I added my group's 3 seats to my cart and it gave me this total:

(http://www.jacobbenton.com/files/img/nealmorse.png)

<Stadler runs off to check his AmEx bill...>

I know I got front row, slightly to the side, then the screen refreshed and there was front row center available.  I debated switching them out then figured I better cut my losses and take what I had.
You made the right call. I had front row seats at various times but they never went through when I tried to check out.

We ended up near the back on the very far right.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on March 06, 2023, 02:52:05 PM
This is what we refer to in the business as an "unmitigated disaster."

I've been trying for 35 minutes to get checked out, but by the time I reach checkout, the seats have either expired, or it says there's an issue with my cart (doesn't specify what) and I have to start over.

My favorite moment so far was when I added my group's 3 seats to my cart and it gave me this total:

(http://www.jacobbenton.com/files/img/nealmorse.png)
LOL.  Sorry, I know it's not funny and it's extremely frustrating - but like someone else said, just when you think it can't get any worse!  I'm still dealing with my issue with Radiant.  I got there phone number and have called and left messages - still no response  :tdwn
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 06, 2023, 03:13:29 PM
Quote

Hey everyone,

I want to give you all my personal apology for what happened with todays MF ticket sale. We keep trying! I assure you that we tested the site, bought tickets and everything looked great many days ago.

Without making excuses, our goal as a team was to get you guys assigned seats we know how much people appreciated that compared to the lines of previous years. We had used EventBrite to sell the tickets to the last MF but they charge a lot and that added to the ticket price - and there were other aspects that made life difficult from a business perspective.

Our tech guys landed on Tickera working with our own website as a solution - it was built and it was tested but I guess there isnt any way to find out how things work until you have lots of people trying to purchase at the same time. Hence the wreck.
So, we are ALSO amazed at how badly this has gone.

I have no expertise in the area of online stuff, so I am trusting what I am told. Thats all I can do.
However, it is my company and I am responsible.  I just wanted you to know some of the background and that we will continue to try to give you all the best experience possible, even though we know we are failing miserably.

We are completely aware that it is your kindness and business that keeps us afloat and we really appreciate it

Heartfelt apologies to all - now back to the music!
We are recording strings on the Joseph album! Amazing.
Best Regards,
Neal

Looks like he's at least acknowledging the frustration being felt today.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on March 06, 2023, 04:56:34 PM
I love Neal's music, and he is by all accounts a great guy, but the way he continues to bury in his head in the sand about his own company is so disappointing.  Even the Neal Morse Forum FB page is tearing Radiant to shreds today, and that place is usually the Radiant Apologist Center. 

My brother tried getting tickets today and had no luck.  The website kept crashing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on March 06, 2023, 07:25:55 PM
How many people could possibly be trying to buy tickets today? There are maybe 1000 tickets available between both shows, and surely there arent many more than 1000 individual ticket buyers (if that) or theyd have booked bigger venues. That doesnt seem like the kind of volume that should crash a website, but maybe if the site is just that poorly designed it would.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on March 07, 2023, 05:55:26 AM
How many people could possibly be trying to buy tickets today? There are maybe 1000 tickets available between both shows, and surely there arent many more than 1000 individual ticket buyers (if that) or theyd have booked bigger venues. That doesnt seem like the kind of volume that should crash a website, but maybe if the site is just that poorly designed it would.

That's the part that gets me.  What could they have tested if that few people sent the whole thing into a tizzy?  It's not a 1000, because when I went on, only about 2/3 of the FRONT ROW was in someone's cart, so that's only like 10 people, 15 tops!  Even if you double it for those that don't want the VIP experience, you're at 30.  If 30 people crash a site - and I defer to the experts here, because I'm not - I can't imagine it was robustly tested.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on March 07, 2023, 08:40:22 AM
How many people could possibly be trying to buy tickets today? There are maybe 1000 tickets available between both shows, and surely there arent many more than 1000 individual ticket buyers (if that) or theyd have booked bigger venues. That doesnt seem like the kind of volume that should crash a website, but maybe if the site is just that poorly designed it would.

That's the part that gets me.  What could they have tested if that few people sent the whole thing into a tizzy?  It's not a 1000, because when I went on, only about 2/3 of the FRONT ROW was in someone's cart, so that's only like 10 people, 15 tops!  Even if you double it for those that don't want the VIP experience, you're at 30.  If 30 people crash a site - and I defer to the experts here, because I'm not - I can't imagine it was robustly tested.

Now I see that this was just for the US Morsefest yesterday (just got an email that the Europe sale is live). So surely there were relatively few people crashing the website yesterday.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 07, 2023, 03:46:57 PM
I don't look at Facebook much these days, but I will duck in on occasion, and I saw the other day that someone had asked if there was a timetable on NMB's next album and/or tour (I think) and Portnoy replied with, "No."  Makes me wonder if Neal is just wanting to not to the full band stuff for a while and just do solo stuff where he can do his thing without having to compromise.  After the way the last TA album went down, it wouldn't surprise me, but I am just speculating based on nothing. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 07, 2023, 03:52:55 PM
I don't look at Facebook much these days, but I will duck in on occasion, and I saw the other day that someone had asked if there was a timetable on NMB's next album and/or tour (I think) and Portnoy replied with, "No."  Makes me wonder if Neal is just wanting to not to the full band stuff for a while and just do solo stuff where he can do his thing without having to compromise.  After the way the last TA album went down, it wouldn't surprise me, but I am just speculating based on nothing. :lol

Makes sense. Neal is in the middle of two solo projects and wrapping up the next DMJ album, so that'll likely keep him busy through the rest of 2023 and into 2024. I think the only NMB activity we will see this year will be for Morsefest. Maybe when they reconvene for those shows, they'll discuss when they'll get together to write and record NMB5, which I would say we are at LEAST 18 months away from, especially with how busy Mike can be.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on April 07, 2023, 04:23:25 PM
I believe I read some scuttlebutt somewhere online recently about Flying Colors possibly reconvening for a fourth album before next years Cruise to the Edge. Hopefully that turns out to be the case.  Although I'd still probably prefer a new NMB album if I'm being honest..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 07, 2023, 08:40:49 PM
I'd be thrilled with a new one by either Flying Colors or Neal Morse Band.  Neal doing a super religious solo project and/or another DMJ interests me far less.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on April 07, 2023, 08:46:24 PM
I don't look at Facebook much these days, but I will duck in on occasion, and I saw the other day that someone had asked if there was a timetable on NMB's next album and/or tour (I think) and Portnoy replied with, "No."  Makes me wonder if Neal is just wanting to not to the full band stuff for a while and just do solo stuff where he can do his thing without having to compromise.  After the way the last TA album went down, it wouldn't surprise me, but I am just speculating based on nothing. :lol

I've been curious but what happened with TA? As far as I know they just called it quits?

I believe I read some scuttlebutt somewhere online recently about Flying Colors possibly reconvening for a fourth album before next years Cruise to the Edge. Hopefully that turns out to be the case.  Although I'd still probably prefer a new NMB album if I'm being honest..

I wonder if Steve would be available with him taking care of his wife.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on April 08, 2023, 04:20:44 AM
I don't look at Facebook much these days, but I will duck in on occasion, and I saw the other day that someone had asked if there was a timetable on NMB's next album and/or tour (I think) and Portnoy replied with, "No."  Makes me wonder if Neal is just wanting to not to the full band stuff for a while and just do solo stuff where he can do his thing without having to compromise.  After the way the last TA album went down, it wouldn't surprise me, but I am just speculating based on nothing. :lol

I've been curious but what happened with TA? As far as I know they just called it quits?

I believe I read some scuttlebutt somewhere online recently about Flying Colors possibly reconvening for a fourth album before next years Cruise to the Edge. Hopefully that turns out to be the case.  Although I'd still probably prefer a new NMB album if I'm being honest..

I wonder if Steve would be available with him taking care of his wife.

For Transatlantic, there just seems to have been tension among the band members back to the release of The Absolute Universe. Just the fact that they had to release two separate versions of the album because they couldn't come to an agreement on the final product. And some people in the band were definitely not happy about the amount of material they had to learn for the tour + Morsefest.

As far as Steve Morse, the sense I got is that he can't do extensive touring like remaining in Deep Purple would require, but I don't think there's an issue with him getting away for a few days here and there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on April 08, 2023, 04:49:51 AM
I don't think anything nasty went down with The Neal Morse Band. It's just that Neal is working on two solo albums at the moment as well as the follow up to DMJ, so he'd probably like to keep The Neal Morse band activity for 2025 or something. That way, he's can be busy for two to three years straight without wondering what he would be doing next.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on April 08, 2023, 08:46:17 AM
Mike did address the final shows thing back when Final Flight came out. He made it sound more like with how infrequently they release albums and their age, they couldnt guarantee that they would ever tour again. Made it seem less like they were consciously ending the band and more like there were no plans to do anything in the foreseeable future.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on April 08, 2023, 09:10:53 AM
Even if this last tour wasnt the end for good, it was gonna be the end for now anyway. Its not like TA was gonna immediately go back into the studio for TA6 at the end of the tour.
Everybody in the band is getting older and has other commitments and main bands that get in the way of TA being more active, but for them to treat this show like the last show and for Neal to react so emotionally to it, I think someone in the band has made it clear that they dont want to come back again for another album/tour. Total speculation of course.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 08, 2023, 10:55:30 AM
Even if this last tour wasnt the end for good, it was gonna be the end for now anyway. Its not like TA was gonna immediately go back into the studio for TA6 at the end of the tour.
Everybody in the band is getting older and has other commitments and main bands that get in the way of TA being more active, but for them to treat this show like the last show and for Neal to react so emotionally to it, I think someone in the band has made it clear that they dont want to come back again for another album/tour. Total speculation of course.

And if I had to guess as to who that might be, it's probably Roine. I think he wants to head into the latter part of his career steering the ship with The Flower Kings, who already have another album coming out this year and a tour as well. Pete might feel that way too, considering how busy he usually is with Marillion. I believe they're also the two oldest members of the band, so they probably don't feel like doing massive 3+ hour shows in 5-10 years is in the cards for them. Neal isn't that much younger than them either, but he's got spunk and spirit. He'll probably be writing and playing epics til he's 75.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 08, 2023, 11:24:45 AM
I don't think anything nasty went down with The Neal Morse Band. It's just that Neal is working on two solo albums at the moment as well as the follow up to DMJ, so he'd probably like to keep The Neal Morse band activity for 2025 or something. That way, he's can be busy for two to three years straight without wondering what he would be doing next.

Right, and I hope no one thought I was implying otherwise.  They are doing Morsefest this year, so obviously all is good.  I just think it is interesting that the band's last tour ended about a year ago and there are still zero plans to do any new music or tour going forward.  That's it.  But, like has been said, Neal seems busy with other stuff, as do some of the others, so it's likely just a matter of when, not if.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on April 08, 2023, 11:35:55 AM
Even if this last tour wasnt the end for good, it was gonna be the end for now anyway. Its not like TA was gonna immediately go back into the studio for TA6 at the end of the tour.
Everybody in the band is getting older and has other commitments and main bands that get in the way of TA being more active, but for them to treat this show like the last show and for Neal to react so emotionally to it, I think someone in the band has made it clear that they dont want to come back again for another album/tour. Total speculation of course.

And if I had to guess as to who that might be, it's probably Roine. I think he wants to head into the latter part of his career steering the ship with The Flower Kings, who already have another album coming out this year and a tour as well. Pete might feel that way too, considering how busy he usually is with Marillion. I believe they're also the two oldest members of the band, so they probably don't feel like doing massive 3+ hour shows in 5-10 years is in the cards for them. Neal isn't that much younger than them either, but he's got spunk and spirit. He'll probably be writing and playing epics til he's 75.

-Marc.

I would also think its Roine. Weve talked about Roines live performances to death in the TA thread, and I dont wanna start that conversation again, but he does seem like the least invested in the band to me.
Pete seems to be happy doing TA whenever the opportunity comes up, so I cant imagine hed be a holdout.
MP would probably make TA his main band in a heartbeat if it was possible. Obviously not him.
Neal I would assume is in the same camp. He clearly loves this band.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on April 08, 2023, 11:47:23 AM
Yeah, I ran into Pete in the hotel the Saturday morning of Morsefest weekend and we talked about what a surprise In Held Twas I was the previous night and how much music they needed down for the weekend and he made it sound like he didn't mind, but I think Roine (and Ted, not that he would impact the future of the band) weren't thrilled with how much different TA material they needed to know.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on April 08, 2023, 11:55:52 AM
I don't think anything nasty went down with The Neal Morse Band. It's just that Neal is working on two solo albums at the moment as well as the follow up to DMJ, so he'd probably like to keep The Neal Morse band activity for 2025 or something. That way, he's can be busy for two to three years straight without wondering what he would be doing next.

Right, and I hope no one thought I was implying otherwise.  They are doing Morsefest this year, so obviously all is good.  I just think it is interesting that the band's last tour ended about a year ago and there are still zero plans to do any new music or tour going forward.  That's it.  But, like has been said, Neal seems busy with other stuff, as do some of the others, so it's likely just a matter of when, not if.
I think what's interesting is apparently there were plans to reconvene for a new NMB album end of last year or beginning of this year, and something happened where that plan changed.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on April 08, 2023, 02:01:35 PM
I don't think anything nasty went down with The Neal Morse Band. It's just that Neal is working on two solo albums at the moment as well as the follow up to DMJ, so he'd probably like to keep The Neal Morse band activity for 2025 or something. That way, he's can be busy for two to three years straight without wondering what he would be doing next.

Right, and I hope no one thought I was implying otherwise.  They are doing Morsefest this year, so obviously all is good.  I just think it is interesting that the band's last tour ended about a year ago and there are still zero plans to do any new music or tour going forward.  That's it.  But, like has been said, Neal seems busy with other stuff, as do some of the others, so it's likely just a matter of when, not if.
I recall some statements from Neal a while back along the lines of wanting to do something "different" for a while. A friend of mine read the same things and is convinced he's ready to retire but can't give up music completely so he's sort of doing non-main-project stuff as a compromise.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on April 08, 2023, 02:11:28 PM
VERY DISSAPPOINTING! NEED more NMB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on April 08, 2023, 02:27:42 PM
Shout louder I dont think he heard you
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on April 08, 2023, 03:23:55 PM
I don't think anything nasty went down with The Neal Morse Band. It's just that Neal is working on two solo albums at the moment as well as the follow up to DMJ, so he'd probably like to keep The Neal Morse band activity for 2025 or something. That way, he's can be busy for two to three years straight without wondering what he would be doing next.

Right, and I hope no one thought I was implying otherwise.  They are doing Morsefest this year, so obviously all is good.  I just think it is interesting that the band's last tour ended about a year ago and there are still zero plans to do any new music or tour going forward.  That's it.  But, like has been said, Neal seems busy with other stuff, as do some of the others, so it's likely just a matter of when, not if.
I think what's interesting is apparently there were plans to reconvene for a new NMB album end of last year or beginning of this year, and something happened where that plan changed.

I am close to someone in the known and I have seen with my own eyes something that indicates that new music is in the works.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on April 08, 2023, 03:38:13 PM
I don't look at Facebook much these days, but I will duck in on occasion, and I saw the other day that someone had asked if there was a timetable on NMB's next album and/or tour (I think) and Portnoy replied with, "No."  Makes me wonder if Neal is just wanting to not to the full band stuff for a while and just do solo stuff where he can do his thing without having to compromise.  After the way the last TA album went down, it wouldn't surprise me, but I am just speculating based on nothing. :lol

I've been curious but what happened with TA? As far as I know they just called it quits?

I believe I read some scuttlebutt somewhere online recently about Flying Colors possibly reconvening for a fourth album before next years Cruise to the Edge. Hopefully that turns out to be the case.  Although I'd still probably prefer a new NMB album if I'm being honest..

I wonder if Steve would be available with him taking care of his wife.

For Transatlantic, there just seems to have been tension among the band members back to the release of The Absolute Universe. Just the fact that they had to release two separate versions of the album because they couldn't come to an agreement on the final product. And some people in the band were definitely not happy about the amount of material they had to learn for the tour + Morsefest.

As far as Steve Morse, the sense I got is that he can't do extensive touring like remaining in Deep Purple would require, but I don't think there's an issue with him getting away for a few days here and there.

All members of the band are up front that Deep Purple is a primarily touring unit. They do WORLD tours, and are on the road most of each year.  Steve has been honest the past that the touring requirements are onerous, and that was just when he wanted to do some Dregs stuff and/or some solo stuff (not to mention the Flying Colors gig).   He has been clear that his caring for his wife was primarily about INTERNATIONAL travel, and being away for weeks at a time.   I know he has some Steve Morse Band gigs lined up; if memory serves, there's one here in CT soon.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 08, 2023, 03:39:14 PM
Given the more collaborative nature of NMB (and FC), I think Neal was just trying to get some more solo music out of his system before committing to regrouping with any of his other bands. I think there's also been enough time since the last FC album that the other writers in the group have probably enough material to bring to the table for a new album, and I've been hoping they get back together for a couple years now.

As for NMB, I think Eric and Bill (and possibly Randy too) also have contributed a lot of material over their last four albums together, and probably more and more with each album, so I'm sure they've got material saved up for NMB5 as well, which I'm sure is a blessing for Neal, who might not have 50-100 minutes of prog music demoed for them again.

If I had my way, I'd love to see Neal and Mike bring back Flying Colors later this year to write and record their fourth album, release it next spring and do a small summer tour. Then with the NMB, they could write and record NMB5 in the winter before FC4 comes out, then release it in the summer or fall, and then do a fall/winter tour with Morsefest 2024 beforehand.

Unless Neal's age and health are catching up to him, I doubt he'll retire anytime soon. He's still full of energy and ideas and if touring is wearing him down, he may become a strictly-studio musician from then on, which I would be OK with. I'd love to see him do one more album-tour cycle with both NMB and FC though, so I can, hopefully, get a chance to see them live before they're disbanded. I missed my chance with Transatlantic, but now that I have a better paying position at work, I'm hoping I can try and financially fit in a concert to see NMB and/or FC if/when they tour again!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 08, 2023, 06:50:17 PM


I am close to someone in the known and I have seen with my own eyes something that indicates that new music is in the works.

Awesome. I'd love for them to pull a "hey, we have a new album written, recorded and ready to go, and it will be released next week."  In this day and age, albums don't need long rollouts like years past, and the surprise album out of nowhere thing is always an awesome thing for fans.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on April 08, 2023, 07:44:45 PM


I am close to someone in the known and I have seen with my own eyes something that indicates that new music is in the works.

Awesome. I'd love for them to pull a "hey, we have a new album written, recorded and ready to go, and it will be released next week."  In this day and age, albums don't need long rollouts like years past, and the surprise album out of nowhere thing is always an awesome thing for fans.

Big Big Train have done this and it's one reason why they continue to br a favorite of mine.

I think members of Neal's bands are too social and like to bring things up when asked, or fans find out somehow. I think if NMB does record anything this year, it'll be before or after Morsefest, since they'll all be together anyway. I'd prefer AFTER, that way they'll be locked in as a hand and performing unit, and that could influence the energy and inspiration for a new album.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on April 08, 2023, 07:47:39 PM
Didnt the NMB record a live album on their last tour? Im surprised that hasnt been released yet.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on April 08, 2023, 10:28:03 PM
I mean, The Winery Dogs are touring extensively this year. MP does not have a lot of time. They just finished a couple of month US tour, are about to go to South America for a few weeks, then the West Coast and then UK/Europe for the summer and then the UK again in October.

He's kinda busy.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on April 09, 2023, 08:22:44 AM
Didnt the NMB record a live album on their last tour? Im surprised that hasnt been released yet.

Yes, it's recorded and only awaiting the release date. I have had an audio promo since February, it surprises me as well that it hasn't been announced.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on April 09, 2023, 10:13:10 AM
Didnt the NMB record a live album on their last tour? Im surprised that hasnt been released yet.

Yes, it's recorded and only awaiting the release date. I have had an audio promo since February, it surprises me as well that it hasn't been announced.
Was it recorded in Tilburg?  That would be more exciting to me than another Morsefest release..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on April 09, 2023, 10:18:00 AM
Didnt the NMB record a live album on their last tour? Im surprised that hasnt been released yet.

Yes, it's recorded and only awaiting the release date. I have had an audio promo since February, it surprises me as well that it hasn't been announced.
Was it recorded in Tilburg?  That would be more exciting to me than another Morsefest release..

Live in Hamburg
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on April 10, 2023, 09:19:26 AM
The latest Inner Circle letter confirmed that NMB: Live in Hamburg is gonna be an audio only release coming out in July.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on April 10, 2023, 10:03:05 AM
The latest Inner Circle letter confirmed that NMB: Live in Hamburg is gonna be an audio only release coming out in July.

Yes, and the new Joseph album (part 1) is going to be released it August 11th. This is the one I was referring to in my previous post that I knew new music was in the works.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on April 11, 2023, 12:46:21 PM
The latest Inner Circle letter confirmed that NMB: Live in Hamburg is gonna be an audio only release coming out in July.

Yes, and the new Joseph album (part 1) is going to be released it August 11th. This is the one I was referring to in my previous post that I knew new music was in the works.
So your previous post when you said "I am close to someone in the known and I have seen with my own eyes something that indicates that new music is in the works." is referring to the Joseph album and NOT new NMB music?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on April 11, 2023, 01:18:40 PM
The latest Inner Circle letter confirmed that NMB: Live in Hamburg is gonna be an audio only release coming out in July.

Yes, and the new Joseph album (part 1) is going to be released it August 11th. This is the one I was referring to in my previous post that I knew new music was in the works.
So your previous post when you said "I am close to someone in the known and I have seen with my own eyes something that indicates that new music is in the works." is referring to the Joseph album and NOT new NMB music?

He's doing an album with King Diamond and George Fisher from Cannibal Corpse. It's a concept album where Jesus and Satan decide the fate of humanity on a corpse eating contest.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on April 11, 2023, 03:18:17 PM
Ive always wanted a Neal Morse black metal album
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on April 13, 2023, 08:19:19 PM
Ive always wanted a Neal Morse black metal album

It could happen! He'd one up Pat Boone!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on April 21, 2023, 08:34:44 AM
Quote
Brother Andrew Musical - May 1, 2023
Many of you have followed the progress of the musical Ive been working on based on Brother Andrews book, Gods Smuggler.
 
Well, the first presentation of the musical is happening on May 1 in the George Theater in Houston at 7:30PM.
 
Tickets are free (!)
and on the evening we will present most of the show, with the opportunity for Q&A and feedback afterwards. 
 
Wed love to see as many people as possible there and you can secure your place here - https://ci.ovationtix.com/35111/production/1156616?performanceId=11262039
 
It will not be a full presentation. No stage props, costumes or dancing etc. We will be essentially presenting the music with some killer vocalists in the cast!
 
The band will be piano, bass, and drums. Jason Hart is the musical director and will be playing piano. I met him at the Lorelei festival when he was playing keyboards with Camel! John Galgano, from the Prog band IZZ will be playing bass. Jonathan Means will be playing drums.
 
It should be an awesome evening, and I hope anyone who happens to be in the area can make it!
 
Cherie, Jayda, and Wil and all flying in!
 
Blessings,
Neal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 21, 2023, 03:45:42 PM
Interesting. Given that Houston is not exactly next door to where Neal lives in TN, this being free makes me wonder if there is backing behind this to where he is able to travel and put on a show for free.   I am sure some in-the-know can speak to the logistics.  I am admittedly a bit lukewarm on this project given that it's a musical and it feels like it will be overly spiritual in nature, but like almost anything Neal releases, I will certainly check it out and be ready to buy if I like it all.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on April 21, 2023, 04:27:56 PM
It's in Houston because Neal has a friend there who is the art director for a theater. They've been working on the show together.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on April 21, 2023, 04:58:30 PM
Ah, okay, that makes sense!  Thanks for the post.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on April 23, 2023, 12:04:42 PM
My biggest question for God's Smuggler is whether he is planning to release an album version, or just a live DVD? I can't make a trip to see it due to work and other obligations, but I'm very curious.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 24, 2023, 09:57:04 AM
I have no interest whatsoever in this project, but I wish him success, I guess.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 11, 2023, 11:54:16 AM
From NM forum

Quote
UPDATE ON ERIC GILLETTE:

Find below the detailed recount of what happened to Eric, written by his wife Jaci. We appreciate all the prayers, well wishes and thoughts sent their way.

ORIGINAL POST - 5/10/23:

Friends and family - We could use prayers for Eric. The last few days have been a little crazy. He was feeling slightly ill on Thursday and going into the weekend. But it was nothing alarming, and by Sunday evening he seem to be back to his normal self. Monday morning he took a nose dive, with extremely high fevers, body-aches, muscle spasms, and an episode of passing out. I took him to the urgent care, were they swabbed him for Covid and strep throat. Both were negative. They said there wasnt anything they could do. When I went to pick him up at urgent care, he was completely out of it in the waiting room - and had a difficult time walking to the car. I drove him straight to our local ER. They ran all kinds of tests, got his fever down, and re-hydrated him with a couple bags of IV fluid. Again, everything came back negative. So they told me to take him home and monitor him for signs of meningitis (neck stiffness and confusion).

Monday night he had fevers on and off, but woke up Tuesday morning feeling a little better. He was still sick enough that he didnt feel like he could make it to Eleanors end of school program. Which told me, he didnt feel good at all, because he does not miss stuff when it comes to our children. I took Eleanor and Miles and headed to the school. And at the end of the program, got a text from Eric saying that he had been having chest pain for the last 20 to 30 minutes, that he couldnt get to go away no matter what position he was in. I went straight home and drove him to Saint Francis main ER. He couldnt even sit still in the car. He was so uncomfortable. I was terrified. Ive never seen him like that. When we got to the ER, they immediately started a cardiac work up, that they all expected to be negative, considering he is a young, healthy, fit individual.

Unfortunately, they did find that his cardiac enzymes were elevated. So he ended up getting admitted to the hospital. This evening, he is scheduled for a cardiac MRI so we can try to gather some more information on what is happening. The Cardiac PA came in today, and mentioned that some thing on his echo was slightly abnormal, and there is a possibility of needing a heart catheter, to get a better look.

Right now our biggest prayer request is that the cardiac MRI would give them all the information they need, making a heart catheter unnecessary. We are also praying to find the source of infection, that started all of this in the first place. Eric is strong and healthy, we know that our God will heal his body completely, and we are so incredibly blessed to have such a strong support system.

We want to say a big thank you to both sets of our parents, my sister Alissa, SF House Supervisor Ryan Powell, and our church family are who dropped absolutely everything to make sure that we had everything we have needed the past few days. Along with a few close family friends, who have reached out over and over to let us know that they are there if we need them. We are truly grateful.

 UPDATE - 5/11/23:

Thank you all sooooo much for the love, prayers, and support you have all sent our way! We finally have some answers! The Chest CT showed no pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs) but did show pneumonia- easily treated with antibiotics. It also showed that there might be an issue with Erics gallbladder- so it led to an ultrasound, which confirmed Cholecystitis. Surgery was consulted and came in this morning.

They wanted to put Eric on today's schedule for the removal of his gallbladder, but because he has been on a heparin drip (blood thinner - due to the cardiac issues), theyve pushed surgery back to tomorrow. The echo showed Erics ejection fraction to be 50% - slightly lower than expected, for his age and good health. But not low enough to be concerning, considering the stress his body has been under.

The cardiac MRI showed that Eric has myocarditis - this was most likely caused by whatever virus caused the high fever and body aches. And will/should resolve on its own over time. He will have a follow up with cardiology in a month, to redo the imaging and make sure his heart is back to normal. They feel pretty confident that there was no infarction (blockage/heart attack), so the heparin drip can now be stopped - and there is no longer a need for a heart catheter.

Praise God - he heard and answered all our prayers - these are great outcomes that are very easily fixable! Eric should be feeling great again soon! And was told that our family vacation (in less than 2 weeks) to Disney World and the beach, is still a go! 🙏❤️
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on May 11, 2023, 11:56:01 AM
Great news.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on May 11, 2023, 12:31:37 PM
Wow that's a crazy series of events. Glad Eric's feeling better.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on May 11, 2023, 12:33:30 PM
That's some crazy stuff! :omg: Glad he's getting better.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on May 11, 2023, 12:37:40 PM
Yeah, that's downright terrifying. Fingers crossed he gets better soon.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on May 11, 2023, 12:41:31 PM
Very crazy glad he's on the mend and it wasn't as serious as they feared.  Big Eric Gillette fan!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on May 11, 2023, 12:57:41 PM
Scary stuff. Glad hes doing ok now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 11, 2023, 01:03:26 PM
Well, all of that was horrible, and then wonderful.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on May 11, 2023, 02:43:39 PM
Well, all of that was horrible, and then wonderful.

Exactly; thankfully this seems to be moving in the right direction.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: BRGM on May 12, 2023, 01:35:26 AM
Truly scary, hope he is getting better soon!   :heart

Was just listening to the newly released single of Bridge Across Troubled Water - live in Hamburg and he does a tremendous performance of on the last verse  :metal

(https://justforkicks.de/media/image/da/9e/94/37503_600x600.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 12, 2023, 07:13:13 AM
Truly scary, hope he is getting better soon!   :heart

Was just listening to the newly released single of Bridge Across Troubled Water - live in Hamburg and he does a tremendous performance of on the last verse  :metal

(https://justforkicks.de/media/image/da/9e/94/37503_600x600.jpg)

Quote

 
NMB New Live Album Pre-Order
Hi everyone,
 
From today, you can pre-order the new NMB (The Neal Morse Band) live album, An Evening Of Innocence & Danger: Live in Hamburg here:
https://nealmorse.com/product/nmb-the-neal-morse-band-an-evening-of-innocence-danger-live-in-hamburg/
The first 100 copies will be signed by Neal Morse, so make sure you order quickly to be in with a chance!

A live recording of their 2022 tour in support of their most recent studio album. Recorded live in Germany, this 3-disc release captures the band in fine form, presenting Innocence & Danger & more over nearly 2 and a half hours of music, and will be released on the 14th July 2023.
 
Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Eric Gillette & Bill Hubauer demonstrate a chemistry like no other on this musical document of that tour, supporting their fourth studio album, released in 2021. NMBs Innocence and Danger tour was an amazing experience all the way around and the Hamburg gig was a real stand out!, says Neal, The band was firing on all cylinders and the audience was so close to us and roaring from the very first note.
 
The full track-listing can be found below:
 
CD1:
1. Do It All Again 10:23
2. Bird On A Wire 08:08
3. Your Place In The Sun 04:18
4. Another Story To Tell 04:50
5. The Way It Had To Be 09:18
6. Bridge Over Troubled Water 08:43
7. Waterfall 07:50
 
CD2:
1. Not Afraid Pt. 2 21:45
2. Beyond The Years 34:08
 
CD3:
1. The Great Similitude Medley 29:58
 
To celebrate the announcement, you can hear the band performing their arrangement of the Simon & Garfunkel classic Bridge Over Troubled Water here: https://youtu.be/mY1JgrV5fcU
 
Thanks for all of your support,
Neal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on May 12, 2023, 07:19:56 AM
Truly scary, hope he is getting better soon!   :heart

Was just listening to the newly released single of Bridge Across Troubled Water - live in Hamburg and he does a tremendous performance of on the last verse  :metal

(https://justforkicks.de/media/image/da/9e/94/37503_600x600.jpg)

I thought this was some mash-up medley of Transatlantic's "Bridge Across Forever" and the Simon & Garfunkle tune "Bridge Over Troubled Water".  :rollin

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on May 12, 2023, 07:52:56 AM
Placed the order for the new live album. Really love their live shows, kinda wished it was also a video release and not just CD set. And I love that S&G cover, it might as well be a Neal Morse/Spock's Beard song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: BRGM on May 12, 2023, 08:05:02 AM
Truly scary, hope he is getting better soon!   :heart

Was just listening to the newly released single of Bridge Across Troubled Water - live in Hamburg and he does a tremendous performance of on the last verse  :metal


I thought this was some mash-up medley of Transatlantic's "Bridge Across Forever" and the Simon & Garfunkle tune "Bridge Over Troubled Water".  :rollin

-Marc.

Haha Whoops! A little typo  ;) The idea of a mash-up sounds totally do-able by these guys though  :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 12, 2023, 10:37:40 AM
SECOND UPDATE ON ERIC GILLETTE:

Jaci has sent this update, and her heartfelt thanks:

"...Eric is out of surgery and all went well!!!! Praise Jesus 🙌🙌🙌 He is very tired and tender but, relieved to have that out of the way! ❤️ He will stay another night, to be monitored, since hes had so much going on - but, I should be able to take him home tomorrow!   

We cant say this enough - Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for all the love and prayers!!!! We are blessed with an army of support ❤️..."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on May 12, 2023, 12:27:00 PM
SECOND UPDATE ON ERIC GILLETTE:

Jaci has sent this update, and her heartfelt thanks:

"...Eric is out of surgery and all went well!!!! Praise Jesus 🙌🙌🙌 He is very tired and tender but, relieved to have that out of the way! ❤️ He will stay another night, to be monitored, since hes had so much going on - but, I should be able to take him home tomorrow!   

We cant say this enough - Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for all the love and prayers!!!! We are blessed with an army of support ❤️..."
Great news!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on May 18, 2023, 11:54:36 AM
Randy George is trying to kickstart some funding for a solo album. The clips he posted sound really good! He has a ways to go so I figured I'd post it here in case anyone is interested. I just found out about it today.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cunwsgh5xtmxc9e/AACLSlnw6Eeii3q97mNS9cada?dl=0&preview=snippets.wav

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/randygeorgebass/randy-george-beyond-words-solo-album
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 16, 2023, 08:08:19 AM
Quote
Hey there!

Just a heads up that you dont want to miss the announcement thats coming on Monday June 19th at 11:00am Central / 5:00pm UK / 6:00pm Europe about the release of a new progressive rock concept album!

Thats all I can say at this point but come Monday, youll be able to see and hear more about it!!!

 

So be sure to check in to www.nealmorse.com

 

See you soon!

Neal

Just got this email from Radiant Records. Any guesses as to what it could be?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on June 16, 2023, 08:17:26 AM
Its Part One of the Joseph album. Hes been talking about it in his Inner Circle letters.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 16, 2023, 08:27:21 AM
Its Part One of the Joseph album. Hes been talking about it in his Inner Circle letters.

I had figured it was probably that. Am I the only one not that excited for it? Probably not, and while I got his JCTE album, I think I only listened to it once, so I don't feel too anxious to jump on Joseph, especially if it's a dual album.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on June 16, 2023, 08:29:58 AM
Who knows, it might be a step up from Sola Gratia. I'll actually be happy to check it out.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on June 16, 2023, 08:32:00 AM
Not excited at all, but Ill check it out. Id much rather have a new NMB album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on June 16, 2023, 09:02:34 AM
Hey look at that i can order something from Neal on amazon and not the shitty store of his.  and see? instant but.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 16, 2023, 09:39:06 AM
I really liked JCTE and thought Sola Gratia was fine also, so yes, I'm looking forward to those Joseph albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 16, 2023, 10:08:57 AM
Not excited at all, but Ill check it out. Id much rather have a new NMB album.

This.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 16, 2023, 10:09:30 AM
It's Neal doing prog, so I will check it out for sure, but if this is of a similar heavy religious nature as The Exorcist, I won't be overly excited about it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on June 16, 2023, 10:17:00 AM
I think JCTE is one of Neal's weakest efforts.  I'm not religious and it never bothered me but that album was a bridge to far.  and to be honest i'm not even gonna check out the joseph one.  Kinda fallen out of love with Neal a bit.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on June 16, 2023, 10:20:25 AM
Considering the last couple "solo" albums (Sola Gratia, JCTE) I don't really ever go back to anymore, I'm not really excited about the Joseph album. I'll obviously check it out and will probably listen to it a bunch of times even if it's underwhelming (even Neal's "weak" output is still good music).  Personally I'm hoping for it to not sound like a musical (can still have lots of singers without sounding like a musical, kind of like Ayreon does).  Hopefully when they reveal the info there's a single or something to go with it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on June 16, 2023, 01:43:55 PM
The problem with this is, are Randy and Mike on it?  Because that was the draw for me.  If this is Neal's way of compartmentalizing and limiting his work with Randy and Mike to the NMB, and he does all the other stuff (or uses others) for his solo spiritual work, it's just not the same to me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 16, 2023, 02:04:31 PM
The problem with this is, are Randy and Mike on it?  Because that was the draw for me.

AFAIK, they aren't.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on June 16, 2023, 03:02:44 PM
They were on Sola Gratia, so I wouldn't rule it out, though I don't remember Mike posting anything about tracking drums for it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 16, 2023, 04:21:41 PM
The problem with this is, are Randy and Mike on it?  Because that was the draw for me.

AFAIK, they aren't.

This, 100%
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on June 16, 2023, 05:17:41 PM
Its Part One of the Joseph album. Hes been talking about it in his Inner Circle letters.

I had figured it was probably that. Am I the only one not that excited for it? Probably not, and while I got his JCTE album, I think I only listened to it once, so I don't feel too anxious to jump on Joseph, especially if it's a dual album.

-Marc.
No....you are not alone!  I'm hoping they secretly recorded a new NMB album earlier in the year (they were supposed to at one point), and are gonna give us all the big surprise we really want LOL.  But I'm not holding my breath..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 16, 2023, 05:22:32 PM
I don't think there's going to be a new NMB album for a while...

I'm more interested in the Eric/Diego/Simen project that was teased long time ago but hasn't seen any updates in forever.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 16, 2023, 05:33:13 PM
Its Part One of the Joseph album. Hes been talking about it in his Inner Circle letters.

I had figured it was probably that. Am I the only one not that excited for it? Probably not, and while I got his JCTE album, I think I only listened to it once, so I don't feel too anxious to jump on Joseph, especially if it's a dual album.

-Marc.
No....you are not alone!  I'm hoping they secretly recorded a new NMB album earlier in the year (they were supposed to at one point), and are gonna give us all the big surprise we really want LOL.  But I'm not holding my breath..

Nah, there's no a secret NMB recording.

The two parts of Joseph will be coming out this year.

Joseph pt 1 contains fewer choruses than JCTE.

The album is certainly dynamic and offers a variety of musical styles, with a distinct rock vibe.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on June 16, 2023, 06:02:26 PM
I was a Neal Morse solo fanatic for a while but kinda stopped with Lifeline (which I liked more than others IIRC).

What are some of your guys' favorite songs post-Lifeline?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 16, 2023, 06:10:07 PM
I was a Neal Morse solo fanatic for a while but kinda stopped with Lifeline (which I liked more than others IIRC).

What are some of your guys' favorite songs post-Lifeline?

Solo Neal or any song from any of Neal's bands/projects?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on June 16, 2023, 06:16:52 PM
All of Similitude of a Dream
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on June 16, 2023, 06:55:04 PM
I was a Neal Morse solo fanatic for a while but kinda stopped with Lifeline (which I liked more than others IIRC).

What are some of your guys' favorite songs post-Lifeline?

Solo Neal, like Testimony, ?, One, Lifeline, Sola Scriptura, etc.

Solo Neal or any song from any of Neal's bands/projects?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 16, 2023, 07:27:52 PM
I was a Neal Morse solo fanatic for a while but kinda stopped with Lifeline (which I liked more than others IIRC).

What are some of your guys' favorite songs post-Lifeline?

Solo Neal, like Testimony, ?, One, Lifeline, Sola Scriptura, etc.

Solo Neal or any song from any of Neal's bands/projects?

Post-Lifeline?

Well his next immediate solo album, Momentum felt like a big swing back from overtly religious themes to a slightly more secular, SB-ish feel, with an album layout similar to V, closing with a ginormous epic at the end. And pretty much every NMB album has been some of his best work so far, but that comes with collaborating with the writing of his band mates, particularly Bill Hubauer and Eric Gillette, who have taken on more and more writing duties as the band has progressed.

Outside of his solo and NMB stuff, the Transatlantic albums from 2009's The Whirlwind have been hit or miss for most, but The Whirlwind is almost universally praised by fans, with the two follow-ups offering great moments, but feel like retreads of their earlier efforts with a new polish.

Flying Colors has been one of my favorite bands of his, featuring some of his best work in a band setting this side of Spock's Beard. If you like proggier rock (and not necessarily PROG rock in the 70s sense), definitely check them out. If you want something more singer-songwriter-y, definitely check out the debut D'Virgilio Morse Jennings album, featuring Neal, former SB bandmate Nick D'Virgilio, and HAKEN frontman Ross Jennings, in a trio outfit that sees them doing some more acoustic, folkier type rock that feels fresh for Nick and Ross, but right at home for Neal, who has had his own run of singer-songwriter albums.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on June 16, 2023, 07:41:44 PM
I was a Neal Morse solo fanatic for a while but kinda stopped with Lifeline (which I liked more than others IIRC).

What are some of your guys' favorite songs post-Lifeline?

I'm a sucker for the long epics, so I'd go with World Without End, Beyond the Years, and Alive Again.  All IMO rival the best of Neal's epics, or at least come close.  Actually I probably put So Many Roads and The Great Nothing slightly above these three but they're all outstanding.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 16, 2023, 08:35:57 PM
I was a Neal Morse solo fanatic for a while but kinda stopped with Lifeline (which I liked more than others IIRC).

What are some of your guys' favorite songs post-Lifeline?

Solo Neal, like Testimony, ?, One, Lifeline, Sola Scriptura, etc.

Solo Neal or any song from any of Neal's bands/projects?

That could take a while to list. :lol

Lifeline was 2008, so since then...

Transatlantic: The Wind Blew Them All Away, On the Prowl, A Man Can Feel, Rose Covered Glasses, Evermore, Is It Really Happening?, The Darkness in the Light, The World We Used to Know, Owl Howl

Neal Morse (solo): Mercy Street, Time Changer, Time Has Come Today, The Truth Will Set You Free, Crossing Over/Mercy Street Reprise, Seeds of Gold, Never Change

Neal Morse Band: The Call, Waterfall, Alive Again, City of Destruction, Makes No Sense, Draw the Line, The Ways of a Fool, So Far Gone, Breath of Angels, Shortcut to Salvation, The Man in the Iron Cage, Sloth, Freedom Song, The Mask, Confrontation, Broken Sky/Long Day Reprise, To the River, Venture in Black, The Great Despair, Bird on a Wire, Your Place in the Sun, The Way It Had to Be, Not Afraid Part 2, Beyond the Years

Flying Colors: Blue Ocean, Kayla, The Storm, Love Is What I'm Waiting For, Everything Changes, Better Than Walking Away, Infinite Fire, Mask Machine, The Fury of My Love, More, Guardian, Last Train Home, Geronimo, Love Letter

And I am probably missing a bunch of others.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on June 17, 2023, 05:41:37 AM
I was a Neal Morse solo fanatic for a while but kinda stopped with Lifeline (which I liked more than others IIRC).

What are some of your guys' favorite songs post-Lifeline?

Solo Neal, like Testimony, ?, One, Lifeline, Sola Scriptura, etc.

Solo Neal or any song from any of Neal's bands/projects?

Others are giving good long lists, so Ill try to do a brief one (albeit with a lot of long songs):

The Whirlwind
Kaleidoscope
The Call
Alive Again
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on June 18, 2023, 12:18:26 PM
Thanks all! I fudged up the quoting code in my last reply, just his solo Neal recommendations. Thanks all for the recs!

I love The Whirlwind, I listened to it so much back in the day. Flying Colors was pretty cool when it came out as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: BRGM on June 19, 2023, 03:35:53 AM
https://open.spotify.com/album/2eYdHbHcM0taTAZAnYgste?si=hcCr18GOTiqLrfhwxENsZQ&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A2eYdHbHcM0taTAZAnYgste&fbclid=IwAR070b72n32JDVJEo6szEYwOrEnqJOMgglNqeRbQhw3_NhScO37ME2EsXQM&nd=1

First single "Like A Wall" from the Joseph Album is now streaming on Spotify here in Sweden. Nice chorus with some fun riffs!

(https://bigdipper.no/Media/Cache/Images/1/1/WEB_Image_Neal_Morse_The_Dreamer_-_Joseph__Part_On_8024391134955631920924_plid_163261.Jpeg)

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 19, 2023, 06:01:38 AM
Looks like it's up here as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuAt4vMNQOM

I will have to give is a listen later when I am more awake. :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 19, 2023, 06:27:05 AM
Quote
Monday June 20th - Big Reveal and Pre-orders with Special Giveaways
Hey there!

 

Life is full of surprises! We just found out that the record label is delaying the announcement and pre-order date by one day. So, everything is now happening on Tuesday!

 

Carry on!

 

So be sure to check in to www.nealmorse.com

 

See you soon,

Neal


...whoops. I guess not everyone got the memo if the single still dropped. :lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 19, 2023, 07:24:23 AM
:rollin

I enjoyed the single, it sounds a lot less like a musical than JCTE. I'm excited about this one :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 19, 2023, 08:24:35 AM
Quote
Pre-orders open NOW for Neal Morse's new solo prog rock concept album, The Dreamer - Joseph: Part One  at https://nealmorse.com/.../neal-morse-the-dreamer-joseph.../ which is released on August 11th 2023.
Neal Morse will sign the first 200 pre-orders and 5 pre-orders chosen at random will receive a unique handwritten copy of the lyrics to Like A Wall, the first single, written and signed by Neal.
Video link to Like A Wall - https://youtu.be/3H3MIhCAUBg
On the heels of the Jesus Christ the Exorcist Rock Opera, Neal Morses latest prog epic aptly entitled The Dreamer Joseph: Part One tells the classic story of Joseph (the one with the coat of many colors!) using the medium of progressive rock as only he can!
The story unfolds with Morse employing amazing vocalists like Ted Leonard, Matt Smith and Jake Livgren to sing in the roles of Josephs brothers, as they grow dark with jealousy and throw him in the pit.
As well as casting the characters in the story, Neal also sought out the finest musicians for the musical roles. So youll hear the soaring guitar playing of Steve Morse and Eric Gillette among others, as this familiar story comes alive through amazing music that will thrill all fans of progressive rock. The album however has everything a fan would look for: from long epics and odd time signatures, to very melodic and song-oriented tracks.
The Dreamer Joseph: Part One is everything you would hope for from a new Neal Morse progressive rock album and more. And this is just Part 1, ending with Joseph in prison for a crime he didnt commit. Part 2 will follow in 2024!
I have to say I am extremely pleased with the way this album came out! explains Neal Morse.  As with many creative endeavors, there are times along the way where you start to wonder where youre at and if it will come together in the end. I am so happy to report that this one really has come together and exceeded my expectations! The guest vocalists are fantastic,and the string arrangements are extraordinary! Jerry Guidroz did an exceptional job on the mix, and I am so excited to share this album with all of you! Now on to part two
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 19, 2023, 08:27:42 AM
Neal Morse - "Like A Wall" - Official Music Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H3MIhCAUBg
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 19, 2023, 08:55:48 AM
With part 2 coming next year, I am sure the plan is already for next year's Morsefest to be part 1 of this night 1 and part 2 of this night 2. 

I'd be lying if I said I didn't hate seeing Neal use two years on this, while NMB is seemingly put on the backburner, especially since who knows how many years Neal has left of making music given his age, but he has to follow his heart, so I get it. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 19, 2023, 09:03:44 AM
I see JCTE often referred to as a musical and I think even Neal has said it was one.

I'm curious, what makes that record a musical and not a concept album. And what makes, for example, The Similitude Of A Dream a  concept album and not a musical? Can't just be the fact, that JCTE features more singers?

And when I look at "real" musicals like Phantom Of The Opera, West Side Story, Moulin Rouge, Dance Of The Vampires, Starlight Express (those are the ones that I know) and others, they also seem very different from JCTE.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 19, 2023, 09:07:47 AM
Quote
"THE DREAMER - JOSEPH: PART ONE" tracklist:
 
1. Overture
2. Prologue/Before the World Was
3. A Million Miles Away
4. Burns Like a Wheel
5. Liar, Liar
6. The Pit
7. Like a Wall
8. Gold Dust City
9. Slave Boy
10. Out of Sight, Out of Mind
11. Wait On You
12. I Will Wait on the Lord
13. Overture Reprise
14. Ultraviolet Dreams
15. Heaven in Charge of Hell (Eat Em and Smile)
16. Why Have You Forsaken Me?
 
LINE-UP:
Eric Gillette
Gabe Klein
Neal Morse
Sam Hunter
Gideon Klein
Steve Morse
Andre Madatian
Mark Leniger
Jim Hoke
 
CAST:
Joseph - Neal Morse
Judah - Ted Leonard
Reuben - Matt Smith
Potiphars Wife - Talon David
Slave Driver - Jake Livgren
Simeon - Wil Morse
Jacob - Mark Pogue
Warden and Prison Guards - Matt Smith, Mark Pogue, Wil Morse, Gabe Klein, Chris Riley

The single isn't bad, kind of what I expected TBH. I figured I'd order it anyway just to see how it turns out. For less than $16 on Radiant, it's not a bad price considering most new albums these days run over $20 or $25.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 19, 2023, 09:23:54 AM
I will wait and see how much it it is digitally from iTunes or amazon (Radiant...ick).   If it is too much, I may take the "try before I buy" approach as the overly religious nature of it and that cast of characters (I recognize a few of the names from his past super-religious albums) isn't exactly tickling my fancy. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 19, 2023, 09:24:11 AM
With part 2 coming next year, I am sure the plan is already for next year's Morsefest to be part 1 of this night 1 and part 2 of this night 2. 

I'd be lying if I said I didn't hate seeing Neal use two years on this, while NMB is seemingly put on the backburner, especially since who knows how many years Neal has left of making music given his age, but he has to follow his heart, so I get it.

Part 2 is coming out in November.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on June 19, 2023, 09:26:34 AM
Yeah not bothering with getting the CD for this. Sticking with digital.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 19, 2023, 09:27:43 AM
With part 2 coming next year, I am sure the plan is already for next year's Morsefest to be part 1 of this night 1 and part 2 of this night 2. 

I'd be lying if I said I didn't hate seeing Neal use two years on this, while NMB is seemingly put on the backburner, especially since who knows how many years Neal has left of making music given his age, but he has to follow his heart, so I get it.

Part 2 is coming out in November.

November of 2024?  The thing you posted earlier (with no link) said  Part 2 will follow in 2024.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 19, 2023, 09:30:08 AM
The single was cool, but short.  I've been feeling NM burnout in recent years, but I'll pick this up, and will more likely than not enjoy it.  The question is only whether it will have any staying power, and only time will tell on that front.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 19, 2023, 09:55:06 AM
With part 2 coming next year, I am sure the plan is already for next year's Morsefest to be part 1 of this night 1 and part 2 of this night 2. 

I'd be lying if I said I didn't hate seeing Neal use two years on this, while NMB is seemingly put on the backburner, especially since who knows how many years Neal has left of making music given his age, but he has to follow his heart, so I get it.

Part 2 is coming out in November.

November of 2024?  The thing you posted earlier (with no link) said  Part 2 will follow in 2024.

I didn't read the whole press release earlier today.

The original plan was to release pt2 by the end of this year. I see now that the plan has changed.

Posted on NM fb group

(https://i.ibb.co/cv3m6kf/353394193-6567630869947011-402200084807132247-n.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VN9KgJn)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 19, 2023, 12:05:33 PM
Am I supposed to be able to read that? :lol :lol

Good to know about the releases, though.  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 19, 2023, 12:07:42 PM
I didn't really like JC The Exorcist, too much musical-like, too much choir, too much Jesus and Eric Gillette on drums (he can drum, but it's just not enough for a double concept album, here you can see how good Portnoy is). So I wasn't (and still am) too keen on another album of this nature. The song at least isn't musical and has a catchy chorus. Drums sound like someone trying to sound like Portnoy. I think a part (?) of the overture can be heard at the beginning of the song; see the beginning of the video (and on streaming platforms the song is only 2:38 min long).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 19, 2023, 12:08:20 PM
Am I supposed to be able to read that? :lol :lol

Good to know about the releases, though.  :tup :tup

You can click on it and zoom ;)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on June 19, 2023, 01:43:07 PM
the single is...sigh.....neal morse alright.

i have such burnout, lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 19, 2023, 03:14:12 PM
Am I supposed to be able to read that? :lol :lol

Good to know about the releases, though.  :tup :tup

You can click on it and zoom ;)

Sounds challenging. :lol

the single is...sigh.....neal morse alright.

i have such burnout, lol

It was catchy, but those lyrics...oof.  (and not in a religious way)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on June 19, 2023, 06:11:14 PM
That was, for sure, a Neal Morse song under 3 minutes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on June 19, 2023, 07:27:46 PM



Am I supposed to be able to read that? :lol :lol

Good to know about the releases, though.  :tup :tup

You can click on it and zoom ;)

Sounds challenging. :lol

the single is...sigh.....neal morse alright.

i have such burnout, lol

It was catchy, but those lyrics...oof.  (and not in a religious way)


yea i kinda Feel like neal in the past few years maybe getting to the other side of that creative hill.  if people enjoy this more power to em but he's not hitting it with me anymore sadly.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on June 19, 2023, 07:30:03 PM
and BTW i'm talking Neal solo.  i think he needs the NMB to balance him.  cause Neal solo lately is not it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on June 19, 2023, 07:48:28 PM
I kind of liked it. More organic sounding than NMB, nice organ on the intro, catchy chorus, and Neals voice sounds good. I kind of dont like how much Eric sounds like MP on the drums, which is funny since he also sounds like JP on guitar.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 19, 2023, 08:07:48 PM

yea i kinda Feel like neal in the past few years maybe getting to the other side of that creative hill.  if people enjoy this more power to em but he's not hitting it with me anymore sadly.

and BTW i'm talking Neal solo.  i think he needs the NMB to balance him.  cause Neal solo lately is not it.

I can't go as far as you did yet, but it has been over a decade since he did a solo album that wowed me (T2 in 2011), so I do think he works better at this point in a collaboration.  The last NMB album, which came out less than two years ago, was pretty awesome.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on June 19, 2023, 08:15:14 PM
I'm going to pass on this. Also in the 'burnt out on Neal's cowd. My willingness to ignore the Jesus stuff has waned as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on June 19, 2023, 08:42:42 PM
I'm going to pass on this. Also in the 'burnt out on Neal's cowd. My willingness to ignore the Jesus stuff has waned as well.

i had a high tolerance too but it's waning.  i find it astounding he can't write about ANYTHING else........like nearly ever, lol

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on June 19, 2023, 09:00:30 PM
Hes actually done a lot of non-religious stuff, but its more in his singer-songwriter albums and in Flying Colors (or the DVirgilio, Morse & Jennings album).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on June 20, 2023, 01:27:43 AM
Absolutely. I don't remember Life and times having a single Jesus reference. Maybe only one in the last song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on June 20, 2023, 06:50:10 AM
I'm going to pass on this. Also in the 'burnt out on Neal's cowd. My willingness to ignore the Jesus stuff has waned as well.

i had a high tolerance too but it's waning.  i find it astounding he can't write about ANYTHING else........like nearly ever, lol

I think there's a little bit of "out of balance".   I find when he writes about the Jesus stuff more obliquely - I personally think the Whirlwind is a great example of that, and you seem to see that more in the projects - it's IMO really effective.  The more literal, the more narrative he gets, which seems to be that material that gets saved for the solo stuff, the less I seem to like it. Not "tolerate", since I could care less across the board, but some of the more straightforward narrative stuff is too wordy and it seems like the words are more crammed into the music instead of it being organic. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 20, 2023, 08:12:31 AM
Didn't care for the new song very much.

My question is, now that the last several Neal Morse solo, NMB, and Transatlantic albums have been released on Spotify, is there a timeline for the earlier albums to show up there?  I would understand the answer "Never" if these albums hadn't been released there, but they were, so "Never" doesn't really seem like a viable option.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on June 20, 2023, 08:33:11 AM
I'm going to pass on this. Also in the 'burnt out on Neal's cowd. My willingness to ignore the Jesus stuff has waned as well.

i had a high tolerance too but it's waning.  i find it astounding he can't write about ANYTHING else........like nearly ever, lol

I think there's a little bit of "out of balance".   I find when he writes about the Jesus stuff more obliquely - I personally think the Whirlwind is a great example of that, and you seem to see that more in the projects - it's IMO really effective.  The more literal, the more narrative he gets, which seems to be that material that gets saved for the solo stuff, the less I seem to like it. Not "tolerate", since I could care less across the board, but some of the more straightforward narrative stuff is too wordy and it seems like the words are more crammed into the music instead of it being organic.

i agree.  Like i loved Bridge Across forever There are illusions to a higher power in moments but it doesn't get heavy.....Except  maybe the title song.  I love  the whirlwind too but the finale beats you over the head a lot, lol.  Then Kaleidoscope was overt as well.  and this is just transatlantic.

Stuff like Similitude i can handle well cause the music fucking rocks and it plays like almost an audiobook.

JCTE i couldn't cause having gone to church as a boy/young teen.  That plays like a corny sermon and it doesn't work IMO.

one more Example the NMB's Innocence and Danger has Very little of it and that's one of my favs.  so yes it depends with Neal but i do stand by that him solo has become the worst for this.  whereas the early stuff was really tolerable.  These days he really can't get that balance solo anymore.  Neal is much better off in a band these days is my long winded point, lol.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on June 20, 2023, 09:00:26 AM
I'm going to pass on this. Also in the 'burnt out on Neal's cowd. My willingness to ignore the Jesus stuff has waned as well.

i had a high tolerance too but it's waning.  i find it astounding he can't write about ANYTHING else........like nearly ever, lol

I think there's a little bit of "out of balance".   I find when he writes about the Jesus stuff more obliquely - I personally think the Whirlwind is a great example of that, and you seem to see that more in the projects - it's IMO really effective.  The more literal, the more narrative he gets, which seems to be that material that gets saved for the solo stuff, the less I seem to like it. Not "tolerate", since I could care less across the board, but some of the more straightforward narrative stuff is too wordy and it seems like the words are more crammed into the music instead of it being organic.

i agree.  Like i loved Bridge Across forever There are illusions to a higher power in moments but it doesn't get heavy.....Except  maybe the title song.  I love  the whirlwind too but the finale beats you over the head a lot, lol.  Then Kaleidoscope was overt as well.  and this is just transatlantic.

Stuff like Similitude i can handle well cause the music fucking rocks and it plays like almost an audiobook.

JCTE i couldn't cause having gone to church as a boy/young teen.  That plays like a corny sermon and it doesn't work IMO.

one more Example the NMB's Innocence and Danger has Very little of it and that's one of my favs.  so yes it depends with Neal but i do stand by that him solo has become the worst for this.  whereas the early stuff was really tolerable.  These days he really can't get that balance solo anymore.  Neal is much better off in a band these days is my long winded point, lol.

And ironically, mostly because of what I was (and am) going through in real life, "Innocence and Danger" is one of their MORE spiritual works for me.   I contemplate that record more than almost any other of Neal's records.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 20, 2023, 09:13:23 AM
Didn't care for the new song very much.

My question is, now that the last several Neal Morse solo, NMB, and Transatlantic albums have been released on Spotify, is there a timeline for the earlier albums to show up there?  I would understand the answer "Never" if these albums hadn't been released there, but they were, so "Never" doesn't really seem like a viable option.

I always thought it had to do with Neal signing with Frontiers and InsideOut. I could see the record labels saying, 'we support you but you have to agree to release your records with us on spotify.' Because that's the ones that are there.

And I don't think his older records will follow soon, he has his Waterfall streaming service and who would subscribe to that if everything is on spotify.

But I'm just guessing, who knows what's really up?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on June 20, 2023, 09:23:02 AM
My question is, now that the last several Neal Morse solo, NMB, and Transatlantic albums have been released on Spotify, is there a timeline for the earlier albums to show up there?  I would understand the answer "Never" if these albums hadn't been released there, but they were, so "Never" doesn't really seem like a viable option.

They were on Spotify once upon a time? Would love to see them back on there. Using youtube to listen to them blows.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 20, 2023, 09:42:44 AM


I think there's a little bit of "out of balance".   I find when he writes about the Jesus stuff more obliquely - I personally think the Whirlwind is a great example of that, and you seem to see that more in the projects - it's IMO really effective.  The more literal, the more narrative he gets, which seems to be that material that gets saved for the solo stuff, the less I seem to like it. Not "tolerate", since I could care less across the board, but some of the more straightforward narrative stuff is too wordy and it seems like the words are more crammed into the music instead of it being organic.

I agree with this.  Of course, him singing about it obliquely means we will get many mentions of light and water :P :lol.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 20, 2023, 09:59:46 AM


I think there's a little bit of "out of balance".   I find when he writes about the Jesus stuff more obliquely - I personally think the Whirlwind is a great example of that, and you seem to see that more in the projects - it's IMO really effective.  The more literal, the more narrative he gets, which seems to be that material that gets saved for the solo stuff, the less I seem to like it. Not "tolerate", since I could care less across the board, but some of the more straightforward narrative stuff is too wordy and it seems like the words are more crammed into the music instead of it being organic.

I agree with this.  Of course, him singing about it obliquely means we will get many mentions of light and water :P :lol.

And probably wind and fire. Just throw in all the classical elements while we're at it.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 20, 2023, 01:17:06 PM
My question is, now that the last several Neal Morse solo, NMB, and Transatlantic albums have been released on Spotify, is there a timeline for the earlier albums to show up there?  I would understand the answer "Never" if these albums hadn't been released there, but they were, so "Never" doesn't really seem like a viable option.

They were on Spotify once upon a time? Would love to see them back on there. Using youtube to listen to them blows.
The older stuff was never on Spotify, but the newer stuff is.

Didn't care for the new song very much.

My question is, now that the last several Neal Morse solo, NMB, and Transatlantic albums have been released on Spotify, is there a timeline for the earlier albums to show up there?  I would understand the answer "Never" if these albums hadn't been released there, but they were, so "Never" doesn't really seem like a viable option.

I always thought it had to do with Neal signing with Frontiers and InsideOut. I could see the record labels saying, 'we support you but you have to agree to release your records with us on spotify.' Because that's the ones that are there.

And I don't think his older records will follow soon, he has his Waterfall streaming service and who would subscribe to that if everything is on spotify.

But I'm just guessing, who knows what's really up?
Oh, the record label stuff is probably the answer.  And yes, who would subscribe to Waterfall if everything was on Spotify?  No one, most likely.  Which is the point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on June 20, 2023, 04:37:00 PM
Count me on the side of those not feeling it and not too excited about this.  I'll probably buy a digital version, just to support Neal as he's one of my all-time favorites, but I'm pretty disappointed that the NMB seems to be on hold for a few years.  All four of the NMB albums have been OUTSTANDING!  The chemistry the 5 of them have is undeniable, and I've been LOVING the contributions of Eric and Bill. This Joseph stuff does nothing for me sadly..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 20, 2023, 05:13:51 PM
Count me on the side of those not feeling it and not too excited about this.  I'll probably buy a digital version, just to support Neal as he's one of my all-time favorites, but I'm pretty disappointed that the NMB seems to be on hold for a few years.  All four of the NMB albums have been OUTSTANDING!  The chemistry the 5 of them have is undeniable, and I've been LOVING the contributions of Eric and Bill. This Joseph stuff does nothing for me sadly..

Same here.  Despite my lack of excitement for the project, I will certainly buy it. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on June 21, 2023, 07:58:13 AM
My question is, now that the last several Neal Morse solo, NMB, and Transatlantic albums have been released on Spotify, is there a timeline for the earlier albums to show up there?  I would understand the answer "Never" if these albums hadn't been released there, but they were, so "Never" doesn't really seem like a viable option.

They were on Spotify once upon a time? Would love to see them back on there. Using youtube to listen to them blows.

Have you ever considered.... paying for music? :lol

edit: tbf given the lack of CD drives on modern computers buying a CD doesn't guarantee you can easily rip it and chuck it on your iTunes or whatever, so it's perfectly reasonable to use YT for music. That said the digital versions are all on Radiant.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on June 21, 2023, 08:17:11 AM
Have you ever considered.... paying for music? :lol

edit: tbf given the lack of CD drives on modern computers buying a CD doesn't guarantee you can easily rip it and chuck it on your iTunes or whatever, so it's perfectly reasonable to use YT for music. That said the digital versions are all on Radiant.

My dude, I bought all his stuff a long time ago. Unfortunately, it got lost when I moved a long time ago, so I would love to have easy access from Spotify.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 21, 2023, 08:18:52 AM
Plus, Radiant is the worst, so you never want to buy from them unless you have no other choice.  I love supporting Neal's music, but not from Radiant.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 21, 2023, 08:54:42 AM
Plus, Radiant is the worst, so you never want to buy from them unless you have no other choice.  I love supporting Neal's music, but not from Radiant.
No kidding.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on June 23, 2023, 01:41:20 AM
I'm pretty disappointed that the NMB seems to be on hold for a few years.  All four of the NMB albums have been OUTSTANDING! 
Agree on all points!  Mike Portnoy is spread way too thin for the NMB to reach its full potential.  Winery Dogs is really getting in the way,  but I get it since the WD have a bigger draw.  Even though the music is not even a fraction as good as the NMB.. 
Sons of Apollo will likely be the next delay to the NMB moving forward. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 23, 2023, 05:57:58 AM
I'm pretty disappointed that the NMB seems to be on hold for a few years.  All four of the NMB albums have been OUTSTANDING! 
Sons of Apollo will likely be the next delay to the NMB moving forward.

Sons of Apollo is more likely done.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 23, 2023, 06:38:57 AM
I'm pretty disappointed that the NMB seems to be on hold for a few years.  All four of the NMB albums have been OUTSTANDING! 
Sons of Apollo will likely be the next delay to the NMB moving forward.

Sons of Apollo is more likely done.

What do you mean? The band is done or a new album is mostly done?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on June 23, 2023, 08:45:19 AM
I'm pretty disappointed that the NMB seems to be on hold for a few years.  All four of the NMB albums have been OUTSTANDING! 
Agree on all points!  Mike Portnoy is spread way too thin for the NMB to reach its full potential.  Winery Dogs is really getting in the way,  but I get it since the WD have a bigger draw.  Even though the music is not even a fraction as good as the NMB.. 
Sons of Apollo will likely be the next delay to the NMB moving forward.

NMB did three albums in the space between the second and third TWD albums, and this is I think the second TWD tour since 2015? Granted, TWD did sort of morph into Sons of Apollo in that time, but I wouldn't say he's prioritizing TWD over NMB. I think the hold for NMB has more to do with Neal wanting to do some different stuff (and it sounds like SoA is done as a band at this point).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 23, 2023, 08:53:53 AM
I'm pretty disappointed that the NMB seems to be on hold for a few years.  All four of the NMB albums have been OUTSTANDING! 
Agree on all points!  Mike Portnoy is spread way too thin for the NMB to reach its full potential.  Winery Dogs is really getting in the way,  but I get it since the WD have a bigger draw.  Even though the music is not even a fraction as good as the NMB.. 
Sons of Apollo will likely be the next delay to the NMB moving forward.

NMB did three albums in the space between the second and third TWD albums, and this is I think the second TWD tour since 2015? Granted, TWD did sort of morph into Sons of Apollo in that time, but I wouldn't say he's prioritizing TWD over NMB. I think the hold for NMB has more to do with Neal wanting to do some different stuff (and it sounds like SoA is done as a band at this point).

This is my understanding as well. Neal has a lot he wants to do and I feel like maybe he's doing all this stuff *now* while he feels like he has the time and energy to. I do think NMB will reconvene, perhaps between Morsefests this year, and hash out session times for the next album, but given his age, I don't see him doing it much longer.

I'd still love another Flying Colors album too, but given Steve Morse's life situation at the moment I'm not sure he'd be willing to commit to it, and of course, also working around Mike's schedule as well. If I had to pick between NMB5 and FC4, I may go with the former.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 23, 2023, 09:31:00 AM
I'm pretty disappointed that the NMB seems to be on hold for a few years.  All four of the NMB albums have been OUTSTANDING! 
Sons of Apollo will likely be the next delay to the NMB moving forward.

Sons of Apollo is more likely done.

What do you mean? The band is done or a new album is mostly done?

SoA is done as a band
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 23, 2023, 10:29:06 AM
I'm pretty disappointed that the NMB seems to be on hold for a few years.  All four of the NMB albums have been OUTSTANDING! 
Sons of Apollo will likely be the next delay to the NMB moving forward.

Sons of Apollo is more likely done.

What do you mean? The band is done or a new album is mostly done?

SoA is done as a band

How so? Where is this information coming from? I mean, not that I'm too sad as I find their music pretty boring, but... didn't they form that band to "make history"?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 23, 2023, 10:30:42 AM
I'm pretty disappointed that the NMB seems to be on hold for a few years.  All four of the NMB albums have been OUTSTANDING! 
Sons of Apollo will likely be the next delay to the NMB moving forward.

Sons of Apollo is more likely done.

What do you mean? The band is done or a new album is mostly done?

SoA is done as a band

How so? Where is this information coming from? I mean, not that I'm too sad as I find their music pretty boring, but... didn't they form that band to "make history"?

Ask Rodrigo privately
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: efx on June 23, 2023, 11:15:16 AM
I'd say Derek made it pretty official in this post as well... https://ibb.co/Mgy5Rtx

Edit: fb link. Comment about halfway down https://fb.watch/llzklEUgVI/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on June 23, 2023, 11:42:07 AM
I'm pretty disappointed that the NMB seems to be on hold for a few years.  All four of the NMB albums have been OUTSTANDING! 
Agree on all points!  Mike Portnoy is spread way too thin for the NMB to reach its full potential.  Winery Dogs is really getting in the way,  but I get it since the WD have a bigger draw.  Even though the music is not even a fraction as good as the NMB.. 
Sons of Apollo will likely be the next delay to the NMB moving forward.

NMB did three albums in the space between the second and third TWD albums, and this is I think the second TWD tour since 2015? Granted, TWD did sort of morph into Sons of Apollo in that time, but I wouldn't say he's prioritizing TWD over NMB. I think the hold for NMB has more to do with Neal wanting to do some different stuff (and it sounds like SoA is done as a band at this point).

This is my understanding as well. Neal has a lot he wants to do and I feel like maybe he's doing all this stuff *now* while he feels like he has the time and energy to. I do think NMB will reconvene, perhaps between Morsefests this year, and hash out session times for the next album, but given his age, I don't see him doing it much longer.

I'd still love another Flying Colors album too, but given Steve Morse's life situation at the moment I'm not sure he'd be willing to commit to it, and of course, also working around Mike's schedule as well. If I had to pick between NMB5 and FC4, I may go with the former.

-Marc.
I think this is all true but I believe the reason for so much time between TWD releases was Ritchie wanting to do more solo stuff.  Had he not, we probably would've gotten more TWD and less NMB - which would've made the world a worse place lol.  Look, I get it, TWD has a bigger draw - but their music does ZERO for me sadly.  The NMB is one of my favorite bands now.  Maybe if Mike AND Neal put all their efforts into the NMB, they'd have more success?  I'm also down for FC4 by the way..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on June 23, 2023, 12:14:24 PM
The NMB is by far my favorite of all the bands MP is involved with.   TWD while talented doesn't do anything for me either. I'm not much of a fan of the vocals and cheesy lyrics. 
SOA is a big step up from TWD, and they put on a excellent live show. Jeff Scott Sodo is a great frontman and singer.
The NMB has a lot more depth in their music than both bands mentioned above imo.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 23, 2023, 12:24:20 PM
I'm pretty disappointed that the NMB seems to be on hold for a few years.  All four of the NMB albums have been OUTSTANDING! 
Agree on all points!  Mike Portnoy is spread way too thin for the NMB to reach its full potential.  Winery Dogs is really getting in the way,  but I get it since the WD have a bigger draw.  Even though the music is not even a fraction as good as the NMB.. 
Sons of Apollo will likely be the next delay to the NMB moving forward.

NMB did three albums in the space between the second and third TWD albums, and this is I think the second TWD tour since 2015? Granted, TWD did sort of morph into Sons of Apollo in that time, but I wouldn't say he's prioritizing TWD over NMB. I think the hold for NMB has more to do with Neal wanting to do some different stuff (and it sounds like SoA is done as a band at this point).

This is my understanding as well. Neal has a lot he wants to do and I feel like maybe he's doing all this stuff *now* while he feels like he has the time and energy to. I do think NMB will reconvene, perhaps between Morsefests this year, and hash out session times for the next album, but given his age, I don't see him doing it much longer.

I'd still love another Flying Colors album too, but given Steve Morse's life situation at the moment I'm not sure he'd be willing to commit to it, and of course, also working around Mike's schedule as well. If I had to pick between NMB5 and FC4, I may go with the former.

-Marc.
I think this is all true but I believe the reason for so much time between TWD releases was Ritchie wanting to do more solo stuff.  Had he not, we probably would've gotten more TWD and less NMB - which would've made the world a worse place lol.  Look, I get it, TWD has a bigger draw - but their music does ZERO for me sadly.  The NMB is one of my favorite bands now.  Maybe if Mike AND Neal put all their efforts into the NMB, they'd have more success?  I'm also down for FC4 by the way..

And with Transatlantic all but confirmed to be finished, I am hoping (and praying) that any Neal/Mike collab going forth is NMB, which does seem more likely than FC. I just hope there's enough time between both of them and their own projects - NM and his solo stuff, MP and his half-dozen other projects, of which, where the heck is LTE4 and an LTE tour?? I'd put NMB on hold for an LTE tour and new album!

Hopefully there will be some news or announcements regarding the future of NMB by the end of both Morsefests this year. Has anyone heard about how Eric is doing?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on June 23, 2023, 12:46:26 PM
I'd say Derek made it pretty official in this post as well... https://ibb.co/Mgy5Rtx

Edit: fb link. Comment about halfway down https://fb.watch/llzklEUgVI/

Just posting what you linked as an image here so it's easier to see:
(https://i.ibb.co/NFgnLJd/Ska-rmavbild-2023-06-23-kl-19-12-49.png)

As for FC4, IIRC they are scheduled to play at CTTE next year, so I think they might gather at some point later this year to probably try to start working on something?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 23, 2023, 01:01:44 PM
As for FC4, IIRC they are scheduled to play at CTTE next year, so I think they might gather at some point later this year to probably try to start working on something?

A new FC album in time for next CTTE would be amazing. I had no idea they would be on the cruise, but that's exciting news as they haven't toured since, what, 2019? Another five years between performances, and if we're lucky, only five years between albums again. Second Nature in 2014, Third Degree in 2019, and hopefully FC4 in 2024. We can hope! I really enjoyed TD a lot and would love to hear what else the band has to say through their music!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on June 23, 2023, 01:46:44 PM
As for FC4, IIRC they are scheduled to play at CTTE next year, so I think they might gather at some point later this year to probably try to start working on something?

A new FC album in time for next CTTE would be amazing. I had no idea they would be on the cruise, but that's exciting news as they haven't toured since, what, 2019? Another five years between performances, and if we're lucky, only five years between albums again. Second Nature in 2014, Third Degree in 2019, and hopefully FC4 in 2024. We can hope! I really enjoyed TD a lot and would love to hear what else the band has to say through their music!

-Marc.
I really enjoyed Third Degree as well. Some felt it was too proggy, but the songs were there for me so the prog didnt get in the way of my enjoyment lol. Id still take a new NMB album though given a choice.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on June 23, 2023, 01:50:37 PM
As for FC4, IIRC they are scheduled to play at CTTE next year, so I think they might gather at some point later this year to probably try to start working on something?

A new FC album in time for next CTTE would be amazing. I had no idea they would be on the cruise, but that's exciting news as they haven't toured since, what, 2019? Another five years between performances, and if we're lucky, only five years between albums again. Second Nature in 2014, Third Degree in 2019, and hopefully FC4 in 2024. We can hope! I really enjoyed TD a lot and would love to hear what else the band has to say through their music!

-Marc.
I really enjoyed Third Degree as well. Some felt it was too proggy, but the songs were there for me so the prog didnt get in the way of my enjoyment lol. Id still take a new NMB album though given a choice.

It's a coin-flip for me, for sure, but given the fact that NMB has released four albums since 2015 and FC has only released one, I think FC should be given its due.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 23, 2023, 04:09:39 PM

SoA is done as a band

That band was DOA.  It didn't have the songs, and Derek went out of his way to piss off a big chunk of their target audience, hence this predictable outcome.


I really enjoyed Third Degree as well. Some felt it was too proggy, but the songs were there for me so the prog didnt get in the way of my enjoyment lol. Id still take a new NMB album though given a choice.

I will take either.  :biggrin: :biggrin:

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on June 23, 2023, 04:12:10 PM
Yea, I feel a bit of schadenfreude with the end of SOA. Didnt they come out of the gate saying they were the new kings of Prog Metal? What a short reign that was.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on June 23, 2023, 04:19:10 PM
The blowback against SOA pretty much lead to MP shutting down his forum, which is a shame. But man that band was quite disappointing for the talent it boasted.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on June 23, 2023, 04:20:38 PM
Yea, I feel a bit of schadenfreude with the end of SOA. Didnt they come out of the gate saying they were the new kings of Prog Metal? What a short reign that was.
Lol, yes they did. Maybe someone should ask Steven Wilson what he thinks of the New Kings of Prog Metal Sons of Apollo? See what he says hahaha
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on June 23, 2023, 05:11:16 PM
KevShmev, What did Derek do to piss off their audience?  I ran into Derek after a SOA show in Seattle and he wasn't friendly at all, lol!   
It didn't bother me enough to boycott SOA though. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 23, 2023, 07:34:19 PM
KevShmev, What did Derek do to piss off their audience?  I ran into Derek after a SOA show in Seattle and he wasn't friendly at all, lol!   
It didn't bother me enough to boycott SOA though.

I cannot remember everything, but I know there is an old thread here on the band where a lot of it was discussed in real time.  I took he took a few direct shots at Dream Theater.

I didn't boycott them. I still checked out both albums. Neither stuck with me at all, but I never cared for the singer's voice or the guitar player.   And I am admittedly not a fan of Billy Sheehan's warbly bass tone, so a lot was working against it, for me anyway.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on June 23, 2023, 08:06:50 PM
KevShmev, What did Derek do to piss off their audience?  I ran into Derek after a SOA show in Seattle and he wasn't friendly at all, lol!   
It didn't bother me enough to boycott SOA though.

He was saying and tweeting stuff like no cheesy keys (implying that Jordans keys didnt rock or whatever) and I think some things that seemed like a swipe at DT (cant remember if there was a dig at James or maybe it was making fun of The Astonishing or something along those lines). Basically tried to make it an us (the two x-DT guys) v them (DT) type of thing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on June 23, 2023, 08:43:42 PM
That sounds like something that Derek would say. Pretty arrogant considering what Jordan Rudess is capable of, on a whole different level.  :lol
As KevShmev said, I have both of SOA albums which kind of fall flat. The first one is good but their second one took a dive.  They pale in comparison to anything NMB put out.  Now that's some real music that I want to hear more from.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Fritzinger on June 23, 2023, 11:53:46 PM
KevShmev, What did Derek do to piss off their audience?  I ran into Derek after a SOA show in Seattle and he wasn't friendly at all, lol!   
It didn't bother me enough to boycott SOA though.

I remember a comment on Facebook where a fan criticized something about the band and Derek said something like no one cares and "go back to flipping burgers!".

It's these moments when I appreciate the class, maturity and calm nature of someone like JP.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on June 24, 2023, 12:16:46 AM
Yes!  John Petrucci and the guys in DT have a lot of class.  I've never once heard any of them talk bad about anybody.  They are very wise in that way. Plus if you have a big heart, kindness comes natural.  This is something I obviously need to work on since I was kind of ripping on Derek in a previous post..dohh!!  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on June 24, 2023, 05:39:21 AM
I had forgotten about the flipping burgers comment, but I remember it now.  I think, given his love for bands like VH and Kiss, that Derek thinks being a "cool" guy ripping on who he perceives as "uncool" fans is just him being cheeky, but not everyone can pull that off.  David Lee Roth could probably say it with a wink and a nod and everyone would laugh it off because we'd know it's just "Dave being Dave," but with Derek, he just came off like a jerk.  I don't think he has the personality or the pedigree to successfully pull off that kind of trash talk.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on June 24, 2023, 07:00:11 AM
I had forgotten about the flipping burgers comment, but I remember it now.  I think, given his love for bands like VH and Kiss, that Derek thinks being a "cool" guy ripping on who he perceives as "uncool" fans is just him being cheeky, but not everyone can pull that off.  David Lee Roth could probably say it with a wink and a nod and everyone would laugh it off because we'd know it's just "Dave being Dave," but with Derek, he just came off like a jerk.  I don't think he has the personality or the pedigree to successfully pull off that kind of trash talk.

Do you mean octopus pedigree?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on June 24, 2023, 07:12:49 AM
I think the problem with Derek doing it is that he was never cool to begin with :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on June 24, 2023, 01:20:34 PM
Yea, I feel a bit of schadenfreude with the end of SOA. Didnt they come out of the gate saying they were the new kings of Prog Metal? What a short reign that was.

Even AMob lasted longer.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on June 26, 2023, 09:05:57 AM
KevShmev, What did Derek do to piss off their audience?  I ran into Derek after a SOA show in Seattle and he wasn't friendly at all, lol!   
It didn't bother me enough to boycott SOA though.


There are some, I'm one of them, that thought there was a LOT more humor in what Derek was saying than the way people took it. Not saying it was "funny" - it wasn't - but I think it was a lot more tongue in cheek than some people thought. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 26, 2023, 10:22:06 AM
Yeah, Derek doesn't seem to be the guy that goes out and insults people on purpose.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on June 27, 2023, 10:11:25 AM
Yeah, Derek doesn't seem to be the guy that goes out and insults people on purpose.

Ehh....I mean, unless you know Derek personally all we have to go off of is interviews and whatever interactions he has with fans. All I know is when me and my sons went to the SOA show he looked utterly pissed off the entire show while stationed at his keyboard area.....his body language said he was pissed.....his lack of effort and stage presence said he was pissed.....everything he exuded was negative energy. It was apparent to all involved.

He's always come off as a jerk in my eyes with his interviews and what not and given me zero reason not to believe he isn't an utter jerk. Him insulting people intentionally completely fits the image he's given to me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 27, 2023, 10:13:37 AM
^agreed^

All I have to go on is what he puts out to the public, which definitely makes him seem like a jerk.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on June 27, 2023, 12:49:30 PM
Yeah, I don't know him personally, it's as much guesswork for me as it is for you.

I've not seen him with SOA, so can't comment on that, but I've seen him several times with DT and he seemed to have a lot of fun. And I've seen him with Billy Idol and he also seemed to have a lot of fun there, even if he was clearly a criminally underused sidemen.

And I've read interviews for his solo records, where he was very humble and had nothing but praise for all the musicians he worked with.

His actions at the start of SOA were questionable, but I still think that he doesn't seem to be a jerk to me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on June 27, 2023, 01:03:03 PM
And there's DT film of him joking around.   "Making history.  And you?"
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on June 28, 2023, 07:11:02 AM
Derek should team up with Richie Kotzen and make a resting bitch face power trio, just need a third :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on June 29, 2023, 09:31:12 AM
Yeah, Derek doesn't seem to be the guy that goes out and insults people on purpose.

Ehh....I mean, unless you know Derek personally all we have to go off of is interviews and whatever interactions he has with fans. All I know is when me and my sons went to the SOA show he looked utterly pissed off the entire show while stationed at his keyboard area.....his body language said he was pissed.....his lack of effort and stage presence said he was pissed.....everything he exuded was negative energy. It was apparent to all involved.

He's always come off as a jerk in my eyes with his interviews and what not and given me zero reason not to believe he isn't an utter jerk. Him insulting people intentionally completely fits the image he's given to me.

As I've mentioned, the in-person stuff I witnessed at a SOA gig on the first tour are also very consistent with that.  So, for me, what Hef said nails it:  "All I have to go on is what he puts out to the public, which definitely makes him seem like a jerk."
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on July 01, 2023, 01:14:27 PM
UNBELIEVABLE.
The flipping burgers comment was towards ME. Id commented something stupid (Originality?) with a link to a song that sounded very very similar to the SoA single (cant remember which for either song, sorry!) and he commented Lets see your musical originality after youre done flipping your burgers!.
And yeah, I was and am a musician so it was pretty nasty. But what I said was pretty rude too tbf, but you dont act like that towards fans. I ended up banned from the Mike Portnoy Forum for trolling. Hes a well known troll the mods said. Weird cos I think thats the only time Id ever posted there.

Ah well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on July 01, 2023, 05:54:36 PM
I just had a thought. "Flippin Burgers" would be a good name for a band.   :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on July 01, 2023, 08:58:14 PM
UNBELIEVABLE.
The flipping burgers comment was towards ME. Id commented something stupid (Originality?) with a link to a song that sounded very very similar to the SoA single (cant remember which for either song, sorry!) and he commented Lets see your musical originality after youre done flipping your burgers!.
And yeah, I was and am a musician so it was pretty nasty. But what I said was pretty rude too tbf, but you dont act like that towards fans. I ended up banned from the Mike Portnoy Forum for trolling. Hes a well known troll the mods said. Weird cos I think thats the only time Id ever posted there.

Ah well.
That's wild. Crazy that you'd be lurking here and happen to see this story being re-told!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on July 11, 2023, 10:31:05 AM
Quick question:  Does anyone get the distinction or significance of the "Innocence" and "Danger" segments of both the new album and the subsequent live performances?   I don't think I've heard it addressed anywhere as of yet.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on July 11, 2023, 11:46:38 AM
Quick question:  Does anyone get the distinction or significance of the "Innocence" and "Danger" segments of both the new album and the subsequent live performances?   I don't think I've heard it addressed anywhere as of yet.
I'm not exactly sure what your asking, but I always understood it as "Innocence" was the first part of the album, which featured the more concise accessible songs, and "Danger" was the second part of the album, featuring the longer "crazier" epics.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 11, 2023, 11:50:19 AM
Prog Report Interview withe Neal talking about Joseph pt1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRlSM8WiIPI
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on July 11, 2023, 12:47:06 PM
Quick question:  Does anyone get the distinction or significance of the "Innocence" and "Danger" segments of both the new album and the subsequent live performances?   I don't think I've heard it addressed anywhere as of yet.
I'm not exactly sure what your asking, but I always understood it as "Innocence" was the first part of the album, which featured the more concise accessible songs, and "Danger" was the second part of the album, featuring the longer "crazier" epics.

I understand it this way, too, but if the question is "why does the concept of 'innocence' correspond to concise, accessible songs, and the concept of 'danger' correspond to epics?" (as I took it to be) I don't think I have an especially convincing answer.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on July 11, 2023, 01:35:45 PM
Quick question:  Does anyone get the distinction or significance of the "Innocence" and "Danger" segments of both the new album and the subsequent live performances?   I don't think I've heard it addressed anywhere as of yet.
I'm not exactly sure what your asking, but I always understood it as "Innocence" was the first part of the album, which featured the more concise accessible songs, and "Danger" was the second part of the album, featuring the longer "crazier" epics.

I understand it this way, too, but if the question is "why does the concept of 'innocence' correspond to concise, accessible songs, and the concept of 'danger' correspond to epics?" (as I took it to be) I don't think I have an especially convincing answer.
Bingo.  I got the division of labor, but not the "why"?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on July 11, 2023, 05:35:18 PM
Quick question:  Does anyone get the distinction or significance of the "Innocence" and "Danger" segments of both the new album and the subsequent live performances?   I don't think I've heard it addressed anywhere as of yet.
I'm not exactly sure what your asking, but I always understood it as "Innocence" was the first part of the album, which featured the more concise accessible songs, and "Danger" was the second part of the album, featuring the longer "crazier" epics.

I understand it this way, too, but if the question is "why does the concept of 'innocence' correspond to concise, accessible songs, and the concept of 'danger' correspond to epics?" (as I took it to be) I don't think I have an especially convincing answer.
Bingo.  I got the division of labor, but not the "why"?
Maybe because it's more "dangerous" to write crazy long epics? As in "most" people don't understand them? I would say that's true of the general public, but not true of NMB target audience. But that's the only thing I can figure..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on July 12, 2023, 10:22:26 AM
Got the shipping email from Radiant regarding the 3 CD Hamburg Innocence & Danger performance. Had forgotten I had ordered it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 12, 2023, 10:26:01 AM
Got the shipping email from Radiant regarding the 3 CD Hamburg Innocence & Danger performance. Had forgotten I had ordered it.

Nice. I haven't seen my shipment email yet, but I'm glad they're sending them out finally. Isn't the proper release date this Friday?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on July 12, 2023, 10:38:43 AM
Correct this 14th is official release day.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 12, 2023, 11:35:56 AM
Correct this 14th is official release day.

Well I just got my shipment notification email not long ago, but I doubt it'll get to my home from TN in under two days, but I'm in no rush to listen to it. I really dug I&D so I'm interested in seeing how those songs translated live in Hamburg.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on July 12, 2023, 02:39:30 PM
Same here I can wait for it, I'm going through a ton of Dream Theater right now so once done with that might check it out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on July 12, 2023, 04:04:47 PM
Another new single from Neal's new album.  Meh. I'll check out the album when it comes out but not sure I'm in the mood for a musical lol.

https://youtu.be/KtghcX7DRDo
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on July 12, 2023, 04:47:44 PM
Anyone into the God Wont Give Up album? Im not into the lyrics at all but the music is pop perfection and has touches of his first two pop solo albums. I can easily overlook the words since the music is outstanding. Been doing a bit of a deep dive into his non-prog stuff lately and its (mostly) all so good.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on July 12, 2023, 06:19:05 PM
Been a while since Ive listened to it but I really enjoy that one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on July 13, 2023, 12:30:23 AM
I would like to hear more of Neal's non-prog stuff. I have his first two solo records and Life & Times, all three are very enjoyable.

The rest is hard to come by, used records are sold for ridiculous prices, that radiant shop is not a valid choice for me and most of his music is not on spotify, so sadly no chance to check it out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on July 13, 2023, 02:06:52 AM
Those albums are surprisingly good, especially the debut and Life and times. I don't think Neal is too trilled about the idea of doing another album like that, since Life and times didn't sell that well. That's probably why he opted for another concept record.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on July 13, 2023, 05:42:27 AM
Life and Times is fantastic. Really the only "Pop" album that fell flat for me was Songs from November. Just didn't dig it at all
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on July 13, 2023, 06:39:43 AM
Correct this 14th is official release day.

Well I just got my shipment notification email not long ago, but I doubt it'll get to my home from TN in under two days, but I'm in no rush to listen to it. I really dug I&D so I'm interested in seeing how those songs translated live in Hamburg.

-Marc.

I don't know how much I can say, but I've heard it.  I&D is one of my favorite albums of all time; it's stuck with me like no new record since... maybe Marbles by Marillion, so it's a high bar.  I saw the show twice (opening night, and the night after) and this set is a good companion piece. Anyone on the fence about Eric Gillette ought to give it a spin. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on July 13, 2023, 06:47:45 AM
How difficult is this performance from the morsefest release? I remember that being great as well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 13, 2023, 07:34:59 AM
How difficult is this performance from the morsefest release? I remember that being great as well.

Difficult? I'd imagine Morsefest was more challenging considering all the added bells and whistles they usually throw in for those shows.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on July 13, 2023, 08:06:37 AM
Gah I meant different.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 13, 2023, 08:08:08 AM
About the new single

https://youtu.be/KtghcX7DRDo

At this point in the story, Joseph is in a terrible prison having been betrayed by those closest to him.  The prison guards realize that he is trustworthy and see this as an opportunity to let Joseph look after everything, while they take it easy!
 
(Appearing in the video are vocalists Wil Morse, Mark Pogue, Matt Smith, Chris Riley, Andre Madatian.  Drums - Andrew Delph, Bass - Chris Riley, Guitar - Andre Madatian)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on July 13, 2023, 08:41:38 AM
How difficult is this performance from the morsefest release? I remember that being great as well.

Different enough. I mean, the setlist is 98% the same, it's the presentation of I&D, so the frameworks are obviously the same, but the live set is the fifth to last show of the European tour, after a full tour of America.  They play around a little bit. The jams in The Way It Had To Be, Not Afraid Pt. 2 and Beyond The Years are different.  There's some fun in there (won't give it away), and there's some... I suspect editing for commercial/legal reasons (a part of one song was changed/omitted). 

I particularly love this version of Beyond The Years.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on July 13, 2023, 08:48:33 AM
Another new single from Neal's new album.  Meh. I'll check out the album when it comes out but not sure I'm in the mood for a musical lol.

https://youtu.be/KtghcX7DRDo

I actually liked this. Also, probably being dense/ignorant as usual, but is Neal not singing on this song at all?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 13, 2023, 09:50:07 AM
Stadler's review of the live release:

https://lotsofmuzik.com/nmb-an-evening-of-innocence-and-danger-live-in-hamburg-review-by-bill-feltovic/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on July 13, 2023, 12:58:27 PM
How difficult is this performance from the morsefest release? I remember that being great as well.

Different enough. I mean, the setlist is 98% the same, it's the presentation of I&D, so the frameworks are obviously the same, but the live set is the fifth to last show of the European tour, after a full tour of America.  They play around a little bit. The jams in The Way It Had To Be, Not Afraid Pt. 2 and Beyond The Years are different.  There's some fun in there (won't give it away), and there's some... I suspect editing for commercial/legal reasons (a part of one song was changed/omitted). 

I particularly love this version of Beyond The Years.


That's great, should be a fun listen then, too bad there's no video release of the show.


Stadler's review of the live release:

https://lotsofmuzik.com/nmb-an-evening-of-innocence-and-danger-live-in-hamburg-review-by-bill-feltovic/ (https://lotsofmuzik.com/nmb-an-evening-of-innocence-and-danger-live-in-hamburg-review-by-bill-feltovic/)


Awesome, will check it out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on July 13, 2023, 01:58:08 PM
How difficult is this performance from the morsefest release? I remember that being great as well.

Different enough. I mean, the setlist is 98% the same, it's the presentation of I&D, so the frameworks are obviously the same, but the live set is the fifth to last show of the European tour, after a full tour of America.  They play around a little bit. The jams in The Way It Had To Be, Not Afraid Pt. 2 and Beyond The Years are different.  There's some fun in there (won't give it away), and there's some... I suspect editing for commercial/legal reasons (a part of one song was changed/omitted). 

I particularly love this version of Beyond The Years.

Woah woah woah, what song was this and what part was removed?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on July 13, 2023, 02:17:21 PM
How difficult is this performance from the morsefest release? I remember that being great as well.

Different enough. I mean, the setlist is 98% the same, it's the presentation of I&D, so the frameworks are obviously the same, but the live set is the fifth to last show of the European tour, after a full tour of America.  They play around a little bit. The jams in The Way It Had To Be, Not Afraid Pt. 2 and Beyond The Years are different.  There's some fun in there (won't give it away), and there's some... I suspect editing for commercial/legal reasons (a part of one song was changed/omitted). 

I particularly love this version of Beyond The Years.

Woah woah woah, what song was this and what part was removed?

So... The Way It Had To Be segued into Breathe (Reprise) at Morsefest! and at the two shows I saw (NY and Boston).  According to Setlist.fm, it happened at 28 out of the 30 shows on the American and European tours, INCLUDING Hamburg.  Now, I get it, a lot of times the setlists are just "copied" over.   But there was no Floyd on the audio-only version of the Hamburg show I heard and there SOUNDED like an edit of sorts as well.

So I can only conclude that a) setlist.fm was wrong, and it was never played, or b) setlist was right and it was played and subsequently edited from the audio before release. 

(If you recall, Mike had trouble securing rights to Comfortably Numb for the Sons Of Apollo video, though it did appear on the audio.)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on July 13, 2023, 09:18:01 PM
Got the shipping email from Radiant regarding the 3 CD Hamburg Innocence & Danger performance. Had forgotten I had ordered it.

I forgot to order it. Time to fix that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on July 13, 2023, 09:19:50 PM
Anyone into the God Wont Give Up album? Im not into the lyrics at all but the music is pop perfection and has touches of his first two pop solo albums. I can easily overlook the words since the music is outstanding. Been doing a bit of a deep dive into his non-prog stuff lately and its (mostly) all so good.

Have it. Can't say I listen to it much.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on July 13, 2023, 09:23:07 PM
How difficult is this performance from the morsefest release? I remember that being great as well.

Different enough. I mean, the setlist is 98% the same, it's the presentation of I&D, so the frameworks are obviously the same, but the live set is the fifth to last show of the European tour, after a full tour of America.  They play around a little bit. The jams in The Way It Had To Be, Not Afraid Pt. 2 and Beyond The Years are different.  There's some fun in there (won't give it away), and there's some... I suspect editing for commercial/legal reasons (a part of one song was changed/omitted). 

I particularly love this version of Beyond The Years.

Woah woah woah, what song was this and what part was removed?

So... The Way It Had To Be segued into Breathe (Reprise) at Morsefest! and at the two shows I saw (NY and Boston).  According to Setlist.fm, it happened at 28 out of the 30 shows on the American and European tours, INCLUDING Hamburg.  Now, I get it, a lot of times the setlists are just "copied" over.   But there was no Floyd on the audio-only version of the Hamburg show I heard and there SOUNDED like an edit of sorts as well.

So I can only conclude that a) setlist.fm was wrong, and it was never played, or b) setlist was right and it was played and subsequently edited from the audio before release. 

(If you recall, Mike had trouble securing rights to Comfortably Numb for the Sons Of Apollo video, though it did appear on the audio.)

They played that in Philly too. It's a shame it's on the cutting room floor.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on July 13, 2023, 09:50:01 PM
I particularly love this version of Beyond The Years.

I was probably going to get this at some point anyway, as I've become something of an NMB completist, but this one line seals it. Beyond the Years really came to life for me on the MF21 performance, so if this version is even better, I have to hear it.

Nice review, btw!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on July 14, 2023, 02:09:42 AM
How difficult is this performance from the morsefest release? I remember that being great as well.

Different enough. I mean, the setlist is 98% the same, it's the presentation of I&D, so the frameworks are obviously the same, but the live set is the fifth to last show of the European tour, after a full tour of America.  They play around a little bit. The jams in The Way It Had To Be, Not Afraid Pt. 2 and Beyond The Years are different.  There's some fun in there (won't give it away), and there's some... I suspect editing for commercial/legal reasons (a part of one song was changed/omitted). 

I particularly love this version of Beyond The Years.

Woah woah woah, what song was this and what part was removed?

So... The Way It Had To Be segued into Breathe (Reprise) at Morsefest! and at the two shows I saw (NY and Boston).  According to Setlist.fm, it happened at 28 out of the 30 shows on the American and European tours, INCLUDING Hamburg.  Now, I get it, a lot of times the setlists are just "copied" over.   But there was no Floyd on the audio-only version of the Hamburg show I heard and there SOUNDED like an edit of sorts as well.

So I can only conclude that a) setlist.fm was wrong, and it was never played, or b) setlist was right and it was played and subsequently edited from the audio before release. 

(If you recall, Mike had trouble securing rights to Comfortably Numb for the Sons Of Apollo video, though it did appear on the audio.)

Ah yeah, you're right! Same at the London show I was at. That's such a shame as it fit really well. Just had a listen and I think the edit is noticeable because the guitar comes out of nowhere and sounds like it may be in a slightly different key? I probably wouldn't have noticed it had I not seen this post though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on July 14, 2023, 01:21:49 PM
How difficult is this performance from the morsefest release? I remember that being great as well.

Different enough. I mean, the setlist is 98% the same, it's the presentation of I&D, so the frameworks are obviously the same, but the live set is the fifth to last show of the European tour, after a full tour of America.  They play around a little bit. The jams in The Way It Had To Be, Not Afraid Pt. 2 and Beyond The Years are different.  There's some fun in there (won't give it away), and there's some... I suspect editing for commercial/legal reasons (a part of one song was changed/omitted). 

I particularly love this version of Beyond The Years.

Woah woah woah, what song was this and what part was removed?

So... The Way It Had To Be segued into Breathe (Reprise) at Morsefest! and at the two shows I saw (NY and Boston).  According to Setlist.fm, it happened at 28 out of the 30 shows on the American and European tours, INCLUDING Hamburg.  Now, I get it, a lot of times the setlists are just "copied" over.   But there was no Floyd on the audio-only version of the Hamburg show I heard and there SOUNDED like an edit of sorts as well.

So I can only conclude that a) setlist.fm was wrong, and it was never played, or b) setlist was right and it was played and subsequently edited from the audio before release. 

(If you recall, Mike had trouble securing rights to Comfortably Numb for the Sons Of Apollo video, though it did appear on the audio.)

Ah yeah, you're right! Same at the London show I was at. That's such a shame as it fit really well. Just had a listen and I think the edit is noticeable because the guitar comes out of nowhere and sounds like it may be in a slightly different key? I probably wouldn't have noticed it had I not seen this post though.

I noticed this as well. My guess is that MP probably thought this was a good idea as they already have the MF21 version with the Floyd piece, this way they can have an NMB only version of the song.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on July 14, 2023, 01:54:23 PM
I noticed this as well. My guess is that MP probably thought this was a good idea as they already have the MF21 version with the Floyd piece, this way they can have an NMB only version of the song.

I doubt that; I would assume like Stadler that it has to do with copyright permissions. MP strikes me as the kind of person who would rather release a complete document of a show if possible.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on July 14, 2023, 06:29:27 PM
Got a signed copy of the live CD today, might try to listen to it during the weekend. I kinda wished there was a booklet but oh well.



(https://imgur.com/JeYSfZS.jpg)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on July 14, 2023, 06:30:58 PM
Ayy me too

(https://i.ibb.co/SwQFMLf/IMG-7069.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RThRs5j)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on July 15, 2023, 03:29:05 PM
I noticed this as well. My guess is that MP probably thought this was a good idea as they already have the MF21 version with the Floyd piece, this way they can have an NMB only version of the song.

I doubt that; I would assume like Stadler that it has to do with copyright permissions. MP strikes me as the kind of person who would rather release a complete document of a show if possible.

I have no idea if Mike would want a "NMB only" version, but if he did, I have to believe they'd play it that way.  Or do something wicked prog like play them both (I'm not really kidding).   

I think it's far more likely it was an edit for commercial/business reasons.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 20, 2023, 09:34:17 AM
Randy George is trying to kickstart some funding for a solo album. The clips he posted sound really good! He has a ways to go so I figured I'd post it here in case anyone is interested. I just found out about it today.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cunwsgh5xtmxc9e/AACLSlnw6Eeii3q97mNS9cada?dl=0&preview=snippets.wav

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/randygeorgebass/randy-george-beyond-words-solo-album

Looks like it worked out because I'm on my 2nd listen of the album now! You can order the album now on CD or Digital and listen to it right now!

https://randygeorgebass.bandcamp.com/album/beyond-words

Not bad! I haven't heard Randy's first two solo albums so I cannot compare them but I really like this one so far!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on July 20, 2023, 10:03:05 AM
Randy George is trying to kickstart some funding for a solo album. The clips he posted sound really good! He has a ways to go so I figured I'd post it here in case anyone is interested. I just found out about it today.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cunwsgh5xtmxc9e/AACLSlnw6Eeii3q97mNS9cada?dl=0&preview=snippets.wav

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/randygeorgebass/randy-george-beyond-words-solo-album

Looks like it worked out because I'm on my 2nd listen of the album now! You can order the album now on CD or Digital and listen to it right now!

https://randygeorgebass.bandcamp.com/album/beyond-words

Not bad! I haven't heard Randy's first two solo albums so I cannot compare them but I really like this one so far!

-Marc.


I could only stand two songs before I had to switch it off.
It gave me the same feeling as if I was waiting in a doctor's office corridor.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on July 20, 2023, 11:43:18 AM
I felt basically the same - I was very unimpressed in my first listen. It reminds me of some of Phil Keaggy's collab work with other CCM folks - the type of thing I usually throw into an instrumentals playlist for coding background music.

That said, the last 3 tracks surprised me - they're lite fusion jazz and they're pretty good. They actually make the rest of the album better in comparison because I hear now what he was going for as more fusiony rather than just generic lite instrumental rock.

I've listened to it 5-6 times over the past few days and it's grown on me quite a bit.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on July 20, 2023, 12:40:30 PM
In fact, can anyone recommend any albums similar in sound to track 8, The Good World, especially the sax work around ~3:00? Reminds me very much of Another Day from I&W!

https://randygeorgebass.bandcamp.com/album/beyond-words

I am really digging these last three tracks.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on July 20, 2023, 03:13:11 PM
I just checked this out, and it sounds really good to me. The only track I didnt care for is the one with vocals. Orherwise its really well-played and even somewhat catchy as instrumental music goes.

Also, not sure which track you are talking about either the sax. Maybe track 7 and not 8? That one sounds a bit like King Crimson to me.

Edit: I hear the sax youre talking about in The Good World now.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 20, 2023, 03:16:45 PM
I just checked this out, and it sounds really good to me. The only track I didnt care for is the one with vocals. Orherwise its really well-played and even somewhat catchy as instrumental music goes.

Also, not sure which track you are talking about either the sax. Maybe track 7 and not 8? That one sounds a bit like King Crimson to me.

Track 7 doesn't have sax - that's a bassoon you're hearing. Track 9 has the alto sax.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on July 20, 2023, 03:32:30 PM
I just checked this out, and it sounds really good to me. The only track I didnt care for is the one with vocals. Orherwise its really well-played and even somewhat catchy as instrumental music goes.

Also, not sure which track you are talking about either the sax. Maybe track 7 and not 8? That one sounds a bit like King Crimson to me.

Track 7 doesn't have sax - that's a bassoon you're hearing. Track 9 has the alto sax.

-Marc.

Well, now I feel like a buffoon.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on July 20, 2023, 05:07:09 PM
I just checked this out, and it sounds really good to me. The only track I didnt care for is the one with vocals. Orherwise its really well-played and even somewhat catchy as instrumental music goes.

Also, not sure which track you are talking about either the sax. Maybe track 7 and not 8? That one sounds a bit like King Crimson to me.

Edit: I hear the sax youre talking about in The Good World now.
Oh my bad. Yeah, typo - I meant Track 9, The Good World.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on July 20, 2023, 09:12:29 PM
I listened to one song off of Randy's new solo album with a vocalist I've never heard before. I didn't like his voice at all and I didn't make it even half way into the song.
I'll give the rest of the album a chance though since I'm a big fan of Randy George.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on July 20, 2023, 09:23:21 PM
I listened to one song off of Randy's new solo album with a vocalist I've never heard before. I didn't like his voice at all and I didn't make it even half way into the song.
I'll give the rest of the album a chance though since I'm a big fan of Randy George.

Thats the only one with vocals, and what bad luck that you landed on that one! I found everything else enjoyable to great.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on July 20, 2023, 09:36:13 PM
Its an interesting marketing strategy to price the CD and the download at the same price. Was thinking about downloading this only as I doubt its something Ill go to a ton and Im reaching the saturation point on CD storage, but I guess Ill get the CD? Or maybe not.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 20, 2023, 09:40:09 PM
Its an interesting marketing strategy to price the CD and the download at the same price. Was thinking about downloading this only as I doubt its something Ill go to a ton and Im reaching the saturation point on CD storage, but I guess Ill get the CD? Or maybe not.

I ordered the CD on bandcamp and it included a digital download, so like, unless you really dislike physical media or have no need/space for it, go for the digital. Otherwise, the CD comes with the download for the same price.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on July 24, 2023, 09:09:25 AM
From Neal's Facebook:

Quote
The Dreamer - Joseph: Part One is here! Its always a buzz to finally see the finished product, particularly with a big vinyl release where you get to see all the detail of the artwork!

Radiant pre-orders start dispatching from TODAY onwards, and I cant wait for you to hear this!

We have about 40 copies of the exclusive Like A Wall Brick Orange vinyl left and once theyre gone, theyre gone! https://nealmorse.com/product/neal-morse-the-dreamer-joseph-part-one/

Looks like anyone who ordered should be getting their shipping notifications soon.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: obro on August 05, 2023, 11:58:15 AM
MF23 next week!!

Any hopes/wishes in the setlists??  :tup :heart
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 05, 2023, 02:34:37 PM
MF23 next week!!

Any hopes/wishes in the setlists??  :tup :heart

Assuming they won't play any non-Testimony music during the main sets, there's probably about an hour of unique music for the encores between both nights. I'm hoping on Night 2, after Testimony 2, they bring back "Seeds Of Gold" and maybe finally play "Absolute Beginner" since they missed it last time. They'll probably do a medley for one of the encore nights, but I'd like to be surprised and see them do some complete classic Neal Morse songs that they haven't played in a while.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HolidaysAnoraks on August 05, 2023, 03:53:22 PM
Im thinking we may get Time Has Come this year - Portnoy has said in the past that he has pushed for the song to be played at previous Morsefests and the song was originally on the table for the Danger / Saturday night show in 21 but they did Flow instead.
Time Has Come would also fit in thematically with the T2 night since the first disc has several references to older SB songs (ie, Time Has Come Today). There is already a ton of music for them to learn though, so who knows.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 06, 2023, 01:10:09 PM
MF23 next week!!

Any hopes/wishes in the setlists??  :tup :heart

Supernatural.    It's one of my top three NMB songs, so... I know it's been played at a MF before, but a man can hope. 

Who else is going?   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on August 06, 2023, 03:01:56 PM
MF23 next week!!

Any hopes/wishes in the setlists??  :tup :heart

Assuming they won't play any non-Testimony music during the main sets, there's probably about an hour of unique music for the encores between both nights. I'm hoping on Night 2, after Testimony 2, they bring back "Seeds Of Gold" and maybe finally play "Absolute Beginner" since they missed it last time. They'll probably do a medley for one of the encore nights, but I'd like to be surprised and see them do some complete classic Neal Morse songs that they haven't played in a while.

-Marc.
I think Seeds of Gold would be the perfect encore for T2 night.  Actually, they should do the entire second disc of T2 for the encore, as it's shorter than T1.  For the other night, maybe they'll do some sort of "Innocence and Danger Medley" like they did with Similitude and TGA.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: BRGM on August 07, 2023, 02:26:27 AM
Neal mentioned in this IG post that they've rehearsed 6 hours of music and says they'll be playing some really old and some really new songs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CvFL5wlM0uf/?img_index=1

I was also thinking that maybe Time Has Come would make the cut, or maybe On the Edge or The Healing Colors of Sound? Also maybe some of the Joseph songs?

What are your thoughts? Anyone going to the Europe one?  :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: twanky on August 08, 2023, 01:23:33 AM
Neal mentioned in this IG post that they've rehearsed 6 hours of music and says they'll be playing some really old and some really new songs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CvFL5wlM0uf/?img_index=1

I was also thinking that maybe Time Has Come would make the cut, or maybe On the Edge or The Healing Colors of Sound? Also maybe some of the Joseph songs?

What are your thoughts? Anyone going to the Europe one?  :D

Yeah i will be in Zoetermeer. Always wanted to do a Morsefest, and thankfully i can this year, albeit not in Nashville
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on August 08, 2023, 07:51:46 AM
Has anyone in the IC gotten their QR codes for the IC show yet? I "purchased" mine on the website a few days ago, but it still says processing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on August 08, 2023, 02:09:02 PM
I listened to Children of the Chosen today. For some reason I just love that song so much.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 08, 2023, 02:22:09 PM
I listened to Children of the Chosen today. For some reason I just love that song so much.


Of the shorter songs off Lifeline, it's the best one IMO, tied with "Leviathan". Of course, the title track and "So Many Roads" are the best (at least to me). Heck, I prefer the bonus tracks ("Set The Kingdom", "Sometimes He Waits" and even "I'm A Heavy Metal Long-Haired Blue-Bearded Tattooed Jew") more than the other main album's shorter songs ("God's Love", "The Way Home" and "Fly High").

Lifeline will always be the odd duck for me as far as Neal's solo prog albums go. It's got great moments but also some duds, which felt unusual for me after a string of near-perfect releases. I wonder if the slightly-more-secular tone and lyrics of Momentum was a response to fans who didn't like the overtly religious aspect of Lifeline? Perhaps the over-all autobiographical nature of Testimony 2 between them helped him re-center his musical creativity and decided to focus his religious lyrics into his singer-songwriter music rather than putting it heavily into his prog out put (outside of the more narrative-based concept albums like he would do with NMB later on).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on August 08, 2023, 03:08:55 PM
I also adore Children of the chosen. It's my second favorite song on the album right behind So many roads. The entire album is growing on me as years go by. It's such a pleasant listen with a fine balance of prog, pop, rockers and ballads.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on August 08, 2023, 03:22:10 PM
I remember someone (I think in the band) calling So Many Roads "Too Many Roads" and it was hard to disagree.

Lifeline is an odd album. The title track is great except it just goes on and on. I agree Marc, it's very unusual after the albums that preceded it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on August 08, 2023, 05:05:07 PM
I also adore Children of the chosen. It's my second favorite song on the album right behind So many roads. The entire album is growing on me as years go by. It's such a pleasant listen with a fine balance of prog, pop, rockers and ballads.
It's really grown on me over the years too and I find it a pleasant listen now as well.  But I'll agree with Letter M, it's still his weakest Prog album, highlighted by So Many Roads and the title track.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on August 08, 2023, 07:02:25 PM
Looking forward to Morsefest this weekend. I'm not really sure what to expect in terms of the additional music beyond Testimony/T2 each night. Pretty much all of I&D was played at Morsefest 2021, and Similitude/TGA have gotten a lot of live exposure between their respective tours and the medley. I'd love for them to do Alive Again because I haven't gotten to see it live, but I doubt that given it's already been featured twice at Morsefest.

Has anyone in the IC gotten their QR codes for the IC show yet? I "purchased" mine on the website a few days ago, but it still says processing.

My understanding is we won't get a separate email with tickets for the Inner Circle show, we just need to bring a printout of our order confirmation email from Radiant.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on August 09, 2023, 04:35:03 AM
I listened to Children of the Chosen today. For some reason I just love that song so much.

I remember thinking that the opening and ending of that song seemed a bit odd and that the repeat of the chorus at the end was a bit awkward phrasing-wise until I read that it was simply excerpted from the original demo for So Many Roads. That also helped explain while at one point the lyrics "So Many Roads" came up twice in a row when in every other instance, that section functioned as a segue to the next part of the song. There was simply a section missing in-between them. Rather than re-write the transition, Neal opted to just have one segue lead into the next segue. Something that oddly didn't feel right to me from the very start, even without knowing the reason.

A couple of years ago I put the song in its original form back together and have been enjoying this long version ever since. Never understood why a mere "it's too long" was deemed a good enough reason to excerpt a full section from it. Oh well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 09, 2023, 08:43:09 AM
Looking forward to Morsefest this weekend. I'm not really sure what to expect in terms of the additional music beyond Testimony/T2 each night. Pretty much all of I&D was played at Morsefest 2021, and Similitude/TGA have gotten a lot of live exposure between their respective tours and the medley. I'd love for them to do Alive Again because I haven't gotten to see it live, but I doubt that given it's already been featured twice at Morsefest.



I am too; this is my first time and I'm psyched.   I have VIP for Saturday (but I'm not doing the IC show; though I may rethink that today). 

I hope I get to see you. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on August 09, 2023, 04:12:37 PM
I know they're not his most popular, but is there any other reason why Neal never did Momentum or Lifeline in full at a Morsefest?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on August 09, 2023, 05:01:54 PM
I know they're not his most popular, but is there any other reason why Neal never did Momentum or Lifeline in full at a Morsefest?
Not that I'm aware of. I assume, that he assumes, those two albums wouldn't be a strong enough draw for a Moresefest.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 09, 2023, 05:14:49 PM
I know they're not his most popular, but is there any other reason why Neal never did Momentum or Lifeline in full at a Morsefest?

My best guess with regards to Momentum is that he already covered most of that album live with the proto-NMB (back when Adson was with them), so he probably didn't feel the need to play it all with them again. Doing the older prog solo albums at Morsefest was a way for the NMB to play those albums live.

As far as Lifeline, maybe he just didn't think the material as a whole would land well with the Morsefest  crowd given its mixed reception over the years, especially compared to how well-liked and loved the run of Testimony-One-?-Sola Scriptura is.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on August 09, 2023, 05:44:20 PM
I know they're not his most popular, but is there any other reason why Neal never did Momentum or Lifeline in full at a Morsefest?

Ive assumed that its because theyre not concept albums. The other two non-concept albums from the widely accepted NM/NMB prog canon are Grand Experiment and Innocence & Danger. Most or all of both of those have been played, but (1) they were not played in album order and (2) they had the advantage of having come out after MF started.

Several songs from those albums have made MF appearances: Lifeline, The Way Home, So Many Roads, Momentum, Thoughts Part V, World Without End. And Leviathan has been played as part of a medley. I hope and expect well see the remaining tracks continue to come out bit by bit, unless theres one that NM and MP really dont like. Id really like to see Smoke and Mirrors, Weathering Sky or Freak, my favorite unplayed-at-Morsefest ones from those two.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on August 10, 2023, 02:19:09 AM
I know they're not his most popular, but is there any other reason why Neal never did Momentum or Lifeline in full at a Morsefest?
Not that I'm aware of. I assume, that he assumes, those two albums wouldn't be a strong enough draw for a Moresefest.
As much as I like those albums, especially Momentum, I think this is correct.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on August 10, 2023, 09:06:10 AM
Looking forward to Morsefest this weekend. I'm not really sure what to expect in terms of the additional music beyond Testimony/T2 each night. Pretty much all of I&D was played at Morsefest 2021, and Similitude/TGA have gotten a lot of live exposure between their respective tours and the medley. I'd love for them to do Alive Again because I haven't gotten to see it live, but I doubt that given it's already been featured twice at Morsefest.

Has anyone in the IC gotten their QR codes for the IC show yet? I "purchased" mine on the website a few days ago, but it still says processing.

My understanding is we won't get a separate email with tickets for the Inner Circle show, we just need to bring a printout of our order confirmation email from Radiant.
Thanks.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on August 10, 2023, 09:11:42 PM
Looking forward to Morsefest this weekend. I'm not really sure what to expect in terms of the additional music beyond Testimony/T2 each night. Pretty much all of I&D was played at Morsefest 2021, and Similitude/TGA have gotten a lot of live exposure between their respective tours and the medley. I'd love for them to do Alive Again because I haven't gotten to see it live, but I doubt that given it's already been featured twice at Morsefest.



I am too; this is my first time and I'm psyched.   I have VIP for Saturday (but I'm not doing the IC show; though I may rethink that today). 

I hope I get to see you. 

Yeah, let's touch base closer to the show tomorrow.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on August 11, 2023, 05:45:59 AM
Excited for Morsefest tonight. By a quirk of fate I was able to secure a ticket on Wednesday for both Nights and the Inner Circle show. Finally can cross this off my bucketlist
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on August 11, 2023, 08:58:47 AM
I know they're not his most popular, but is there any other reason why Neal never did Momentum or Lifeline in full at a Morsefest?
Not that I'm aware of. I assume, that he assumes, those two albums wouldn't be a strong enough draw for a Moresefest.

Gotcha. I figured at this point, Neal could get away with anything at MF and his fans will go, so I'm just surprised those have been overlooked. Hopefully, they do the unplayed songs at some point so there's at least live versions of each song available somewhere. I love Children of the Chosen and think it's one of his best shorter songs, along with Freak.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on August 11, 2023, 02:29:02 PM
No comments on the new album yet? I'm currently on vacation with my wife, but hopefully I'll be able to listen later today. Also, happy Morsefest day for those attending :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 11, 2023, 02:46:16 PM
No comments on the new album yet? I'm currently on vacation with my wife, but hopefully I'll be able to listen later today. Also, happy Morsefest day for those attending :tup

I've had it in my possession for well over a week but haven't had the time or energy to open it and give it a spin.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on August 11, 2023, 03:18:18 PM
Completely forgot there was a new album, and my interest is pretty much nonexistent.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 11, 2023, 04:57:32 PM
New album was pretty good, although I'm not really "raving" about it either.  Probably about on par with Sola Gratia.  Definitely need more listens.  Didn't sound as "musical-ly" as I thought it would, which is good.  Comparing it to Sola Gratia, I thought that one had higher highs "The Glory Of the Lord" but lower lows (most of the rest of the album).  This one definitely better than the "meh" stuff on Gratia, but didn't really have any standout tracks (at least upon first listen).  But like I said I need more listens.  Overall enjoyable still as "bad" Neal Morse is still good music.  Every NMB album miles better than the new one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on August 12, 2023, 07:27:16 AM
The new album is good, but it takes awhile for it to really get going. By the time I felt it was really hitting, I was halfway through. Needs more listens though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on August 12, 2023, 07:42:12 AM
Has anyone done the streaming ticket? I saw that it's offered and you have a week to watch it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on August 12, 2023, 10:03:15 AM
I havent seen anything about last night anywhere. Did they just do Testimony 1 or were there surprise encores?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on August 12, 2023, 10:59:35 AM
I havent seen anything about last night anywhere. Did they just do Testimony 1 or were there surprise encores?
I came here looking to see if there was a report about last night as well. I checked Setlist.fm and nothing there either.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on August 12, 2023, 11:37:06 AM
I havent seen anything about last night anywhere. Did they just do Testimony 1 or were there surprise encores?
I came here looking to see if there was a report about last night as well. I checked Setlist.fm and nothing there either.

Just saw on Facebook night 1 was only T1. Makes sense since its a lot longer than T2.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on August 12, 2023, 12:02:32 PM
There was no encore last night, just T1. It didn't end until after 11 PM local time (midnight for me), so I didn't think they'd have an encore when I saw how late it was running.

Wasn't a flawless performance, but still an enjoyable watch. Will be curious to hear from those in attendance, as the venue and especially the stage looked pretty cramped for space.

And to answer a previous post - Yes, if you bought the streaming package, you have up to a week afterwards to watch.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on August 12, 2023, 12:20:05 PM
Curious to see what they have planned for the encore today :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on August 12, 2023, 01:33:05 PM
Curious to see what they have planned for the encore today :tup
Thanks for the updates guys! Yes, I too am curious what surprises may be in store for tonights encore.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on August 12, 2023, 01:33:18 PM
I was there last night.

The venue was very cramped, as L2L suggested. Getting in and out of rows was pretty difficult. It wasn't like basement-level small, but they had us packed in for sure. That said, I've been packed in tighter before, so it wasn't totally unbearable. What was almost unbearable, though, was the temperature. It was very hot. The AC wasn't getting the job done given the crowd size. I felt bad for Neal who was up there in a leather jacket for half of the set. He had a towel and kept having to towel the sweat off his face. Later in the show the TV screens were going in and out, I assume due to the heat.

Not dissimilar from some past Morsefests, the show start ran about 30 minutes behind schedule.

Casey opened solo with The Storm, then talked about his daughter and his foundation for 10-15 minutes, including a short video. Then he played Peaceful Harbors and had the crowd sing with him a bit, which was cool. Then that was it. He said he was flying right back to Texas for another benefit show tomorrow. It was mildly awkward that he only did 2 songs and talked for so long, but I understand that his life now is mostly about trying to raise money to fund research for his daughter's condition.

I think the delay starting the show, coupled with Casey possibly talking more than expected (though for all I know they had him cut his set due the start delay), put things behind schedule. It was supposed to end around 10 or 10:30 per a Radiant email, but it ended at 11:15PM or so.

The show itself was good. The strings and horns were mic'ed particularly well and sounded incredible at times. Probably the best those instruments have sounded at any Morsefest. The band was tight, but T1 is a looser album in general, very different from recent NMB albums, so the show overall had a looser feeling than shows from recent years. Neal was into it, Randy was into it, and every one in general seemed to be having a good time. One of the string girls had a solo moment that was particularly good. Bill and Eric played more of a backup role rather than having semi-leading roles like on recent NMB tours, but that was expected given the material. They did have some great solos though.

Because of the size of the venue, and maybe the fact that things were running so late, and maybe also because this album had already been performed at a past Morsefest (and had its own tour years prior to that), the show was good but not great, in my opinion. I would consider the previous T1 Morsefest performance to be the definitive version (for those who care about such a label :D).

The Inner Circle show this morning was fun. They did a new Neal song called The First Man which was about Neal feeling like his life was starting over in some ways now that the kids are all out of the house and he and Cherie have been spending more time at their place in Florida. They did a Joseph medley which was cool. That took about 30 minutes. The next half hour was We All Need Some Light, Wind at My Back, Cradle to the Grave with Wil and Neal (which Wil really did a flawless job on - he sounded great all morning!) and a surprise Stranger in Your Soul medley which was awesome.

I'm curious how tonight will go, and whether they'll do SB's Time Has Come like some of y'all have speculated.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 12, 2023, 01:34:31 PM
Curious to see what they have planned for the encore today :tup

My hope is that they just do the 2nd disc of Testimony 2 in full and close out with "Seeds Of Gold", which is always a crowd-pleaser.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on August 12, 2023, 02:31:07 PM
I'll echo a lot of what Coco said. The venue was cramped and a bit warm, but not unmanageable. The sound was very good, particularly for the string section I thought. I don't know Testimony well enough to comment on any issues with the performance or how it stacks up versus Morsefest 2014. I'm sure it wasn't perfect, but considering it's a 2 hour prog album that they haven't played in nearly a decade I'm fine with that. I very much enjoyed myself. The Inner Circle concert this morning was a nice way to spend an hour, loved getting so much Transatlantic. There was also a pretty adorable moment partway through, things were quiet as Neal was tuning his guitar quick and all of a sudden his grandson shouted "Opa! EIEIO!" from the back and so we got an impromptu verse of Old MacDonald :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on August 12, 2023, 06:16:36 PM
Are you here axeman? AC seems fixed tonight. :D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on August 12, 2023, 10:14:50 PM
Night 2:
The Healing Colors of Sound
Supernatural
Seeds of Gold

T2

Reunion
King Jesus

Another entertaining night to watch. Again not flawless but still pretty darn good. Hopefully they can clean up a few spots before the next round in Europe.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on August 13, 2023, 04:44:00 AM
Cool that Healing Colors came out. Interesting that this is now two Morsefest snubs for Absolute BeginnerI wonder if someone doesnt like it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on August 13, 2023, 07:07:49 AM
Night 2 was simply incredible. Seeds of Gold was amazing, Eric killed his solos, the band sounded fantastic and it was a wonderful evening
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on August 13, 2023, 07:32:33 AM
Last night's performance was awesome. Opening with The Healing Colors of Sound was, for me personally, a great way to start the show. The band was very enthusiastic and Eric crushed the solos. He captured Alan's style but also shredded a bit, of course, and it all sounded great. He is just so good - both on guitar and vocally. Neal also nailed the vocals. This is one of my favorite SB songs, so it was really great to hear it. Some dude directly behind me was belting out the lyrics, so it was great to have other folks there who knew the song.

It was cool that they did the entirety of Seeds of Gold - it was a crowd pleaser for sure. It's easy to forget how great that track is.

The band brought a lot of energy to T2, and the vibe in the room was very good. Lots of great solos by the band, Neal was super energetic, and the strings once again sounded good. This album is more streamlined and modern than T1 (which isn't a knock on T1) so the concert was, to me, a lot of fun. They added a bunch of inserts, like an extended version of The Water bit with vocals, and a bit of Bridge Across Forever.

I am pretty sure they didn't do all of Reunion, and instead just clipped it short and went directly into King Jesus. I remember these tracks being played as past encores and the crowd always loved it, and last night was no different. It was a great choice as the encore.

This was one of those rare shows that had multiple moments that brought the crowd to their feet - without MP or Neal having to urge it!  :lol The ending to THCoS and Seeds of Gold both did it, IIRC. As well as lots of others.

I think this really may be the last year of Morsefest unless they think of something totally different next year. I'm not sure they'd use this venue again - they apologized to the crowd for how cramped and hot it was (the AC lost the battle again tonight about 45min in). And then the big thing I noticed that worried me was how winded Neal got at times. There were a few times where he seemed to totally lose his breath (ex. - the acapella section during Time Changer) and had to power through it. He gave it 110% like he always does, but it seems like maybe his age is catching up to him. Maybe I was being overly analytical though and it isn't as much of an issue as I thought.

I was also reflecting more on Night 1, and I think one of the things that made it less than five stars for me was that it felt like a slimmed-down version of the 2014 Testimony show - due to the size of the venue, stage, and overall-repetitive feeling. So it was weird that they brought it back, and yet did a "smaller" version of it. It wasn't as epic, so it seemed a bit stale to me. That said, the fact that folks like axeman weren't able to make it in 2014, but got to see this one, is really cool.

Overall, this year was different, but great. Night 1 was a tiny bit of a letdown for me, but Night 2 more than made up for it - just an incredible performance, and I'm glad I was there to see it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 13, 2023, 09:02:24 AM
Last night's performance was awesome. Opening with The Healing Colors of Sound was, for me personally, a great way to start the show. The band was very enthusiastic and Eric crushed the solos. He captured Alan's style but also shredded a bit, of course, and it all sounded great. He is just so good - both on guitar and vocally. Neal also nailed the vocals. This is one of my favorite SB songs, so it was really great to hear it. Some dude directly behind me was belting out the lyrics, so it was great to have other folks there who knew the song.

It was cool that they did the entirety of Seeds of Gold - it was a crowd pleaser for sure. It's easy to forget how great that track is.

The band brought a lot of energy to T2, and the vibe in the room was very good. Lots of great solos by the band, Neal was super energetic, and the strings once again sounded good. This album is more streamlined and modern than T1 (which isn't a knock on T1) so the concert was, to me, a lot of fun. They added a bunch of inserts, like an extended version of The Water bit with vocals, and a bit of Bridge Across Forever.

I am pretty sure they didn't do all of Reunion, and instead just clipped it short and went directly into King Jesus. I remember these tracks being played as past encores and the crowd always loved it, and last night was no different. It was a great choice as the encore.

This was one of those rare shows that had multiple moments that brought the crowd to their feet - without MP or Neal having to urge it!  :lol The ending to THCoS and Seeds of Gold both did it, IIRC. As well as lots of others.

I think this really may be the last year of Morsefest unless they think of something totally different next year. I'm not sure they'd use this venue again - they apologized to the crowd for how cramped and hot it was (the AC lost the battle again tonight about 45min in). And then the big thing I noticed that worried me was how winded Neal got at times. There were a few times where he seemed to totally lose his breath (ex. - the acapella section during Time Changer) and had to power through it. He gave it 110% like he always does, but it seems like maybe his age is catching up to him. Maybe I was being overly analytical though and it isn't as much of an issue as I thought.

I was also reflecting more on Night 1, and I think one of the things that made it less than five stars for me was that it felt like a slimmed-down version of the 2014 Testimony show - due to the size of the venue, stage, and overall-repetitive feeling. So it was weird that they brought it back, and yet did a "smaller" version of it. It wasn't as epic, so it seemed a bit stale to me. That said, the fact that folks like axeman weren't able to make it in 2014, but got to see this one, is really cool.

Overall, this year was different, but great. Night 1 was a tiny bit of a letdown for me, but Night 2 more than made up for it - just an incredible performance, and I'm glad I was there to see it.

WOW, thanks for the review. I am so happy you made it and enjoy the shows.
Got any pics?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on August 13, 2023, 03:12:35 PM
Glad to hear the positive reviews of MF23. I always "want" to go, but time/money/life doesn't always cooperate. This year's lineup (T1&T2) was a little underwhelming when announced, but I'm glad people enjoyed it still. I love T2, but went to MF17, so I had seen it. T1 is not my favorite album, so I was ok skipping it. I would have been disappointed to not get an encore as well, considering MF14 had a pretty good sized encore after T1.

But damn, that night 2 sounds awesome. Listening to Seeds now again for the first time in a while. I love the vibe on this one. Very Genesis-like throughout. Healing Colors may be my favorite Spock's song. I was hoping for it in MF21, but got Flow instead. I'm hoping for some sort of release just for that. I'm sure it's not on their main priorities list, though, considering there's two releases already for both albums. Maybe someday though!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on August 13, 2023, 06:32:02 PM
Something I've been thinking is which version of Morsefest are they going to release for this year? US or Europe? But knowing their track record, they just might release both :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 13, 2023, 10:14:39 PM
Something I've been thinking is which version of Morsefest are they going to release for this year? US or Europe? But knowing their track record, they just might release both :lol

I'd say the European one gets released, barring any unfortunate and unforseen circumstances regarding the performers or production. It'd just give the European fans some pride in knowing that their first Morsefest got the official MF23 release. Hopefully the second performances of these two concerts is pulled off even better now that they've done it once.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on August 14, 2023, 06:35:49 AM
Yeah, the Saturday night show was great, and popped a bit more for me than T1 on Friday. The material before T2 was great, Seeds of Gold was killer. Neal absolutely broke down while going through Jayda during T2 proper, and seemed quite emotional at several other points. The encore was brief but a great high-energy way to cap the weekend. Overall I think the weekend came off well for the first run in a new space. It was a little cramped and a little warm, but the music was great and the sense of camaraderie was still there. At this point, as long as they keep holding them, I'll keep showing up.

Are you here axeman? AC seems fixed tonight. :D

Yeah, Saturday night was better for sure, at least to start. That storm that almost drowned us coming out of the Inner Circle show helped :lol :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on August 14, 2023, 09:35:50 AM
WOW, thanks for the review. I am so happy you made it and enjoy the shows.
Got any pics?
Just a few low-quality iPhone pics I snapped real quick.

(http://www.jacobbenton.com/files/img/morsefest-2023/preview/healing-colors2.jpg)

The rest are here:

http://www.jacobbenton.com/files/img/morsefest-2023/index.html
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on August 14, 2023, 12:47:10 PM
Finally I was able to listen to The Dreamer Pt. 1 today and really enjoyed it! Sure, it's not One or Sola Scriptura, but it's not bad at all. It's also a lot better and less musical-ish than JCTE, imo. This one feels like your typical prog concept album (I mean it in a good way) but with the occasional guest vocalists here and there.

What I think is now that NMB has cemented as its own band thing, at least in the studio, Neal seems like he wants to keep his prog solo stuff as different/independent from NMB as possible (Sola Gratia being a bit of an exception). I totally get why he would want to do that, but these albums would benefit greatly from having the Mike/Randy rhythm section and some extra input from some other guys on the other instruments.

Like I said, I really enjoyed this one anyway and am looking forward to pt. 2 next year!

Btw, does anybody know what's happening with the God's Smuggler album? It seems like he started it long time ago but the Joseph stuff became his priority and the former got sidelined.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on August 14, 2023, 12:48:59 PM
Gods Smuggler became a stage production. I dont know if he still plans on doing it as an album.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on August 14, 2023, 01:01:26 PM
I listened to The Dream Pt. 1 the other day, and thought it was fine, but definitely on the lower end of Neal's output.  No individual songs stood out, but on the whole was nice.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on August 14, 2023, 02:05:28 PM
Gods Smuggler became a stage production. I dont know if he still plans on doing it as an album.

Had no idea. Hopefully it gets recorded/released at some point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on August 14, 2023, 02:19:32 PM
I listened to The Dream Pt. 1 the other day, and thought it was fine, but definitely on the lower end of Neal's output.  No individual songs stood out, but on the whole was nice.

this is me.  these concept bible story time album's are just not doing it for me.

Melodically Neal has sort of lost it.  nothing here is particularly memorable and particularly engaging.  honestly neal is now trying to re-write Andrew lloyd Webber Musicals, lol.  is Evita next?  and BTW hate to probably ruffle feathers.  If i want to hear both Stories of Jesus and Joseph i'm going to webber.  they are both leagues better.

Saying all that. i still love NMB and feel Neal is better balanced in a band at this stage.

Also the drumming needs to be better on these and sorry i don't rate Eric as a good one.

sorry if this was a harsh post but i'm just saying my feelings.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 15, 2023, 10:25:00 AM
So.... not at all suggesting that anything here is not accurate or untrue - it is all accurate in my opinion - but I don't share some of the conclusions.  Yes, it was hot; but it was (is) August in Tennessee and it is, after all, a rock concert.  I didn't expect the room to be AC cool and it wasn't, and I didn't give it a moments thought during the two shows.

I don't have other Morsefests to compare it to, this was my first, and other than I would have liked to hear more of the NMB on Friday (Casey was good, and his piece was moving as shit*, but it should have been in addition to the three hours of music, not a part of it), and I could have done without the guest vocal on my favorite NM song of all time, "Supernatural", I literally have nothing to complain about.  The people were phenomenal, the music was phenomenal, the experience was phenomenal.  I got to see Axeman (it was a pleasure talking with you; I wish we could have talked more I wanted to ask you about Metallica!), met JustJen (nice to meet you!) and I got to meet a couple new friends (the couple next to me from Australia - he won a mug for coming the farthest, by 800 miles!).  I got to chat with Cherie a bit (wonderful woman!), and spent a little time with Joey Pippin (who seemed relieved when it was all over!).

I thought the supplemental musicians were excellent (that woman on the violin was on her game, and her brother/husband - Gideon Klein, I think - on cello also was on fire).  I had not seen Neal play so much guitar.  Honestly, in his own way he's as good as Eric, IMO (because I like that more classic rock style that he plays).  I was lucky enough to tell him this, but it's STILL a treat to watch Mike play drums.   

(https://i.imgur.com/c5zqffz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VJ5Mz15.jpg)

* I have a daughter. Watching his face as he related his story, and seeing the photos of Rose, it was impossible not to be choked up.   At the start of his time on stage, he had raised just over $4,000; in the first twenty minutes after his time, the group in that building raised $6,000 for his cause, and now the total today is about $16,000+ (the goal is $20k). 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on August 15, 2023, 12:01:29 PM
So.... not at all suggesting that anything here is not accurate or untrue - it is all accurate in my opinion - but I don't share some of the conclusions.  Yes, it was hot; but it was (is) August in Tennessee and it is, after all, a rock concert.  I didn't expect the room to be AC cool and it wasn't, and I didn't give it a moments thought during the two shows.

I don't have other Morsefests to compare it to, this was my first, and other than I would have liked to hear more of the NMB on Friday (Casey was good, and his piece was moving as shit*, but it should have been in addition to the three hours of music, not a part of it), and I could have done without the guest vocal on my favorite NM song of all time, "Supernatural", I literally have nothing to complain about.  The people were phenomenal, the music was phenomenal, the experience was phenomenal.  I got to see Axeman (it was a pleasure talking with you; I wish we could have talked more I wanted to ask you about Metallica!), met JustJen (nice to meet you!) and I got to meet a couple new friends (the couple next to me from Australia - he won a mug for coming the farthest, by 800 miles!).  I got to chat with Cherie a bit (wonderful woman!), and spent a little time with Joey Pippin (who seemed relieved when it was all over!).

I thought the supplemental musicians were excellent (that woman on the violin was on her game, and her brother/husband on cello also was on fire).  I had not seen Neal play so much guitar.  Honestly, in his own way he's as good as Eric, IMO (because I like that more classic rock style that he plays).  I was lucky enough to tell him this, but it's STILL a treat to watch Mike play drums.   

(https://i.imgur.com/c5zqffz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VJ5Mz15.jpg)

* I have a daughter. Watching his face as he related his story, and seeing the photos of Rose, it was impossible not to be choked up.   At the start of his time on stage, he had raised just over $4,000; in the first twenty minutes after his time, the group in that building raised $6,000 for his cause, and now the total today is about $16,000+ (the goal is $20k).
Great report and pics Stadler!  I guess you had front row? lol  Who did guest vocals on Supernatural?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on August 15, 2023, 12:07:23 PM
I would assume Eric. He sang it at Morsefest 2017.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on August 15, 2023, 12:12:24 PM
The moment I saw that they played Supernatural, I was happy because I knew Stadler was happy.  :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 15, 2023, 12:15:22 PM
I would assume Eric. He sang it at Morsefest 2017.

Quote
The addition of fellow Prog Reporter, vocalist Kyle Graves, joining the Neal Morse Band on stage to perform Supernatural, was a delightful twist that underscored the camaraderie within the attendees, as one of their own had a moment in the sun.
https://progreport.com/morsefest-2023-testimony-and-testimony-2-review/

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 15, 2023, 12:52:52 PM
I would assume Eric. He sang it at Morsefest 2017.

I honestly wouldn't have minded that; his voice gels with Neal's perfectly, IMO.  I don't want to knock anyone - its not as if he sucked - but not knowing the guy it held no special meaning for me, and just seemed superfluous. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on August 17, 2023, 08:04:12 AM
Thoroughly enjoying Joseph Pt 1.

Initially it was a miss for me: not keen on the guest vocalists and the lyrics sometimes border on cringe... but then suddenly I woke up with "AND IT'S LIKE A WAAAAAAAALLLL" stuck in my head. So I listen to the album through, then it's "but for me, it's a pretty good deal" stuck. Then the next day it's "before the world was". All stuff from the first half of the album but a clear sign to me of one with staying power!! This is how it always happens: a few listens and something might not grab me, but then it sneaks up on me unintentionally and becomes a classic.

However...

1. I wish the album didn't open with the sound of bees. It's so weird. It makes me want to skip the overture, but if I do that then I may as well not listen to the album. Might edit that bit out for my own sanity.
2. As with JCTE's "The Woman of Seven Devils" and now "Slave Boy" I really dislike sexually provocative female vocals. Just makes me deeply uncomfortable. I know it's an important part of the story but I wish it was handled a bit less overtly. Whatever.

Those of you that have listened once or twice and given it a miss I'd really recommend giving another chance. It's a solid record.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on August 17, 2023, 08:48:57 AM
I haven't listened yet at all, but I'm going to pick it up now based on what you said.

As far the bees sound, it's funny to hear that without context and without having listened to it. If I feel the same as you, I'll probably edit it out like you mentioned. I did the same with Bridge Over Troubled Water from I&D - I edited the "instrumental intro" into its own track, because I enjoy it but I sometimes just want to listen to the straight cover portion starting with the acoustic guitar.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on August 17, 2023, 08:51:46 AM
I just logged onto Radiant to pick it up, but it doesn't seem like there's a digital download version. Is that right, or am I missing something?

EDIT: Well, in any case, it's on HDTracks so I'm good.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on August 17, 2023, 03:00:49 PM
I haven't listened yet at all, but I'm going to pick it up now based on what you said.

As far the bees sound, it's funny to hear that without context and without having listened to it. If I feel the same as you, I'll probably edit it out like you mentioned. I did the same with Bridge Over Troubled Water from I&D - I edited the "instrumental intro" into its own track, because I enjoy it but I sometimes just want to listen to the straight cover portion starting with the acoustic guitar.

Honestly hadnt considered how it sounds out of context  :rollin
But its literally just bees. Right in your ear. For a whole minute.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 18, 2023, 08:25:05 PM
Now that I've heard the new album many times, I will say it has grown on me a bit.  Definitely better than Sola Gratia.  Still not up there with his early solo output (Testimony through Momentum).  But I enjoy it quite a bit.  Fav songs are "Burns Like a Wheel", "Gold Dust City", and "Wait on You". 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on August 19, 2023, 08:48:32 AM
I'm glad Joeseph has grown on folks but i've had like five plays and only 1 (i'm not kidding) song is a goodie for me and that's Ultraviolet Dreams.  The rest just lands with a thud for me.  For sure IMO the most forgettable album he's ever made.  I think i'll stick to NMB releases cause at least as of 2021 they are still hitting.

glad folks are enjoying though.



Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on August 19, 2023, 09:11:24 AM
Ive put it on a couple of times in the last week and every time I tune out after like 4 songs.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on August 19, 2023, 10:08:16 AM
hey all, how are things over in neal land? i've found it impossible to continue to remain of fan of his music simply because it isn't available anywhere. and a streaming service for one act feels like a no-no to me. hope his music is still good!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on August 19, 2023, 11:43:18 AM
hey all, how are things over in neal land? i've found it impossible to continue to remain of fan of his music simply because it isn't available anywhere. and a streaming service for one act feels like a no-no to me. hope his music is still good!

At least in the US, everything of his 2019 onward is available on Spotify.  Jesus Christ the Exorcist, Sola Gratia, The Dreamer pt 1, NMB's Innocence and Danger all on spotify.  I'm assuming unless something changes all new stuff moving forward will likely be.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on August 20, 2023, 03:55:16 AM
hey all, how are things over in neal land? i've found it impossible to continue to remain of fan of his music simply because it isn't available anywhere. and a streaming service for one act feels like a no-no to me. hope his music is still good!

You could always buy the albums?  :\

Absolutely hate how people just accept this rhetoric of If it isnt available to me for free then I wont listen to it. Streaming is killing this industry, and its attitudes like the above that are causing it. Music is expensive. Music has value. Respect it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on August 20, 2023, 06:53:33 AM
hey all, how are things over in neal land? i've found it impossible to continue to remain of fan of his music simply because it isn't available anywhere. and a streaming service for one act feels like a no-no to me. hope his music is still good!

You could always buy the albums?  :\

Absolutely hate how people just accept this rhetoric of If it isnt available to me for free then I wont listen to it. Streaming is killing this industry, and its attitudes like the above that are causing it. Music is expensive. Music has value. Respect it.

sorry i didn't buy neal's 9th jesus worship album extended limited edition! if you check the concert thread you will see i mainly spend money and support artists through seeing live shows. and i would absolutely see NM if he ever toured near me. there's more to music support and supporting musicians other than buying cds and vinyl!! when you are a fan of a myriad of genres simply buying physical media is not possible unless you have unlimited funds. maybe next time don't assume things about people!! thank you
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on August 20, 2023, 07:30:38 AM
Oh, this came out. Listening now. I agree on not liking the bees or flies in the overture. Otherwise it sounds pretty good to open.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on August 20, 2023, 07:42:50 AM
hey all, how are things over in neal land? i've found it impossible to continue to remain of fan of his music simply because it isn't available anywhere. and a streaming service for one act feels like a no-no to me. hope his music is still good!

You could always buy the albums?  :\

Absolutely hate how people just accept this rhetoric of If it isnt available to me for free then I wont listen to it. Streaming is killing this industry, and its attitudes like the above that are causing it. Music is expensive. Music has value. Respect it.

Music has value, completely agree but in these days I want to hear the album before buying it. If it's good, I'll buy it. My view might be tainted from saving money as a kid to buy a record I thought I would like only for it be trash aside from the single I liked.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on August 20, 2023, 09:09:19 AM
I listened to The Dream Pt. 1 the other day, and thought it was fine, but definitely on the lower end of Neal's output.  No individual songs stood out, but on the whole was nice.

I am almost done with the album and this is where I am at. It's like DT, I can appreciate that they are still going and writing music, but it is not sticking nearly as much as their prime. I do not see myself coming back to this often, but I will give it some more spins.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on August 20, 2023, 01:04:54 PM
From MP Facebook page:

Quote
Well thats a wrap on Morsefest 2023 (both US & EU weekends!!) As you can see, I am ready for some rest and getting homebut both weekends were filled with so many powerful, emotional moments and we loved it all! Neal said some incredibly kind and gracious things about me during last nights show which really touched my heart 💝 Its been an incredible journey togethera little strange as theres no future NMB activities on the calendar (at least yet), so who knows when this amazing band will perform live again next?? 🤷🏻‍♂️ But in the meantime, thanks to all who attended both weekends on both sides of the pond, and to all the incredible musicians and helpers that helped elevate this event to such a special level as always! 🙏
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on August 20, 2023, 02:03:58 PM
From MP Facebook page:

Quote
Well thats a wrap on Morsefest 2023 (both US & EU weekends!!) As you can see, I am ready for some rest and getting homebut both weekends were filled with so many powerful, emotional moments and we loved it all! Neal said some incredibly kind and gracious things about me during last nights show which really touched my heart 💝 Its been an incredible journey togethera little strange as theres no future NMB activities on the calendar (at least yet), so who knows when this amazing band will perform live again next?? 🤷🏻‍♂️ But in the meantime, thanks to all who attended both weekends on both sides of the pond, and to all the incredible musicians and helpers that helped elevate this event to such a special level as always! 🙏
He replied to someones comment on this saying "There's not necessarily a hiatus...please don't misinterpret my words...I'm just saying there no future activity currently on the calendar (YET)"

I'm hoping the joy of these two Morsefests will inspire them all to get together sooner, rather than later, and start writing a new album!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on August 20, 2023, 02:27:25 PM
I'm assuming there will be work on a new album at some point next year. Mike is busy with TWD the rest of this year and Eric has the Temic album release later this year, but I'm not sure what else Mike would be working on in 2024. He'll have just had his year of the Dogs, Transatlantic and Sons of Apollo are on hiatus at best, and the Flying Colors show on CttE is being described as a one-off performance. The only other band I could think of would be LTE, I do believe it was said that they signed a two record deal with they made their return so maybe we get LTE4 and a tour?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on August 20, 2023, 02:45:27 PM
I'm assuming there will be work on a new album at some point next year. Mike is busy with TWD the rest of this year and Eric has the Temic album release later this year, but I'm not sure what else Mike would be working on in 2024. He'll have just had his year of the Dogs, Transatlantic and Sons of Apollo are on hiatus at best, and the Flying Colors show on CttE is being described as a one-off performance. The only otr band I could think of would be LTE, I do believe it was said that they signed a two record deal with they made their return so maybe we get LTE4 and a tour?
LTE definitely signed a multi-album deal.  Where did you hear that Flying Colors CTTE appearance is a one off?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Skeever on August 20, 2023, 03:18:26 PM
From MP Facebook page:

Quote
Well thats a wrap on Morsefest 2023 (both US & EU weekends!!) As you can see, I am ready for some rest and getting homebut both weekends were filled with so many powerful, emotional moments and we loved it all! Neal said some incredibly kind and gracious things about me during last nights show which really touched my heart 💝 Its been an incredible journey togethera little strange as theres no future NMB activities on the calendar (at least yet), so who knows when this amazing band will perform live again next?? 🤷🏻‍♂️ But in the meantime, thanks to all who attended both weekends on both sides of the pond, and to all the incredible musicians and helpers that helped elevate this event to such a special level as always! 🙏
He replied to someones comment on this saying "There's not necessarily a hiatus...please don't misinterpret my words...I'm just saying there no future activity currently on the calendar (YET)"

I'm hoping the joy of these two Morsefests will inspire them all to get together sooner, rather than later, and start writing a new album!

MP truly never changes.

Edit: that said, I share the confusion. It's difficult to wrap my head around which Neal albums are what, and what the difference in billing means. Seems like "Neal Morse" is the more cheaply made product (and if old friends show up it's just because that was a deliberate choice for this one time), whereas NMB feels like the more all-out collaborative product more likely to have interesting ideas and performances. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on August 20, 2023, 04:45:17 PM
I'm assuming there will be work on a new album at some point next year. Mike is busy with TWD the rest of this year and Eric has the Temic album release later this year, but I'm not sure what else Mike would be working on in 2024. He'll have just had his year of the Dogs, Transatlantic and Sons of Apollo are on hiatus at best, and the Flying Colors show on CttE is being described as a one-off performance. The only otr band I could think of would be LTE, I do believe it was said that they signed a two record deal with they made their return so maybe we get LTE4 and a tour?
LTE definitely signed a multi-album deal.  Where did you hear that Flying Colors CTTE appearance is a one off?

Casey mentioned when he was opening for night one of Morsefest in TN that the cruise gig was the only show Flying Colors had planned for 2024 (at least as of this point).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: 425 on August 20, 2023, 04:54:58 PM
From MP Facebook page:

Quote
Well thats a wrap on Morsefest 2023 (both US & EU weekends!!) As you can see, I am ready for some rest and getting homebut both weekends were filled with so many powerful, emotional moments and we loved it all! Neal said some incredibly kind and gracious things about me during last nights show which really touched my heart 💝 Its been an incredible journey togethera little strange as theres no future NMB activities on the calendar (at least yet), so who knows when this amazing band will perform live again next?? 🤷🏻‍♂️ But in the meantime, thanks to all who attended both weekends on both sides of the pond, and to all the incredible musicians and helpers that helped elevate this event to such a special level as always! 🙏
He replied to someones comment on this saying "There's not necessarily a hiatus...please don't misinterpret my words...I'm just saying there no future activity currently on the calendar (YET)"

I'm hoping the joy of these two Morsefests will inspire them all to get together sooner, rather than later, and start writing a new album!

MP truly never changes.

Edit: that said, I share the confusion. It's difficult to wrap my head around which Neal albums are what, and what the difference in billing means. Seems like "Neal Morse" is the more cheaply made product (and if old friends show up it's just because that was a deliberate choice for this one time), whereas NMB feels like the more all-out collaborative product more likely to have interesting ideas and performances.

I think the key is to think of NMB as a band like Transatlantic or Spock's Beard or anything else, versus solo albums driven by one guy.

They've pretty much said that they regret naming it "The Neal Morse Band" because of the confusion it causes, which is why they've started just calling it "NMB." I consider all five to be equal members of NMB just as the four are all equal members of Transatlantic. "Neal Morse" albums are solo albums just like any other artist's solo albums, where the solo artist sets the creative vision, invites the players they want to invite, and those players need to do whatever the solo artist wants.

Once you set aside the fact that one guy's name is in the original NMB band name, and just think of "NMB" as a name like "Transatlantic," I think the distinction is pretty straightforward.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Skeever on August 20, 2023, 05:26:34 PM
From MP Facebook page:

Quote
Well thats a wrap on Morsefest 2023 (both US & EU weekends!!) As you can see, I am ready for some rest and getting homebut both weekends were filled with so many powerful, emotional moments and we loved it all! Neal said some incredibly kind and gracious things about me during last nights show which really touched my heart 💝 Its been an incredible journey togethera little strange as theres no future NMB activities on the calendar (at least yet), so who knows when this amazing band will perform live again next?? 🤷🏻‍♂️ But in the meantime, thanks to all who attended both weekends on both sides of the pond, and to all the incredible musicians and helpers that helped elevate this event to such a special level as always! 🙏
He replied to someones comment on this saying "There's not necessarily a hiatus...please don't misinterpret my words...I'm just saying there no future activity currently on the calendar (YET)"

I'm hoping the joy of these two Morsefests will inspire them all to get together sooner, rather than later, and start writing a new album!

MP truly never changes.

Edit: that said, I share the confusion. It's difficult to wrap my head around which Neal albums are what, and what the difference in billing means. Seems like "Neal Morse" is the more cheaply made product (and if old friends show up it's just because that was a deliberate choice for this one time), whereas NMB feels like the more all-out collaborative product more likely to have interesting ideas and performances.

I think the key is to think of NMB as a band like Transatlantic or Spock's Beard or anything else, versus solo albums driven by one guy.

They've pretty much said that they regret naming it "The Neal Morse Band" because of the confusion it causes, which is why they've started just calling it "NMB." I consider all five to be equal members of NMB just as the four are all equal members of Transatlantic. "Neal Morse" albums are solo albums just like any other artist's solo albums, where the solo artist sets the creative vision, invites the players they want to invite, and those players need to do whatever the solo artist wants.

Once you set aside the fact that one guy's name is in the original NMB band name, and just think of "NMB" as a name like "Transatlantic," I think the distinction is pretty straightforward.

Okay, but then you've got the fact that aren't most NM albums the same players of NMB right?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on August 20, 2023, 06:45:36 PM
From MP Facebook page:

Quote
Well thats a wrap on Morsefest 2023 (both US & EU weekends!!) As you can see, I am ready for some rest and getting homebut both weekends were filled with so many powerful, emotional moments and we loved it all! Neal said some incredibly kind and gracious things about me during last nights show which really touched my heart 💝 Its been an incredible journey togethera little strange as theres no future NMB activities on the calendar (at least yet), so who knows when this amazing band will perform live again next?? 🤷🏻‍♂️ But in the meantime, thanks to all who attended both weekends on both sides of the pond, and to all the incredible musicians and helpers that helped elevate this event to such a special level as always! 🙏
He replied to someones comment on this saying "There's not necessarily a hiatus...please don't misinterpret my words...I'm just saying there no future activity currently on the calendar (YET)"

I'm hoping the joy of these two Morsefests will inspire them all to get together sooner, rather than later, and start writing a new album!

MP truly never changes.

Edit: that said, I share the confusion. It's difficult to wrap my head around which Neal albums are what, and what the difference in billing means. Seems like "Neal Morse" is the more cheaply made product (and if old friends show up it's just because that was a deliberate choice for this one time), whereas NMB feels like the more all-out collaborative product more likely to have interesting ideas and performances.

I think the key is to think of NMB as a band like Transatlantic or Spock's Beard or anything else, versus solo albums driven by one guy.

They've pretty much said that they regret naming it "The Neal Morse Band" because of the confusion it causes, which is why they've started just calling it "NMB." I consider all five to be equal members of NMB just as the four are all equal members of Transatlantic. "Neal Morse" albums are solo albums just like any other artist's solo albums, where the solo artist sets the creative vision, invites the players they want to invite, and those players need to do whatever the solo artist wants.

Once you set aside the fact that one guy's name is in the original NMB band name, and just think of "NMB" as a name like "Transatlantic," I think the distinction is pretty straightforward.

Okay, but then you've got the fact that aren't most NM albums the same players of NMB right?

Not entirely, and trending less and less so. The solo Neal albums to come out since the first NMB album are Jesus Christ the Exorcist, Sola Gratia, and Joseph Pt 1. JCtE has Randy and Bill doing their thing, but Eric is primarily on drums instead of guitar and no Mike. Sola Gratia had Mike and Randy but just guest spots from Bill and Eric.The new album has I believe nobody from NMB on the whole album, just a couple of guest appearances.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on August 20, 2023, 07:36:21 PM
Neal said Morsefest 2024 could most likely be both Joseph albums, so at the very least, the band will play then (unless he uses a different band like he had for JCTE).

Temic will be touring in early 2024 and from what they've said they plan to tour as much as they're able too. Eric will be busy for at least the first half of next year I'd say - plus, they already started writing another album, which might get recorded after they tour.

If Steve is able to make it, I'd love to see Flying Colors start working on another album, even if it's just writing remotely.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: BRGM on August 21, 2023, 01:19:38 AM
AMAZING Weekend in The Hague and Zoetermeer!

Me and my dad flew down from Sweden and we're absolutely speechless after two incredible concerts! Maybe the most powerful concert experience of my life. There truly are som really moving moments in the Testimony albums, both 1 and 2. And the surprises of night two were all great! Same setlist as Morsefest USA which was expected, I didn't look at those sets during last weeks though to keep the element of surprise.

Having not seen Testimony live I thought the first night was truly spectacular, and to see it performed with background singers, percussion, horns and strings was truly something extra and really brought the performance to life. The audience literally wouldn't stop cheering after that acoustic guitar / drum burnout in Sleeping Jesus and Neal had to stop for a moment and reach for his tissues already and I had a similar moment when they went into God's Theme after Oh, To Feel Him. Probably the most powerful moment for me, to finally see that theme being played live.

Night two had me really excited for the surprises, got a little spoiled by accidently finding out that that Kyle Graves guy guest sang on Supernatural, which also made me suspect that Seeds of Gold would be played, didn't matter though since it's one of my fav Neal songs. Opening up with the Healing Colors of Sounds and having Reunion/King Jesus as encore were GREAT surprises though! Testimony 2 is one of my favorite Neal-albums so it was quite the experience seeing this one live! And the entire band plus the extra musicians slayed! Neal had a moving speech where he genuinly asked the audience "How many of you would actually know about me if it wasn't for this guy?" and turned to Mike Portnoy and really thanked him for being such a big part of his life and his music for all these years.

Overall, 10/10, would do it again!!



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(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AIL4fc8JfU867sHF9q1fEditlZrlFGRHPHibBp78m36GdDl7XMFPO9drYotuiRuXNT1eU2BS3ZGIYBmgliec5JGzqY_d2B0q6ZgQuJPLb_N61fNRH9U2OmuHADph3EX1zx8UVPLYZZdEPhq8MCtf13Ec5Vpa_VUaLlZwteG7EP7D8AZgILe5jH5dEOpV3TolJKnQX74U8Jw0O_mOb5ZX-p3AmsNZLoSpwNngww9PHPQ5SMtAJYH6uyxlUcEgynnDReL5qlG2QyRqY5geA7sQoVCo00mnnWwa2rrhPllf4LubMHhlL76IlXfyoSTlKEp_rT_c_TGqsj61KqareMs-7oktEN-0ukl6D_zkHfJJNcWlAWx8713FQy5_3nA2LZjKK8a4U7OsPoaCqgNZucMfhqnlAs4-oBGFawkJQUSdzHB8EMhRRKpuWUYiyYyuz_vBenY96LNtq9d4k_0frJX2qsB1sxY-Zpe2civbygnZQcpoMvn9eo7oHE8yvN3ntVWqLz1cxJKKSuRVpi1l-rylkEgoNaf0qHsqKTl0iwCjK1ZovOmKA-9aSDpCXjF_ddVJZIGOhmucoGcv2Vk2GYjCaL0G0dBp8tT8AdNaiEqskdqZYv_K0YUrilJVcImIzO8vTkYqFmv_PeNBgECGGk7NAJw1awlLHfXoWae9YxwgJTaq1tpjikVruwGdN8y8i9BKy4Uf0tk5Jf_YgVYVQptkhwmXO-kTMeOH4LxqUdOZ6qbFMVLamXox1vKnOoEzBsMVtII97WSF9c_Ufcl64Y2KBeI-vILFtrtJgZ4jBChMXM2AhW1M16wlK95GEPDQ9QjjU5DLjIGo--Y3JJ_cs_T65j7bssSqg4-f0sTXPL-O_Vp3JoVml_ozBc9uZgYkhRhAJQ2KxepXTIin4OgN2z1Y4uTrs-by8hA=w542-h963-s-no?authuser=0)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AIL4fc-kmqwtJolg5R20xPh5YqDmuzp5Xeqfa0jUmWHee7U3Iz6DghV44Ik2iJd-FqCrZICuBb4w4V0nEtpsSDlFyEPp5xkBD76D-lPv0WQQLDg-7kI0vQus1K8Z-iGg3lwmHlmhLV1iF75vgRuXCRjydKbmG5YFSoRGm2m7Xrp67Pl-VMGpRVmtkv4G4Q4VXajI8bnNS8__W_vG9H--nyx7B5HRr_-c-Y3NjImcjRhpbXePpgUUGLo-ePdVCkNMwnjs9lJh4Xbc92RjySsEhO8kNEYKJfUXvgaEs1AVrwb_A58lgiCbDbofDvISlX_G06nyhP_jRc6BDh48YlMkEAiIQVbgt7wktH64RJaeZRBQTJBSd_WhdmMp5Vfmd4w1nI5VaCemhlTlf38mB3gh4mKbV0Ca_vYoyEMDVp32_mblUBgsMx8e_fTglLIi6kF4_4BZTuL4DBbWhg87X_oFlMJ23lrlTBLj_cnW4ZK2Jl67R1cNx-usJj4DtBfyXJxxnz465161SAZSULeUJiA4gVYSJHZqtaz9Pj4ssWZJ8uB2R2Ytp9X8_P4rFrbaqO3MEqRrg0_bpVRAfkTv7D9L5wNJotwmtoqX5KH3wkIdmQ4LYRq_E4zz6FRyhv4FzAT_q_bf0-ilMimc4qeNE4mUbLZaCUz1KxoTL11b6kq-dZBoiQjHx5vySQsTa5_gsph2IjcMmgk5Eh0u-i_6h1FzIbxuDtFlvRwR1Mgp4vGZj1exd1ZymQxzF62Vs-d8QH9n8wkO3CnKww_ogipvG-2T8VCorsWRSI_-QtaqPwDqDx8nzbIih6AaLV6AdZEwn8VuQwlxw04FKwTkoihl0Gpu7Oz9iM7-6gOB4pVD5WwhNb8Qk0M835FuWunljvEqaQy3_aYqadVcp_SYGj0JLk8wz6r8Nz7uDO4=w1284-h963-s-no?authuser=0)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on August 21, 2023, 02:34:00 AM
From MP Facebook page:

Quote
Well thats a wrap on Morsefest 2023 (both US & EU weekends!!) As you can see, I am ready for some rest and getting homebut both weekends were filled with so many powerful, emotional moments and we loved it all! Neal said some incredibly kind and gracious things about me during last nights show which really touched my heart 💝 Its been an incredible journey togethera little strange as theres no future NMB activities on the calendar (at least yet), so who knows when this amazing band will perform live again next?? 🤷🏻‍♂️ But in the meantime, thanks to all who attended both weekends on both sides of the pond, and to all the incredible musicians and helpers that helped elevate this event to such a special level as always! 🙏
He replied to someones comment on this saying "There's not necessarily a hiatus...please don't misinterpret my words...I'm just saying there no future activity currently on the calendar (YET)"

I'm hoping the joy of these two Morsefests will inspire them all to get together sooner, rather than later, and start writing a new album!

MP truly never changes.

Edit: that said, I share the confusion. It's difficult to wrap my head around which Neal albums are what, and what the difference in billing means. Seems like "Neal Morse" is the more cheaply made product (and if old friends show up it's just because that was a deliberate choice for this one time), whereas NMB feels like the more all-out collaborative product more likely to have interesting ideas and performances.

I think the key is to think of NMB as a band like Transatlantic or Spock's Beard or anything else, versus solo albums driven by one guy.

They've pretty much said that they regret naming it "The Neal Morse Band" because of the confusion it causes, which is why they've started just calling it "NMB." I consider all five to be equal members of NMB just as the four are all equal members of Transatlantic. "Neal Morse" albums are solo albums just like any other artist's solo albums, where the solo artist sets the creative vision, invites the players they want to invite, and those players need to do whatever the solo artist wants.

Once you set aside the fact that one guy's name is in the original NMB band name, and just think of "NMB" as a name like "Transatlantic," I think the distinction is pretty straightforward.

Okay, but then you've got the fact that aren't most NM albums the same players of NMB right?

Having watched it gradually evolve over 10 years it doesn't seem complicated but thinking about it the timeline is a bit messy. So for anyone who doesn't know:

* Neal Morse released a bunch of solo albums with Randy George on bass and MP on drums but when touring toured with guest musicians for guitars, keys, drums etc
* Once MP had left DT he was able to commit to touring with Neal, which left only guitar and keys as guest musicians
* So Neal & Randy did audition to fill in the slots. Documentary here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KROmGAOJ2jc)
* They then tour Momentum with Neal, Randy, Mike, Eric, Bill and Adson Sodre (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxrWgd9TWJE) (who also auditioned)
* This lineup would then be his band moving forwards, but unfortunately Adson Sodre - who was originally from Brazil - had to leave due to visa issues
* The Grand Experiment was the first time Neal had gone into the studio with a group of musicians without previous preparing anything. They jammed out everything on there. That's why it was "the grand experiment"

I think that from there it made sense to be called "The Neal Morse Band" but that the contributions of Eric and Bill were more substantial than Neal, Randy or Mike were expecting. Beyond The Years - for example - was a Bill song first.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on August 21, 2023, 05:13:38 AM
One question I have, as I just re-watched the audition documentary fairly recently but wasn't plugged into all things Neal at the time, is if this was happening after Mike's split from DT then why did they also audition for and choose a new drummer?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 21, 2023, 06:11:41 AM
One question I have, as I just re-watched the audition documentary fairly recently but wasn't plugged into all things Neal at the time, is if this was happening after Mike's split from DT then why did they also audition for and choose a new drummer?

I believe the intention for that was in case Neal wanted to tour/play live and Mike was unavailable or unable to commit to a string of shows. AFAIK, Neal never played live with the drummer they chose in those auditions, which kind of sucks for that drummer, but I'm sure it was an experience to even make it that far.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on August 21, 2023, 07:29:27 AM
i listened to the latest NM!

morse's vocals, as always, are a standout feature. his ability to convey raw emotion through his voice adds an extra layer of depth to the already evocative lyrics, and the thematic elements explored throughout the album are thought-provoking and introspective, touching on concepts of personal growth, spirituality, and the human experience. what truly sets this record apart is its pacing and flow. each track seamlessly transitions into the next, creating a cohesive listening experience that encourages you to lose yourself in its sonic landscapes. the longer song structures give ample space for the musicians to explore and showcase their virtuosity, without ever feeling indulgent
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on August 24, 2023, 07:13:53 AM
Quote
Its great to be able to announce the details of the new DVirgilio, Morse & Jennings album, Sophomore on November 10th, 2023

Pre-orders will open at Radiant Records on September 8th - well have an exclusive colored vinyl plus when Nick and Ross were here earlier in the summer, we got a bunch of color photos of the band signed by all 3 of us, and some lucky pre-orders will get that included with their order when the album is released!

You can pre-save the album today on your preferred streaming service, and submit your favourite song from their own sophomore year at school for inclusion on a future playlist

Source (https://www.facebook.com/nealmorse/posts/pfbid0ux626d9B4eMyNM4MV8C2fTtGpWnc3s6L2za6XgM6ECqQfKJnPdhFP92tdWufMfeSl?notif_id=1692882657269351&notif_t=notify_me_page&ref=notif)
Pre-save (https://forms.sonymusicfans.com/campaign/dvirgilio-morse-jennings-anywherethewindblows_presave/)
(https://scontent-lcy1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/369865304_841941553966693_7517842834693070860_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=gNcfY5T9bhYAX9ssXfC&_nc_ht=scontent-lcy1-1.xx&oh=00_AfAeJSm51F9M7hk6-3fL2N81h92OlDjYU5BO-3-phEbeRA&oe=64EC90CB)

(https://scontent-lcy1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/369866274_841941600633355_5619413282038815780_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=Xi8IrjqK0a4AX89ZPpP&_nc_ht=scontent-lcy1-1.xx&oh=00_AfDS8g9IBiVALrPV22dcAowb49pbP9wb-qZGy79TPTfdhA&oe=64ECB6B4)

Cool album art. Reminds me of Similitude / TGA. Bit of an on the nose name, like calling your band's fifth album "V"  :biggrin: Really enjoyed Troika though so looking forward to this one!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on August 24, 2023, 03:34:12 PM
Looking forward to checking this out.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on August 30, 2023, 01:07:04 PM
hype! hope it hits real streaming apps!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on August 31, 2023, 06:53:07 AM
hype! hope it hits real streaming apps!

 ::) ;D
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on September 13, 2023, 04:33:19 PM
NMB related, Randy George just released a really good solo album, that is avaible to listen on bandcamp (you can listen to it for free, if you are curious to hear how it is).
https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/randy-george-beyond-words/?fbclid=IwAR1cMT2etDSO2BP6ghRzxvRaAiU04pHGdEqyfEctvISbhmgIpvKU3PyzVJU
I liked it so much that I also listened to his previous album, Action Reaction on Spotify (also on bandcamp). It's even better! All instrumental and the bass playing is very influenced by Stuart Hamm (in his solo albums). The song 66,000mph is like Stuart Hamm meets Rush's Territories, really cool!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 13, 2023, 05:10:51 PM
NMB related, Randy George just released a really good solo album, that is avaible to listen on bandcamp (you can listen to it for free, if you are curious to hear how it is).
https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/randy-george-beyond-words/?fbclid=IwAR1cMT2etDSO2BP6ghRzxvRaAiU04pHGdEqyfEctvISbhmgIpvKU3PyzVJU
I liked it so much that I also listened to his previous album, Action Reaction on Spotify (also on bandcamp). It's even better! All instrumental and the bass playing is very influenced by Stuart Hamm (in his solo albums). The song 66,000mph is like Stuart Hamm meets Rush's Territories, really cool!!

Yep! I got my CD last week but it's been out for almost 2 months via bandcamp, digitally at least.

Randy George is trying to kickstart some funding for a solo album. The clips he posted sound really good! He has a ways to go so I figured I'd post it here in case anyone is interested. I just found out about it today.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cunwsgh5xtmxc9e/AACLSlnw6Eeii3q97mNS9cada?dl=0&preview=snippets.wav

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/randygeorgebass/randy-george-beyond-words-solo-album

Looks like it worked out because I'm on my 2nd listen of the album now! You can order the album now on CD or Digital and listen to it right now!

https://randygeorgebass.bandcamp.com/album/beyond-words

Not bad! I haven't heard Randy's first two solo albums so I cannot compare them but I really like this one so far!

-Marc.

I really enjoyed it! I also ordered Action Reaction and downloaded his first solo album too, after asking him on Facebook if he'd upload it to Bandcamp.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: devieira73 on September 13, 2023, 06:16:32 PM
I didn't see those previous messages. Anyway, really happy to hear those albums, Randy is also a talented composer!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 13, 2023, 06:36:19 PM
I didn't see those previous messages. Anyway, really happy to hear those albums, Randy is also a talented composer!

Agreed! It's wild he's only released three solo albums in twenty years! I wonder just how much he has contributed to Neal Morse albums over the years...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 14, 2023, 09:07:36 AM
Just got done redoing a room in our house to be my home office, and as I was putting CDs back on shelves and going through the Neal Morse section, I was getting really lost trying to figure out what live albums exist that I don't have.  I love that Neal is so prolific, but there is so much overlap between the live releases, and they come so frequent, that I got behind several years ago.  It's really a pain looking at different discographies online to try to figure out where the gaps are.  The way they separate out his different projects differently, lump things together differently, and seem to either be missing things or include things that aren't "official" really makes it unnecessarily difficult.  This, coupled with Radiant's absolute uselessness over the years, and other annoyances, has somewhat soured me as a fan, even though I generally still love most of the music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 14, 2023, 09:29:16 AM
Just got done redoing a room in our house to be my home office, and as I was putting CDs back on shelves and going through the Neal Morse section, I was getting really lost trying to figure out what live albums exist that I don't have.  I love that Neal is so prolific, but there is so much overlap between the live releases, and they come so frequent, that I got behind several years ago.  It's really a pain looking at different discographies online to try to figure out where the gaps are.  The way they separate out his different projects differently, lump things together differently, and seem to either be missing things or include things that aren't "official" really makes it unnecessarily difficult.  This, coupled with Radiant's absolute uselessness over the years, and other annoyances, has somewhat soured me as a fan, even though I generally still love most of the music.

My "Neal Morse" shelves generally consist of any solo album by him directly (including his first two, his prog albums starting with Testimony up to Sola Gratia, his two releases with Frontiers Records, and other singer-songwriter albums), all four NMB studio albums and their subsequent live albums for those tours, all of the Morsefest releases, and all of the Inner Circle stuff I've gotten over the past decade (at least the physical stuff since he switched to all-digital a couple of years ago). They're all in there in chronological order, regardless of which band or line-up it is.

For his other groups like Flying Colors, Spock's Beard, and Transatlantic, they're all in their own sections alphabetically in relation to other bands (F, S and T respectively). The "Neal Morse" portion of my Media Tower is probably the biggest chunk of music albums by/relating to a single artist that I have, which is quite impressive, but as you said, he has been VERY prolific over the past nearly-thirty-years.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on September 14, 2023, 09:42:27 AM
On that note, Ive been meaning to get rid of some of my Neal Morse live CDs. I just never watch or listen to them.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 14, 2023, 10:11:51 AM
I might be willing to take some off your hands if they are ones I don't have.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on September 14, 2023, 10:19:03 AM
Sure! I dont remember what all I have off the top of my head, but Ill check this evening.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on September 14, 2023, 06:47:58 PM
I have:

Testimony 1 Live 2DVD
Sola Scriptura and Beyond 2DVD
Testimony 2 Live in Los Angeles 3CD/2DVD
Live Momentum 3CD/2DVD
Alive Again 2CD/1DVD
An Evening of Innocence and Danger 3CD

Also have all the Morsefest Blu-rays, but Im keeping those.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 15, 2023, 12:26:41 PM
The only one I don't have is An Evening of Innocence and Danger, which I will gladly take if you are getting rid of it.  PM me price and details.   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on September 15, 2023, 06:37:11 PM
Will do.

And since others have messaged me about buying some of these, here's what's left.

Alive Again 2CD/1DVD
Testimony 2 Live in Los Angeles 3CD/2DVD
Testimony 1 Live 2DVD
Sola Scriptura and Beyond 2DVD
Live Momentum 3CD/2DVD
An Evening of Innocence and Danger 3CD
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on September 25, 2023, 08:21:43 AM
Quote

Exciting News! 🌟 After the incredible response to Testimony and Testimony 2 in the USA and Europe this summer, we've been looking into how we might do it all again in other places! Some doors were closed but we are excited to announce that the first-ever UK Morsefest weekend will take place on January 12th and 13th, 2024! 🇬🇧

We know you have questions, and we'll share all the details as they come together. What we can reveal now is that it'll be just like the US and Europe shows, with NMB rocking the Friday and Saturday evening shows, an Inner Circle concert on Saturday, and a Sunday church service. 🙏 The venue will be in Greater London, with a larger capacity than the other weekends, so we hope to see many of you there!

Mark your calendars, stay tuned for more info, and be part of the experience!  #MorsefestUK  #SaveTheDate

Exciting news for Morse fans in the UK!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on October 19, 2023, 03:13:01 AM
I was excited at the prospect of a MorseFest UK and I can't believe that it's only a 50 minute drive from my house rather than the regular navigation of the horrid streets of London.

But 520 for a seat in the first 5 rows or 275 for the back? 200 for restricted viewing? My goodness. I understand why it's this expensive, but that's crazy!

95 seats at 520 = 49,400
290 seats at 275 = 79,750
90 seats at 200 = 18,000

Total revenue for this show if it sells out is 147,150 before tax. That's really not a lot of money.

Also... do not look up the venue on Wikipedia  :eek
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on October 19, 2023, 08:38:10 AM
Update: looks like comments complaining about the price are getting removed and people are getting banned from Neal Morse Forum fon Facebook for discussing them. Uh oh.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on October 19, 2023, 09:03:59 AM
Total revenue for this show if it sells out is 147,150 before tax. That's really not a lot of money.

No, it's really not.  I didn't look up the venue, as you recommended, but is it a "traditional" music venue or a church?  Just asking because I am trying to figure out whether the financial arrangement is somewhat traditional, or if it was just something they arranged privately with the venue, which would probably net them more money.  I'm guessing the bandmember guarantees are maybe 5,000 each. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on October 19, 2023, 09:19:10 AM
Total revenue for this show if it sells out is 147,150 before tax. That's really not a lot of money.

No, it's really not.  I didn't look up the venue, as you recommended, but is it a "traditional" music venue or a church?  Just asking because I am trying to figure out whether the financial arrangement is somewhat traditional, or if it was just something they arranged privately with the venue, which would probably net them more money.  I'm guessing the bandmember guarantees are maybe 5,000 each.

It's a church. Proper church church, but it looks like they've done live events before so that's cool.

I said not to look it up because of various controversies relating to its founder, including a conviction and subsequent imprisonment of on rape charges. This came after several former members of the congregation called it a cult. And there were allegations of child sex abuse too, but as far as I can tell that was never proven. That was 14 years ago but the current pastor was that fellas long term business partner. No idea why they wouldn't give the venue a Google first.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on October 19, 2023, 09:22:44 AM
Update: looks like comments complaining about the price are getting removed and people are getting banned from Neal Morse Forum fon Facebook for discussing them. Uh oh.

Censorship proudly brought to you by Radiant Records :tup

 :rollin
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 19, 2023, 01:20:59 PM
Update: looks like comments complaining about the price are getting removed and people are getting banned from Neal Morse Forum fon Facebook for discussing them. Uh oh.

Censorship proudly brought to you by Radiant Records :tup

 :rollin

Maybe, but - and I fully agree that people are entitled to vent their opinions - it's kind of a dick move.  If you don't like it, don't go.  NONE of the Morsefests have been cheap.  It's not like we don't know what's the what here.   For me, I don't know that I'm DEFINITELY going to every year from here on out, but having gone to one, and gotten every penny's worth of value (not least of which were two PHENOMENAL rock concerts, from the very front row) the price is what the price is.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on October 20, 2023, 02:14:01 AM
Update: looks like comments complaining about the price are getting removed and people are getting banned from Neal Morse Forum fon Facebook for discussing them. Uh oh.

Censorship proudly brought to you by Radiant Records :tup

 :rollin

Maybe, but - and I fully agree that people are entitled to vent their opinions - it's kind of a dick move.  If you don't like it, don't go.  NONE of the Morsefests have been cheap.  It's not like we don't know what's the what here.   For me, I don't know that I'm DEFINITELY going to every year from here on out, but having gone to one, and gotten every penny's worth of value (not least of which were two PHENOMENAL rock concerts, from the very front row) the price is what the price is.

520 though!? The latest UK DT tour felt overpriced but I could see them 4.34 times for the same price. Hell, even DreamSonic was less per night. I guess this is the effect of playing smaller venues... but then why not do larger ones?

Out of interest how does this compare to the US show prices? Does anyone remember what they usually are?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on October 20, 2023, 06:30:42 AM
The non-VIP ticket was $300 this past US Morsefest.

But I guess its worth pointing out that none of the 20-40 performers/crew had to fly in from other countries.

Ultimately you charge what people are willing to pay, and as far as I know, every Morsefest has been sold out or very close to being sold out. Well see how it does at this price in London, but if it sells out like all of the others then I would assume the smart move is to charge even more next time.

There are several that Ive chosen not to attend because the price wasnt worth it to me (e.g. 2018).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 20, 2023, 07:36:23 AM
And you can't compare this to a tour.   I literally stood there and chatted with Neal's wife for 20 minutes.  I'm not, but others were on a first name basis with others in Neal's family who were mingling around and working the merch booth.  Neal himself was walking around the back with his grandson.  You're there for two full days (at least; more if you want the worship part which I didn't participate in).   I don't remember the exact breakdown of what was in the VIP versus the regular ticket, but I think I paid $500 +/- for my ticket, and as I said, it was worth every penny.

Look, I'm not defending it.  It's not my pricing.  I can only speak for myself, and it was an expense I was willing (and, thankfully, able) to make.  Like I said, it is what it is. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on October 20, 2023, 10:52:30 AM
Update: looks like comments complaining about the price are getting removed and people are getting banned from Neal Morse Forum fon Facebook for discussing them. Uh oh.

Censorship proudly brought to you by Radiant Records :tup

 :rollin

Maybe, but - and I fully agree that people are entitled to vent their opinions - it's kind of a dick move.  If you don't like it, don't go.  NONE of the Morsefests have been cheap.  It's not like we don't know what's the what here.   For me, I don't know that I'm DEFINITELY going to every year from here on out, but having gone to one, and gotten every penny's worth of value (not least of which were two PHENOMENAL rock concerts, from the very front row) the price is what the price is.

520 though!? The latest UK DT tour felt overpriced but I could see them 4.34 times for the same price. Hell, even DreamSonic was less per night. I guess this is the effect of playing smaller venues... but then why not do larger ones?

Out of interest how does this compare to the US show prices? Does anyone remember what they usually are?
Pebsie - is that the price per show, or for that price you get a ticket to BOTH shows?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on October 21, 2023, 05:10:25 AM
Those prices are for both shows over the course of the weekend.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on October 21, 2023, 05:21:45 AM
Those prices are for both shows over the course of the weekend.

Plus VIP experience, tote bag, and meal at the venue, and first 4 row seat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on October 22, 2023, 05:00:50 AM
Those prices are for both shows over the course of the weekend.

Plus VIP experience, tote bag, and meal at the venue, and first 4 row seat

"First 4 row seat" doesn't have as much impact when there are only 10 rows, but yeah the 520 is VIP. Otherwise it's 275, or 200 for restrictred viewing.

It's a fair price and they don't stand to make a ton, but it's also very expensive. Both of those things can be true.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Trav86 on October 22, 2023, 07:50:01 AM
This Morsefest talk has me going back to listen to Testimony and Testimony 2 this morning. Both great albums that have a bigger affect on me now than when they came out. Im sure yall understand what I mean without me getting into all of that.  Anyway, great stuff!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on October 22, 2023, 11:23:01 AM
Those prices are for both shows over the course of the weekend.

Plus VIP experience, tote bag, and meal at the venue, and first 4 row seat

"First 4 row seat" doesn't have as much impact when there are only 10 rows, but yeah the 520 is VIP. Otherwise it's 275, or 200 for restrictred viewing.

It's a fair price and they don't stand to make a ton, but it's also very expensive. Both of those things can be true.
If that's for two shows, plus the VIP experience, I suppose the price isn't too bad then.  But I hear what you're saying. If it were me I'd go with a 275 ticket and skip the meal etc..
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on October 23, 2023, 10:24:04 AM
Here's our interview with Ross Jennings:

https://lotsofmuzik.com/ross-jennings-from-haken-discusses-the-new-album-sophomore-by-dvirgilio-morse-and-jennings-and-a-lot-more/

 :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on October 25, 2023, 08:45:48 AM
So I guess NMB5 isnt happening any time soon  :lol
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 25, 2023, 09:30:17 AM
So I guess NMB5 isnt happening any time soon  :lol

Aside from the upcoming UK Morsefest event, they have said NMB has no current future plans, so I am not counting on anything new from them again unless they tell us differently.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on October 25, 2023, 11:15:13 AM
So I guess NMB5 isnt happening any time soon  :lol

Aside from the upcoming UK Morsefest event, they have said NMB has no current future plans, so I am not counting on anything new from them again unless they tell us differently.

With Eric in TEMIC and MP now rejoining DT....I'd be shocked to see anything new with that lineup for quite some time.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on October 25, 2023, 11:23:01 AM
Ooh, where do I go to request Temic opening for DT on their next tour?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on October 25, 2023, 11:45:52 AM
Ooh, where do I go to request Temic opening for DT on their next tour?

I think it's probably a high likelihood that this will happen.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on October 25, 2023, 11:58:26 AM
Ooh, where do I go to request Temic opening for DT on their next tour?

I think it's probably a high likelihood that this will happen.
:metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on October 25, 2023, 01:30:05 PM
Reunion has been stuck in my head all day long since I heard the news.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on October 25, 2023, 03:10:53 PM
Good news on the NMB camp
(https://i.imgur.com/63H9GlU.png)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on October 25, 2023, 03:49:43 PM
That's great news. That's also a nice thing for him to say.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTwwbwMP on October 25, 2023, 03:53:35 PM
^^^Randy is an awesome human being! :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 25, 2023, 04:12:30 PM
Good news on the NMB camp
(https://i.imgur.com/63H9GlU.png)

Randy is a good dude, though if Neal suddenly decides to return to Spock's Beard, I could see the chances of NMB reuniting become even slimmer, especially with TEMIC being a thing now and if that continues forward. Maybe Randy and Bill could recruit a drummer, vocalist, and guitarist to form their own band?  :lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on October 25, 2023, 04:24:46 PM
Doesn't Bill have "They Came From Outer Space" or whatever it is?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 25, 2023, 04:52:32 PM
Good to hear that from Randy, but while it is true that he and Mike worked with Neal for nearly a decade before he left DT, that was on Neal's solo albums, and IIRC, the touring was a lot less frequent and Mike often did not even do the tours, versus NMB where he always does.  I am sure they will find a way to make it work when they are ready to do something, but thought that was worth noting.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on October 25, 2023, 06:10:37 PM
I think if MP stops working with 800 bands and just sticks to DT as his full time gig, and NMB as his side gig, they can make it work.  Now NM going back to Spocks would certainly be interesting.  Would NDV also come back?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on October 25, 2023, 06:21:37 PM
That would be the dream.

I don't see it happening though. If anything it seems like Neal is winding down. He's implied as much in his newsletters. Though maybe there's a world where he reunites with Spock's for one last album? Probably purely wishful thinking though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on October 25, 2023, 07:21:56 PM
Well, come to think of it, if MP is back in DT, it would only be fitting for Neal to get back with Spocks for at least one more farewell album/tour.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on October 25, 2023, 07:38:26 PM
What was the reasoning for Neal leaving Spock's Beard? Just wanted to go solo?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 25, 2023, 07:41:23 PM
What was the reasoning for Neal leaving Spock's Beard? Just wanted to go solo?

In short, he wanted to explore his faith in a more obvious way in his music, and didn't want to do it within the context of a band (which is why he left both Spock's and Transatlantic at the same time).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on October 25, 2023, 07:46:04 PM
What was the reasoning for Neal leaving Spock's Beard? Just wanted to go solo?

Had to do with his becoming a Christian and wanting to focus on that type of music. Also put Transatlantic on hold at the same time.


Or what Kev said.
What was the reasoning for Neal leaving Spock's Beard? Just wanted to go solo?

In short, he wanted to explore his faith in a more obvious way in his music, and didn't want to do it within the context of a band (which is why he left both Spock's and Transatlantic at the same time).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on October 26, 2023, 08:22:46 AM
Got this email from Radiant a few minutes ago:
"Hey everyone
 
Theres a New Album Pre-Sale on Friday October 27th! And youll get to hear the first song - which comes with an incredible video - on Friday as well.
 
Of course the details are under wraps but get ready for pre-orders - and first 100 copies signed - from 8am Central/ 2pm UK/ 3pm Europe
 
Its gonna be Cosmic!
 
Neal"


I didn't know he was even working on a new album. Anyone have any idea on what type of album this is? Who's playing on it?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on October 26, 2023, 08:26:32 AM
Joseph Part Two?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on October 26, 2023, 08:46:56 AM
He did say recently that Joseph Part 2 was done and had videos and stuff ready to be released. So that would make the most sense. But the header image in the email (Neal in front of a starry background) and the word Cosmic dont tie into Joseph very well. Hm
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Learning2Live on October 26, 2023, 08:51:26 AM
That's what threw me off - the 'cosmic' vibe doesn't seem to fit in with the Joseph story. I knew he had Joseph Pt 2 waiting in the wings, but I just assumed this was something different based on the cosmic part. Guess we'll see. I was just more making sure that I didn't miss a previous announcement that he was working on something else besides Joseph Pt 2.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 26, 2023, 10:02:12 AM
Has there been any news on the Morsefest Transatlantic shows? Those are fairly "cosmic", especially if referring to The Absolute Universe.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on October 26, 2023, 10:07:27 AM
Oooh thats possible. I recall him saying in an IC letter to expect it by the end of the year.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: faizoff on October 26, 2023, 11:27:34 AM
The email title is
"Don't Miss Out: Neal Morse's New Album Is Almost Here"

Plus there's a picture of Neal and the background is all weird galaxies and stars
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on October 26, 2023, 11:53:01 AM
It's gotta be Joseph, I don't think they'd be describing it as "Neal's" album if it was a TA live release.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on October 26, 2023, 03:41:36 PM
It's gotta be Joseph, I don't think they'd be describing it as "Neal's" album if it was a TA live release.
I agree with Axeman's assessment here.

Getting back to the discussion of Neal reuniting with SB - how about next years Dreamsonic with SB and DT.  That would be awesome!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on October 26, 2023, 03:50:21 PM
Confirmed to be a song called Cosmic Mess from Joseph pt 2. Saw it on a Neal Morse fan group on Facebook, which apparently found the info on Amazon.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on October 26, 2023, 03:51:06 PM
Got this email from Radiant a few minutes ago:
"Hey everyone
 
Theres a New Album Pre-Sale on Friday October 27th! And youll get to hear the first song - which comes with an incredible video - on Friday as well.
 
Of course the details are under wraps but get ready for pre-orders - and first 100 copies signed - from 8am Central/ 2pm UK/ 3pm Europe
 
Its gonna be Cosmic!
 
Neal"


I didn't know he was even working on a new album. Anyone have any idea on what type of album this is? Who's playing on it?

.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on October 26, 2023, 04:09:21 PM
Yep, the album is called "The Restoration - Joseph: Part Two" and the track tomorrow is "Cosmic Mess" like ronnibran said. Releases January 12, 2024.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on October 26, 2023, 04:11:26 PM
Frontiers may have accidentally uploaded the video as public, and it got cached before they privated it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMbQMg1UrtE
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on October 26, 2023, 04:31:28 PM
Meh, Id rather have Morsefest 22
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: JustJen on October 26, 2023, 04:37:17 PM
The email title is
"Don't Miss Out: Neal Morse's New Album Is Almost Here"

Plus there's a picture of Neal and the background is all weird galaxies and stars


He's been leaning heavily into the word Cosmic so I don't think it's Joseph, might be something altogether different. Definitely seems like a personal release ehough.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 26, 2023, 07:08:05 PM
Meh, Id rather have Morsefest 22

Me too, but it always takes forever for them to release the Morsefest live stuff.  No clue why. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on October 27, 2023, 05:07:54 AM
The Morsefest 22 is in the works. Joel (sonicperspectives) is working on the artwork of the whole thing.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 27, 2023, 07:28:12 AM
https://youtu.be/ZMbQMg1UrtE?si=45v7_6H-68_d4YBL

"Cosmic Mess" from The Restoration - Joseph Part Two

(https://i9.ytimg.com/s_p/OLAK5uy_k6KPpsLpoOSVYzf9FgFYUUoCtv80TNljs/sddefault.jpg?sqp=CKjX7akGir7X7AMGCIut4akG&rs=AOn4CLDtSicqVE9TOK0qVQKs3Sz4KNo-Og&v=1698190987)

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on October 27, 2023, 09:02:25 AM
Official video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm7zhi5NqCs
Quote
The video version is a slightly edited version - but if you want to hear the full version, check out the album on waterfall - www.waterfallstreaming.com.
 
So. The Dreamer - Joseph: Part One' concluded with Joseph unjustly imprisoned. In 'The Restoration - Joseph: Part Two,' the biblical narrative unfolds, chronicling how Joseph's wisdom and intelligence led him to become the viceroy of Egypt and, to the eventual reunion with his family.
 
The second installment in the Joseph story shocked me! I wish you could hear the development Where it started to where it ended up! Pretty crazy, how it all developed largely with the help of other artists. I wont get into naming names because I would have to name all of them, but friends and brothers (literally!) really brought a lot to the table on this one and I am absolutely thrilled with the way 'The Restoration' turned out. I hope you guys love it as much as I loved making it!
 
So youll hear: Nick DVirgilio (Big Big Train, Spock's Beard), Ted Leonard (Spocks Beard, Pattern Seeking Animals), Matt Smith (Theocracy), Ross Jennings (Haken), Jake Livgren (Proto-Kaw, Kansas) and Alan Morse (Spock's Beard), plus members of NMB, Bill Hubauer and Eric Gillette, among others.
 
The Restoration - Joseph: Part Two Track List:
1. Cosmic Mess
2. My Dream
3. Dreamer in the Jailhouse
4. All Hail
5. The Argument
6. Make Like a Breeze
7. Overture Reprise
8. I Hate My Brothers
9. Guilty as Charged
10. Reckoning
11. Bring Ben
12. Freedom Road
13. The Brothers Repent / Joseph Revealed
14. The Restoration
15. Everlasting
16. Dawning of a New Day (God Uses Everything for Good)
 
Blessings,
Neal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on October 27, 2023, 09:23:23 AM
Ill check it out but Im just as uninterested as I was in the first one.

I guess its a safe bet that the next Morsefest (after the upcoming UK one) will feature both Joseph albums.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on October 27, 2023, 09:37:11 AM
Never checked out the first one, but I like this song pretty well. And it's got NDV and Ted Leonard on it (and Al Morse! Just get SB back together already!) so that might be enough to get me to check out part II.

Edit: just noticed that this version and the one in the "official video" are different. The video is an edit, and this one has an extended instrumental intro.

https://youtu.be/ZMbQMg1UrtE?si=45v7_6H-68_d4YBL

"Cosmic Mess" from The Restoration - Joseph Part Two

(https://i9.ytimg.com/s_p/OLAK5uy_k6KPpsLpoOSVYzf9FgFYUUoCtv80TNljs/sddefault.jpg?sqp=CKjX7akGir7X7AMGCIut4akG&rs=AOn4CLDtSicqVE9TOK0qVQKs3Sz4KNo-Og&v=1698190987)

-Marc.

Anyway, I like the Spock's flavor of this one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on October 27, 2023, 11:04:05 AM
So youll hear: Nick DVirgilio (Big Big Train, Spock's Beard), Ted Leonard (Spocks Beard, Pattern Seeking Animals), Matt Smith (Theocracy), Ross Jennings (Haken), Jake Livgren (Proto-Kaw, Kansas) and Alan Morse (Spock's Beard), plus members of NMB, Bill Hubauer and Eric Gillette, among others.

This is interesting and exciting! :tup

I really enjoyed the first part, though I haven't revisited it much since it was released.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on October 27, 2023, 11:22:48 AM
I really liked the first part therefore I'm eagerly awaiting the second part.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on October 27, 2023, 12:02:05 PM
It was an OK song.  However, I'm not interested whatsoever in this project.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on October 27, 2023, 12:35:37 PM
From Neal's FB:

Quote
Neals comments on Mike Portnoy returning to Dream Theater:
I just want to say personally that Im really, really happy for my friend. I know that he and his family are thrilled for him to be back in dream theater, and Im sure I speak for everybody in NMB, when I say we wish you all the very best!
Im sure when the time is right, we will write/record together again, but in the meantime, of course, we have a MorseFest London and CTTE with Flying Colors to look forward to.
Every blessing to all,
Neal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 27, 2023, 12:42:07 PM
It was an OK song.  However, I'm not interested whatsoever in this project.

I hear that.  I think most would think of me as a diehard Neal fan, yet I have still not checked out the first Joseph album that came out a few months back. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on October 27, 2023, 12:57:28 PM
I know I listened to in full once, and I could not tell you anything about it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on October 27, 2023, 06:34:08 PM
It was an OK song.  However, I'm not interested whatsoever in this project.

I hear that.  I think most would think of me as a diehard Neal fan, yet I have still not checked out the first Joseph album that came out a few months back.
Me too. I was saying Id pick it up just to support Neal, but I havent yet and have ZERO interest in part 2. I have however already ordered the new DMJ album, and am really looking forward to that one!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on October 27, 2023, 07:44:05 PM
I'm the opposite, I have zero interest in DMJ, but I enjoyed the Joseph album except for one song, the one with the classical choir.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on October 27, 2023, 07:53:32 PM
I started on the first Joseph album this afternoon.  Got a couple of songs into it, and realized lifes too short and theres other stuff Id rather spend my limited time on. Maybe another time when Im really bored Ill give it a shot, but I guess I dont feel like I need to try to like something just because its by an artist I admire.

I am excited for DMJ though.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on October 27, 2023, 08:51:11 PM
For those with more knowledge than me: I just finally was able to grab the special edition of ONE, and I'm trying to do the restored track listing. Wikipeidia doesn't list Back to the Garden in the restored track listing, and I don't recall it being played at Morsefest 2014. Do any of you know where it was supposed to be slotted in or if it even was supposed to be?

I'm planning on watching that performance again so we'll see if that helps me. I know where the other 2 outtakes go.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on October 28, 2023, 03:38:30 AM
I have scribbled a track order on the inside of the CD that has Back to the Garden after The Man's Gone (and before Nothing to Believe). I think Randy George said this was the original order back on the old Neal Morse forum. But I haven't found any other confirmation for this when I researched the original form of the album for my restoration project a couple of years ago. I was also hoping the Morsefest performance of the expanded album would clear this up, but they skipped the song entirely.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on October 28, 2023, 04:46:29 AM
I have scribbled a track order on the inside of the CD that has Back to the Garden after The Man's Gone (and before Nothing to Believe). I think Randy George said this was the original order back on the old Neal Morse forum. But I haven't found any other confirmation for this when I researched the original form of the album for my restoration project a couple of years ago. I was also hoping the Morsefest performance of the expanded album would clear this up, but they skipped the song entirely.

Thanks! I'm going to assume you are correct until someone proves me wrong!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 28, 2023, 06:25:47 AM
I have scribbled a track order on the inside of the CD that has Back to the Garden after The Man's Gone (and before Nothing to Believe). I think Randy George said this was the original order back on the old Neal Morse forum. But I haven't found any other confirmation for this when I researched the original form of the album for my restoration project a couple of years ago. I was also hoping the Morsefest performance of the expanded album would clear this up, but they skipped the song entirely.

Thanks! I'm going to assume you are correct until someone proves me wrong!

I've always had it as track two, after the opener and before "The Man's Gone", per the Wiki article a LONG long time ago, with a reference to Randy posting it.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kyo on October 28, 2023, 06:47:49 AM
Yeah, but that doesn't check out. The Man's Gone was part of an uninterrupted sequence that segued from The Creation to The Man's Gone (and then to the acoustic jam and the final The Man's Gone chorus that they moved to the end of The Separated Man) in the original demo that Neal released.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on October 28, 2023, 07:13:14 AM
Yeah, but that doesn't check out. The Man's Gone was part of an uninterrupted sequence that segued from The Creation to The Man's Gone (and then to the acoustic jam and the final The Man's Gone chorus that they moved to the end of The Separated Man) in the original demo that Neal released.

A Google search for "Neal Morse One Restored" came up with a few sites who had "Back To The Garden" after "The Creation", presumably all copied from the same Wiki article before it was edited to remove the song from that track listing.

Edit - looking back in this thread, here's a post of mine from over a decade ago, with the restored tracklist copied from wiki.

Yeah, I was trying to figure out exactly where they'd go.  Do you have the track listing that shows where to insert them?  (and now that you mention it, which three are they?  I know King Jesus was originally part of the main story, and I assume Back To The Garden is another, but which of the other songs goes in there as well?)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_(Neal_Morse_album)#Restored_Tracklist

Quote
1.   "The Creation"     18:22
2.   "Back to the Garden"     4:26
3.   "The Man's Gone"     2:50
4.   "Nothing to Believe"     3:29
5.   "Author of Confusion"     9:30
6.   "The Separated Man"     17:58
7.   "Cradle to the Grave"     4:55
8.   "Help Me / The Spirit and the Flesh"     11:13
9.   "King Jesus"     4:48
10.   "Father of Forgiveness"     5:46
11.   "Reunion"     9:11

-Marc.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on October 28, 2023, 08:36:41 AM
It was an OK song.  However, I'm not interested whatsoever in this project.

I hear that.  I think most would think of me as a diehard Neal fan, yet I have still not checked out the first Joseph album that came out a few months back.
Me too. I was saying Id pick it up just to support Neal, but I havent yet and have ZERO interest in part 2. I have however already ordered the new DMJ album, and am really looking forward to that one!

Me too. That new song that came out a few weeks back is quite nice!  Granted, it's coming out at the wrong time of the year (their sound is very much spring/summer music for me), but it should still be a good record.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on November 05, 2023, 05:55:12 PM
 Now that MP is returning to Dream Theater,  I hope that doesn't have a negative impact on the NMB. I'm hoping for another album from them at some point.   
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on November 05, 2023, 09:06:42 PM
I honestly see Mike stepping away from all non-DT projects now that hes back. I do think hes been burnt out with everything and its probably a relief to only have one main gig to attend to. Plus Neal even seems to be stepping away from it and slowing down overall. Im sure sporadic live appearances may happen, but at this point, I dont see any new projects or non-DT albums in the pipeline.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on November 05, 2023, 09:25:25 PM
I honestly see Mike stepping away from all non-DT projects now that hes back. I do think hes been burnt out with everything and its probably a relief to only have one main gig to attend to. Plus Neal even seems to be stepping away from it and slowing down overall. Im sure sporadic live appearances may happen, but at this point, I dont see any new projects or non-DT albums in the pipeline.

Slight agree - I do think Neal and the others will itch to do one more NMB album before all is said and done, so if it happens, it'll be after DT's first major album/tour cycle with MP.

Beyond that, I won't hold my breath for a 6th NMB album or a 4th Flying Colors album at this point. Too many of those members have other obligations or bands now so they may not be able to reconvene for any period of time, especially not for a tour if not an album.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on November 06, 2023, 08:35:46 AM
I honestly see Mike stepping away from all non-DT projects now that hes back. I do think hes been burnt out with everything and its probably a relief to only have one main gig to attend to. Plus Neal even seems to be stepping away from it and slowing down overall. Im sure sporadic live appearances may happen, but at this point, I dont see any new projects or non-DT albums in the pipeline.

Slight agree - I do think Neal and the others will itch to do one more NMB album before all is said and done, so if it happens, it'll be after DT's first major album/tour cycle with MP.

Beyond that, I won't hold my breath for a 6th NMB album or a 4th Flying Colors album at this point. Too many of those members have other obligations or bands now so they may not be able to reconvene for any period of time, especially not for a tour if not an album.

-Marc.

I wasn't holding my breath even before the announcement; I've written this before:  I have nothing to base this on and I'm not acting as if it's true or anything, but I had a real vibe from Morsefest that this might be it for a while.  Not forever, but that Neal was interested in other things but the NMB at this point.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 06, 2023, 12:19:23 PM
A buddy and I talked about this over the weekend, and we were in agreement that if NMB does end up never making another album, they went out on a helluva note with Beyond the Years being their last song.  :hat :hat
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on November 06, 2023, 12:23:25 PM
The song with the abrupt cut off ending?  Yeah that is a helluva note to go out on  :lol

I gave that song a listen a couple weeks ago for the first time in a while. I like it more than I did before, but I still its pretty weak as far as Neal epics go.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 06, 2023, 12:25:42 PM
The abrupt cutoff does not bother me, because they could have done a slow fadeout with it instead; it's not like it leaves you hanging as if there was more great stuff to come.  I am still not overly wild about the instrumental section around the 21-minute mark or so (the one that begins with the bass solo), but the rest of the song is beyond (the years) amazing.  I think it's a top 5 Neal 20-minute plus epic (that remark is sure to make Eric's wife mad :lol).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on November 06, 2023, 02:20:32 PM
A buddy and I talked about this over the weekend, and we were in agreement that if NMB does end up never making another album, they went out on a helluva note with Beyond the Years being their last song.  :hat :hat

That whole album, frankly.  I think it's their best.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Willthescout7 on November 07, 2023, 03:36:08 AM
If this is it for NMB, I can live with that since they gave us Similitude of a Dream and The Great Adventure. Both of those albums are simply incredible and a heck of a duo that any band would be envious of.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 07, 2023, 05:58:48 AM
A buddy and I talked about this over the weekend, and we were in agreement that if NMB does end up never making another album, they went out on a helluva note with Beyond the Years being their last song.  :hat :hat

That whole album, frankly.  I think it's their best.

Yes sir, I am well aware of your stance on I&D. :biggrin: :coolio

Great album for sure, but I cannot take it over The Similitude of a Dream or The Grand Experiment, the former of which is one of the two or three most perfect concept albums ever, and the latter of which has three of the best songs Neal (or any band he has ever been part of, in case Eric's wife is reading this :P) has ever done (IMO).  :) :)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on November 07, 2023, 06:57:19 AM
A buddy and I talked about this over the weekend, and we were in agreement that if NMB does end up never making another album, they went out on a helluva note with Beyond the Years being their last song.  :hat :hat

That whole album, frankly.  I think it's their best.

Yes sir, I am well aware of your stance on I&D. :biggrin: :coolio

Great album for sure, but I cannot take it over The Similitude of a Dream or The Grand Experiment, the former of which is one of the two or three most perfect concept albums ever, and the latter of which has three of the best songs Neal (or any band he has ever been part of, in case Eric's wife is reading this :P) has ever done (IMO).  :) :)

Which songs on TGE?  Waterfall, Alive Again, for me, but what would be the third?  The Call?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 07, 2023, 07:10:25 AM
A buddy and I talked about this over the weekend, and we were in agreement that if NMB does end up never making another album, they went out on a helluva note with Beyond the Years being their last song.  :hat :hat

That whole album, frankly.  I think it's their best.

Yes sir, I am well aware of your stance on I&D. :biggrin: :coolio

Great album for sure, but I cannot take it over The Similitude of a Dream or The Grand Experiment, the former of which is one of the two or three most perfect concept albums ever, and the latter of which has three of the best songs Neal (or any band he has ever been part of, in case Eric's wife is reading this :P) has ever done (IMO).  :) :)

Which songs on TGE?  Waterfall, Alive Again, for me, but what would be the third?  The Call?

Yes, indeed!  :tup :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on November 07, 2023, 11:38:06 AM
The Call is, for me, the quintessential NMB track. Absolutely mind-blowing album opener and concert closer.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 07, 2023, 12:33:27 PM
The Call is, for me, the quintessential NMB track. Absolutely mind-blowing album opener and concert closer.
It was fantastic to see live.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 07, 2023, 12:38:03 PM
Agreed.  The last two minutes of The Call is beyond ridiculous.  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kram on November 08, 2023, 10:25:11 AM
All 4 releases are 5 Star++  But with a gun to my head, I'd go this way -

Similitude
I&D
The Grand Experiment
The Great Adventure

But again, they're all A++
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on November 08, 2023, 10:49:50 AM
I would give 3 of those 4 a five star rating.  I&D, not so much.  I'd probably rank it ahead of Lifeline in the overall discography, just because at least I can't recall anything on it that I actively dislike.  But what a highly forgettable, disappointing album, and I almost feel like it being a double disc set should earn it a penalty just for having such a high volume of forgettable, disappointing music. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mosh on November 08, 2023, 02:26:22 PM
The Call might be my favorite solo Neal Morse track. Absolutely blew me away at the time and felt like a caliber of songwriting that I didn't think he was still capable of.

It has been fun reading folks' thoughts on NMB. I lost touch with a lot of this stuff post The Grand Experiment and haven't heard any of the other albums - I'm going to have to start doing some catch-up.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Trav86 on November 08, 2023, 02:40:22 PM
What I love so much about I&D is that it feels like they crafted their own sound as a band. Like it sounds a little more unique than just a Neal solo album.  Even more sharing of the lead vocals. And I think Eric and Bills writing and talents stand out more.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 08, 2023, 08:36:29 PM
I swear, the "run, run, run, run, run, run away" section of I'm Not Afraid Part 2 is like younger cousin of the "run, baby, run" section from Neal's Seeds of Gold epic.  Both sound like they were made to be listened to on the highway with the pedal to the metal.  :metal :metal
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on November 09, 2023, 06:50:37 AM
I swear, the "run, run, run, run, run, run away" section of I'm Not Afraid Part 2 is like younger cousin of the "run, baby, run" section from Neal's Seeds of Gold epic.  Both sound like they were made to be listened to on the highway with the pedal to the metal.  :metal :metal

Tastes, amirite?  I think the two epics on I&D are some of the best Neal has ever done.  I LOVE that part (though I love Seeds of Gold too, and I can't honestly say I saw the resemblance, but I'll go back and check it out). 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gmillerdrake on November 09, 2023, 08:08:02 AM
I swear, the "run, run, run, run, run, run away" section of I'm Not Afraid Part 2 is like younger cousin of the "run, baby, run" section from Neal's Seeds of Gold epic.  B

With the sheer amount of music Neal has created there are quite a few moments across his discography that share the same 'vibe' and sound....sometimes same arrangements and patterns. But it's pretty cool and expected honestly....just so much content created by the guy
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 09, 2023, 12:14:25 PM
To be clear, it's not that I think the section from I'm Not Afraid Part 2 is a copycat of the part from Seeds of Gold; it just has a similar vibe for me. Maybe it's the RUN parts. :P
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on November 10, 2023, 01:53:24 AM
The section in Seeds of gold is much more somber to my ears. The one in Not afraid part II is quite uplifting.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on November 13, 2023, 02:24:46 AM
I swear, the "run, run, run, run, run, run away" section of I'm Not Afraid Part 2 is like younger cousin of the "run, baby, run" section from Neal's Seeds of Gold epic.  B

With the sheer amount of music Neal has created there are quite a few moments across his discography that share the same 'vibe' and sound....sometimes same arrangements and patterns. But it's pretty cool and expected honestly....just so much content created by the guy

He even made fun of it himself when playing So Many Roads at MorseFest.

Quote
I wish there was... wait, that's not right... I came to a place in my life...

Still on the fence about MorseFest UK. The announcement of Ross Jennings supporting has given it an extra push for me and with the conversation here around what the future holds for NMB live it really is a tough one. The conversation around the pricing has turned incredibly sour on various NM aligned online communities and I've had to leave the Facebook group. The lack of empathy and belief that those talking about the price are just moaning is astounding. It's all very frustrating.

My brother has this policy of asking "why" whenever I get involved in arguments like this, and I think this is one of the few times where I'd have a great answer for him: sales are poor and I don't want Neal and co to think that there isn't demand for the event over here. I want them to understand how different our economies are and that they've pitched this at a very high price at a time when our economy is at an historical low. If MorseFest in the US costs $600 where the average salary is $71k, then that's like charging $1100 here as the average salary is $40k.

Not only is the average salary lower but we also have considerably higher costs for fuel ($7.40 per gallon), gas (as in heating and cooking) and food when compared with the US. We have lower salaries, higher costs and as a result considerably less disposable income.

This needs to be made clear to the guys at Radiant so that they don't think the poor sales are lack of demand, just a misunderstanding of the market at this time in history.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on November 13, 2023, 06:08:36 AM
If sales are poor would they sell some discounted tickets to fill the place up?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Curious Orange on November 13, 2023, 06:15:37 AM
Plus don't forget hotel costs - we have some of the most expensive hotel rooms in the world.

275 for 2 nights is way to much, that's 137.50 per show. I think this is likely to be attended by overseas visitors taking advantage of the good exchange rates, can't see many Brits forking out that.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 13, 2023, 06:18:54 AM
I don't see them discounting prices, as that would kind of be a thumb in the eye to those who bought tickets for the original price right away.

Pebsie, I hear ya and am with ya on the way fans with any dissenting opinions are treated (especially on the Neal FB forum page).  It's sad to see that the powers-that-be in Neal's social media world act like that, as a good guy like Neal deserves better representation than that, but it is what it is.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on November 14, 2023, 11:16:55 AM
I don't see them discounting prices, as that would kind of be a thumb in the eye to those who bought tickets for the original price right away.

Didn't stop Dream Theater discounting our 120 seats in advance to 50 on the door :tdwn

Pebsie, I hear ya and am with ya on the way fans with any dissenting opinions are treated (especially on the Neal FB forum page).  It's sad to see that the powers-that-be in Neal's social media world act like that, as a good guy like Neal deserves better representation than that, but it is what it is.

I'm surprised most by Geoff Bailie's comments on it as I believe he's one of Neal's closest friends and from what I've seen an all round great guy. I believe he was initially the one deleting any comments about the price from the Neal Morse page on Facebook. I guess it's frustrating to put so much work into an event and then having to do with a lot of negative views on how it's been setup but this is the audience. I get it. But I agree that I'd expect a more outwardly empathetic position taken.

I don't think Neal or Radiant are greedy, and I think they've priced this at a cost they think is appropriate. But it's still too high.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 14, 2023, 05:53:43 PM
I'm surprised most by Geoff Bailie's comments on it as I believe he's one of Neal's closest friends and from what I've seen an all round great guy. I believe he was initially the one deleting any comments about the price from the Neal Morse page on Facebook. I guess it's frustrating to put so much work into an event and then having to do with a lot of negative views on how it's been setup but this is the audience. I get it. But I agree that I'd expect a more outwardly empathetic position taken.

I don't think Neal or Radiant are greedy, and I think they've priced this at a cost they think is appropriate. But it's still too high.

Some close to Neal (on that FB page) have said that Morsefest is all about Neal's faith and spreading the word (funny, I thought it was mostly about the music).  But wait, if that is true, then why are they charging so much money?  Don't get me wrong, I am happy to see Neal make fat stacks as he deserves it for the loads of great music he has given us over the years, but just don't spin us this religious "it's all about spreading the word and Neal's faith" nonsense, but that is a whole rabbit hole probably better saved for a different part of the forum. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on November 14, 2023, 06:00:47 PM
I'm curious what Neal's overhead is on this European trip? Is the price so high because the production costs a lot?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 15, 2023, 03:56:50 AM
I estimate that there are about 20 or more musicians involved, considering the costs of their flights, meals, hotel accommodations, individual fees, production expenses, and fees for the lead musicians. Given these factors, the pricing seems fair and aligns with what it was in the US.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 15, 2023, 06:26:54 AM
I will preface this by saying again that I have no problem with artists trying to make as much money as they can, but I think it's clear that once it became clear during the pandemic that fans would pay higher prices, Neal kept the jacked-up prices in place.  I still have my receipt from 2018 Morsefest, when it was $140 for both nights ($70 per night), and this was for regular seats with no VIP or anything. What a steal. Also, I remember that it was $125 for both nights in 2017 IIRC ($62.50 per night).  And he had just as many extra musicians and bells and whistles back then.  Again, if Neal can make more money off this, more power to him, but the above just seems to be the reality of the situation, and it does suck that some fans are priced out of going (and it really sucks that those who are upset about being priced out are shamed by those at certain places).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on November 15, 2023, 08:14:15 AM
You continue to hear from tons of artists about the cost of touring post pandemic. Typically these artists are way more well known than Neal Morse. I've noticed that the cost of every concert I've gone to over the last couple of years is significantly higher than it was pre-pandemic. Hell, even Iron Maiden was about $30 per ticket for the upcoming tour than the 2022 tour.

People need to get over it and stop whining. Everything is more expensive than it used to be.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 15, 2023, 01:11:13 PM
You continue to hear from tons of artists about the cost of touring post pandemic. Typically these artists are way more well known than Neal Morse. I've noticed that the cost of every concert I've gone to over the last couple of years is significantly higher than it was pre-pandemic. Hell, even Iron Maiden was about $30 per ticket for the upcoming tour than the 2022 tour.

People need to get over it and stop whining. Everything is more expensive than it used to be.

The bolded is exactly what some of us are talking about.  I am sure everyone gets everything else you said, but this "get over it, stop crying" attitude towards those who are understandably frustrated about being priced out of shows they'd love to attend is very unkind.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on November 15, 2023, 05:25:56 PM
It's not unkind, it's reality. I don't get to do everything I want because I can't afford to. Sometimes I have to make hard choices and/or sacrifice something if a thing is important enough for me to spend my hard earned cash.

Plus this is Neal Morse, not Metallica or some other A list band. I can't even imagine the logistics and cost for a band of Neals status to pull off a European tour.

Most everything in life is a choice.  If people really wanted to go they'd find a way. This entitled attitude of the world to expect everything is ridiculous.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 15, 2023, 08:42:22 PM
It's not unkind, it's reality. I don't get to do everything I want because I can't afford to. Sometimes I have to make hard choices and/or sacrifice something if a thing is important enough for me to spend my hard earned cash.

Plus this is Neal Morse, not Metallica or some other A list band. I can't even imagine the logistics and cost for a band of Neals status to pull off a European tour.

Most everything in life is a choice.  If people really wanted to go they'd find a way. This entitled attitude of the world to expect everything is ridiculous.

Wow, this reads just like something you'd see on that Neal Morse fan page on FB.  Your empathy for those who cannot afford to spend everything they have to see a concert they want to see seems to be nil, so I will tap out of this back and forth.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ytserush on November 16, 2023, 05:08:57 PM
It's not unkind, it's reality. I don't get to do everything I want because I can't afford to. Sometimes I have to make hard choices and/or sacrifice something if a thing is important enough for me to spend my hard earned cash.

Plus this is Neal Morse, not Metallica or some other A list band. I can't even imagine the logistics and cost for a band of Neals status to pull off a European tour.

Most everything in life is a choice.  If people really wanted to go they'd find a way. This entitled attitude of the world to expect everything is ridiculous.

Who does get to do everything?

The reality is making these hard choices is a recent development. The choices were much more easy to make in the not too distant past. So why is that? What changed?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: kaos2900 on November 16, 2023, 07:54:36 PM
Have you been to a grocery store in the last 12 months? EVERYTHING is more expensive.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 16, 2023, 08:19:27 PM
Have you been to a grocery store in the last 12 months? EVERYTHING is more expensive.

But you said that if you love something, you'll find a way to go (or buy it, to view this on a more macro level), so expensive prices on anything should never be a hindrance, right? 

That super awesome house you want to buy...it is wildly expensive and way out of your price range, but if you really love it, you'll find a way to buy it, right?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on November 17, 2023, 03:50:30 AM
It's not unkind, it's reality. I don't get to do everything I want because I can't afford to. Sometimes I have to make hard choices and/or sacrifice something if a thing is important enough for me to spend my hard earned cash.

You misunderstand the point of mentioning the pricing. It is not selling well. At all. And that could easily be misinterpeted as the demand not being there, which couldn't be further from the truth. The problem is that it is too expensive for people and there are a number of factors that contribute to that in a way that specifically reflects the British economy at this point in history. If we don't point that out and be specific about it then we may see Neal's actions over here limited.

If it was 20-25% less expensive, I don't think anyone would care.

If people really wanted to go they'd find a way.

You can't simultaenously say "you can't do everything you want" and then essentially say "I can't imagine a person to whom 200-500 is enough money that they can't just plan around it". I'm glad you can't imagine being in that position. But that's reality for the vast majority of the country.

Why don't homeless people just buy a house?? If they really wanted a house they'd find a way to get one.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on November 17, 2023, 05:39:34 AM
BTW, in spite of all I've said here I will be attending  ;D I can make it work. It's not my fight. I just don't want Neal and Co to get the wrong message.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on November 17, 2023, 05:53:27 AM
I just took a glance. I would say well over half of the tickets are still available for the London Morsefest. I suspect there are variety of factors as to why, but I suspect the high ticket prices has to be one of them.  The location probably doesn't help either.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 20, 2023, 01:58:46 PM
Some nice deals
(https://i.imgur.com/u2dMs8O.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/tElDRoL.png)
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on November 20, 2023, 02:03:59 PM
May I ask a favor; can you please post a direct link to the page where these are for sale?

Thanks
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on November 20, 2023, 02:11:04 PM
May I ask a favor; can you please post a direct link to the page where these are for sale?

Thanks

Dont think there is a page until Friday (Black Friday sale). This is just a promo for it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 20, 2023, 02:14:15 PM
May I ask a favor; can you please post a direct link to the page where these are for sale?

Thanks

Here's the link, the sale is ongoing, so move fast!

https://nealmorse.com/product-category/black-friday/
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on November 20, 2023, 02:21:30 PM
May I ask a favor; can you please post a direct link to the page where these are for sale?

Thanks

Here's the link, the sale is ongoing, so move fast!

https://nealmorse.com/product-category/black-friday/

Oh, huh. Not so much of a Black Friday sale I guess!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 20, 2023, 02:27:03 PM
May I ask a favor; can you please post a direct link to the page where these are for sale?

Thanks

Here's the link, the sale is ongoing, so move fast!

https://nealmorse.com/product-category/black-friday/

Oh, huh. Not so much of a Black Friday sale I guess!

It's running from today until next Sunday
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: emtee on November 20, 2023, 02:32:36 PM
May I ask a favor; can you please post a direct link to the page where these are for sale?

Thanks

Here's the link, the sale is ongoing, so move fast!

https://nealmorse.com/product-category/black-friday/


Thank you my friend. Gonna fill in some holes.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on November 20, 2023, 02:33:08 PM
Heh, McAfee won't let me open the link.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on November 20, 2023, 02:35:30 PM
May I ask a favor; can you please post a direct link to the page where these are for sale?

Thanks

Here's the link, the sale is ongoing, so move fast!

https://nealmorse.com/product-category/black-friday/


Thank you my friend. Gonna fill in some holes.

My pleasure.

HOF, deactivate McAffee
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on November 20, 2023, 02:46:32 PM
May I ask a favor; can you please post a direct link to the page where these are for sale?

Thanks

Here's the link, the sale is ongoing, so move fast!

https://nealmorse.com/product-category/black-friday/


Thank you my friend. Gonna fill in some holes.

My pleasure.

HOF, deactivate McAffee

It actually has the whole site flagged, but I was able to get through.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on November 20, 2023, 10:30:30 PM
Sadly as always no discounts on the download versions and the shipping for the physical products is just killing it for me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on November 21, 2023, 11:20:10 AM
I was looking forward to this, but was really only hoping for Morsefest 2020 to be on sale. Alas, it is not.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on November 23, 2023, 08:21:33 AM
-snip-
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on December 02, 2023, 06:40:51 PM
Neal is streaming a Christmas concert on his FB page right now.

https://9c0lv.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/SMK1E8tHeG13GxFuXJncGmxTzxun/0TNsONth47gb

Currently playing Dont Worry, Be Happy now, LOL.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: MinistroRaven on December 14, 2023, 10:15:00 AM
NEAL MORSE - The Restoration Joseph: Part Two

This one available for review
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 03, 2024, 10:03:38 AM
Neal is in his studio today to do some recording!

https://www.facebook.com/100044525675682/posts/pfbid0cwZHYy2UTYVV7FWkgZFfxqoeNTWAcaew1Az1BN5KUTYX4bDAjWEwCbq7HzA2hrZ5l/?mibextid=Nif5oz

(https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/416072413_18324520978116678_6830760618237713318_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3635dc&_nc_ohc=vla0Q0LpZjIAX84PAMq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfChISbipa8c0XB5ddrfYIQ01bc-vxYakAF0O5RLM3wz9Q&oe=659993FC)

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on January 03, 2024, 10:37:56 AM
Did a spot listen of Neals early work last night. One song from each of the first 6 Spocks albums, the epic from his first solo album (A Whole Nother Trip), plus All of the Above (it got late or I would have done one from Bridge Across Forever). Was sort of listening with an ear towards what does Neal bring to the prog genre that is unique? I really think he had his own unique voice that isnt just him regurgitating the classic prog acts. Yeah he occasionally will cite Yes or Genesis or Gentle Giant, but I think his piano/keyboard style is very different from prior prog keyboardists, as is his vocal style and the sort of singer/songwriter nature of even his more epic pieces. Then I think you pair him with Als really unique style of guitar playing/sound and you really had a whole new thing (even if it was very much inspired by those 70s bands).

I think as a solo artist he became more derivative of himself if anything, but thats kind of a whole separate conversation.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on January 07, 2024, 09:11:52 AM
Pretty big price drop for the remaining MF tickets. VIP is now 430, regular is 220 and there are single night tickets going for 110.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on January 13, 2024, 07:54:13 AM
Testimony last night was superb. The brass and strings really add to the show and everyone was on top form. Great sound too. If you're on the fence about getting the single night ticket for Testimony 2... do it!!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on January 14, 2024, 08:57:13 AM
New album out by Neal a couple days ago and zero people saying anything about it.  That speaks volumes lol.    In any case, the new album (Joseph pt 2) is good.  I'd say it's almost as good as part one.  Part one has a couple really good rockers on it, and this one has less of that and more story.  That's why I'm saying it's not quite as good.  That said, it still sounds "fresh" enough for what it is (a part 2 album).  I do enjoy all the special guests on this one, although I'd prefer a normal album (non story prog, just Neal singing).

I've accepted that Neal may never do albums I like as much as his "classic" albums (this is just my opinion, and I am considering classic to be Testimony through Testimony 2 and all albums between).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 14, 2024, 09:06:01 AM
I didn't know it came out. I have it added to Spotify now, but might have to wait until my roulette is over in a few weeks.

Any standout tracks?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on January 14, 2024, 09:23:01 AM
That's because it's religious music.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on January 14, 2024, 09:57:52 AM
I know that this is out already but somehow amazon is not shipping my cd til end of January. Will listen to it then. The first one was good, so I'm hoping I will enjoy part 2 too.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 14, 2024, 10:24:05 AM
That's because it's religious music.

Yep, just like Testimony 1 & 2, One, Sola Scriptura and Sola Gratia, Lifeline, The Similitude Of A Dream and The Great Adventure. And no one here talks about those albums either.

As for Joseph Pt. 2, I've had my signed copy for well over a week (Radiant shipped their copies super early), but I just haven't had time to listen to it yet.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 14, 2024, 11:15:32 AM
New album out by Neal a couple days ago and zero people saying anything about it.  That speaks volumes lol.    In any case, the new album (Joseph pt 2) is good.  I'd say it's almost as good as part one.  Part one has a couple really good rockers on it, and this one has less of that and more story.  That's why I'm saying it's not quite as good.  That said, it still sounds "fresh" enough for what it is (a part 2 album).  I do enjoy all the special guests on this one, although I'd prefer a normal album (non story prog, just Neal singing).

I got it on release but haven't been able to listen to it in full yet. I really liked what I heard so far tho (about half of the album). I too would prefer something like his earlier stuff in approach, but I think quality-wise they are at the same level, we just might be a bit saturated/tired from NM stuff.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on January 14, 2024, 11:30:52 AM
I didn't know it came out. I have it added to Spotify now, but might have to wait until my roulette is over in a few weeks.

Any standout tracks?

Standout tracks after just a few listens (for me, at least) would be Cosmic Mess and Freedom Road.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 14, 2024, 12:09:03 PM
I didn't know it came out. I have it added to Spotify now, but might have to wait until my roulette is over in a few weeks.

Any standout tracks?

Standout tracks after just a few listens (for me, at least) would be Cosmic Mess and Freedom Road.


Thank you! I am going to throw them in my roulette playlist for this week to sneak some listens in for those 2.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on January 14, 2024, 02:26:29 PM
For me, Neal's biggest strength has become his weakness. He's so prolific that I've just started to be overwhelmed with all the new music. After Sola Gratia was "meh" for me, on top of the latest TA and NMB albums being just pretty good (as opposed to amazing like their previous efforts), I haven't been keeping up. I'll wait for the next collab with MP.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 14, 2024, 03:24:03 PM
I just don't know if neal has as much of a gift for melody left. or i should say memorable melody. Like nothing from any of his new label era (the frontiers albums i mean) has stuck with me as being particularly memorable.

or maybe i've moved on

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ProfessorPeart on January 14, 2024, 03:35:48 PM
That's because it's religious music.

Yep, just like Testimony 1 & 2, One, Sola Scriptura and Sola Gratia, Lifeline, The Similitude Of A Dream and The Great Adventure. And no one here talks about those albums either.

As for Joseph Pt. 2, I've had my signed copy for well over a week (Radiant shipped their copies super early), but I just haven't had time to listen to it yet.

-Marc.

I think the issue is these last few seem to more of the 'in your face' variety of Neal's religious music. For me, when I see Randy and MP aren't involved in a Neal project I immediately assume it is more of the preachy/gospel variety than the other albums you named.

Full disclosure, I skipped that Exorcist thing and both these Joseph albums for the same reason. It seems this is the road Neal is going down now. MP even lightly hinted in his post about the UK Morsefest that this seems it might be the last he works with Neal for some time (my take).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on January 14, 2024, 05:46:09 PM
That's because it's religious music.

Yep, just like Testimony 1 & 2, One, Sola Scriptura and Sola Gratia, Lifeline, The Similitude Of A Dream and The Great Adventure. And no one here talks about those albums either.

As for Joseph Pt. 2, I've had my signed copy for well over a week (Radiant shipped their copies super early), but I just haven't had time to listen to it yet.

-Marc.

I think the issue is these last few seem to more of the 'in your face' variety of Neal's religious music. For me, when I see Randy and MP aren't involved in a Neal project I immediately assume it is more of the preachy/gospel variety than the other albums you named.

Full disclosure, I skipped that Exorcist thing and both these Joseph albums for the same reason. It seems this is the road Neal is going down now. MP even lightly hinted in his post about the UK Morsefest that this seems it might be the last he works with Neal for some time (my take).

I'm pretty sure Mike also mentioned, in Dream Theater related interviews, that all his "other bands" are taking a back seat the next couple years as his main (maybe only) focus will be Dream Theater.  So I doubt it really has anything to do with Neal Morse or what Neal is writing. 

Maybe Neal Morse Band will be more of a "once in a great while" thing like Transatlantic has been. Kind of a bummer because I've really liked their output more than Neal Morse solo over the past ten years.  But oh well, definately not complaining, just mentioning my preferences.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pebsie on January 15, 2024, 03:07:55 AM
When has Neal's music not been "in your face" about his faith?

* Testimony - Pretty obvious
* One - About as preachy as you can get
* Question Mark - Literally about the tabernacle in the wilderness
* Sola Scriptura - By scripture alone ???
* Lifeline - The JESUS IS MY LIFELINE album???
* Testimony 2 - Also very clear
* Momentum - I guess this one is a bit more subtle, but it's also one of the weaker solo albums (imo)

So that whole period of music from leaving Spock's to forming NMB is explicitly Christian. Everything except Momentum is entirely rooted in his beliefs. As for NMB...

* The Grand Experiment - I guess this is more subtle, but it still doesn't hold back. "Lke the air surrounds the earth / I'm engulfed in who you are" "The king of angel armies has come to bring the dead life and quench the darkness with the light"
* Similitude / Great Adventure - Based on Pilgrim's Progress and so while never explicity lyrically are inseperable from Christianity. That's what the story is about.
* Innocence & Danger - Also a more subtle one. Actually I can't summon a single line from this that is explicitly christian which feels weird.

Even in Transatlantic we've got "Bridge Across Forever", "Stranger In Your Soul" and then multiple references in TAU and TW and in the tracks on Kaleidoscope.

Anyway my point is that while I can understand people being put off by the recent focus on Biblical stories in his solo works it isn't anything new. He's spent the last 23 years making music like this with God being the not-so-subtle focus in all of his works. He's built a career off of making music like this and established a non-secular audience.

Maybe it doesn't bother me because I am a believer, but if I wasn't I think I'd want him to keep pursuing what he's passionate about and get to witness how sincerely emotional he is during shows. I don't think any lack of conversation around the new albums can be put down to their focus on the bible. And tbh I think the less God-centred albums are worse off for it.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: SomeoneLikeHim on January 15, 2024, 03:51:14 AM
Maybe it doesn't bother me because I am a believer, but if I wasn't I think I'd want him to keep pursuing what he's passionate about and get to witness how sincerely emotional he is during shows. I don't think any lack of conversation around the new albums can be put down to their focus on the bible. And tbh I think the less God-centred albums are worse off for it.

This is actually pretty much exactly how I feel as a non-believer. It actually surprised me at first how I didn't really have an issue with the overt christianity of Neals music. The redeeming factor of it for me is how genuine and passionate Neal comes across when he's writing and singing about these topics.

I will say that the recent output (Sola Gratia onwards) has not been his best and I haven't revisited any of them too often. But I don't think religion is to blame (for this  ;)).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: DTA on January 15, 2024, 05:03:26 AM
I can only listen to the same album so many times. The production, instrumentation, calling every opening track Overture, etc.- it all feels like Ive heard it all before already. With the limited amount of time I listen to music, Id rather spend it on new stuff that excites me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: goo-goo on January 15, 2024, 07:24:54 AM
I can only listen to the same album so many times. The production, instrumentation, calling every opening track Overture, etc.- it all feels like Ive heard it all before already. With the limited amount of time I listen to music, Id rather spend it on new stuff that excites me.

This is why I jumped off the NM train a few years ago (I only check out Transatlantic from anything Neal related).

On another note, I don't think Neal will stop writing/touring without MP. There's a few ways that can be addressed:
-MP present/playing parts in the writing sessions/recording portion and a touring drummer
-No MP with Eric taking over drums during writing sessions and a touring drummer.
-Writing/touring as Neal Morse only with other musicians involved (including or not including Eric, Randy, and Bill).





Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 15, 2024, 07:32:18 AM
The "religious" critique of Neal's work always sort of amused me, and, to me, spoke more of the listener than of Neal.

So many of us listen to music all the time about killing, and fucking, and doing drugs and the devil, or, as in the case of Jon Anderson and Ronnie Dio, just plain gibberish... and it's no big deal. 

I'm not a believer in the sense that Neal is, but I can listen to his work and take something from it just as I can from Iron Maiden or Kiss or whoever. "Supernatural"?   I'm pretty sure that's self-evident as to what it's about, but for me, it's just about love.   Don't we do that all the time with art?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 15, 2024, 08:41:41 AM
When has Neal's music not been "in your face" about his faith?

* Testimony - Pretty obvious
* One - About as preachy as you can get
* Question Mark - Literally about the tabernacle in the wilderness
* Sola Scriptura - By scripture alone ???
* Lifeline - The JESUS IS MY LIFELINE album???
* Testimony 2 - Also very clear
* Momentum - I guess this one is a bit more subtle, but it's also one of the weaker solo albums (imo)

So that whole period of music from leaving Spock's to forming NMB is explicitly Christian. Everything except Momentum is entirely rooted in his beliefs. As for NMB...

* The Grand Experiment - I guess this is more subtle, but it still doesn't hold back. "Lke the air surrounds the earth / I'm engulfed in who you are" "The king of angel armies has come to bring the dead life and quench the darkness with the light"
* Similitude / Great Adventure - Based on Pilgrim's Progress and so while never explicity lyrically are inseperable from Christianity. That's what the story is about.
* Innocence & Danger - Also a more subtle one. Actually I can't summon a single line from this that is explicitly christian which feels weird.

Even in Transatlantic we've got "Bridge Across Forever", "Stranger In Your Soul" and then multiple references in TAU and TW and in the tracks on Kaleidoscope.

Anyway my point is that while I can understand people being put off by the recent focus on Biblical stories in his solo works it isn't anything new. He's spent the last 23 years making music like this with God being the not-so-subtle focus in all of his works. He's built a career off of making music like this and established a non-secular audience.

Maybe it doesn't bother me because I am a believer, but if I wasn't I think I'd want him to keep pursuing what he's passionate about and get to witness how sincerely emotional he is during shows. I don't think any lack of conversation around the new albums can be put down to their focus on the bible. And tbh I think the less God-centred albums are worse off for it.

That's a great post :tup
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bluefox4000 on January 15, 2024, 09:27:19 AM
To me as an atheist the god aspect has never and still doesn't bother me.  it's he's just not.....at least in his last 3 albums.....musically interesting anymore.  the hooks are weaker.  Neal's Voice is very much showing it's wear and tear (not his fault it happens) and i'm beginning to really believe Neal is just not good as a solo guy.  Like IMO this man needs a band and collaborators with him.

Just my opinion.

Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on January 15, 2024, 09:36:06 AM
I'm on the "Christian so the religious lyrics themselves don't bother me,* but the music isn't very interesting anymore" end of the spectrum. I loved Neal's early work in SB and Transatlantic. Flying Colors is good for the most part. I enjoy his more singer/songwriter oriented stuff, and I love what he's doing in DMJ. His solo prog and NMB stuff still has flashes of brilliance here and there, but I think he's made so much music in that vein now that he's sort of diluted his own brand to the point where it's all a bit interchangeable and just not very interesting. I think Roine Stolt has sort of hit a similar wall with The Flower Kings. Keeps releasing album after album that doesn't really connect in a deep way but hits most of the notes you'd expect from TFK. But Neal's music became stale for me fairly early on in his solo prog career.

*singing about Jesus or Christian themes/messages doesn't bother me, but I do think a lot of Neal's Christian lyrics lack a bit of artfulness that can make them a bit too cheesy for my personal tastes. I don't think it's particularly easy to marry the sacred with a largely secular art form without it coming off a bit hokey. Some have done well it for sure, and prog in general should afford some opportunities to do it well, but it's hard and I bristle a bit sometimes when those two don't seem to line up very well.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 15, 2024, 10:46:16 AM
Testimony through SS are Neal's height. I also loved Lifeline mostly, but I wouldn't include it. The 4 aforementioned albums are kinda like DT's run from SFAM-8VM (I don't like SFAM but I acknowledge its importance and popularity).

Both eras show each band in their best zone as more modern writers (compared to Spock's Beard and Kevin Moore days, respectively), writing memorable song after song while exploring slightly different versions of themselves. The albums the come after seem to not have as much backing, while still having a good amount of fans.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 16, 2024, 02:34:55 PM
For me, the music Neal after Testimony (which was essentially his story) were religious albums about specific stories or themes about which he cared deeply, and it showed in the quality of the compositions.

What his last couple of solo albums sound like TO ME is that he felt like he needed to still be doing Christian projects, and went looking for stories/themes he could work with, but maybe wasn't quite so passionate about.  I don't know, that's how the last several sound to me, including the new one.  The playing and singing is as good as ever, but the writing just seems forced or just a couple of notches below.

I could, of course, be completely wrong, and I doubt it's the kind of thing that could even be verified, because why would he confirm such a theory?  Just telling you how it feels to me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 16, 2024, 02:40:06 PM
I didn't know it came out. I have it added to Spotify now, but might have to wait until my roulette is over in a few weeks.

Any standout tracks?

Standout tracks after just a few listens (for me, at least) would be Cosmic Mess and Freedom Road.


Thank you! I am going to throw them in my roulette playlist for this week to sneak some listens in for those 2.

Cosmic Mess is really cool. The other one might grow, but for now that's where I am at.

Songs with Cosmic in the title = formula for success.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on January 16, 2024, 04:56:46 PM
I've listened to the album a bit more in the past few days.  It's been growing on me.  I think I like it better than part one now.  What really turned the tide was the last couple of songs.  "Everlasting" is a really nice upbeat song that kinda reminds me (in its vibe, at least) of "Reunion" from the One album.  And then the album closer, Dawn of a New Day/God Uses Everything for Good is just so good.  I listened to that one over and over today.  It gives me "the feels".

I still don't rank this up with his "classic" era, but I definitely like the Joseph album(s) more than his last couple of solo albums.  Sola Gratia never really clicked with me.  And The Exorcist is nice but not something I would listen to often. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Herrick on January 16, 2024, 07:11:29 PM
The "religious" critique of Neal's work always sort of amused me, and, to me, spoke more of the listener than of Neal.

So many of us listen to music all the time about killing, and fucking, and doing drugs and the devil, or, as in the case of Jon Anderson and Ronnie Dio, just plain gibberish... and it's no big deal. 

I'm not a believer in the sense that Neal is, but I can listen to his work and take something from it just as I can from Iron Maiden or Kiss or whoever. "Supernatural"?   I'm pretty sure that's self-evident as to what it's about, but for me, it's just about love.   Don't we do that all the time with art?

If any musician wrote album after album about how they genuinely enjoy killing people, then I'd be turned off by that. Wouldn't you? However, I'm down with fucking and doing drugs. Devil worship is just funny to me so I wouldn't have a problem with lyrics about that.

I used to avoid Neal Morse stuff because of the lyrics but I enjoy Transatlatic's The Whirlwind a lot and I didn't really notice anything too overt. Then again, I don't pay attention to the lyrics. I should really check out Morse's other stuff. One of these days.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 17, 2024, 06:40:54 PM
The "religious" critique of Neal's work always sort of amused me, and, to me, spoke more of the listener than of Neal.

So many of us listen to music all the time about killing, and fucking, and doing drugs and the devil, or, as in the case of Jon Anderson and Ronnie Dio, just plain gibberish... and it's no big deal. 

I'm not a believer in the sense that Neal is, but I can listen to his work and take something from it just as I can from Iron Maiden or Kiss or whoever. "Supernatural"?   I'm pretty sure that's self-evident as to what it's about, but for me, it's just about love.   Don't we do that all the time with art?

If any musician wrote album after album about how they genuinely enjoy killing people, then I'd be turned off by that. Wouldn't you? However, I'm down with fucking and doing drugs. Devil worship is just funny to me so I wouldn't have a problem with lyrics about that.

I used to avoid Neal Morse stuff because of the lyrics but I enjoy Transatlatic's The Whirlwind a lot and I didn't really notice anything too overt. Then again, I don't pay attention to the lyrics. I should really check out Morse's other stuff. One of these days.

? is the best album.


So I looked up Neal on Spotify, he has some older songs on there. https://open.spotify.com/album/3l1lE7rKIlNHREcm4RT75R?si=i2R0n4J8SFGZOmK9-dkiOg

Probably old news as it was released in 2019, but seeing some great songs like Author of Confusion, Lifeline, and The Land of Beginning Again is sweet for not having those full albums on there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 25, 2024, 06:12:01 AM
Neal just posted on Facebook:

Quote
Had a great jam session yesterday with Phil Keaggy, Byron House, and Chester Thompson! Was loads of fun and a lot of really great music and ideas were pouring out. Whats next? We will see

https://www.facebook.com/100044525675682/posts/pfbid03XRCY3J62pV45gr27VcyH3J4T9KCSbsxzVETpa3GUcySMxNHAGvgmj9gJG9gd4Bhl/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Hmmmmmmm...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on January 25, 2024, 06:25:54 AM
I'm only familiar with Phil, and I've heard of Chester but that seems like an interesting jam session. Had Neal ever worked with Phil?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 25, 2024, 06:33:21 AM
I'm only familiar with Phil, and I've heard of Chester but that seems like an interesting jam session. Had Neal ever worked with Phil?

Yep, on Neal's One album. Phil is credited for the electric guitar solo in "The Creation" at 8:25, acoustic guitar solo in "The Man's Gone (Reprise)", and 2nd lead vocals on Cradle to the Grave.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on January 25, 2024, 06:45:04 AM
Phil also played a solo on the Whirlwind medley from one of the Morsefests. 2015 maybe?
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on January 25, 2024, 07:27:23 AM
I wonder if this is going to be a jazz fusion type of thing. Neal has dabbled with that a little bit (he co-wrote a lot of Als solo album which had a lot of that type of stuff, and Spocks did a live cover of Billy Cobhams Stratus back in the day).
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 25, 2024, 07:50:46 AM
Chester Thompson and Phil Keaggy are world class musicians.  If that turned into a real project, that would rock my face.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Stadler on January 25, 2024, 08:50:03 AM
I'd listen to that just for Chester. He's a beast.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 25, 2024, 09:57:38 AM
I'd listen to that just for Chester. He's a beast.

He really is. His work on last year's Unitopia album is stellar!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on January 25, 2024, 11:01:39 AM
Chester Thompson and Phil Keaggy are world class musicians.  If that turned into a real project, that would rock my face.
Yep - most people outside of the Christian music scene arent familiar with Phil (I wasnt for a long time) but he is legitimately one of the best musicians on the planet. And one of the few artists I know of who puts out more music than Neal. Yes, really. Phil often has 2-3 albums release every year, and that has been happening for like 25 years. Though, to be fair, most of them are stuff he collaborates on rather than writes solo.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on January 25, 2024, 12:03:31 PM
I don't know him, other than vaguely recognizing the name.  I'm a Christian who, for the most part, actively avoids the "Christian music scene" because I find that most "Christian music" is not really very Christian, and is often either (1) just platitudes without much substance and/or (2) full of Biblical-sounding stuff that isn't really Biblical/Christian at all.  Combine that with the fact that I don't find most of the music to be very good, and it isn't a winning combination for me. 
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on January 25, 2024, 12:48:02 PM
I don't know him, other than vaguely recognizing the name.  I'm a Christian who, for the most part, actively avoids the "Christian music scene" because I find that most "Christian music" is not really very Christian, and is often either (1) just platitudes without much substance and/or (2) full of Biblical-sounding stuff that isn't really Biblical/Christian at all.  Combine that with the fact that I don't find most of the music to be very good, and it isn't a winning combination for me.

Generally, same. I do know of Phil Keaggy, but have never explored his music really.

I was surprised to learn today that Chester Thompson lives in Nashville and teaches drums at Belmont, which is a small Christian college in TN. Have known some people who went there even but had no idea he taught there.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cocopjojo on January 25, 2024, 05:42:57 PM
I don't know him, other than vaguely recognizing the name.  I'm a Christian who, for the most part, actively avoids the "Christian music scene" because I find that most "Christian music" is not really very Christian, and is often either (1) just platitudes without much substance and/or (2) full of Biblical-sounding stuff that isn't really Biblical/Christian at all.  Combine that with the fact that I don't find most of the music to be very good, and it isn't a winning combination for me.
Agreed on all points.

Phil Keaggy opened for Neal at one of the first Morsefests and I was super impressed with his sound and playing style. All I knew of him before then was his guest work on One.

You should check out Shades of Green and True Believers. If you like those then you may find the rest of his work interesting, as he has a lot of songs similar to both of those tracks. Shades of Green is basically what I saw live at Morsefest that impressed me so much. But if neither of those is interesting to you then you're not missing out on much by passing on him.

Shades of Green (start at 50sec): https://youtu.be/3wpn6LVxX0s?si=VBaUXWpNJN2mtqd1&t=50

True Believers: https://youtu.be/RGfGPcRZUjM?si=A08w6jjNdZzjSSVE
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 25, 2024, 06:55:05 PM
I'm only familiar with Phil, and I've heard of Chester but that seems like an interesting jam session. Had Neal ever worked with Phil?

My brother, go listen to Cradle to the Grave: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKyOMLTlUKQ
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on January 25, 2024, 07:53:44 PM
I'm only familiar with Phil, and I've heard of Chester but that seems like an interesting jam session. Had Neal ever worked with Phil?

My brother, go listen to Cradle to the Grave: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKyOMLTlUKQ

That was a fantastic tune! I need to give the rest of that album a spin.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on January 29, 2024, 01:18:14 PM
Neal brings up the jam session with Chester on his recent IC Newsletter:

Quote
Chester and I got to hang out backstage at the Steve Hackett concert at the Ryman in November and afterward I felt something from the Lord that I should get with him and maybe do some music together. So, we had lunch in December and then I went to his house and jammed with him for a little while and right away it just felt like there was something there. Then he came over to my studio near the end of December and we improvised again and recorded it and it was really special. Lots of magic there.

We felt like we should invite some other people to jam with us and so we had Phil Keaggy, who most of you know, and Byron House who is a bass player who's worked with Robert Plant and all kinds of amazing people and he lives locally here in White House, so I thought that would be cool. Byron also played on the Testimony album. We had a jam session last week and it was inspired! We improvised many different pieces and I'd sing whenever I felt to sing. It was pretty extraordinary.

We're not sure what we're going to do moving forward. I haven't felt to discuss it too much yet but we're looking to have a Zoom meeting and talk about possibilities. So, pray for us that we will know the Lord's will and we will carry it out to the best of our ability!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ronnibran on January 29, 2024, 01:44:58 PM
Neal brings up the jam session with Chester on his recent IC Newsletter:

Quote
Chester and I got to hang out backstage at the Steve Hackett concert at the Ryman in November and afterward I felt something from the Lord that I should get with him and maybe do some music together. So, we had lunch in December and then I went to his house and jammed with him for a little while and right away it just felt like there was something there. Then he came over to my studio near the end of December and we improvised again and recorded it and it was really special. Lots of magic there.

We felt like we should invite some other people to jam with us and so we had Phil Keaggy, who most of you know, and Byron House who is a bass player who's worked with Robert Plant and all kinds of amazing people and he lives locally here in White House, so I thought that would be cool. Byron also played on the Testimony album. We had a jam session last week and it was inspired! We improvised many different pieces and I'd sing whenever I felt to sing. It was pretty extraordinary.

We're not sure what we're going to do moving forward. I haven't felt to discuss it too much yet but we're looking to have a Zoom meeting and talk about possibilities. So, pray for us that we will know the Lord's will and we will carry it out to the best of our ability!

-Marc.

Awesome, glad I joined the Inner Circle again (said sarcastically).  I didn't get the newsletter.   Guess it's time to cancel again/already. This also happened last time I joined, and I went months without getting newsletters and I ended up quitting the inner circle.  I was hoping this time would be different. I'd say it would be therapeutic to write Radiant Records but I won't have that satisfaction because I know my email will never get read lol.  At least they only got one month's subscription fee from me this time.  Bastards.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on January 29, 2024, 01:50:53 PM
i am not a christian but have no problem with his christian lyrics. same way i have no problem with the number of the beast or WAP
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 30, 2024, 07:41:30 PM
The JLB avatar and the mere mention of WAP is hilarious to me.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ReaperKK on January 30, 2024, 08:58:12 PM
Wet Ass LaBrie
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: ErHaO on February 04, 2024, 04:44:46 PM
Just listened to Joseph pt 2 and had a good time. Did not hear pt 1, but I like this much more than Sola Gratia and the Jesus musical. Plenty of good vocal performances and some nice hooks. I actually enjoyed it much more than I anticipated.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metro on February 04, 2024, 05:01:25 PM
I mentioned a while back that I was selling some of my Neal Morse CDs/DVDs. I still have 3 for sale if anyone's interested. Shoot me a DM.

Testimony 1 Live 2DVD

Testimony 2 Live in Los Angeles 3CD/2DVD

Alive Again 2CD/1DVD
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 02, 2024, 08:42:12 AM
Neal has sent out his February IC Newsletter and a couple of things:
-He's working on another singer-songwriter album, of which a few songs were played at the London Morsefest. He's playing every instrument and recording without click tracks. He says it'll be out this summer, probably on his Waterfall streaming app first, then on CD/Vinyl later on.
-The project with Chester, Phil, and Byron is moving forward, with album sessions probably happening in July. He wants to try and make this a crowdfunded project so it can be self-released, with more information on that coming in May.
-Morsefest 2024 *IS* happening, and while he doesn't have much info to give, he says it'll feature both Joseph albums, so if those are your bag, look forward to it! He says some key performers are already locked in (I assume he means some of the lead vocalists), but more info will be coming with dates eyed for November this year. It makes sense for him to do the Joseph albums since Mike will likely be unavailable this year for Morsefest.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: HOF on March 02, 2024, 08:54:34 AM
A singer-songwriter album from Neal is more interesting to me than his prog stuff these days, so I'll keep an eye out for that.

The project with Chester and Phil could be interesting too!
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: gzarruk on March 02, 2024, 09:07:56 AM
Yeah, Joseph pt. 1 and 2 were a safe bet for this year's Morsefest as he hasn't done anything else to suit that concept lately.

I'm also really interested in his project with Phil and Chester. Sounds like a great lineup.

Hopefully, after the cruise, he feels the itch to write some stuff for Flying Colors again and he could do so remotely with Casey as IIRC they did for Third Degree.
Title: Re: Official Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Letter M on March 02, 2024, 09:12:00 AM
Yeah, Joseph pt. 1 and 2 were a safe bet for this year's Morsefest as he hasn't done anything else to suit that concept lately.

I'm also really interested in his project with Phil and Chester. Sounds like a great lineup.

Hopefully, after the cruise, he feels the itch to write some stuff for Flying Colors again and he could do so remotely with Casey as IIRC they did for Third Degree.

I would love some Flying Colors, and I'm sure Mike could squeeze in a couple weeks for it sometime this year. And doing just a short FC Tour next year probably wouldn't eat into Mike's DT commitments either, so I see it as a big possibility if Steve, Dave, and Casey were all down for a fourth FC album.

-Marc.